We just spent seven nights in Japan on the floor. We stayed in
Ryokans: Japanese-style accommodation with tatami-mat rooms and futons instead of beds.
At night, the futons were laid out. Japanese breakfasts were served in our rooms on low tables and we sat on mats or on low chairs.
Ryokans provide hot baths in separate communal tubs.
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| Homeikan Ryokan in Tokyo |
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Many wear their Japanese robes or yukatas throughout the Ryokan.
We flew to Tokyo from Shanghai, and spent two nights in this modern yet classic city. |
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We appreciated the Japanese Pines as well as Sakura,
(cherry blossoms) |
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| Cherry blossoms in peak season at Imperial Palace Park |
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| Imperial Palace, home of Japan's Emperor |
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| We loved the sculpted pines in the middle of Tokyo |
We then took the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for one night.
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| Mt. Fuji view from bullet train |
The highlight of our trip was spent in Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan. According to Lonely Planet Guide Book: "Kyoto is one of the world's most culturally rich cities. Kyoto ranks with Paris, London, and Rome as one of the cities that everyone should see at least once in their lives."
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| Narrow streets of Kyoto |
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| Geisha District in Kyoto |
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| Blossom-lined street in front of our Ryokan |
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Jeanie along the path of philosophy
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| Pagoda in Chion-in |
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Many women dress in Kimonos
during Spring Cherry Blossom Season |
The gardens, temples, and blossoms were breathtaking. Japan is an extremely clean country: the air, streets, neighborhoods and cities. We really appreciated the freshness and blue sky!
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View of Kyoto and surrounding mountains
from Nanzen-Ji Temple |
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| Ken in bamboo grove |
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Drinking green tea in bamboo grove
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| Jeanie's favorite garden in Tenryu-Ji |
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| Ken's favorite garden in Okochi Sanso |
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| Kiyomizu-dera |
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| Pagoda at Kiyomizu-dera |
Japan is a beautiful country. It consists of 3,900 small islands (a few of which China claims to be theirs) and four major islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Japan is also one of the most earthquake prone countries in the world.
The Japanese are meticulous, efficient, industrious, and very polite. We enjoyed interacting with the Japanese and getting to know more about this beautiful country just east of China.
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"His Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light onto my path.."
Psalm 119:105 |
Continuing to walk in His light,
Ken and Jeanie
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Next Time: The Streets of Shanghai
We just spent seven nights in Japan on the floor. We stayed in Ryokans: Japanese-style accommodation with tatami-mat rooms and futons instead of beds. At night, the futons were laid out. Japanese breakfasts were served in our rooms on low tables and we sat on mats or on low chairs. Ryokans provide hot baths in separate communal tubs.
