First-timers’ trip to Japan: 4 weeks, an unexpectedly awesome trip
Dec 28th, 2023, 11:26 AM
#181
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I also meant to ask what M used to learn enough Japanese to carry on a conversation? I've spent about 15 minutes a day on Duolingo for the past three months, and while I might be able to string together a couple of sentences, heaven help me if someone actually responded in Japanese!
Dec 28th, 2023, 12:06 PM
#182
Original Poster
Am fairly sure that okonomiyaki place is the one I suggested to ms_go. It is Boteju, I think, in the basement food court. I sat at the perpendicular counter to your right
The sauce is a bit rich-flavored (the other stuff was j-mayo) and sweet and I get why a person might not like it. It is that sauce, I think, that has the hook that causes the okonomiyaki cravings that mr_go and I get. A person who likes katsu sauce (on tonkatsu/katsudon) would probably like okonomiyaki sauce.
Happy to see the several photos you got of ladies (and the 3-year old girl) in kimono.
The sauce is a bit rich-flavored (the other stuff was j-mayo) and sweet and I get why a person might not like it. It is that sauce, I think, that has the hook that causes the okonomiyaki cravings that mr_go and I get. A person who likes katsu sauce (on tonkatsu/katsudon) would probably like okonomiyaki sauce.
Happy to see the several photos you got of ladies (and the 3-year old girl) in kimono.
I’m very much a people photographer though try to be mindful about taking photos of people when it’s okay. I loved seeing all the children who were dressed for their traditional celebrations.
Dec 28th, 2023, 12:17 PM
#183
Original Poster
I also meant to ask what M used to learn enough Japanese to carry on a conversation? I've spent about 15 minutes a day on Duolingo for the past three months, and while I might be able to string together a couple of sentences, heaven help me if someone actually responded in Japanese!
He loves languages and is always using whatever lamguage he has to try to communicate. He is able to learn as we go, too, since people really appreciate his use of language and will encourage him when he speaks. I think it was helpful in Japan and we found people were especially warm and welcoming wherever we went.
https://mangolanguages.com
Dec 28th, 2023, 04:01 PM
#185
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Dec 29th, 2023, 03:29 AM
#187
Original Poster
shelemm, what sweet words! Thank you!
It’s hard to imagine not feeling comfortable in Japan! We felt very welcomed everywhere we went. But if there is one thing that helped, it was probably my husband’s learning a little Japanese, which endeared him to people. And, of course, connecting with the Goodwill Guides. It’s such a wonderful service to be able to meet someone and spend most of the day with them.
It’s hard to imagine not feeling comfortable in Japan! We felt very welcomed everywhere we went. But if there is one thing that helped, it was probably my husband’s learning a little Japanese, which endeared him to people. And, of course, connecting with the Goodwill Guides. It’s such a wonderful service to be able to meet someone and spend most of the day with them.
Dec 29th, 2023, 04:50 AM
#188
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Picking up some language skills is an extremely rewarding endeavor. It makes the connection to the culture deeper, plus I find I can benefit from the learning even years later.
BTW, South Korea also has a free guide program....
BTW, South Korea also has a free guide program....
Dec 29th, 2023, 11:53 AM
#189
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Thank you
Thank you so much for this. I was beginning to despair that Japan was going to be all food and crowds. Your post has persuaded me that we will enjoy it, if we slow down to enjoy things, take our time, and really look at what is around us. You have given me inspiration. Thank you.
Dec 29th, 2023, 12:02 PM
#190
Original Poster
Dec 29th, 2023, 12:05 PM
#191
Original Poster
Thank you so much for this. I was beginning to despair that Japan was going to be all food and crowds. Your post has persuaded me that we will enjoy it, if we slow down to enjoy things, take our time, and really look at what is around us. You have given me inspiration. Thank you.
Dec 31st, 2023, 04:58 PM
#192
A small place opened near where we live with okonomiyaki-like pancakes, but a Chinese version. They are crepes with a coating of egg cooked to the surface and filled with a choice of many ingredients It's across from the local high school. I like the fillings made from dishes from the Chinese restaurant with the same owners. They are made on French crepe cookers.
Love the pictures. I fell lioke I am making a tour of Japan without the jetlag.
Love the pictures. I fell lioke I am making a tour of Japan without the jetlag.
Jan 1st, 2024, 04:45 AM
#193
Original Poster
Those okonomiyaki sound wonderful, AJPeabody! I’m glad you’re enjoying this trip report - more is coming, too. And I know what you mean about the jet lag! That’s the one thing I don’t miss!
Jan 1st, 2024, 05:17 AM
#194
Original Poster
After our lovely day with Tomoko, our Goodwill guide, we were on our own again. I can’t tell you how special that experience was, meeting someone who’s volunteering her time to share the day with us. She was charming and a real pleasure to be with.
The day was a glorious one. Our first stop was Kenrokuen Garden, a large but stunning landscaped garden which is considered to be one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscaped gardens. It was designated in 1985 as a National Site of Special Scenic Beauty. Its construction began in the late 1600’s as part of the feudal lord Maeda Tsunanori’s creation of a garden adjacent to Kanzawa Castle. The conical shapes that look like modern Christmas trees are placed on the trees to hold their shape and keep their structure during periods of heavy snow. We didn’t cover the grounds extensively though got a nice taste of the grounds.
We left through the park and and came to the Ishiura shrine with a very festive atmosphere. Several vendors, lots of activity, lots of color. This is the oldest shrine in Kanazawa, said to be the place to find one’s soulmate! It’s also known for its cute mascot, Kima-chan. I was taken by the red torii gate tunnel, and the many ema plaques (small wooden plaques on which prayers are written) that were hung up.
Across the street, there was a large field by the Shinoki Cultural Complex where a large fair, with lots of food vendors and fun activities for children, was taking place. This was great fun - so many families were out and enjoying the beautiful day. We checked out a number of the food booths and had a wonderful meal.
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art was right across the street. This is a low structure with a series of galleries along a long hall leading to the entrance. By the time we got to the entrance, we just weren’t “feeling” the place. The museum is filled with exhibits that showcase a lot of digital and AI-style art, that, while fascinating, is also overwhelming. And it was a holiday weekend at a major city sight. Normally, it’s the type of museum that would intrigue us, but it was too hectic for us and moving on to our next stop was the best move we made that day.
What we found next was the quiet serenity we needed. Visiting the small museum dedicated to DT Suzuki, the Buddhist philosopher, the Zen simplicity and elegance really resonated with us. We loved the beauty of the place; its architecture and design, both inside and out, and the museum’s emphasis on contemplation left a strong impression on us.
That evening, we returned to the castle with the intention of seeing the TeamLab Kanazawa digitized exhibit, a newly developed interactive exhibit. But when we got there, the crowds were huge and we just gave up. We are definitely not fond of crowds! I
A nice stroll back and we called it a night!
The day was a glorious one. Our first stop was Kenrokuen Garden, a large but stunning landscaped garden which is considered to be one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscaped gardens. It was designated in 1985 as a National Site of Special Scenic Beauty. Its construction began in the late 1600’s as part of the feudal lord Maeda Tsunanori’s creation of a garden adjacent to Kanzawa Castle. The conical shapes that look like modern Christmas trees are placed on the trees to hold their shape and keep their structure during periods of heavy snow. We didn’t cover the grounds extensively though got a nice taste of the grounds.
We left through the park and and came to the Ishiura shrine with a very festive atmosphere. Several vendors, lots of activity, lots of color. This is the oldest shrine in Kanazawa, said to be the place to find one’s soulmate! It’s also known for its cute mascot, Kima-chan. I was taken by the red torii gate tunnel, and the many ema plaques (small wooden plaques on which prayers are written) that were hung up.
Across the street, there was a large field by the Shinoki Cultural Complex where a large fair, with lots of food vendors and fun activities for children, was taking place. This was great fun - so many families were out and enjoying the beautiful day. We checked out a number of the food booths and had a wonderful meal.
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art was right across the street. This is a low structure with a series of galleries along a long hall leading to the entrance. By the time we got to the entrance, we just weren’t “feeling” the place. The museum is filled with exhibits that showcase a lot of digital and AI-style art, that, while fascinating, is also overwhelming. And it was a holiday weekend at a major city sight. Normally, it’s the type of museum that would intrigue us, but it was too hectic for us and moving on to our next stop was the best move we made that day.
What we found next was the quiet serenity we needed. Visiting the small museum dedicated to DT Suzuki, the Buddhist philosopher, the Zen simplicity and elegance really resonated with us. We loved the beauty of the place; its architecture and design, both inside and out, and the museum’s emphasis on contemplation left a strong impression on us.
That evening, we returned to the castle with the intention of seeing the TeamLab Kanazawa digitized exhibit, a newly developed interactive exhibit. But when we got there, the crowds were huge and we just gave up. We are definitely not fond of crowds! I
A nice stroll back and we called it a night!
Jan 1st, 2024, 07:17 AM
#195
Original Poster
Kanazawa, Sunday November 5
Kenrokuen garden
Beautiful vistas!
I believe this is the Karasiki pine, a thousand year old tree, supported by yukitsori, the cone-like structures
The Meiji monument, honoring warriors who died in the Satsuma rebellion
An interesting and common fashion style
A popular sign!
Kenrokuen garden
Beautiful vistas!
I believe this is the Karasiki pine, a thousand year old tree, supported by yukitsori, the cone-like structures
The Meiji monument, honoring warriors who died in the Satsuma rebellion
An interesting and common fashion style
A popular sign!
Jan 1st, 2024, 11:20 AM
#197
Original Poster
Kanazawa Sunday, continued…
One of the many vendors at the fair near the Shinoki Cultural center
A lovely couple who invited us to sit with them at the fair when they saw us looking for somewhere to sit
A taste of the art at the 21st Century Museum!
One of the many vendors at the fair near the Shinoki Cultural center
A lovely couple who invited us to sit with them at the fair when they saw us looking for somewhere to sit
A taste of the art at the 21st Century Museum!
Jan 1st, 2024, 11:34 AM
#199
Original Poster
Kanazawa Sunday evening
We made a serious attempt to go to the TeamLab event at the Kanazawa Castle, but sadly, we just couldn’t quite deal with the crowds. Here’s our evening’s experiences- making the best of it!
We did get to the castle!
This is the extent of what we saw of the digital exhibition! Not very much….but it does look pretty, anyway!
Sitting along the water below the castle
Sitting along the water below the castle
We made a serious attempt to go to the TeamLab event at the Kanazawa Castle, but sadly, we just couldn’t quite deal with the crowds. Here’s our evening’s experiences- making the best of it!
We did get to the castle!
This is the extent of what we saw of the digital exhibition! Not very much….but it does look pretty, anyway!
Sitting along the water below the castle
Sitting along the water below the castle
Last edited by progol; Jan 1st, 2024 at 11:44 AM.
