Category Archives: Travel in Japan

Solo travels throughout Honshu: a loop through Kyoto, Toyohashi, Hiroshima, Kanazawa and Tokyo

International Service Club (ISC) Kyoto

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Lynda Philippsen

One of Kyoto’s great treasures is not found among the famous temples, gardens, museums, galleries or various artisan’s shops. Rather, it’s a largely unsung and little-known club with no splashy website: International Service Club (ISC) Kyoto.

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A Lady at a Bridge in Uji

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Lynda Philippsen

My state of mind mirrors the river. Like the Tale of Genji’s Uji Chapters–gloomy narratives, bridge chapters, dark mood states, and characters weary of this world–it’s one of those days where much goes wrong on the journey. Continue reading →

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I find no love for the kotatsu

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

I admit that I do not understand and cannot share the Japanese love-affair with the kotatsu. Continue reading →

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All I wanted was directions

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

It suddenly occurs to me that he is not only a traffic cop, but also a member of the self-appointed diction police. He is correcting my pronunciation. I’m mangling the name of the temple—two long o vowels, not short. Continue reading →

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Lighting up the night

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

I love the way light—even one candle—changes everything about darkness. Continue reading →

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Toronama Donuts

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

We eat all day. I start with a big breakfast as I know we’ll be driving about, and I travel better on full stomach. After visits to various people, suddenly it’s time for lunch–a large bowl of noodles and vegetables … Continue reading →

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A Visit to Tokujyo with the Tanaka family

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

Opulent draperies, colourful banners and golden bells glow in the natural light streaming through the surrounding clerestory windows, a startling contrast to the dark and deeply shadowed Japanese temples and shrines I have seen before. Continue reading →

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Korankei Momiji Matsuri

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

The Harada family (who were my host family some years ago) and I clamber into the van of their friend and chauffeur for the day, Kanago-san. With the GPS chattering and auto-TV going simultaneously, we head out of Toyohashi toward the … Continue reading →

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Omiyage: Ritual Gift Giving in Japan

Posted on May 12, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

A special kind of agony in travelling to Japan—especially if one has numerous friends—is ritual gift-giving. The need to bring a souvenir omiyage is problematic for non-Japanese (NJ) on several levels.

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Enkai in Toyohashi

Posted on May 5, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

Voices call out: O hisashiburi (a greeting acknowledging a long time of separation) as people pad across the tatami in the narrow room. They welcome me with bows, gifts and Canadian-style hugs, as our connection goes back almost 20 years. … Continue reading →

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