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Category Archives: Travel in Japan
Returning to Toyohashi
Coming into Toyohashi Station without a pack of nervous teenagers dragging their suitcases behind me feels odd. I haven’t been here since the last home stay exchange program I coordinated in 2005. Too long. And though the building remains the … Continue reading
Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan
Tagged coming home to friends, Kayoko Kumazawa, Toyohashi, Toyoko Inn Toyohashi
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Waiting for the Shinkansen in Tokyo Station
I’m off to Toyohashi. As this is my first unaccompanied trip by Shinkansen (bullet train), I’m early. Just to make sure. My anxiety is rising. Departures are displayed in Japanese and English overhead, but the Kodama 647 isn’t up yet. … Continue reading
Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan
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A Wedding in Kamakura
We witness a wedding at Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu in Kamakura. Continue reading
Kamakura Daibutsu: The Great Buddha of Kamakura
I’m left with a a heightened awareness of something more in a perception that first registers as less. Continue reading
Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan
Tagged Japan travel, Kamakura, Kamakura Daibutsu, The Great Buddha of Kamakura
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The Nezu Museum & Garden, Tokyo
The Nezu Museum is exactly the wonder I sensed it would be. Attractions aren’t always. Continue reading
Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan
Tagged Architecture, Kengo Kuma, Mitsumasa Fujisuka, Nezu Museum
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Finding My Destination on Tokyo Transit
At first—and even after some experience—deciphering Tokyo’s transit map can be much like navigating a Jackson Pollock painting. Continue reading
Posted in This & That, Travel in Japan
Tagged Finding your way on Tokyo Transit, Tokyo Transit
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Staring at Marie-Gabrielle
After nearly a week in a culture where people avoid making eye contact, a woman holds my gaze in challenge. How refreshing to stare at each other without being thought rude.
Ueno Park, Tokyo
The broad, tree-lined avenues of Tokyo’s first public park are alive with dappled shadows, visitors and street artists. A most popular spot in spring for its cherry blossoms, the sakura leaves are not yet gold on this autumnal day. However, … Continue reading
Sensoji Pagoda & Tokyo Sky Tree
Because of its slower pace and older character I chose to stay in Taito, a working-class neighbourhood around Asakusa Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple sacred to Bodhisattva Kannon, goddess of mercy. From my hotel balcony I see the spire of Gojyunotou, … Continue reading
Finding Sushi
The narrow street is dark but for the dim glow of lanterns. Anywhere else as a woman alone I’d stick to broad, well-lit thoroughfares. However, so long as you’re not blazingly stupid about it, Japan is safe after dark. By … Continue reading