All tagged Japan
“Japanese toilets nowadays, however, transcend the mundane nature of Western toilets by offering a somewhat bewildering array of techno-options. From what I could discern from the picture icons, there are various bottom-washing options, including the strength, direction, and warmth of the water stream…”
“Among the oldest pilgrimages in the world, the 88 Temple Pilgrimage threads its way through all four prefectures of Shikoku. It mostly traverses the coastline, veering occasionally into the interior regions. “The pilgrimage route is diverse,” says one source. “It winds through quiet picturesque villages, along striking coastlines, across bustling modern cities, and up ancient misty mountains.”.
“Our group of twelve Westerners pauses at the temple gate where the imposing Nio statues stand guard. We are new to the proper etiquette, so Tom, our guide, teaches us to bow upon entering the temple grounds. One of us rings the giant bell to announce our collective arrival…”
“At our hostel on the eve of our return… my three travel buddies and I discussed when to schedule our shuttle… Hmmm, I said. Why don’t we make it 7:15... Always leave time for a flat tire, whispered my inner voice… When the conversation persisted, I said it out loud: “It has served me a time or two to leave time for a flat tire.” Our shuttle picked us up at 7:15 a.m.”
“I was amazed to taste such a variety of consistency, flavor, and even color…”
“Remembering my day wandering solo in Arashiyama, now makes me smile all over again.“
“It was the kind of splendid, magical time that makes solo discovery worth every moment of uncertainty.”
“Very few foreigners go to this unpretentious, tranquil town… It felt very off-the-beaten-track to us.”
“As I huffed and puffed my way up… the memory of what it takes to climb a mountain flooded back to me.”
“His way of getting us going after stops along the way was this lovely phrase: “Ikimasho!” (Japanese for ‘Let’s go!’)”
