tour Japan
Japan Travel Information
A leader's perspective...
Japan is like a haiku – poetic and culturally unique
Tokyo blazes and
Breathes of Sony
Research and Kabuki
Theatre screams.
Shogun shrines
Sparkle amongst
Cedar avenue and
Alpine walks.
Fuji views touch some
Senses and sulfur
Onsens spoil others.
Villages in the
Northern Alps offer
Quiet retreats and
Views of lives in
Yesteryear.
Educational A-bomb
Museums and the
Modern cities that
Have risen from the
Dust and the ash.
Kyoto Zen Gardens
And Gion Geisha walks.
And the people. The
Place is the people.
Japan Travel Information
real life experiences...
Sumo at sunrise
Getting a ticket to a sumo wrestling match in Tokyo can make your wallet feel like it's had a wolloping, but here’s an option for early risers – visit a sumo stable for 'asa geika', morning practice. You need to be there by 8am at the latest and be prepared to sit cross-legged for a couple of hours, but your reward will be an up-close-and-sweaty view of these hefty competitors and - if you ask politely and remember not to point your feet towards the wrestlers – photo opportunities galore.
The Japan that time forgot
Ojika is a small community where the experience is the reason for a visit. It is rural and isolated and a great place to relax and observe a part of Japan that not many people have ever seen. The island (6 kms square, pop 2,500) doesn't get domestic tourists much less people from abroad! There is only one karaoke bar, but there's plenty of nature and friendly locals to enjoy the company of. The Konishi Ryokan is in a great location 5 minutes walk from the ferry terminal and across the road from the morning fish market – the centre of the town's activity. It serves fantastic seafood and rice dishes as part of the included breakfast and dinner. You would expect this as the locals are known as 'hangyo hanryo' - half fisherman and half farmer.
Hanami in the park
Ueno Koen (Ueno Park) is the height of activity on weekends and well worth a look. It is located on a famous battlesite and contains museums, galleries and a zoo, but people- watching is just as fun. Check out the cherry blossoms in early to mid April if you are in the area. It is a great location for wandering around town as well as it is only a few stops from the famous Ginza shopping strip. Although Tokyo is a big city, it is not too difficult to get around, it's quite safe and people are friendly and helpful. The Tokyo subway is relatively cheap and efficient (this is home of Japan's Transport Department after all!) and will get you anywhere you wish to go, and on time.
Watching the big men clash
The men are huge and these are the boys who have just started this way of life as Sumo wrestlers. Around the National Sumo Stadium in Ryogoku are numerous 'beyas' or stables where you can go and have a great time watching some early morning training.
The bullying by older boys of the smaller boys makes a few cry. It is tough to watch but shows how very different it is to the safe, respectful society outside.
The big boys arrive with different coloured loin cloths and all the others take turns to be thrown around and into the dirt floor. Everyone is so wet with sweat by the end of training, when everyone prays, bows and screams the beya motto, everyone is covered in sand and it looks like a beach volleyball tournament.
The master nods goodbye.
Tokyo Rockabillies
A gang of Rockabillies hold court at the entrance to Yoyogi park, just near Meiji Shrine. Grab a beer, some octopus balls, watch the athletic dancing and let your feet start tappin'.
Zen and the Art of Getting Wet in a Japanese Onsen
It becomes obvious, even after only a short time in Japan, that getting naked, hot and wet with a bunch of total strangers is one of the most essential things do to.
Thousands of onsen (natural thermal hot springs) are dotted along the length of the entire country. The island string is famous for being home to 15% of the world's active volcanoes. Combine this with the fault line and underground thermal activity and you've got a major earthquake-prone zone. Maybe the existence of so many onsen is nature compensating for the ever-present risk of an earthquake? No earthquakes would mean no onsens!
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