Actually Angie

Showing posts with label Japanese Culture. Show all posts

Hello Everyone! I have been really MIA lately, partly because logging onto the PC, transferring all of the photos, residing and editing them, and then writing and composing post are a bit time-consuming (Plus, I have been introduced to the world of BL dramas and dare I say, I am addicted), I haven't really had the motivation to blog lately.

But, while I am still logged on and motivated, I wanted to share my experience visiting Yasukuni Jinja in Tokyo. One lazy Saturday, my friend suggested we go visit this shrine. I had never heard of Yasukuni Shrine and was very intrigued, so we made the drive up to Tokyo.

While in the car, I did some research about the shrine. This shrine was built in 1869 to honor and remember soldiers who died fighting for Japan. The word "Yasukuni" means "peaceful country." and over the years, it has become a symbol of national pride. The shrine houses the spirits of around 2.5 million people, including soldiers, who sacrificed their lives for Japan, dating back to the Boshin War in the late 1800s. However, Yasukuni Shrine is also a source of controversy, especially for neighboring countries like China and South Korea, because some of the individuals enshrined there were involved in wars that caused suffering to their people. Despite this, many Japanese people continue to visit Yasukuni to pay their respects and honor those who died for their country.

As an American, I did feel a little "off" at first about visiting, as there were political trucks parked outside, and as a foreigner in Japan, it is often not hard to detect xenophobia at times. I found myself having the same feeling when I saw a Confederate flag in the States. But, I pushed through and tried to show my respect because the name “Yasukuni,” was bestowed by Emperor Meiji, and is a means to preserve peace for the entire nation. Therefore, Yasukuni Jinja is intended as a shrine to “bring peace to the homeland” or “build a peaceful nation.”

Also, as an American, especially as a parent of a Japanese child, I felt that it was a good opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and history. Yasukuni Shrine is not only a place of remembrance for those who died in wars, but it also serves as a symbol of Japanese identity and nationalism, which is a very important key to understanding Japanese people.

Additionally, visiting Yasukuni Shrine, could offer an opportunity for me to reflect and offer empathy. While the shrine's history may be controversial, it also represents the human cost of war and the profound impact it has on individuals and societies. My friend's grandfather, who fought in the war, told his comrades that when they died, they would meet again at the shrine. I felt that this shrine is important to Japanese people despite the perspective they hold about the war. Therefore, by paying respects at Yasukuni Shrine, I could express solidarity with the universal desire for peace and reconciliation.

When we pulled up, it seemed like there was a graduation nearby, so there were hundreds of students in suits and kimonos. It was very festive, but I was a bit intimidated by the large metal Torii gate. It seemed militaristic indeed.

After praying, we visited the Yushukan, a military and war museum. We saw some old artifacts of war, and it was very interesting to read about history from another point of view. I think this blog here has a wonderful write-up about the shrine.

After obtaining a goshuin or shrine stamp, we walked along grounds, which were lined with food trucks but also cherry blossoms. There are over 400 cherry blossom trees of varying species, but there is also one special cherry blossom tree of the Somei yoshino species, which has been designated by the Japanese meteorological agency to mark the beginning of Spring and chery blossom season! Once this tree blooms at least five flowers, it is the start of cherry blossom season. This tree is not hard to miss because it has a live cam pointing at it and is fenced off!

After eating and enjoying the mild weather, I left with a sense of having learned something and I hope to visit again one day cherryto see the cherry blossoms in full bloom!

Although the cherry blossom season has long ended, I wanted to share a beautiful Shrine here in Yokohama that I could visit for the first time since I came to Japan nearly 6 years ago! The shrine that I would like to talk about today is a hidden gym right in the heart of the Minato Mirai neighborhood of Yokohama called Iseyama Kotai Jingu. Before I jump into it, I would like to give a little explanation of the difference between shrines and temples here in Japan because it could be confusing!

Shrine vs. Temple

Famous Ryoanji temple in Kyoto

In Japan, shrines and temples are two distinct religious sites that many foreigners use interchangeably but do in fact unique characteristics and purposes. Shrines, known as "jinja" in Japanese, are primarily associated with Shintoism, a religion native to Japan.

Shrines serve as places of worship for kami, or spirits, and are often marked by the big iconic torii gates at their entrances. Shrines typically feature structures like honden (main hall) and haiden (hall of worship), where rituals and ceremonies are conducted to honor the kami. You can also obtain fortunes called omikuji!

On the other hand, temples, referred to as "tera" or "ji" in Japanese, are closely linked with Buddhism. They are centers of Buddhist teachings, meditation, and rituals, and house statues of Buddha and other revered figures. Temples often boast distinctive architectural features like pagodas, wooden structures, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Iseyama Kotai Jingu | 伊勢山皇大神宮

Although I've always enjoyed exploring shrines and temples, my adventures often took me beyond Yokohama because Yokohama seemed a bit too local. However, upon a friend's recommendation, I decided to finally visit Iseyama Kotai Jingu as she promised that all my wishes would come true.

After some research, I discovered the shrine's reputation as a "power spot." Despite working just a short 15-minute walk away, it took me nearly two years to finally make the visit. One lovely spring weekday afternoon, I embarked on the journey to Iseyama Kotai Jingu. Despite initially feeling distant on the map, the walk turned out to be quite manageable. Though there was a bit of a trek up the hill, the discreet entrance to the shrine grounds, tucked off to the left, seemed to beckon me.

Ascending the steps, I encountered a cleansing area and a tranquil pond, with few visitors around due to the weekday. After purifying my hands and mouth, I climbed further to the main grounds, greeted by an open area and a stunning view of Minato Mirai. Discovering such a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustling Minato Mirai district was unexpected!

I headed to the goshuin reception area to obtain a temple stamp, which was swiftly completed in about five minutes. After securing my stamp and fortune, I spent the rest of my time leisurely exploring the small grounds, surrounded by cherry blossoms in full bloom, swaying gently in the breeze.

I want to visit again during sunrise or sundown, as I believe the view would be even more beautiful. And of course, I prayed and made a wish before descending the cherry blossom-lined stairs back down to reality.

From the bustling streets of New York's Little Italy to the vibrant districts of Chinatown in San Francisco and Koreatown in Los Angeles, ethnic enclaves offer glimpses into diverse cultures thriving within foreign countries. As a resident of Japan for the past six years, I have been struck with homesickness more times than I count, often relying on the foreign import store Kaldi or the famous or infamous Don Quijote to get a taste of back home.

However, tucked away in Saitama, Japan, lies a hidden gem that may surprise many – Johnson Town. Yes, you read that right, Johnson Town is an American town nestled in Iruma, Saitama!

History of Johnson Town

Johnson Town is a unique blend of American heritage and Japanese ambiance. Originally known as Isono Housing, this quaint town has a captivating story that dates back to the tumultuous years following World War II. In the aftermath of the war, the US military seized control of the area, transforming it into Johnson Base. Over the years, it served as a home for American military personnel and their families, giving rise to the iconic "US military houses" that still stand today, echoing the architecture of suburban America.

However, as times changed and military operations shifted, Johnson Base was returned to Japan in 1978, paving the way for a new chapter in the history of the town. With the departure of American military personnel, the houses lay vacant, leading to a period of neglect and deterioration. Yet, in the spirit of resilience and renewal, efforts were made to revitalize the area. Therefore, in 2004, a comprehensive reconstruction plan was put into action, aimed at transforming the dilapidated housing into a vibrant community known as Johnson Town.

Since then, a remarkable transformation has taken place, with Heisei Houses – modern low-rise homes – blending seamlessly with the nostalgic charm of the original US military houses. Today, Johnson Town stands as a testament to the enduring ties between the two nations, offering residents and visitors alike a glimpse into a truly unique cultural fusion.

From its humble beginnings as a military base to its current status as a thriving residential enclave, Johnson Town embodies the spirit of cooperation and cultural exchange. As you wander through its tree-lined streets and quaint neighborhoods, you can't help but marvel at the harmonious blend of American history and Japanese hospitality that defines this remarkable community.

Day Trip to Johnson Town

Feeling a bit homesick lately, I confided in my friend, who decided to surprise me with a spontaneous trip to Johnson Town to lift my spirits. After a drive of about an hour and a half, we arrived to find the streets lined with American flags, a surprising sight that instantly reminded me of home.

Upon parking, we stepped into a scene that blended elements of an American suburb with a touch of nostalgia. The houses, many repurposed into shops filled with Americana, stirred memories of childhood—Lucky Charms boxes, cans of Sloppy Joe, and vintage McDonald's toys adorned the walls, was a trip down memory lane.

The weather was beautiful so we wandered through the maze-like streets lined with houses so similar yet distinct. As we wandered, admiring the vintage military housing and capturing snapshots of English street signs, we couldn't resist having in a meal at Blue Corn Café, known for its American fare.

Inside, the décor boasted license plates from nearly every state, alongside vintage Americana and Disney memorabilia. We ordered burgers and nachos, and unexpectedly, the nachos were topped with jalapenos—a delightful departure from the ordinary! After eating, we took a leisurely stroll through the nearby Fujimi Park, where cherry blossoms were in full bloom, transporting us back to Japan.

Regrettably, due to the long drive, we had to leave sooner than we'd have liked, but our hearts were content with the day's adventure. As an American, I found Johnson Town endearing, albeit more reflective of a Japanese interpretation of American culture rather than a town specifically tailored for Americans, like Chinatown or Little Italy. Yet, amidst the absence of American grocery stores or brand-name clothing outlets, I couldn't help but appreciate the Japanese embrace of my culture—from cowboy hats to vintage knickknacks, a testament to their admiration.

While I might have been the lone American wanderer that day, the experience left an indelible impression. Though Johnson Town may not replicate the familiarity of America, it offers a unique lens through which to appreciate the cross-cultural exchange. Perhaps next time, I'll venture there alone, eager to delve deeper into its charm and history!

Hello Everyone, today I want to review the American lunchbox brand BENTGO. Up until now, I packed my daughter's lunch in a typical Japanese bento boxes. I have always found them very cute, and have been the most happy with the Tak. lunchbox.

But the Bentgo recently caught my attention. I thought it looked convenient and practical, with built in compartments and a attached lid. However, to my dismay, I saw prices triple that of what it cost in America! I couldn’t justify spending 9,000¥ plus for a lunch box.

Fortunately, since my mom was already headed over to Japan, I asked her to pick one up for about 25 or 30$ and she luckily snagged the last one at her Target!

First impressions

The lunchbox turned out to be surprisingly thin but weightier than my initial expectations. What caught my eye were the helpful illustrations on the back, detailing the precise measurements of each compartment!

I later discovered what added to the lunchbox's weight. The built-in ice pack. Also, the fuchsia pink shade wasn't exactly my top choice, so I'm contemplating adding some dinosaur stickers to give it a personalized touch for my daughter.

Features

Upon opening the box, I was surprised by how slim and reminiscent of a toy laptop the lunchbox looked. The key features include its leakproof design, dishwasher-safe materials, a solid 2-year warranty, and the added durability of drop-proof rubber corners.

What stands out the most for me is its playful yet non-character-specific design, making it suitable for my daughter's use over the next few years, unlike her previous character-themed lunchboxes that she will outgrow quite quickly.

Positive Experience

Once again, I appreciate the thoughtful portion-specific compartments. It's a relief not having to purchase additional silicon or paper cups, or those artificial grass dividers. This means no more worries about juices from one food item seeping into another, and my daughter's meals stay neatly separated (She's a bit picky).

What sets this bento box apart is its user-friendly design. Unlike traditional Japanese bento boxes for kids that often feature a rubber gasket creating a vacuum seal effect, making them a challenge to open—even for adults—this one opens easier with minimal risk of spills.

Another highlight is the optional built-in ice pack. Its inclusion means I can do away with the numerous small ice packs I have lying around. It's a practical addition that simplifies meal prep considerably.

Negative Experience

This bento's design suits American-style lunches perfectly, which often consist of drier, finger-food-friendly options. In contrast, Japanese-style lunches replicate complete meals like pasta, curry, or saucy dishes that might not sit well in certain containers.

The difference in design is noticeable too. Traditional Japanese boxes are bulkier and more box-shaped, whereas this one is flatter. This poses a packing challenge—while it's easy to stash sandwiches and chips vertically in a backpack, dishes like fish or curry require a flat position to prevent sauces or oils from spilling into other compartments. The rubberized lid seems like a promising solution to this issue, though.

Moreover, the compartments in this bento are noticeably larger than those in Japanese bentos. It's tempting to fill them all, despite knowing my daughter can't possibly consume that much. To tackle this, I've started using the largest compartment to store her juice or milk box, making more balanced and realistic meal portions.

My Daughter's Experience

She enjoyed having something different, and she didn't struggle with soggy paper cups or have to remove the paper separators, but she didn't quite like the empty space when I took out her milk box. She asked me to put my lunch inside. haha

I haven't let her open the lunchbox by herself yet, but I will the next time I use it!

As I continue to customize this lunchbox to suit my daughter's preferences, I really appreciate its ability to evolve with her ever changing tastes. The Bentgo has certainly earned its place in our lunchtime lineup, promising practicality and ease for years to come. Cheers to hassle-free lunches and happy mealtimes!

I know it seems like all I do is post about traveling recently, but there’s not much else to talk about. My mom arrived safely in Japan for the holidays, so things slowed down quite a bit while trying to ease her into life here.

My daughter is in Kindergarten now, and I’ll be teaching her English in earnest from next year. Her language skills are amazing though. I feel like I’m talking to at least a 4-year-old. She’s extremely articulate, probably because of her bookworm parents, so, we will be doing intensive English study, and I guess I can journey that!

However, this post is to share an impromptu girl’s trip that I went on with my friends two months ago! One day, I casually mentioned I liked Atami, which is a seaside, onsen town in Shizuoka prefecture. I love dried fish, and my husband and I used to go regularly before our daughter.

Well, my friend happens to have a vacation home near there and invited me to stay the night. She rented a car and drove us around to different places.

It was so nice seeing the rural side of the area by car even though it was rainy. I’ll share a few places that we went that might be of interest to anyone who is going to be in the area!

Mishima Skywalk

The first place we visited was the Mishima Skywalk, which is a pedestrian suspension bridge that spans over the Kano River and connects Mount Mishima and Mount Ryuo. It was so beautiful walking across the bridge and once we got to the other side, there were some shops and adventure courses. I want to bring my daughter because there is a dinosaur forest, but I instead bought her this unique dinosaur scrunchie.

There’s an owl petting zoo, a small museum and café, and an ice cream stand with blue ice cream that’s colored with butterfly pea! It began to rain, so they also gave us free ponchos since no umbrellas were permitted on the bridge.

There’s also a big pavilion with tons of souvenir shops near the entrance and also what they call a luxury bathroom, that looks like a Victorian room.

We ended the day by eating hot, fresh croquettes in the car, which I highly recommend!

Izu Village Station

For lunch, we visited a roadside market. We ate at the small restaurant inside. Service was fast and the food was good.

The market itself has tons of local goods from the surrounding forests. We decided to buy ingredients to make a hot pot (nabe), taking advantage of the season for mushrooms!

The hot pot was extremely delicious and I topped off the night by getting in my friend's onsen. It was so relaxing and I might make it a goal of mine to have an onsen in my home!

Oratche Farm

Before heading back the next day, my friends and I went to a nearby farm. It has a petting zoo feel. We fed the goats, rabbits, and other small animals.

This farm also has a butter-making workshop and various other workshops. It’s small but eventful!

We ate lunch at the onsite restaurant and I went home with some of locally made honey butter, which is divine! I feel spoiled because my friend bought me another tub just recently.

I don’t know how feasible these sites are without a car, but if you want a taste of local life in Japan, visit these places outside of the big city.

Hello Everyone! I think I am making progress with two blog posts in the same month. I figured I should write one soon because my mom is coming to stay in Japan through the holidays, so I don't think I am going to get much time to sit and write for the next couple of months!

Recently, I visited Hakone, Japan for the first time. Living in Kanagawa, Hakone is a popular day trip spot, boasting beautiful nature and clear views of Mt. Fuji. Although less known, compared to other popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto, Nikko, and Osaka, I find myself wanting to recommend Hakone as a must-see area for tourist to drop by to enjoy the slower, more traditional, and nature filled side of Japan.

Location

Hakone is a mountainous town in Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. It's known for its hot springs (onsen), beautiful views of Mount Fuji, and the volcanic valleys surrounding Lake Ashi. Many people visit Hakone for its scenic landscapes, traditional ryokan (inns), and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The area is also famous for its art museums, including the Pola Museum of Art and the Hakone Museum of Art.

Transportation

To get to Hakone, we took the Odakyu Romance Car from Machida, Tokyo, and was in Hakone in little under an hour! If you are coming from Yokohama, there's easy access from Shin-Yokohama Station using the bullet train as well. On the way back, we took the Tokaido Line Green Car to Yokohama station from Odawara.

The Odakyu Romance car was a really quick and quiet ride. The conductor told us when we would see Mt. Fuji, and I felt like just when I was relaxing in my seat, we were already arriving at Hakone-Yumoto station, which is in the heart of Hakone!

Although the Autumn leaves had yet to fully appear, the sheer amount of nature was so refreshing. Our hotel was right on the riverside and a few minutes from the transportation hub of Hakone. Because it was only a one night trip, I didn't book a hotel with a onsen, but next time, it's a must!

Hakone Open Air Museum

The first day of our trip, we visited the Hakone Open Air Musuem, which was amazing and fun to just meander and look around. To get there from Hakone-Yumoto station, you'll just take a 40 minute train up the mountain, and can experience the interesting switch-back technique the train uses.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a unique art museum located in the town of Hakone, Japan. What sets it apart is its vast outdoor exhibition space that showcases various sculptures and art installations set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. The museum features a diverse collection of sculptures by both Japanese and international artists. I loved the variety of pieces, and the informal atmosphere and how integrated into nature it was. There was a nice little café inside to take a quick break, and we even took advantage of the free foot onsen (Ashi-yu), which was really fun and refreshing.

Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields

After the Hakone Open Air Museum, we ate a small burger joint, and then we went to the Sengokuhara Grass field. The Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields in Hakone are expansive fields covered with tall golden pampas grass, also known as susuki grass. This natural attraction offers stunning scenery, especially during the autumn months when the grass turn a vibrant golden hue. While possible to get to the grass field from the museum, I don't recommend this journey if you have a baby or stroller since you'll need to take a long walk from the train station to the bus, but if you're young and adventurous, it is quite nice walking alongside the trees as you descend the mounting, exploring the non-touristy side of Hakone.

The grass field was also really nice, especially because we arrived a little before golden hour, so the sun made the grass glisten! The main field is not as vast as I thought it would be, and the trail just cuts right down the middle, but it's a cute photo spot and easy on the eyes. Plus, there's a park nearby and convenience store as well, so you could possibly have a picnic nearby.

To end the day, we ate at the Japanese restaurant Kinosuke, and I had the most amazing, tender, grilled mackerel marinated in Mirin (Japanese sake). I loved the traditional Japanese meal, and the cozy atmosphere.

Hakone Shrine

On our second day, we set out early to go to Moto-Hakone-Ko, which is another popular destination in Hakone known for its red torii gate on the lake Ashi. We visited Hakone Shrine, a short walk from the bus stop, so that I can get my stamp from the temple, and then we boarded a majestic pirate ship to cross lake Ashi!

Although boarding the pirate ship is free if you buy the Hakone free pass, if you pay around 900 yen, you can get VIP entry, which allows you lounge access at the front of the ship and a bar offering a variety of drinks. We opted for the VIP entry, which was nearly empty and had unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji the whole way there! Totally worth the extra fee!

Owakudani

We took the ship to Togendai because we wanted to ride the ropeway through the volcano valley. The wait was extremely long, but we boarded the ropeway and off we were to Owakudani. Owakudani, also known as the "Great Boiling Valley," is a volcanic valley located in Hakone, Japan. It's a popular tourist destination known for its active volcanic activity and scenic views. The area was formed from the eruption of Mount Hakone around 3,000 years ago. It is also known for its black boiled eggs called Kuro-tamago. They are boiled in the sulfuric water, which makes the shells turn black. It is said they add 7 years to your life if you eat one!

Unfortunately, we didn't get to eat a black egg, as they were already sold out when we arrived, but it was okay because we actually got to take a tour through the volcanic valley and saw the eggs being boiled and harvested! It was such a nice experience, and if you can, I recommend you to book a tour as well, since they are only 500 yen!

Hakone Yuryo

After enjoying soba, which Hakone is known for, it was time for the finale. We booked a day spa at a spa resort. We booked access to the public onsen and a meal at Hakone Yuryo! Hakone Yuryo is a popular hot spring (onsen) facility located in Hakone, Japan. It's known for its relaxing and therapeutic hot spring baths, making it a sought-after destination for both tourists and locals seeking to unwind and experience traditional Japanese bathing culture.

It was my first time going to a public onsen, but I got used to it quickly. It was almost empowering just seeing women being natural! Kids can get in too if they graduated from wearing a diaper! The water felt amazing and there were many different pools, indoor and outdoor. The meal was also really tasty and I just felt so relaxed there.

As you can see, we did quite a lot in two days, and for me, I actually don't recommend it if you actually live in Japan. I would have liked to explore piece by piece and not cram so many activities! I would like to go back, just randomly, because I felt like I missed so much.

Another thing is that we underestimated was the transportation. The transportation was slow due to the windy roads and traffic congestion, and the trains and buses were super crowded! We often had to wait for the next bus because it was just too full. I also felt queasy holding onto the bus strap for nearly 40 minutes on a windy bus. It felt like a god send to be able to sit.

Therefore, if Hakone is kind a of a once in a year or lifetime trip for you, definitely do all the activities you can and take advantage of the Hakone free pass. If not, then I recommend taking it easy and dragging things out over time!

Have you been to Hakone? Please tell me your experience in the comments below, and also any hidden gems or activities you'd recommend for foreigners!

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