The Setting Sun

23.08.16-24.08.16

Today was our last day in Tokyo. This meant that we needed to go on a major souvenir hunt! We went to a large shopping mall and bought, crackers, pens, notepads and many other gadgets. Although these may sound ordinary, the Japanese have used their creativity to alter them in a way that could have been never found in Europe. We found notepads in the shape of Mt. Fuji, a piano, drums and saxophones; and saw page markers in the shape of penguins and ducks.

Shinjuku by day

Gaming Halls found at every corner

Inside the Shopping mall

Half way through the day we were finished with our shopping and had a bit of free time before our final dinner. Next to our hotel, Mario found a gaming hall for darts, pool and bowling.  When we went in we saw that there were also some private rooms to rent for an hour, which included darts and karaoke.  Of course I got very excited to sing and we went in for a family “adventure”. First my parents sang “Help!” from the Beatles, then I sang a few “Les Miserables” songs and we ended our session with “The lion sleeps tonight” and a couple of Shreck songs. My mother and I saw the highpoint of our performance while singing “I’m a believer”. With that, I can certify that the Japanese have the largest karaoke repertoire I have ever seen.

Before I forget: This happened also. I wanted to buy a Yukata to wear at home and a professional started dressing me. I was told how to wear the item traditionally. The middle ribbon on the Yukata is called Obi and is supposed to clash with the colours on one side and fit to them on the other (Usually they come in two colours). This way, both colours can be seen through the knot on the back. 

In the evening, we met up with our Friend Takao for the last time and went for dinner. The Restaurant was set in an old Sumo arena. In the middle we could see the circle where the wrestlers used to fight. When we arrived, two Japanese ladies were playing traditional music on the Shamisen (Bonjo-like instrument). The traditional Japanese atmosphere was enhanced by tatami, which was laid out perfectly around the fighting circle. Once again we had to sit on the floor and drink our Yebisu beer while trying not to knock over the glasses with our knees. It still amazes me how Japanese people sit on their legs with such facility.  The people we were eating with, were Takao’s friends from the Goete Institut. They were all German students and were glad to have us to speak to and finally exploit their newly learnt skills. Although the communication was sometimes slightly difficult, it was the perfect evening to end this wonderful journey.

This was now the fourth time I have been to Japan and it will not be the last. I am already looking forward to the next time I can visit this wonderful country again. Now the sun sets, but tomorrow it will rise again.

Song of the day: 

St. Lois Blues

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIxbghgyxDU

Day by Night

21.08.16 - 22.08.16

Today we went to Takamatsu. After arriving at the hotel, we wondered through town until we found the famous Ritsu Ri park. Being situated in the middle of the city, it was like travelling back in time and seeing old traditional Japanese scenery when being in the park. Of course we did not miss an opportunity to live the full Japanese experience and had a big photo-shoot with the family.  After a quick hour of wandering we sat down and ate hakigori. On our way in the park we say turtles and Koi fish, which I found particularly beautiful. My mother on the other hand could not stand the look of them. One could compare this to the marmite-phenomenon: Something you either love or hate.

Koi Fish

A warm greeting from the turtle

The next morning, we needed to wake up early to have breakfast and then travel to Tokyo. Of course me and my brother both overheard about three alarms going off and slept through breakfast. It was a knock on the door followed by a brief: “we are leaving in 10 minutes” that woke us up.

Shinjuku

As soon as we arrived in Tokyo we noticed the massive contrast of the thriving city and Oboke (or any other town we have been to). This time we stayed in Shinjuku. This area can be compared to the “Time square: area of New York… just about 10 times larger! Although we arrived in the evening, it felt like we were walking in daylight, blinded by the many screens and flashing lights around the shops.












Song of the Day: 

Country Boys and City Girls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K7HgsHKO7E

Iya Onsen

20.08.16

This morning, before continuing our journey, we went to another prefectural art museum. The Kochi museum had a large Chagall collection and other modern artefacts. Today however, this particular museum had a special "Trick art" collection. This involved the spectator taking part in the art. Like many Japanese programs, this too was designed to make as many pictures as possible:

Overcoming the fear of heights

A Whole new world

On this trip mom and dad have been looking forward to this particular day. After the lovely city of Kochi we were heading to another “slightly” smaller town called Oboke. We had to sit through an hours drive after a rough regional train rise until we arrived at the mysterious hotel (Iya Onsen). My parents had been fantasying about this place from the start of our journey. It was however not until we had reached our room that I understood why.

The floors were laid out with tatami in the main room. Behind two doors we were able to find two chairs looking onto the valley on which the hotel was built on. Through this room there was an outdoor space containing a shower and bathtub filled with hot spring water.

In the evening we were summoned to dinner. It was set out of several Japanese courses and laid out in the most beautiful way possible. In our Jukatas we were enjoying the gourmet food and looking onto the forest through the windows. After dinner we explored the hotel in more detail.

On the internet the hotel advertised as having one of the best outdoor Onsens in the whole of Japan. After a 5 minute ride on a cable car down the steep valley we arrived at the mystical bathing location. Indeed, bathing in a hot sulfuric bath under the starts looking onto the river does give off a magical feel. It was like experiencing the true meaning of “living in nature”. If I had the choice, I would have stayed in the water until dawn.

Ranking by Hight

Back in the Hotel we decided to make pictures in our Jukatas that will surely be eternalized in our family albums. Tomorrow we will be leaving Oboke again and heading to Takamatsu.

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Song of the Day: 

Free
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04fS5gYG3_o