It was an absolutely beautiful time of year to visit Japan. The cherry blossoms are absolutely stunning, and I’m really glad I got to see them in full bloom. Strolling through the Japanese gardens in the middle of Tokyo was incredibly relaxing, and one of my favorite parts of the trip.

Hiroshima was unbelievable to me. I felt like such a guilt loving white liberal, but I just wanted to give everyone who looked over 65 a hug and say I’m sorry…

Japan seems to be a dichotomy between a technologically advanced society and it’s ancient religious context. In the West, Buddhism isn’t really thought of as a religion – more of a philosophy, but in Japan both Shintoism and Buddhism are most definitely religions with deep rooted traditions.

The Japanese people are either very friendly, or very polite & well-mannered. Even when we were the only foreigners in the “authentic” temples (ie, used for worship), I didn’t feel uncomfortable. The only time I felt uncomfortable was in Yokosuka – the Japanese are very resistant to having a nuclear powered aircraft carrier (or even, a navy base) in their cities. The official military talk is that the US provides a defense for Japan against North Korea & China, but I don’t really believe that is anything but PR.

Seeing all the Buddhism stuff was really neat, too. I didn’t do zazen in any official capacity while I was there, but I just felt centered having spent so much time in the shrines & temples. (Although Hiroshima felt just as spiritual as anyplace else we went.)

One thing that really surprised me was how touristy the shrines & temples were. Almost all of the shrines & temples had a small entrance fee (approx $1-4), and there were places to buy postcards and trinkets at each temple & shrine we stopped at. Several even had food vendors on the premises. It seems kinda of weird, but on the other hand I guess money is what has allowed these places to stay open and kept up for literally thousands of years. (Also, I’m not familiar with the concept of tithing being present in Buddhism or Shintoism).

I would definitely like to visit again (with Emily this time!), and stay for a longer period of time. There is so much to see and do, and we barely got started!

Related posts:

1. Japan Day 1, Tokyo
2. Japan Day 6, Yokosuka (PM)
3. Japan Day 5, Kyoto