Wabi-Sabi Sole

Sasuke Inari Shrine

On January 17, 2017

In Google Map, Hiking, Japan, Kamakura, Shrine

The Sasuke Inari Shrine is known as the “White Fox Shrine.” The Shrine is located in Kamakura and very well hidden. My neighbor invited me to go this morning with two other spouses. We drove because the temple is off the beaten path and not convenient to a train station. I put a gold ⭐️ on the location of Shrine. I know this area well and if you are interested visiting during your stay, we can incorporate stopping during one of our Kamakura hikes. It is very close to the Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine, the money washing shrine I went to with Dina last month.

According to legend, an Inari (white fox) came to the first Shogun of Kamakura, Minamoto Yoritomo, in a dream and advised him when to attack his enemies. He followed the advice of the Inari and was victorious over his enemies. To show his gratitude, Minamoto Yoritomo built the Sasuke Inari Shrine in the 12th century.

The steps leading to the shrine are flanked with Tori gates.

Climbing the steps to the temple was like traveling back into a different era.

Being located on top of a steep hill made the Shrine easier to defend against attacks. When you reach the top of the stairs, you are transported to a fox loving world.

A hand drawn map of the Shrine peaked my curiosity. It appeared to identify small shrines within the shrine.

I walked around the main building and more stairs led me to a shrine on the hill. So many foxes!

Walking around and down the side steps revealed another miniature shrine.

As I continued down, I came across a super cute fox village. The moss covered stone houses were captivating.

Heading down the steps through the Torii gates transported us back to modern times.

And back to my friend’s car where a local Japanese resident had taped a piece of paper with “no parking” written on it to the window. Guess I will definitely walk next time!!

A Clear Winter Day

By wabisabisole

On January 16, 2017

In 2017, Enoshima Island, Japan, Mt. Fuji, Train

Dave and I ventured out to Enoshima Island today for two reasons.

1. Luke’s Lobster Roll.

2. Clear winter skies are the best to see Mt. Fuji.

Yes, that’s right. A Maine lobster roll in Japan. It took us 54 minutes and 3 trains. Have no doubt, it was worth it.

I’m extra glad we went when we did. According to the sign out front, they are closing Luke’s on January 31st. So, sad. I see at least one more lobster roll in my future.

After lunch, we walked over to Enoshima Island to check out Mt. Fuji. And the view was amazing. We have never been able to see the whole mountain, let alone the mountains in the foreground. It was spectacular.

Our goal was to see Mt. Fuji from the Sea Candle. The Sea Candle is the top point in the picture below. If you remember, Dina and I went to Enoshima Island when it wasn’t clear. Winter in this part of Japan means lots of sunshine, low humidity and clear skies. It might be the best winter I’ve ever experienced.

To gain access to the Sea Candle, requires purchasing a ¥500 ticket. The ticket gives you access to the gardens and Sea Candle. The gardens were a surprise! They were full of tulips!

Our trip to the Sea Candle was pretty amazing. This is the clearest we have ever seen Mt. Fuji.

I obviously had to take serval pictures. It was just too beautiful.

When you visit, we will definitely go to Enoshima Island. We will take the monorail to get there. Here is a quick video from the front of the train. It was like riding the “Big Bad Wolf” at Busch Gardens without the roller coaster effect!

Simultaneously, I must help you set expectations. Prepare for clouds. Hope for clear skies. Regardless, it is such a fun area, you won’t be disappointed on our trip!

Ikebana New Year

By wabisabisole

On January 15, 2017

In 2017, Customs, Ikebana International, Japan, Kamakura, Kimono, Sake, Temple

The January meeting of Ikebana was held at the residence of Mrs. Sato’s at the Great Buddha of Kamakura. This is the same location as the first Ikebana meeting I attended in September.

The January meeting was held on a Saturday enabling family members to attend. Lucky for Dave, he was my plus one!

Julia, Dina, Dave and Brent (Dina’s plus one)

Even luckier for him the meeting included a kabuki makeup demonstration, a Nihon Buyo performance, Mochi pounding and Sake tasting! Kanpie!

The Sake was served with our lunch in traditional a traditional Sake box. The Sake box is made of cedar. The cedar enhances the flavor of the Sake.

The guest performer was Minosuke Nishikawa. He has a detailed resume with extensive training, international performances, and notable awards in theater and dance. He began by introducing himself without makeup and giving simple demonstrations of Nihon Buyo.

Following his introduction, he applied kabuki makeup. He started by wrapping his hair and applying a sticky paste to help the makeup adhere to his skin and stay flawless during the performance.

Next, he applied the white face makeup.

And then he drew eyebrows.

Once his face was prepared, he donned the kimono he would wear during his performance. He had an assistant to assist him with tying his obi.

The top kimono was elaborate and required additional attention from his assistant. In the picture, his assistant is ensuring the obi and kimono are secure!

The final pieces to his costume included yellow socks, sideburns, and a hat.

He was now ready to perform the Nihon Buyo. Nihon Buyo is a traditional Japanese dance dating back to the 18th century. The dance was originally deeply rooted in worship and religion. Over time, it developed into a more creative and theatrical performance. In the performance we observed, Minosuke Nishikawa imitated a stringed marionette doll. His assistant was the puppeteer. It was impressive, unique and very entertaining.

I was able to download a few pictures from the Ikebana Facebook page of the preparation and performance.

After the performance, we had the opportunity to enjoy different flavors of Mochi and Mochi pounding. Black sesame seed, red bean, and ginger.

After letting the guests take turns, Mr. Tago Yuji, showed us all how to get the job done!

All of this entertainment and we still had lunch to enjoy! A bento box and Sake!

Another fun cultural experience made even better because I was able to share the day with Dave and friends!

Japanese Tea Box

By wabisabisole

On January 13, 2017

In Christmas, Customs, English, Friendship, Ikego, Japan, Tea Box

In early December, Dina and I signed up for a class to make (cover) a Japanese Tea Box. I had to delay sharing this experience because the tea box was a Christmas present for my mom and I didn’t want to ruin the surprise. The class was taught by a sweet Japanese lady named Atsuko and was held here on the Ikego base.

Dina and I went shopping for the materials together at the fabric store, Swany’s, in Kamakura. The box itself is provided as part of the class fee.

The first step was to wrap the inside edges with a metallic tape to match the aluminum lining.

In Japan, the tea box is part of the traditional tea ceremony. The tea box holds the items used throughout the tea ceremony. I thought the tea box would be a fun and unique gift for my mom for Christmas. Simultaneously, parents love getting homemade gifts, right? I picked out this fabric to cover the tea box.

The next part involved wrapping the tea box with batting. I was actually able to use leftover quilt batting I had from making tshirt quilts. Yes, I moved batting scraps to Japan. In my defense, it was an excellent use of the scraps!

First, the batting is wrapped around the box and then with a decent amount of tension, the fabric is wrapped around. The last part requires hand stitching of the corners.

The final part to the bottom of the box is wrapping the upper edge with a contrasting fabric. A plastic band is stapled to the edge to help hold the fabric and keep it taut.

The top is made in a similar manner. Atsuko helped me ensure the print of the fabric was centered.

The finished product!

Besides having a cool Christmas present for my mom, another positive result occurred from meeting Atsuko. Earlier this week, I was contacted by Atsuko’s daughter asking if I would be willing to give her private English lessons. She recently took a new job with an International company and needed to brush up on her English. We agreed to meet once a week for our English conversation sessions. Our first meeting was last night, (Thursday) at my house. I met her at the train station on her way home from work. As in true Japanese style, she brought me a gift. Wrapped perfectly.

And inside, little cheesecakes. Very delicious, but more like a moist coffee cake vice cheesecake.

Our first session went very well. I helped her with comprehending a work related email and we talked about her New Year traditions. I’m excited to have an opportunity to learn more about the Japanese culture, make a local friend and build my travel fund.

Purikura

By wabisabisole

On January 12, 2017

In Culture, Gacha, Gachapon, Gashapon, Harajuku, Japan, Takeshita Street, Tokyo

Purikura (pronounced pu-ree-ku-ra) is the shortened common name for Purinto Kurabu meaning Print Club. Purikura are Japanese photo booths that enable the users to take digital pictures with a twist.

Purikura photo booths can be found in shopping malls, arcades and of course, Harajuku. Yesterday we stopped in one while walking around Takeshita Street. The purikura was in the basement of one of the buildings on Takeshita Street. It had about 12 different booths to choose from. This is the one we selected.

Check out the close up… so weird and funny. Something was lost in translation, obviously.

For only ¥400, the six of us were able to cram together into the Japanese sized photo booth and have 6 silly pictures taken.

The purikura photo booths have image editing features that wash out skin tones giving the person smoother, lighter and blemish free skin. Also, there is a feature that will enlarge a person’s eyes making them look like an anime character. The pictures can also be enhanced with decorations using a stylus before the pictures are printed.

A few close-up pictures of the editing and decorating.

In the purikura there was also Gacha. The Gacha were all boy bands!

The experience was yet another opportunity to enjoy a fun and funny aspect of Japanese culture. I can’t wait to take you during your visit. I’m giggling just thinking about it!!

Harajuku

By wabisabisole

On January 11, 2017

In Cat cafe, Harajuku, Japan, Tokyo

I went to Harajuku with my neighbor and several other spouses to celebrate her birthday. Harajuku is the common name for the area spreading away from the Harajuku Station in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo.

Harajuku is known internationally as a center of Japanese youth culture and fashion. Most recently, Gwynn Stefani has helped to promote the area. Harajuku is “kawaii” overload. There are many shopping options. Everything from big name retailers like Nike, American Eagle, Gap, Chanel and Ralph Lauren to smaller, youth-oriented, independent boutiques. There are also lots of restaurants and cafés. Not only coffee cafes, I counted three cat cafes and an owl cafe.

Our first stop was the Dominique Ansel Bakery. There are three bakeries worldwide. New York, Paris & Tokyo. They are famous for their “blooming cocoa.” The marshmallow is cut into a cute shape and then set into a ring of chocolate. The ring of chocolate melts once it is placed in the hot cocoa, causing the marshmallow to appear to bloom.

Marshmallows in a ring of chocolate

Hot Cocoa

Finished product- blooms in cocoa

To accompany our cocoa, we enjoyed lime custard cronuts. Yummmmmmm

Takeshita Street is the main boutique area of Harajuku. There was so much going on…

We walked off our breakfast in order to make room for cotton candy. Magic Mountain Cotton Candy. It was ridiculous. So many layers!

And as a result, it was ginormous!

How about this little cutie!

Harajuku is on my list of must return and on Julia’s tour when you visit. If we are lucky we might see a “Harajuku Girl” or boy…

Gashapon

By wabisabisole

On January 10, 2017

In Gacha, Gachapon, Gashapon, Japan, Neko Atsume, Shopping, Yen, Yokosuka, Yorkmart, Zushi

Throughout Japan there are vending machines that will dispense small toys inside plastic capsules.

They are called gashapon or gachapon or just gacha for short. The word gachapon is a Japanese onomatopoeia. “Gacha” for the sound the dial makes as it turns and “pon” for the sound of the capsule dropping. The gacha machines are everywhere and have toys designed appeal to all ages.

The gacha have a variety of available toys. Most of the gacha machines I have seen cost either 200¥ or 300¥. The machines only take a 100¥ coin. Typically, the toys are sold in sets of 5 – 7 different toys. However, your purchase only gives you one toy at a time. Trying to collect all of the toys in a set can become frustrating and expensive because you are making blind purchases. Not to mention, the series you are trying to collect may be difficult to find.

I keep trying to get a dog drinking beer. All I have gotten is a sad cat drinking Sake, twice.

Each time I go shopping, I check the gatcha machines. The closest one to me here in Zushi is at the Japanese grocery store, Yorkmart. Here are the gatcha I have collected from the grocery store. They are supposed to be little cherub statues. Peeing. What in the…??

I have also been looking for my favorite Japanese characters from the Neko Atsume (Cat Collector) app. I finally was able to find them today while in Yokosuka. Yay!

Jeeves and Kathmandu

This series are like the opposite of wine charms. They sit under your wine glass instead of hanging on them. The brunette with a smashed umbrella makes makes me giggle. I think of my friend, Sue, enduring car rider circle in VB during a Nor’easter. Just make it wine time already!!

A couple more things you should know. During my gacha collecting, I have gotten duplicates. These I plan on sharing with you and I hope they make you laugh. Second, when you come to visit and if you fly into Narita Airport, there is a expansive collection of gacha machines. You will be able to search and find your favorite to look for throughout your visit! There are so many choices!!

Gacha!!

Coming of Age Day

By wabisabisole

On January 9, 2017

In 2017, Coming of Age Day, Customs, Japan, Kamakura, Kimono, Shrine, Tsuragaoka Hachimangū

The second Monday in January is known as Coming of Age Day. The day celebrates when a Japanese young person reaches adulthood. This occurs at the age of 20 because, 20 is the age of maturity in the Japanese culture. It comes with expanded rights and responsibilities of adulthood. The day of celebration dates back to 714 when a young prince was permitted to wear new robes and had his hair cut marking his passage into adulthood. It was made into a Japanese National holiday in 1948.

Interestingly, the cut off date for the celebration is March 31st. So, any Japanese person turning 20 between April 1st, 2016 and March 31st, 2017 will participate in the ceremony. The ceremony is typically held in the morning at local government offices. After the ceremony, the participants will go out with their friends and family to celebrate often stopping by the local temple or shrine for prayers and good wishes.

Women often wear traditional formal kimonos. Some men choose to wear a kimono as well, although it is more common for men to wear dark suits. I went to Kamakura this afternoon to the Tsuragaoka Hachimangū Shrine hoping to catch sight of a few new adults dressed in kimonos. I saw many women dressed in kimonos and I was able to snap a few photos. The women seemed to happily have their pictures taken and EVERYONE was snapping pictures. It was like the “coming of age” paparazzi. Honestly, whom could blame them. The girls looked stunning in their formal dress kimonos.

Kimonos & Rickshaws

Notice the length of her sleeve. The long length indicates she is single.

Kimono selfie! Again, notice the sleeve length.

Kimono with the fur…

So pretty on the bridge

My favorite shot from today

Beautiful

Coming of Age Day reminds me of a sweet sixteen party mixed with your 21st birthday. Although the day is a celebration, it is also meant to serve as a time for reflection on responsibility and privileges associated with becoming and adult.

Friends

By wabisabisole

On January 7, 2017

In 2017, Friendship, Yokohama

Today was tough. I received a call early in the morning from our friend, Sue, in Virginia Beach. She called with horrible news. Our friend and neighbor, Terry, was killed in the Fort Lauderdale shooting. I crumpled. My heart broke for Ann, his wife. It broke for his daughters and grandchildren. It broke for all his friends who know him for his beautiful smile and big embracing hug. The murderous act was senseless, horrific and tragic.

I have never felt so far away.

I found this picture of Terry and Ann from when we lived in VB. His smile, love for life and their love for each other is captured in this photo. Looking through all of my pictures of our VB family helped stitch my broken heart.

I had to go on with my day in another country where the earth shattering news didn’t even make headlines. I felt like a robot.

Fortunately, Dave and I had plans to meet a friend from Great Lakes. Ashley is in Japan visiting her family. We arranged early this week to meet for lunch in Yokohama. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon together. Seeing her and hearing all about her plans and our mutual friends, helped to stitch my broken heart.

It is hard to express how much I love and care for all of you. You are always in my thoughts and in my heart. Stay safe. Peace and love.

Kadomatsu

By wabisabisole

On January 6, 2017

In 2017, Japan, Kadomatsu, Lucky, Yokosuka

Have you ever noticed this emoji ?? Have you ever used ??

What does ?mean?

Well, now you can impress all your friends and explain to them what ?is.

The emoji ? is a kadomatsu. Kadomatsu means “gate pine.” It is pronounced ka-do-mā-zoo. Kadomatsu is a traditional New Year Japanese decoration. They are placed in pairs in front of homes and businesses to welcome Toshigami, the god of the New Year. The kadomatsu is considered temporary housing for the spirits. Usually, they placed after Christmas and remain until January 7 (although some sources said the 15th). Traditionally, after they are removed they are burned to appease the spirits and release them. Several of my sources said modern day kadomatsu are made of plastic and reused each year.

Three large bamboo shoots are placed in the center of the kadomatsu. In keeping with Ikebana traditions, the three bamboo shoots are set at different heights to represent heaven, humanity, and earth. The tallest shoot represents heaven, the middle shoot represents humanity and the shortest shoot represents earth. A pine wreath binds the bamboo. Because pine remains green, it is considered lucky. Further meaning of using bamboo and pine is for longevity and prosperity. The kadomatsu are placed in pairs on either side of the entrance, representing male and female.

Here are the two kadomatsu in front of Dave’s office building.

After living here for five months, my knowledge of emojis is growing faster than my ability to speak Japanese!