Japan

This week on Realtravel we’ve been focusing on some of the world’s most beautiful national parks, concentrating on all the majesty Mother Nature has to offer. But, today we’ll be taking a slightly different approach, instead visiting a country whose cultural aesthetics have managed to blend the divine splendor of its natural surroundings with the simple beauty of its religious shrines. And, as a guide (because it always helps to have a guide) we’ll be tagging along with GWiZ—a solo Realtraveler from California—who has been making his way, step by step, through much of the eastern hemisphere since last October. Setting off from Palo Alto, California, GWiZ has touched down in Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Cambodia and Viet Nam. The most recent leg of his journey finds him in Japan exploring the incredibly serene Kansai Region.

The Kansai Region lies in the southeastern part of Japan’s main island and is home to Kyoto, considered the heart of traditional Japanese culture. The city and surrounding country are dotted with Buddhist temples amongst the cherry blossoms, adorned with ornate shrines and idyllic rock gardens. Among the many religious sites, Todaiji, a temple located just outside of Kyoto in Nara, is a must-see for travelers. GWiZ had this to say about the peculiar path he found to enlightenment:

“Todaiji is Nara’s crown jewel. The main temple is the largest wooden structure in the world, now only 2/3 the original size. Within is one of the largest bronze Buddhas in the world. At its entrance gate are two of the finest examples of Japanese wood carving anywhere, the two large, animated gods of wind and thunder. Although its scale is enough to bring one to his knees, it is not without its entertainment. The temple roof is supported by massive wooden columns and all but one are completely solid. A hole the size of the Buddha’s nostril is cut from the base of one. If a person can pass through this hole, he/she is guaranteed enlightenment. Much to my gratitude, I made it through…almost independently.”

Within Nara, GWiZ also took the time to visit two of the city’s smaller temples: Kasuga Taisha and Gangoji. Although smaller in size, the two sites are still immensely rich in culture, and GWiZ had this to say of his experience:

“Kasuga Taisha and Gangoji are both smaller in scale but wonderful visits even with only a few minutes. The former is the home to hundreds of standing stone and hanging bronze lanterns. The shrine is set deep within the surrounding WHC [World Heritage Committee site] forest and a steadily inclining path allows everyone to see the lanterns. Unfortunately, my good luck was only a few days off from being perfect luck. Just days before my visit one of the year’s largest ceremonies was conducted in which all of the lanterns are lit. However, a strong imagination was enough to see the flicker. Gangoji is the most modest of all of Nara’s “must-see” list, however, its stature is arguably the biggest. It is Japan’s first Buddhist temple. It was built in the 4th century at a different location and later moved to Nara when it became Japan’s first capital city.”

Rounding out his trip through Kansai, GWiZ stopped in Lake Ashi in Hakone, a small village with a very big view:

“Hakone is a town offering solitude and peace, not to mention dozens of wonderful onsen (hot springs), to travelers and residents alike. I spent just a couple of days here with Amilia, her cousins, and her husband, Corey, before they left Japan, but I was treated to one of Japan’s most awesome sites: Fuji-san. At the foot of Hakone is Lake Ashi, a rich blue lake cradled between mountains on all sides save one. It is through this open side that some of Fuji’s finest photographs are taken, and all though my small Canon can do little justice, I was compelled to fire away.” (more…)

For more information and travel tips, head over to GWiZ’s blog, and keep up with him as makes his way around the world.

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The phrase “dream trip” can bring all sorts of thoughts to mind but chances are, for many of us, the one thing all these thoughts have in common to one degree or another is the chance to get some much deserved relaxation time. Sometimes in addition to (or maybe even instead of) exotic locales, exciting attractions and historical monuments, what we really want is a place to kick back and enjoy a little self-indulgence, and perhaps nowhere in the world in better for this than a Japanese hot spring resort.

Located throughout the mountainous terrain of Japan, hot springs, known as onsen, are the perfect place to take a soak and let your muscles relax after a long day of sightseeing. Commonly composed of both shared and private baths that are filled with water channeled from volcanically-heated natural springs, each onsen is also unique, and offer a variety of purported health benefits depending on the natural minerals present in the surrounding rocks. Every region of the Land of the Rising Sun has its fair share of hot springs, some small, rustic and inexpensive to visit, other massively elaborate and with expensive amenities, more like a five-star hotel than a hot tub, but no matter which one you choose, chances are you won’t regret it.

Here’s what RealTraveler WorldExplorer had to say about her recent visit to Dogo Onsen Honkan, the oldest hot spring resort town in Japan located a short distance from Matsuyama on the island of Shikoku:

“The Japanese Royal Family and commoners alike have been soaking in the hot spring in Dogo for more than 1300 years. The present building dates back to 1894 and houses two baths in addition to the Royal Family bathing area, the Yushinden. There are a variety of options to enter the facility and enjoy the baths… The first-class treatment (at about $15) includes use of the Tama-no-yu bath, a private lounging area with tea and three Botchan Dango (sweetened rice dumplings), and a yukata and towel. I opted for the royal treatment and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The bathing is done completely naked and there is a one bath of each kind for men and women. I even had the bath to myself for most of the time. After bathing, I was given a tour of the Yushinden (Royal Family’s Bath) that was only used ten times (only three by an emperor) and has not been used since 1952.

Being a spa town, it is not surprising to see all of the local visitors walking about the streets in yukata, sandals, and tabi (socks with a slit between the big toe and second toe for more comfort when wearing thronged sandals). You don’t have to ask me twice to don ethnic clothing. I wore my yukata and sandals for the duration of my stay in Dogo.” (more…)

Without a doubt, no trip to Japan is complete without experiencing one of these natural spas, including yours! So be sure to plan some relaxation time into your busy itinerary.

Here are a few useful resources to help you plan your trip to cities nearby some of the most popular onsen:

Matsuyama Hotels (Dogo Onsen)
Tokyo Hotels (Atami Onsen, Echigo Yuzawa Onsen)

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