Japan, November 2017
Updated: Feb 11, 2021
John gave presentations in Tokyo and Osaka and we spent a week visiting with friends and exploring new regions. During our April visit we were blessed with cherry blossoms, and this time Japan's autumn foliage was in full glory.
We arrived in Tokyo, then spent a few days with friends in the countryside, including a stay at a Ryokan owned by a Sumo wrestler with great onsen (hot spring spa).
I always love the small details in Japan which I find so aesthetically pleasing. (All images expand to full size when clicked)
Daikon drying Cart Persimmons drying
From Tokyo we took the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka, getting a view of Mt Fuji on the way.
In Osaka Zoë joined us and we went to Nara. The temple in Nara Park is home to a sacred herd of deer that are allowed to roam free. Hand feeding the deer was a new and unique experience.
Nara Park Feeding Deer in Nara Park Feeding deer in Nara Park
It was fun until we learned that deer can be fairly aggressive in pursuing food, as this sign humorously warns.
Nara was in full autumn glory and the temple and grounds were beautiful.
Nara fall foliage Couple taking wedding photos Nara Lake Nara Temple fountain Yakushi-ji temple Largest wooden Buddah in Japan
Next we went to Mount Kōya, or Koyasan, a World Heritage Site and the center of Shingon Buddhism, a Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi. We stayed at temple inns and explored a few of the 117 temples on Mt. Koya.
Konpon Daito Pagoda Shingon Buddhist monks Gates on the road Kongōbu-ji temple rock garden largest rock garden in Japan Temple building Temple bridge Street bench
A highlight of Koyasan is Okuni-in cemetery. There are over 200,000 graves because it is believed that if you are close to Kobo Daishi in death you will receive salvation. The forest setting was beautiful and tranquil. Below are just a few of my images. There were some shrines dedicated to fallen soldiers and I appreciated that they honored both their own fallen soldiers and those of the enemy, recognizing that all lives matter.
Okuno-in entrance Koya Okuno-in Multi grave Buddah with children Corporate shrine
In Kyoto we took a boat down the Hozu-gawa River.
Hozu-gawa River Lovely foliage Shrine by the river Bridge over river
The we visited Kozanji Temple which is known for it's fall colors; we were not disappointed.
Kozanji Temple canal Temple lake View from top of Kozanji Temple
We stayed at a Ryokan that had natural hot springs and was by the river, another lovely spot.
Kyoto river Boats on river Pagoda
Our final stop was Osaka, a bustling modern city with skyscrapers. My focus was on the details that make it unique for me.
Osaka crab restaurant Adorable vending machine Gaming salon Fufu (Puffer) resaurant Vibrant inside of grocery store Craft beer sign
I wanted to travel light this trip so only took a small Canon point-and-shoot camera that fit in my pocket. It worked wonderfully, but next time I'll bring my SLR.
We always enjoy Japan, and the autumn colors made this visit even more special.
