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Category Archives: Japan, Travel & Culture
Navigating Japanese Public Toilets
You never quite know what you are getting with Japanese toilet. Especially if it is a unisex option in a restaurant or bar or some location off the tourist grid in the countryside. Continue reading
Who is watching you?
While fixated on my digital screen I’ve gamely created a character and ascribed a motive to a person who has no idea that he is being scrutinized or judged—primarily on his appearance. Continue reading
Jizo Dori, Sugamo
Jizo Dori is well-known in Tokyo as the spot to purchase aka-pantsu, scarlet underpants to fire up the winter bones, increase heart health and blood circulation. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Arai Kannon, Jizo Dori, Koganji Temple, Sugamo, the Seniors' Harajuku, Togenuki Jizoson, Tokyo
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Rikugien: the garden of waka poetry
This strolling garden is renowned as “the garden of Japanese waka poetry” with 88 views described in ancient anthologies of poems. Continue reading
TESSEI Shinkansen Cleaning Crews
Watching these human cleaning-bullets in action—and timing them to see whether the seven-minute bit is true—adds a little bit of show business for the passengers who otherwise might chafe at having to wait those extra seven minutes before boarding. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Japan travel, JR Railway, Shinkansen cleaning crews, TESSEI
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Food Poisoning and an Earthquake
If this escalates into an emergency situation, I’m hiding right where I am. They’ll have to break down the door and drag me out even though dying on a Toto is a pretty ignoble way to go. Continue reading
The Heart of Tanigumi Kegonji: Part Five of Five
Tanigumi Kegonji temple is the final destination on a renowned 33-temple pilgrimage. Here pilgrims can search the cave below the temple for a smooth stone. If they find it, they have touched Buddha’s heart. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Buddha's heart, Gifu Japan, Japan travel, sacred journey, Tanigumi Kegonji
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Into the Underworld of Tanigumi Kegonji: Part Four of Five
Now the blackness here in the belly of the earth is complete. I cannot see the fingers I wiggle in front of my face. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Gifu, Japan, Japan travel, sacred journey, Tanigumi Kegonji
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The Ascent Toward Tanigumi Kegonji: Part Three of Five
The moment my right foot hits the top step, gongs sound and the monks begin to chant. Everything vibrates with energy like a rocket lifting off. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Gifu, Japan, Japan travel, Tanigumi Kegonji
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Along the Avenue to Tanigumi Kegonji: Part Two of Five
Pausing at shops and a restaurant along the broad avenue, we work our way up the steady incline toward Tanigumi Kegonji temple. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Chrysanthemum stone, Gifu, Japan, Japan travel, Kika seki, Konnyaku Potato, Tanigumi Kegonji
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