Category Archives: Japan, Travel & Culture

A Day Trip to Maizuru

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Lynda Philippsen

Though we must wait more than 45 minutes for it (worth every second), we order a set of freshly caught shellfish which is prepared for us on gas grills in the back of the stall. Continue reading →

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Nijo-jinya, Edo Period Inn, Kyoto

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Lynda Philippsen

No doubt we’re probably peeking into private things we shouldn’t. I get a real feeling for what it might have been like sneaking about in the olden days. Continue reading →

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International Service Club (ISC) Kyoto

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Lynda Philippsen

One of Kyoto’s great treasures is not found among the famous temples, gardens, museums, galleries or various artisan’s shops. Rather, it’s a largely unsung and little-known club with no splashy website: International Service Club (ISC) Kyoto.

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Visiting a community onsen in rural Japan

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Lynda Philippsen

After we wash our bodies we make our way to the rotenburo (outdoor pool), this one rust-dark with iron-rich mineral water. For half an hour we sink to our earlobes in the soothing, restorative spring. Continue reading →

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A Lady at a Bridge in Uji

Posted on January 20, 2013 by Lynda Philippsen

My state of mind mirrors the river. Like the Tale of Genji’s Uji Chapters–gloomy narratives, bridge chapters, dark mood states, and characters weary of this world–it’s one of those days where much goes wrong on the journey. Continue reading →

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I find no love for the kotatsu

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

I admit that I do not understand and cannot share the Japanese love-affair with the kotatsu. Continue reading →

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All I wanted was directions

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

It suddenly occurs to me that he is not only a traffic cop, but also a member of the self-appointed diction police. He is correcting my pronunciation. I’m mangling the name of the temple—two long o vowels, not short. Continue reading →

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Lighting up the night

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

I love the way light—even one candle—changes everything about darkness. Continue reading →

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Second Sake-rice Harvest in Abbotsford

Posted on October 23, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

Artisan Sake Maker Masa Shiroki brings in the sake rice harvest 2012, Continue reading →

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Toronama Donuts

Posted on October 8, 2012 by Lynda Philippsen

We eat all day. I start with a big breakfast as I know we’ll be driving about, and I travel better on full stomach. After visits to various people, suddenly it’s time for lunch–a large bowl of noodles and vegetables … Continue reading →

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