Top 15 Reasons to go to Japan
Top 15 Reasons to go to Japan Because of my yogini pal Katrina’s enthusiasm for connecting yogis around the planet with Yoga, I got to go to Japan last week. I had the time of my life.
I have posted a smidge of the 1000s of photos I took on Facebook. Here are 15 of the 1000s of reasons you might want to go also.
15. The Robot ToiletsWhile there are plenty of Squat Toilets to be found, within Tokyo, most are making the effort to meet your every need.
When you walk into the bathroom, the lid opens automatically, the seat is heated and there is a panel of controls. One button creates a flushing sound to mask any noise you might make. A selection of spray options helps make sure you are squeeky clean and then the toilet flushes on its own of course.
14. Cosmic Fabulous OutfitsThe clothing of the young people could not have been more creative or delightful. The culture’s long standing love of ornament, design and exquisite detail has funneled into the wonderful modern costumes.
13. The Unique Car DesignAll the Japanese car brands have produced unique brands for japan. Tooled to be thinner, more compact , square, and cooler looking. The primary car of choice seems to be the extra mini van. The steering wheel is on the right hand side.
12. The Freshest TofuYou haven’t tasted tofu until you have eaten this tofu in Japan. The freshest most wonderful soft delicate delight.
11. Burdock Root and Lotus RootCrunchy and flavorful. Why are these so hard to find here?
10. The Bento BoxesI love these. Perfectly organized delicious meals to go. I got 3 of these over the course of my trip and was always thrilled and wonderfully surprised.
9. The Packaging and GraphicsThe care of presentation for each item is dear and tender. The art and layout of information is superb and inspiring.
8. The Fast TrainsMany trains, on time and fast. Information often in English and Japanese, so easyish to navigate.
7. Protected Bicycle RidingThere is a higher organization that guides you on a bike. Like you are all in a river, flowing with ease. Everyone is paying attention as you weave amongst pedestrians and cars and so you are totally safe.
6. The Magical TemplesThey look just like they do in the photos. If you go to the big ones, every one else is also going to be there. And if go on a National Holiday like Golden Week, all of Japan will be there. But even during this week, you can find your self suddenly in a spot all by yourself.
And after you have thrown your money into the prayer box, rung the bell, clapped 2x and bowed twice, the prayer runs through you. I almost always felt like a vessel and almost always wept. The prayers were usually for Japan. Sometimes for my more immediate family.
5. Help on Every CornerAnyone you ask for help will try to help you. And magically, often, without a word being understood between the two of you, the information will get transmitted.
4. So Many Green TeasSo many different kinds, all with different flavors an effects! Roasted turned out to be one of my most favorites.
3. OnzenOnzens are the public bath houses that can be found all around Japan. Bathing naked together with a group of women from ages 5 to 95 is a quick way to drop the self consciousness and isolation that many of us struggle with in America.
2. The Joyous YogisThe enthusiasm, discipline, joy and willingness is boundless. I had so much fun and learned so much at Michael Glenn’s Yoga Tree Japan in Tokyo and then with Lucy Robert’s group in Kyoto.
1. Safe and FreeNever have I been somewhere where I feel so totally safe. Perhaps this is due to the sincere hearts of the people. There is a sense of gentle respect and containment that offers immense privacy, even when you are in a sea of people. No one seems to be more important than another which results in a deep patience.
This safety allows the protective grip to dissolve and you feel yourself begin to expand. This expansion feels like freedom.
My point of focus since returning is to continue to tap into this amazing feeling and do my best to continue to marinate in it.
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Submitted by alaramee on Wed, 2012-04-11 10:03.
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you bring back such amazing images to feast on! thank you! | |
I dream to go to Japan one day! So happy to hear of your journey there. Thank you for sharing this with us. I adore roasted green teas, mmmm... Also, the feelings of 'being safe' and expansion dancing in tandem leave me with an image of being uplifted, yet rooted in a moment. The attention devoted to even the tiniest detail in packaging, I like this as well. It speaks of an extended pause in the design of things...such care taken. Bathing naked, YES, an excellent self conscience indicator
Thank you Kira, for the the beautiful glimpse you have articulated of your time there...
with gratitude
xoxo
misty eve