Day 6 Cultural Japanese Experiences (5 April 2019)

Today was filled with cultural experiences. It was pretty impressive to have a few once-in-a-lifetime activities in the same day!

We started off the day by driving to Saza for a kimono fitting. I’ll be honest, before the fitting, I wasn’t sure what wearing a kimono entailed. What I learned is that the kimono has many different components. I believe it would be a challenge to put it on yourself.  Especially since you must pay attention to detail. The fabric must lay correctly in order for the kimono to look as it is intended. 

My mom and sister had their kimono fittings right before mine. I was enthralled with the process of creating a kimono fit to be worn.  

Even my dad was willing to be fit for a kimono. It was such a unique opportunity for us to experience!  She even created a hairstyle to accompany my kimono!

After all four of us were fitted with kimonos and then we were we drove over to a traditional tea house for a tea ceremony.  Here’s another opportunity where I didn’t realize how amazing the cultural experience was going to be!  

We had a sensei prepare and serve the tea to us. She has been working to perfect her craft for over 50 years. There was a serene tranquility from the moment you entered the tea house grounds. 

Because we are westerners, we didn’t enter through the traditional door, nor did we kneel for the whole ceremony (my knees and I aren’t at that level yet). However, the doorway is small as you are meant to bow as you enter the room, reminding you to be humble. 

We sat on small cushions instead of kneeling on the floor. 

Everything in a tea ceremony is done with preciseness.  We watched as the sensei prepared the tea in a special area of the room. She prepared it with strength, while exhibiting a calmness. 

We were handed information to learn all about the tea ceremony. You are served sweets before you drink the tea. The treats cat, lending in the season. Since it is Sakura season, we started with a sweet cherry blossom treat. All of the treats have meaning, bringing an awareness to your surroundings. 

We also read how to accept the tea when handed to you.  You must first bow, and then accept it righ your right hand, and place it in your left palm. Then, you turn the tea cup three times clockwise, and drink the tea. 

You wipe off the bowl where your lips touched, turn it back three times counterclockwise and bow as you hand it back.  Traditionally, there is one bowl for everyone in attendance at the ceremony, though we all had different bowls. 

Shelley was the person who presented the tea to us. She also helped make the tea too!  

We had a delightful time learning to appreciate another part of the Japanese culture. 

We then took a pleasant walk by the river in search of several cherry blossom trees in Ofer to take several darling pictures dressed in the Japanese kimonos!

It was a delightful experience!  I couldn’t believe our timing or our luck. We had such a wonderful time together learning more about the Japanese culture. 

The walk was very pleasant, including massive oranges on trees, the river, and even a Torii gate!

After we changed and said our goodbyes, we headed out. Here is a last picture with our sensei and her tea house. 

My parents decided we should travel in the direction of a Onsen (natural hot springs), and we stopped at the beautiful Ohashi Kannon Temple to have lunch. The Sakura were incredible!  

The beauty of this country is astounding!  I realize we chose the exact right moment to be here, but between the Sakura, the flowers, and the rich culture, it’s an experience we won’t forget. 

We even found a hidden gem tucked back behind the temple. A lady instructed us to walk back and experience it. So happy she did!

We slowly made our way back to the car, walking under the Sakura. I think the Japanese have it right. There was a light breeze, so in moments, it looked like it was snowing cherry blossom petals. The Sakura are glorious. 

We decided to go to some natural hot springs, called the Sechibaru Onsen. It is a pretty drive through rolling green hills. They even have a small Torii gate near their parking lot. While we waited for our private room, we were able to see some of the sites. 

The traditional Onsen have men and women separated, as you participate without a swim suit. However, we rented a private room for the experience. It was lovely!

After driving back down to Sasebo, we relaxed for a bit and then gathered our laundry to take to the laundromat on base. It reminded me of being a kid and doing laundry while living in Germany. While we were waiting, we went to the (tiny) commissary for groceries, and then back to Nimitz Park to see the lanterns light up the Sakura at dusk. 

After gathering our laundry (and having to run the dryer a few times for the wet items), we decided to go out to dinner. We went to a Thai food and sushi restaurant. 

I am not a lover of Sushi. However, I am a ‘when in Rome’ kind of person. So, of course I ordered the special ‘Monkey Brains and Spider roll.’  I secretly knew I should’ve just ordered Thai food, but it was all about the experience for me. My parents don’t love Sushi (I partly blame them for not introducing it to me at a young age), but I hoped I’d love it in Japan. Love is a strong word, but I sort-of tolerated it. 

The monkey brains plate was really good!  It was an avacado with spicy tuna, crab, and cream cheese. Shelley shared some of her Massman curry, and my parents shared a spring roll and cream cheese crab wonton with me too. What an experience!

Today was another incredible day!  We have had a delightful time experiencing this area of Japan with my parents. It has been a trip to remember!  💕