Japan 2016
Japan 2016
What an amazing trip I just returned from.
Martial Arts Martial Arts and more was what we went for and exactly what we got.
The Japanese martial arts scene is strong and forever solid that is for sure and the Japanese culture is for any who have ever been strong as ever.
12 days, 4 cities (Tokyo,Osaka, Kyoto and Shanghai China) 10 ten temples at least that I can recall, every type of traditional Japanese martial art you can imagine including Yabusame (samurai archers on horse back), Jo Jitsu, Iaido, Bo Jitsu, Kendo, Karate, Kobudo, Kyudo, So Jitsu, Nunchaku, Sai, 47 Ronin, Naginata, Yari, and some I have never even seen before. It was most definitely martial arts overload if that is possible.
Also we went to at least 10 or more Buddhist and Shinto Temples like Kinkaku-Ji, Ryoan-Ji, Asakusa, Fushimi-Ji, and so many more but the most interesting for me was the graves of the 47 Ronin who I have been to before 4 times but this time it was a little different as I was not rushed and throughly enjoyed the entire atmosphere except for the fact I had to use the washroom and I had no choice but to use a traditional Japanese toilet. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. But I survived.
If you should ever have the chance to go to Japan I would go and you need at least 12 days at least.
These are some of the things you really want to make sure you see in Kyoto which is the Cultural capitol of all Japan with more temples to see and visit then you can imagine as they say there is a different temple to visit every day of the year.
Make sure you see Gion Corner in Kyoto which is an amazing section and they have one of the best ever demonstrations of Japanese Culture like Tea Ceremony, Puppetry, traditional Geisha Dancing, Japanese Comedy, Flower arranging and lots more.
The best part for me of a trip to Japan is the people and their culture and overall way of life. No yelling at each other, no horns honking, no impoliteness as they even line up to get on the trains or subways. It was very interesting and enjoyable for sure.
The Bullet Train or Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto was amazing so clean and so convenient and yes very fast. It takes like 2 hours to go from Tokyo to Kyoto
Also meeting up and spending the afternoon with a good friend Nishi Fuyuhiko the producer and Director of Kuro Obi the greatest Japanese Fighting film of all time and planning several hopefully new projects with him in the not to distant future
Of course the food. I am now officially tired of Tempura, Ramen, Suishi and Yakitori. It was all good but I really want a pizza and Big Mac for sure.
The one thing I am super happy about is that I planned this trip out completely well in advance. Meaning that there was not one waisted second as we knew exactly where and when to do everything and exactly where it was happening. This has taken me years to figure out and all my trips. Knowing where the Yabusame were demonstrating and where the Ryonanji Temple is in relationship to Kinkaku Ji temple saves time and money for sure.
We are now considering a major trip next year to Japan that will be for martial artists only and we promise a culture shock and martial arts overload. The plans are now being organized for such a trip. We will have details hopefully shortly.