Great Central Honshu

The Trip

Never having a chance to visit the land of the rising sun before, the trip to Central Honshu was a much coveted journey. On a 9 day trip, Reliance took us to many picturesque spots of Japan stretching across Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirawago, Matsumoto, Mt Fuji and finally Tokyo. The places seem many but the daily journeys were tolerable and in fact enjoyable. There was little fatigue though waking up at 6 am everyday was the norm. It was also easy to wake up at the so called unearthly hour as the skies in Japan grow bright as early as 430 am making it right to be called the land of the rising sun,
Unlike Turkey, the people we saw here are mainly from the far eastern corners of Asia with Chinese Language characters posted everywhere. In fact many of our co travelers are able to get around pretty well with whatever little Japanese we had mastered.
" Nan desu ka , Konnichiwa, Doomo Arigatoo gozaimasu, Ohayoo Gozaimasu, Doozo, Konbanwa " were enough to get us understood ! The Japanese I learnt in my younger days was put to good use though I should have mastered more.
Steep in history and cultural practices, it is indeed true that the Japanese are a cultured lot with steadfast values that put them above many in society. These unsaid values are lived out by the indigenous Japanese and we could not help but admire some practices so well carried out some of which include recycling, honesty, cleanliness and thoughtfulness.
As we ploughed through the streets, villages, cities and grounds of Central Honshu we noticed vividly how the Japanese have been so disciplined in their daily practices which will be shared in the next blog.
You have to be there to see how carelessly we have lived and we also have to be there to realise indeed Malaysia is a land of plenty and comfort minus some commendable attitudes.

So, we talk about it tomorrow.

Oyasumi Nasai.