Japan

Umeda Sky Building in Osaka

The Umeda Sky Building is a two-tower skyscraper in Osaka, Japan.

We were able to go up the 40 story towers to the interconnected  glass bridges with escalators and elevators that cross an open atrium space.

View of the bridge that connects the two towers form the ground.

The journey up was part of the experience itself. After stepping into the sleek elevator, we were whisked high above the city. Then we then took the floating escalator that seems to hang in midair.

View of the escalators that connect to the observation area.

Once we reached the open air observation area we enjoyed some time exploring the views.

View of the sky deck which is 360 degrees around the top of the building.

Below we could see Osaka stretched out endlessly in every direction.

View of Osaka from the Sky deck

We walked around the observation deck slowly taking in the views of Osaka. It was the kind of moment that makes you pause and simply appreciate where you are.

Afterwards we headed down to the elevators and back to the ground. 

“人生は「今」にある”

Japan

Wandering Dotonbori District, A Perfect Afternoon

We spent an afternoon wandering through the Dotonbori area of Osaka Japan. It is a vibrant area with food and restaurant shops and it actually felt like we were stepping into a living postcard. The shops and stores all had unique signs and vibrant colours.

Shelley and I set out without much of a plan, we just wandered the narrow streets of the district.  The streets were vibrant with bright creative signs overhead, lots of locals and tourist weaving past one another.

The vendors shouting and calling out trying to entice you to buy their food. We took our time, letting ourselves get pleasantly lost among the narrow side streets and bustling main paths. Of course, it wasn’t long before we decided to sample one of the local foods called Takoyaki.

They make different types of Takoyaki which is a popular Japanese street food. It is generally made of small, round balls of batter filled with diced pieces of octopus or other fish. We bought the traditional Takoyaki with octopus to try.

Shelley having some Takoyaki

We continued exploring and looking at all the different signs and advertising. Some of the signs were three-dimensional and very creative. There were everything from dragons, octopus and crabs to other unique signs.


At one point, needing a bit of a break, we found a small outside bar tucked away along the Tonbori River.

Tonbori River in Osaka

It was the perfect spot for us, we could relax but still watch all the people and excitement of the area.

We grabbed a couple of drinks and sat for a while, watching the tour boats go by on the water.

One of the many different tour boats on the Tonbori  River

Each tour boat was unique and everyone would wave to all the people on the banks of the river.  After resting up we slowly made our way back towards our hotel.  The Dotonbori district was more than we expected  and we had a great afternoon exploring the culture and foods. 

私たちの人生のあらゆる瞬間は、無視するのではなく、楽しむべき奇跡なのです。

Japan

Drums of Japan

During our time in Tokyo, Shelley and I had the chance to experience something unique. We went to one of the oldest traditional drum making factories in the city. It turned out to be a lot more fun than we thought.

We were given a presentation by a dynamic and interesting Drummer who explained how they are made. The drums we learned about are known as “taiko,” and they are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. 

It begins with the wood. Craftsmen carefully select large logs, often from trees that have been grown for decades. The wood is hollowed out to form the body of the drum, a process that requires both strength and precision. This is still done by hand in the traditionally methods.  

We learned about the parades and the different drums used for different events. Some of the statues and ornamental dress they wear and how it is all tied to tradition.  

After learning about the process, we were able to take part and learn some of the basic rhythms used in traditional Japanese festivals. At first, it seemed simple, but once you start, you realize how much coordination and timing it actually takes.

 

Shelley jumped right in and gave it a go. It didn’t take long before she was fully immersed, laughing and enjoying every beat. 

By the end of the session, we were both smiling and glad we had decided to try it. It was an experience and a glimpse into the Japanese culture and history.

“音楽は気持ちを動かします”

Japan

A visit to the oldest Sensõ-ji temple in Tokyo

Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest and most historically significant Buddhist temple, located in the Asakusa district of Tokyo.  It was founded in the year 628 CE, making it nearly 1,400 years old.

Inside the Temple Grounds of Sensõ-ji

We arrived in the morning to explore the temple. It was a perfect day and the cherry trees were beginning to blossom. There were large crowds already there exploring the temple grounds.

Shelley at the entrance of the Sensõ-ji temple area

We entered into the grounds of the temple and began to explore the different areas. We came to the main temple area and we were struck by its unique style and details.

We  explored several of the structures which had specific purposes of the temple.

Ray and Shelley at the Sensõ-ji Temple
ceremonial floats carried by worshipers in the annual ceremony.

The structures were very detailed and quite interesting to see. We came across the Buda and other statues of the temple.


There was a traditional marriage ceremony happening while we were there. It was quite interesting to watch as the bride and groom where pulled through the temple walkway in the carriage wearing the traditional clothing.

Our guide explained to us how the white headpiece of the bride  is called a tsunokakushi, which literally means “horn-hiding.” According to tradition and folklore, this head covering is meant to conceal the bride’s metaphorical “horns,” representing feelings like jealousy or ego. Which may come out later in the marriage.

Traditional kimono worn by many at the temple

The culture and dress were extraordinary and quite interesting to see. We walked throughout the temple area looking at all the uniqueness and details. It was an experience that was enjoyable and memorable.


Sensō-ji is a spiritual site blending ancient traditions with modern Tokyo life. 

「時は矢のごとく過ぎ去る。」

Japan

Our first day In Japan

Shelley and I landed in Tokyo after our 15 hour flight with a mix of excitement and also tired from our flight. We made our way to the hotel and checked into our room. We unpacked, freshened up, and took a moment to look out over the city. Tokyo stretched endlessly before us, below near our hotel was a Japanese Garden.

View from our hotel room in Tokyo
View of Japanese Gardeon from our Hotel.

Even after the long journey, we felt an energy in the air that made it impossible to feel tired for long. 

We decided to spend our first day exploring the traditional Japanese garden near our hotel.  The noise of the city softened into the background. The water falls and beautiful Koi fish made it peaceful and relaxing.

Shelley in the Japanese Garden in Tokyo


We wandered without any real plan, stopping often just to admire the details in everything around us.

That evening, we kept things simple, choosing a nice meal at the hotel and rest over rushing into more sightseeing.

It gave us time to reflect on the day and build anticipation for what was to come. 

We enjoyed some Japan beer, a nice meal then headed off to get some well deserved rest before the start of our adventures in Japan.

“その瞬間は二度と繰り返されないのだから、一つひとつを大切にしましょう。”

Life is too short to wait for adventure!