When we arrived for the ceremony, we entered into a beautifully simple tea room where we removed our shoes and sat together on the floor on the tatami mats. Our host was a professional Tea Master who had spent many years learning the craft.
As the ceremony began, we learned that the ritual is deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, emphasizing mindfulness, harmony, and appreciation for the present moment.
Watching the Tea Master work was interesting. Every movement was deliberate and practiced, with very slow and deliberate focus.
We listened as the history and culture of tea making in Japan was explained. The Tea Master showed us the different aspects of making the tea.
Boiling water which is located in the floor was carefully added to the vibrant green tea powder, and then mixed skillfully with a bamboo whisk until a delicate froth formed on top.
We watched as he explained each step of the process. From how to whisk the tea to the etiquette involved in serving and drinking the tea. We learned the proper way to hold the bowl, turn it respectfully before sipping, and appreciate the craftsmanship of the cup itself.
Then he encouraged us to come forward and make the tea. Shelley tried it first and he explained how to scoop the right amount of matcha tea power into the cup.
He then showed her the amount and how to pour the hot water into the cup and then finally how to whisk the tea. It was quite the process.
Before tasting the matcha tea, we were served traditional Japanese sweets. Their delicate sweetness balanced the bold, earthy flavour of the matcha.
Ray making his Macha tea.Shelley enjoying the macha tea.
We actually enjoyed the matcha tea more than we expected. It was earthy and yet easy to drink. It was another unique glimpse into the deep traditions and culture of Japan. We felt completely immersed in Japanese culture.
When Shelley and I set off on our 11-day journey through Japan, we knew the food would be different. Japanese cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, artistry, and seasonality. Each traditional meal we tried felt like a small cultural experience rather than just something to eat.
From the very beginning, the food was different from what we’re accustomed to back home and we knew this was going to be a food adventure. One of our first introductions to traditional Japanese cuisine was sushi and of course chop sticks.
It was tricky at first learning how to use chopsticks but with a bit of practice and patience, it became a fun and rewarding skill.
Ray practicing his chopstick skills.
After managing to get the chopsticks working we tried the sushi. It was a mix of raw fresh fish like Salmon, Tuna and white fish served over rice.
We were hesitant at first, but we had committed to trying everything and experiencing the true foods of Japan.
Ray trying his first bite of raw sushi
Throughout our 11 days we tried many different traditional foods. We enjoyed ramen in a small, bustling shop where the locals sat shoulder to shoulder, slurping noodles in steaming broth. We found a spot along the bench and joined the locals in some ramen.
We also went to a traditional restaurant which was a great experience.
We sat at a long table with others and the food was laid out in front of each of us.
The meal was full of traditional foods that included a hot pot, fish, rice, pickled vegetables, noodles and miso soup.
Of course, not everything was immediately comfortable for us. There were times when we found ourselves staring at a dish, unsure of what exactly what it was. That was all part of the adventure. We made a pact early on that we would try everything at least once.
Looking back, the food in Japan wasn’t just about nourishment, it was about discovery and culture. We didn’t just visit Japan, we tasted it, one dish at a time.
There are certain places in the world that the history feels heavy. The Hiroshima monument area is one of those places.
When Shelley and I arrived at the Peace Memorial which incorporates a park area and the first thing we noticed was the stillness. Despite being in a modern, vibrant city, the park feels set apart and more like a sacred place.
We walked slowly along the walkways and came across different plaques and monuments. These were very interesting and somber at the same time.
Pathway along the river in the memorial park
The pathways, greenery, and the gentle flow of the river created a calm and reflective environment. However it was very sobering to come across different monuments. One of the first was the Atomic Bomb Dome which survived the blast and was preserved exactly as it was after the explosion.
Seeing it in person is different than seeing it in any photograph.
The skeletal remains of the building with twisted metal and exposed brick is a stark reminder of the moment of the horrific bombing and the world changed forever.
Ray beside the remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome
Shelley and I stood there for a while without saying much, we just took it all in. Sometimes there just isn’t words to express the moment. After a while we made our way to the Hiroshima Peace Flame.
Hiroshima peace flame and monument
The Peace Flame is a symbol of hope and remembrance for the victims of the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. It has been burning continuously since it was lit on August 1, 1964, and will stay lit until the abolition of nuclear weapons and lasting world peace.
different view of the eternal flame monument in Hiroshima.
We entered into the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and it was not easy, and that is the point. We walked through the events leading up to August 6, 1945, and then into the immediate aftermath. There were personal belongings, charred clothing, melted glass bottles, photos and other items that touch the heart.
Image of the “Atom Bomb Dome” aftermath of the Atom bomb explosion
The museum doesn’t only dwell on the bombing but also looks forward. There’s a clear message about peace, nuclear disarmament, and the importance of remembering history so it isn’t repeated. After leaving the museum, we walked back through the park and came to the Children’s Peace Monument.
The Children Peace Monument with thousands of Origami Paper cranes in display cases
It was built to honor the children who lost their lives as a result of the atomic bombing. At the top of the monument stands a statue of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who was exposed to radiation as a toddler and later developed leukemia. While in the hospital, Sadako began folding paper cranes, inspired by the Japanese legend that anyone who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish. She hoped her wish would be to recover from her illness, but also expressed a deeper desire for peace in the world. Sadly she passed away at age 12 but her story lives on.
thousands of paper origami cranes at the Children Peace monument
Her story moved people across Japan, and schoolchildren raised funds to build the monument in her memory and in memory of all child victims of the bombing.
Origami Paper cranes at the Children Peace monument
The paper origami cranes associated with the monument have since become a powerful global symbol of peace. Every year, millions of brightly coloured cranes are sent by people from around the world and displayed around the monument. It was truly a moving experience seeing the origami cranes. We continued our walk and came to a dome mound on the ground.
Atomis Bomb memorial mound
There was a plaque beside the mound explaining that under the mound lays the ashes of tens of thousands of victims.
Words just can’t express the sadness and weight of all these memorials. We stayed there awhile and every once and a while we could hear the sound of a bell in the distance. After a few minutes of deep thought we continued our walk and a bit father we came to a large Japanese style Bell.
Ray walking to the Bell of Peace
We stopped at the bell monument which represents the global hope for peace and the abolition of nuclear weapons. The large bronze bell has a world map engraved on its surface with japan at its center. visitors are encouraged to ring the bell as an expression wish for world peace.
Ray striking the bell wishing for world peace.
After a few minutes we continued our walk and eventually headed outside of the memorial park to a small side street not too far away. In an unassuming small corner of a building was a small statue and plaque called the Hypocenter Monument.
A small statue located in a corner of a building at the Hypocenter Monument.
The simple stone plaque marks the point on the ground directly beneath where the bomb exploded in the air. The Atomic bomb, detonated about 600 meters above the city on August 6, 1945.
Hypocenter Plaque Ground zero
Visiting Hiroshima was not a typical travel experience. For us, it wasn’t about sightseeing in the usual sense but more of a historical journey. It’s the kind of place that stays with you, and realigns priorities of life.
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.
We booked a guided tour of the Historischer Kunstbunker which is a secret facility used during World War II to protect valuable artworks. If we hadn’t known what we were looking for, we would have walked right past it.
Doorway into the Art Bunker
The entrance to the Historischer Kunstbunker is hidden in plain sight, appearing as nothing more than an ordinary door set into a building that looks just like the rest on the street. There are no dramatic signs to suggest that behind the doors lies one of Nuremberg’s most important wartime hiding places.
entrance from street into the underground art storage areas
That quiet, almost secretive entrance set the tone for the entire experience. When the door opened and we descended the stone slope into the underground, the air grew cooler and heavier. Our guide explained that these tunnels were originally medieval beer cellars, later transformed during World War II in 1940 into a secure bunker for priceless works of art.
Generator and infrastructure of the bunker
We came to a section which branched off into areas where art was stored. It was easy to imagine wooden crates stacked along the walls, filling the chambers from floor to ceiling. Our guide described how paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and religious objects were carefully wrapped, labeled, and stored, with temperature and humidity closely controlled to prevent damage. The bunker extends approximately 78 feet (24 meters) underground.
The guide was asked who did all the labour and paid for the bunkers and she explained that Jews from the local war camp did the labour. That was a somber thought of how many people died and suffered for the creation of this hidden bunker.
Some of the stollen art images on display.
There was a section of the bunker fortified with vault like doors. Behind these doors were artifacts and art of immense value.
Vault like door in the Bunker
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the tour came when we learned that the Imperial Regalia of the Holy Roman Empire, including the Imperial Crown had also been hidden here.
There were several different areas of storage with fortified doors. During the war, the Nazis systematically looted art from occupied territories and Jewish collections. An estimated 20% of Europe’s artwork was stolen, with many pieces stored in the Kunstbunker for protection.
Some of the notable artworks stored here were Veit Stoss’ Annunciation: A significant altarpiece. The Erdapfel: A globe created by Martin Behaim in 1492 and the Codex Manesse: An important manuscript.
The idea that objects representing centuries of history and identity were stolen and concealed behind an ordinary door on a normal street was astonishing.
Before tasting the matcha tea, we were served traditional Japanese sweets. Their delicate sweetness balanced the bold, earthy flavour of the matcha.
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