Tuesday March 21
We docked in Nagoya at 11 am. I took the first photo when we woke up and had turned on the TV to see where the ship was. That is always interesting to us. It looks silly though that the ship icon is going backwards up into the bay.
Most of the time a cruise ship gets going in the evening and sails through the night to arrive early in the morning. Sometimes there are days at sea and sometimes it has to sail into midmorning. With the many Japanese islands it is very nice to sit in the Horizons on Deck 10 and see the world go by.
Watching the docking can be fun too, especially when there is a band and girls with flags waiting for us. We went outside to watch and listen to the band.
We had had a good breakfast and just a little sample of lunch because our tour started at 12:15 pm called "Panoramic Tour of Nagoya". Tour Discription:
Explore a Shinto shrine and Nagoya’s namesake castle before enjoying a serene stroll through one of the city’s traditional Japanese gardens. As you approach lovely Toyokuni Shrine, you will first notice the large Torii gate that leads to the entryway. The shrine is dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who was born a peasant here in 1536 and rose to become a great feudal lord who unified Japan’s warring political factions. Nagoya Castle is another architectural gem and was one of the largest castles in Japan until World War II, when most of it was destroyed. While browsing the replica castle, be sure to note the golden sea creatures on the roof that have become a symbol of Nagoya. For a respite from the hubbub of the city, you will stroll through Shiratori Garden, a green oasis meant to leave visitors with a great sense of ease and tranquility.
We visited the shinto shrine first. We had been told that shinto is the religion of the indigenes people of Japan. Buddhism was introduced from India. Both are major religions and some people (like our guard) have an altar for both in their house. On top of that one of our tour guides told us that they also celebrate Christmas and give gifts even though Christianity is an insignificant minority. Go figure.
Our guide Asa did a very good job explaining to us how you wash before you pray.
But there was also this making sure people don't conteminate this water and utensils.
Prayers hang up here.
I assume these are the fortunes against people who were not liked and wanted to get rid of.
She also explained how they approach, how they need to bow, how many times, clap their hands etc etc. Sorry to say I didn't pay too much attention since I felt I only needed to know how I should pray.
The sign in the following photo said that this is the birthplace of Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1536 and explained parents and siblings. He seems to be a very important person in Japanese history.
This statue is just what I like. Remember the statue of children jumping into the river in Singapore?
Just enough time to walk across the bridge onto the little island.
James took this photo of me on it. Sue was on there too. She and Phil were on the same tour.
Back into the bus and to Nagoya Castle. It was almost 2 pm by now and it had started to drizzle.
It was a national holiday because of the Equinox and there were a lot of people. There were stands which I think are normally not there but the rain put a damper on things.
We were excited to see more and more cherry blossoms though.
First glimps onto what our guide called "her mansion". To rebuilt it had cost an unbelievable amount of millions.
We walked around it though to find the end of the line to get in. In the beginning our biggest wish was to get out of the rain. We didn't bring our umbrellas because the ship daily notifications had announced it would be cloudy. No mention of rain.
A stepped a bit out of the line to take a photo.
When we finally could go in we had to take our shoes off and put them into a "shoebox" (locker) and take the key. Those with umbrellas had to lock them into an umbrella stand. Those with plastic raincoats had to take those off and put them into plastic and into a "shoebox" too. Those who didn't have socks on got slippers given. All was very orderly.
Here only a few pictures. Rooms were empty since houses didn't have beds or chairs or tables. People just used to sit on the floor on mats.
We were told that the gold is really gold. The paintings were awesome. Most were sliding doors. Some had ornate handels or things like that. Some ceilings were painted too.
These "walls" were carved from both sides and painted. They were a bit see-through.
Oh, there was a piece of furniture. A chest with a slit on top. Not sure what it was for.
You could discribe this at the diningroom/kitchen (?) The "fence" around the cooking place is only to keep us visitors away.
The walls had lots of tiles with writing on it. Sorry, I had to joke to James whether these were the recipes.
Back at the "shoeboxes". Oh, I forgot to say though that the openings between the rooms had different heights. Sometimes very high but most often unexpectedly too low for James. Ever since in Asia I try to be mindful in being in front of him and warning him. People are generally not as tall.
This was the entry/exit. Still raining. Time to find the bus.
Didn't feel like lingering around but this might of been somebody dressed as Shogun.
Ninja?
Samurai?
Back in the bus. There was still the Shoratori Garden to come. A few wanted to take a look, the majority did not. We told the guide not to buy the tickets for us. That would have been a waste. Those who went were back soon. It would have been nice to see it but ......
We were back in time for tea, since we didn't really have lunch just a nibble would be nice.
And we just love looking out there.
And we are playing cards.
And there is live music.
And there are new acquaintances to talk with.
For dinner we were brought to a table of a couple who were already waiting to share a table. They were very nice, had traveled a lot and a lot to tell. Fun.
Yes, I had caviar on some potato puree. A bit salty but very nice.
The dessert is sometimes better for the eyes than for the tongue.
One more full day tomorrow. Everybody talks about packing. That is the least of my thoughts.
Sigh.
Night night.
1 comment:
I very much like that Japanese idea of including different faiths. I’ve always believed that God has many “faces” and that we are all much closer than some of our religious leaders would have us believe.
That castle was astonishingly beautiful. As with other palaces, I always marvel at the idea of living among so much wonderful art.
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