Your hard earned money is one of those things that flows, usually away from you faster than towards you, and it is said that if you visit Zeniari Bentzaiten and wash your money there the flow will be reversed for the faithful and that it will come back to them many times over when spent.

Based on the tale of Minamoto Yoritomo who, in 1185 had a vision and received the following message “I am the god of Ugajin {woo-gah-gin}.  In a valley to the northwest, there is a miraculous spring that gushes out of  the rocks.  Go there and worship to the Gods of Shinto and peace will come to the people”.  Moniamoto followed the directions of the Gods and founded the Zeniarai Bentzaiten Ugafuku Jinji.

The shrine is small but located in a lovely glade that is accessed through a short tunnel borrowed into the hills of Kamakura whose entrance is marked by a large stone tablet and tori.  Stepping out of the dim tunnel you are surrounded by rocky slopes of emerald green trees and the peaceful sound of flowing water.

Take a wander about and explore the small altars inset into the hillside, the lovely ponds and the small waterfall that is said to flow with one of the five best spring waters in Kamakura.

Next, make a donation of Y100 to receive a bamboo basket, two small candles and a packet of incense .  Pause to light your candles and place them on the wrought iron stand to the left of the shrine entrance then light your incense bundle and place it in to koro before entering the cave where the main shrine is housed.

As you enter, the coolness of the cave envelops you and you can’t help but pause to take in the scene before you.  Origami cranes cranes and golden gourds hang from the ceiling and row upon row of tiny wooden tori rest upon a rocky ledge that is lit by a large paper lantern and natural rays coming though the rocks.

The gurgling and bubbling sound of the water will draw you towards the beautiful wooden altar where you will empty your wallet with hopes of future riches. Place your Yen into the bamboo basket, coins and all, scoop up some of the pure spring water and pour it over your money, and pray…

A couple we met at the shrine were pondering the idea of washing their credit cards, but alas, this is yet another place in Japan where credit cards are not accepted!

Not ones to tempt fate, my companions and I washed our money and prayed that it would be come back to us as we handed over the damp bills to the various shopkeepers along the Kamakura shopping street later in the day.

We haven’t yet reaped the benefits of newfound riches, but we had some clean money, if only for a short time, and hold on to a lingering hope that good things really do come to those who wait – after all there isn’t a time limit imposed on prayers…

Zeniarai Bentzaiten Ugafuku Jinja is located about 25 minutes on foot from Kamakura station (approximately one hour from Tokyo station by train) or take some time to explore Kamakura on a rental bike like we did.  Pick up a map of Kamakura at the tourist information office in the station before heading out on foot or on two wheels to make the most of your time in the area.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

Sitting peacefully on the grounds of Kotoku-in in the hills to the southwest of Kamakura station this weathered bronze statue was erected in 1252, weighs in at 121 tons, and stands over 13 meters (42 feet) tall.

The statue has survived earthquakes, fires and was swept away, unharmed, along with its surrounding structure by a tidal wave wave in 1498.

Today the Daibutsu sits in the open air on an earthquake proof foundation and will likely preside peacefully over the area for hundreds of years to come.

Admission to Kotoku-in is a modest Y200 and for and additional Y20 you can take the narrow stairway into the heart of Buddha to explore the inside of this imposing structure.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

My trusty folding fan is never far from reach these days and offers a bit of a respite from the pervasive heat and humidity that oppresses residents of, and visitors to, Japan this time of year.

I’m still getting out and about – in the last few weeks I’ve visited Kamakura, one of many great day trips from Tokyo, shopped my way through Nippori and strolled through the Yanaka cemetery searching for an elusive cool patch under the trees that are scattered amongst the grave stones. It’s just one of my new found favorite areas of Tokyo and one that is well worth adding to any Tokyo itinerary.  I’ve also watched a couple of baseball games and dreamed about visiting the cooler surrounds of Hokkaido in northern Japan.

As a result of natsubate The Nihon Sun will be going on a lighter summer posting schedule for the next few weeks – but don’t fear, we haven’t gone anywhere, we’re still out looking for great destinations and quality content that will inspire and inform those that wish to visit Japan, even if it’s only virtually!

While we are busy fanning ourselves and trying to find the nearest source or cool air we are also busy working on a comprehensive Japan Travel ebook that will be released in the fall.  It is the result of our continuing commitment to a Cut & Paste Japan Trip Planning philosophy and another resource that we hope will help you plan a highly personal and unique trip to Japan.

In the meantime, stay cool and take some time to peruse through some of the content that has been popular over the last few months:

• Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pictures
• Cheap Eats in Japan
• The Unusual Superstitions of the Japanese
• Budgeting Your Time In Japan
• Purity & Prayer at Japanese Shrines
• The Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan
• Getting Around in Japan
• How to Take the Train in Japan
• My Favorite Place in Japan – Different Perspectives
• 25 Things to Do In Japan Before You Die

Image Credit:  Flickr, Ishiyamadera monks 04

Kamakura is home to a number of beautiful temples and shrines with histories that date back centuries as well as beautiful beaches and a giant Buddha Statue know as Daibutsu.

Yokohama is also located in Kanagawa Prefecture and is home to one of the world’s largest Chinatown’s and a thoroughly modern port area, Minato Mirai, where you can shop, eat and get a great view of Yokohama Bay from the Ferris wheel or the Landmark Tower.

Nikko is home to one of Japan’s UNESCO World heritage sites and is approximately a two hour train ride from Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture.  See the elaborate carvings on the ancient shrines and escape the heat of a a Tokyo summer in the mountains of this stunning landlocked area.

Kawagoe is located in Saitama Prefecture and is nicknamed “Little Edo”.  This town is famous for it’s traditional Japanese warehouses and a quaint old fashioned atmosphere.  You will find over 500 statues of Buddha on the grounds of the Kitain Temple and a candy lane where you can peruse and sample all sorts of Japanese candy.

If you want to be further afield be sure to peruse our regional Japan travel series for inspiration.  From north to south, Hokkaido to Okinawa, you will find great sights to add to your itinerary and events to plan your trip around – if you sample the foods of each area as you travel about hungry our companion regional foods of Japan will help you do just that!

Image Credit:  Flickr, Japan0105.15, Nikko – Toshogu, Mt. Fuji from Yokohama & Kura in Kawagoe

Japan Rail, better know as JR to locals, offers a selection of special tickets that will do just that!  Some promotions are seasonal but all will save you some dollars if you plan well.

Selected money saving train passes currently offered by JR East:

Yokohama-Minatomirai Pass – Explore Yokohama on the JR EAST Negishi Line and the Minatomirai Line for Y500 (adults) and Y250 (children).  Good for multiple trips and a coupon book as available at the time of purchase.

Kamakura/Enoshima Excursion Ticket – unlimited travel within the Kamakura/Enoshima area over two days for Y1,970 (adults) and Y1,000 (children).  Good for travel starting from any station on the Yamanote Line in central Tokyo.

Holiday Pass (Holidei Pass) – a great ticket for tourists that offers travel throughout greater Tokyo including Yokohama, Kamakura (Daibutsu – great Buddha of Kamamura pictured below), Saitama and Chiba. The cost of a one day pass is Y2,300 (adults) and Y1,150 (children) and is effective on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays and during the Summer/Winter holiday season.

Seishun18 (Seishun ju – hachi kippu) – this ticket allows you to go almost anywhere in Japan, from Hokkaido (Lake Masyuko pictured below left) to Kyushu, on the JR rail system.  This five day pass can be used in a number of ways but has limitations that are more than offset by it’s low price of Y11,500 (no child fare).  Note that this ticket cannot be used on the shinkansen (bullet train) so it is not a quick way to get around the country.

Saturday / Sunday Ticket(Do-Nichi Kippu) – This ticket offers weekend travel from Tokyo to Sendai, Yamagata, Niigata and Nagano (Tsugaike Ski Resort picture above right) areas at a cost of Y18,000 (adults 19+), Y9,000 (ages 12-18) and Y3,000 (ages 6-11).

For those coming from outside Japan with plans to travel extensively about the country consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass that range in price from Y37,800 for seven days to Y79,600 for twenty-one days for adults.

Make sure you do the math when purchasing these tickets – sometimes it is more cost effective to purchase individual tickets depending on your itinerary. Use Hyperdia or one of the other tools identified in How to Take the Train in Japan to estimate your train travel budget in Japan.  Also, take a moment to read Budgeting Your Time in Japan to get a grasp on how much time it takes to move about the country and even across Tokyo.

Details, travel restrictions and rules for the tickets identified above and others can be found on the JR-East Special Tickets page.

Image Credit:  Flickr, [Minato Mirai] The Failure In Blue, fujisan enoshima wind-surf, Daibutsu, 摩周湖 (摩周湖第一展望台) Masyuko lake (Hokkaido, Japan) & Tsugaike

The damp weather of June heralds the blooms of not only the Iris but also the Ajisai, or Hydrangea, which pop up everywhere and are a well know symbol of the rainy season in Japan.  In my neighborhood the plump blooms line my route to the train station and festivals and special events are held in parks and shrines to celebrate the season across Japan.

Meigetsu-in

This temple in Kamakura is famous for more that 20,000 ajisai blooms that line the pathways around the temple each year during rainy season and is even nicknamed “Ajisai-dera” or Hydrangea Temple by the locals.

Meigetsu-in Temple is located about 10 minutes on foot from Kita-Kamakura Station (Admission is Y300).  The temple is quite bust on weekends so visti during the week if you can fit it into your schedule.

Bunkyo Ajisai Matsuri

Held at Hakusan Shrine in the Bunkyo Ajisai Festival runs through June 14th and offers visitors musical accompaniment to their stroll past some 3,000 hydrangea plants in full bloom from 11AM – 5PM on weekends.

Located one minute on foot from the Toei Mita Subway Line Hakusan Station or three minutes on foot from the Namboku Subway Line Hon-Komagome Station. (Hakusan Shrine Access map)

Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

A lovely garden anytime of the year, the Kyu-Furukawa Gardens in Tokyo’s Kita ward has both western gardens and a path that meanders around a pond and through a traditional Japanese garden.  The park was declared a cultural property of Tokyo in 1982 and is also home to a western style home built in the late 1800’s pictured below.

The rainy season is scheduled to last until mid-July in Tokyo and the end marks the beginning of a hot and humid summer.  The ajisai blooms won’t last that long so take some time to get out and enjoy them while you still can.

Image Credit:  Flickr, Kamakura & personal collection

My favorite place in Japan

This month we had some great participants from the JapanSoc Flickr Group that have been interspersed with links to articles on a number of great Japan blogs.  Enjoy!

Let’s start with an image of Tenshochi – Kitakami, Iwate, Japan by LostInInaka

CJW presents My Patagonia posted at i, cjw ~.::.~ hiking and climbing in japan.

Mike presents Yakushima – Japan Travel Photos posted at Gakuranman. (top right)

Harvey also presents A trip to Yakushima posted at Japannewbie.com.

Kanmuri presents Ueno Station: Hours of Pleasure. posted at Turning Iwatean.

Tokyofoodcast presents My Harbor: Kaminokae, Kochi posted at Tokyofoodcast, saying, “First time to join matsuri. Yoroshiku!”

C.K. Tse shares an image of Gassho-style (literally “praying hands”) thatched-roof houses in Shirakawa

Tony Alexander presents How I Would Entertain Guest in Japan posted at The Soul of Japan.

Honor presents Japanese Countryside -  My Favorite Place In Japan posted at TokyoTopia.

Supreme Nothing presents My Favorite Place in Japan, or Why Does Fuji-san Keep Talking To Me? posted at supreme nothing.

Shibuya246 presents Golf at Mt Fuji posted at Shibuya246.

Thomas Hammerlund presents Rhinos at Yagiyama Zoo in Sendai posted at sixmats.com.

Brett Fyfield presents Knowledge Bubbles up from Within posted at Rainbowhill Language Lab. (fountain image on right – see Rainbowhill’s Photo on Flickr)

Andrew Cowan presents The best place in Japan posted at ALT Susono, saying, “My favorite place in Japan is a local izakaya.”

Billy presents My Favorite Place in Japan posted at Tune In Tokyo – how appropriate that his favorite place is anyplace where he can Karaoke with his friends.

Muza-chan presents My favorite place in Japan, Meiji Jingu posted at Muza-chan’s Gate to Japan.

I agree with Muza-chan, the Meiji Jingu Iris Garden is in the precincts of the shrine and is an oasis of calm in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo.

Dave presents My favourite place in Japan, actually the whole Kansai region, posted at The Ramen Blues.

Janne presents Namba posted at Janne In Osaka. (Bar in Namba at Night pictured on the right – see Janne’s Flickr Photos)

Paul Walsh presents Our favorite place in Japan Hiroshima posted at Get Hiroshima Blog with photo courtesy of Rebecca Schmidt below.

iMorpheus presents My Favorite Place: Rotating Beneath my Feet, referring to the great trains of Japan and posted at Epimetheus. (Tickets Please by pictured on the right – see iMorpheus’s Flickr Photos)

Aimee Weinstein presents My Favorite Place in Japan, the Daibutsu Buddha in Kamakura,  posted at The Weekly Weinstein: Tales of Tokyo Life.

Cindy presents My favorite place in Japan, Mount Koya, or Koya-san,  posted at just a little ちょっと.

Our Man in Abiko presents 10 favourite places – in Abiko posted at our man in abiko.

Deas presents Fushimi Inari Taisha posted at Rocking in Hakata.

KenY-N presents The theatre – my favourite place in Japan posted at What Japan Thinks.

Sarah presents My Favourite Place, Nikko Toshogu, posted at A Canadian in Meiji Japan.

A image of a  Temple gate in Nikko is preseted by indy138.

This image of Tsurunoyu Onsen in Akita is presented by lazysupper.

Last but certainly not least we have an image of Mt. Iwate titled “One Cherry Tree” present by jasohill.

That concludes the May 2009 edition of the Japan Blog Matsuri.   Thanks to all who participated their words and images – it was pleasure to host and I encourage you all to submit entired to the June edition, hosted by Billy of Tune-in-Tokyo.

So, what’s your favorite place in Japan?  One included here or someplace different?  Do tell us all about it in the comments…

You’ve got your plane reservation and are on your way to Japan and now the question becomes how to get around once you are here.  Almost everyone has heard about the vast and efficient trains systems in Japan but there are other means of transportation that you should consider when traveling from place to place.

The country has come along way since the days of rickshaws, horse drawn carriages and samurai on horseback!  (Read more about the History of transportation in Japan)

From traveling cross country to moving about in the cities you will find getting around in Japan a lot easier once you understand your various options.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Many private railways exist throughout Japan but the predominant company serving the country is Japan Railways Group, better know as JR.  From Hokkaido to Kyushu, JR offers service in all regions of Japan, with the exception of Okinawa.

If you are planning to move around the country when you visit consider a Japan Rail Pass which can only be purchased outside of Japan for seven, fourteen, or twenty-one day periods.  A Japan Rails Pass offers travel on most lines, JR busses and ferries throughout the country.   If you are already in Japan, consider one of the regional Japan Rail Passes that can be purchased within the country.

If you are only making a a return trip from one place to another the Japan Rail Pass may not be an economical option for you and you may want to consider booking a single trip on the shinkansen.  The JR East Shinkansen Reservation system can be used to make a reservation but you will need to register as a member (free of charge) during the reservation process. A credit card and e-mail address will be required for membership.  Review the map of the service areas and the timetable to plan your trip.  This reservation system is intended primary for people entering Japan via Narita Airport (just outside of Tokyo) as tickets can only be picked up at major JR East Stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Kanto, Tohoku, and some parts of the Chubu region. Tickets cannot be picked up in Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, or Sapporo.

One of the best resources for train travel in Japan is Hyperdia.  This system allows users to search train timetables across Japan in English and includes approximately 10,000 stations.

Highway Buses

Japan also operates a network of highway busses that are a more economical travel solution that the shinkansen but will make your journey significantly longer, often overnight.

Information of Highway Busses in Japan can be bound at Japan Bus Web along with a searchable database providing pick-up and drop off points, travel time and fare information.

For travel on JR Busses be sure search their highway bus timetable for similar information.  Another company offering long haul bus transportation in Japan is 123bus.net.

Air Travel

Japan has a number of air carriers that offer travel within Japan.  Regular fares are often more expensive than those for train travel but discounts can be found.  Consider a Japan Airpass or consult with a travel agent to learn more about air travel options within Japan.

Public Transportation in Major Japanese Cities

The public transportation system in Japan includes a combination of subway systems, local train lines and busses.  This is often the most economical and convenient way to explore the major cities of Japan.

In most major cities the subway system or local train lines are easier to use than city buses for those with limited or no Japanese language ability.  English signage is often posted and bilingual announcements on major tourist routes are common in lager cities.

Taking the bus can be more challenging as it is often hard to find English information for bus routes and timetables.  However, since train lines criss-cross most major cities you may never have a need to take a city bus.  If you do, check for information or ask for guidance at a local tourism office or from your hotel concierge.

Use these links to assist you as you make your way around on public transportation:

How to Take the Train in Japan
Tokyo Metro – Download the Tokyo Subway Route Map (PDF) for reference and use Tokyo Transfer Guide to plan travel routes in the Tokyo Metropolitan area.
Public Transportation in Kyoto
Public Transportation in Sapporo
Nagoya Subway
Public Transportation in Osaka
Hiroshima Street Cars and Hiroshima Online Route Finder
Fukuoka City Subway
Sendai City Transportation Bureau

Keep in mind that public transportation in Japan does not not operate on a 24 hour schedule.  Most trains and busses stop running around midnight, or earlier in some cases, so be sure to ask about this if you are planning evening outings.

Taxis

While taxis are often the most expensive transportation option, that may not always be the case and taxis should be considered especially when traveling with a group, young children or older people who may have a hard time getting around.  Most taxis accommodate up to four passengers but larger taxis are available but not common.

Taxis are readily available at most train stations and can be easily hailed on busier streets in most Japanese cities.  The base fare for most taxis is Y710 (around USD 7) and that includes the first 2 kilometers.  After that time and distance charges apply at a rate of approximately Y100 for each half a kilometer.  Rates can increase late in the evening after the trains and busses have stopped running.

If you plan on taking a taxi, a red light indicates an available taxi while green indicates one that is taken.  Taxis in Japan have automatic doors that are operated by the driver and it is frowned upon to open or close the door as a passenger.

For short trips with 3-4 people, taking a taxi can actually be cheaper than a train or bus.

Bicycles

In every corner of Japan you will find people of bikes.  Second to walking, it is the most common form of transportation in Japan.  Bicycles can get you to your local market, the train station and beyond.  Most people in Japan own at least one bicycle and a row of parked bicycles is a common sight.

For those visiting some cities offer bicycle rentals and even tours for you to take advantage of – it’s a fun way to move around a city and offers more flexibility that other modes of transportation.

Check out Cycle Tokyo! for a list of bike rental locations in Tokyo or contact them about guided rides in the city.

Bicycle rentals in other areas of Japan:

Kyoto Cycling Tour Project
Mujirushi Ryohin Bicycle Rental (Kyoto)
Kamakura Bicycle Rental (scroll down the page)
Niigata Bicycle Rental
Suwa City (Nagano Prefecture) Rental Bicycle
Rental Bike Apro (Okinwawa)

This list is not all inclusive so be sure to check for with the local tourism office or your hotel concierge to find out if there is a bike rental shop near you in Japan.

On Foot

You will do a lot of walking in Japan and commuting from one place to another will almost certainly involve stretching your legs.  Your walk may be as short as a minute from the bus stop to the shopping mall or restaurant or it could be fifteen minutes or more from the train station to a temple or other sightseeing destination.

Comfortable footwear is essential when traveling around Japan so be sure to come prepared and consider leaving your high heels at home – your feet will thank you!

Getting Around in Japan

Getting around in Japan is fun and relatively easy even if you don’t speak the language – with good planning and knowledge of your transportation options, you will find that moving around the country is a lot less stressful than you may have thought.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection & Flickr, Bicycles, Bicycles, Everywhere!, Shinkansen, Tokyo, Dream Kobe (JR Highway Bus) @ Takarazuka Station & IMGP1500

A trip to the Kameido Wisteria Festival found all of the usual attractions of a matsuri (festival) in Japan; abundant food stalls, good weather and  plenty of people but Mother Nature had other ideas when it came to cooperating with the wisteria blooms.  Only a few of the wisteria vines were blooming and I would guess that they will be at their peak near the end of the festival on May 6th.

My husband and I spent a lovely hour or so wandering around paths within the precincts of Kameido Tenjin without too much distraction but were a bit surprised to find a bronze bull with a donation box in front and many people pausing to toss in a coin and rub the bull like the older gentleman pictured on the left.

The patina of the aged bronze gave the statue a rustic and aged aura but it was apparent from the shiny areas that rubbing his head, and other body parts, especially his joints, was a common occurrence.

Worshipers of Tenjin, a branch of Shintoism, believe that rubbing the bull will provide relief from ailments such as rheumatism which ties into the mythical symbolism of strength, tenacity, virility, and power that has been associated with the bull since ancient times.

There are approximately 80,000 Shinto shrines in Japan, 11,000 of which are Tenjin or Tenmangu.  Main Tenjin temples in Japan include:

• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka
• Kitano Tenmangu in Kyoto
• Egara Tenjin in Kamakura

Kameido Tenjin in Tokyo is a small Tenjin temple but worthy of a visit when the wisteria blooms or to see one of few remaining drum bridges in Tokyo.

Things to See and Do in Kanagawa Prefecture

Visit the Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum in Kawasaki (pictured top right) to see a collection of old Japanese farm and merchant houses as well as over twenty-five Minkaen thatched roof houses that were prevalent from the 17th to 19th centuries in Japan.

Visit the Taro Okamoto Museum of Art to see more works from the creator of Myth of Tomorrow that is on permanent display in Tokyo’s Shibuya Station.

See the Goma Rite, where a priest burns Goma wood and offers a prayer for the safety and well being of the members and their families of those who have reached Yaku Doshi Age (25 and 42, for women at 19 and 33, and for both men and women at 60), at Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji.

Visit the many ancient temples and shrines of Kamakura, which was the capital of Japan from 1185-1333.

Visit the famous hot springs of Yugawara.

Take advantage of the Odakyu Freepass to explore Hakone.  Hakone is located at the base of Mount Fuji and offers visitors hot springs, museums and natural beauty.  Learn more at Hakone-Zenzan.

Explore all that the city of Yokohama has to offer including the ultra modern Minato Mirai area and one of the world’s largest Chinatown’s.

Catch a Yokohama Bay Star’s game at Yokohama Stadium from March through September (map to Yokohama Stadium)

Visit scenic island of Enoshima (pictured middle right) & the man made Hakkei-jima Island, home to Sea Paradise, one of Japan’s largest aquariums.

Learn more about and taste a staple of the Japanese food scene the Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum.

Visit Zushi beach and explore the coastline of the Miura-hanto Peninsula.

For more trip planning ideas and resources for Kanagawa Prefecture visit Kanagawa Now and the Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) Kanagawa pages .

Odd Facts & Trivia

Meiji Government developed the first railways in Japan, from Shinbashi (in Tokyo) to Yokohama in 1872. Learn about this and other firsts by reading about the history of Japan’s transportation system.

Despite the end of the WWII in 1945, much of the the city of Yokohama remained occupied by allied forces until 1951.

The Great Wave off Kanagawa (picture to the right) is one of the most well known Ukioyo-e paitiings.  It was the first in a series of woodblock paintings by Katsushika Hokusai titled 36 Views of Mount Fiji and is said to have inspired the logo of Quiksilver, the surf-wear and apparel manufacturer.

Articles in the Japan: A Closer Look series:

• Japan: A Closer Look at Hokkaido
• Japan: A Closer Look at Tohoku – Part 1 & Part 2
• Japan: A Closer Look at Chubu – Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 1
• Japan: A Closer Look at Kanto – Part 2

Image Credit:  Flickr, Emukai house, Shops lining the street up to the Yasaka Shrine on Enoshima & Wikipedia, The Great Wave off Kanagawa