Kawagoe-A glimpse of old Japan

Kawagoe,located just about 30 minutes ride from Ikebukuro is a  beautiful city which represents the cultural properties and historic sites of Edo era. I  really feel it’s a “must visit” place for those tourists who aren’t able to go to Kyoto or  Nara to witness the beauty of old Japan.

As transportation is convenient, a day trip from Ikebukuro(in Tokyo) to Kawagoe is highly recommended.

First of all when I deboarded the train and came out of Kawagoe station to feel the charm Kawagoe I was astonished to find skyscrapers!!!

Astonished to find skycrapers at Kawagoe station

                               TOKINO KANE

Then somehow with my very bad Japanese I was able to make the Koban understand that I wanted to go  to Tokino Kane.

He guided us to bus stop no.1 and from there we hopped down at Kura-Michi bus stop.Then,after a 10 minute walk we reached Tokino Kane(Bell Tower).

It’s said that this tower is a symbol tower of Kawagoe.The first Bell Tower was built in 1624.The present tower was rebuilt after the big fire in 1893.Nowadys,people get to hear only a recording of the bell .

In that street where the Tokino Kane is located there is a shop where cotton Kimonos can be found at 1000yen.

Merely strolling around this street allow us to imagine the streets of Edo era.

Tokino Kane

                        NARITASAN &  KITAIN TEMPLES

After walking straight in that street and then turning rightwards after two traffic signals(I guess) we reached Naritasan Temple. It’s  also a beautiful temple.On the site of the temple a flea market is held on the 28^th of every month.After exiting from Naritasan temple we reached Kitain Temple after about 10 minutes walk.

The temple is magnificient.Built in 830 the temple had undergone a reconstruction due to the big fire in1638.

GOHAKYU-RAKAN STATUES

Within the Kitain temple there are 538 stone statues that represents disciples of Buddha.The statues showcases different postures and emotions . I really found them very attractive.

The splendid beauty of Kitain temple made us forget about time and we spend three hours in the temple and praised the scenic beauty.

                                                 

Naritasan temple

Exiting from Naritasan temple

Kitain Temple

Kitain temple

Gohyaku-Ryan

                      KASHIYA YOKUCHO

This is a small lane of tiny candy shops. We purchased some candies from this lane and while nibbling them we ended our short but sweet trip in Kawagoe.

Kashiya Yokucho

Sweet memories

                            HIKAWA SHRINE

The fine artistic work in the shrine’s gate can easily captivate anybody

Guide for first time visitors

Access:

• From Ikebukuro take Tobu Tojo Line and deboard at Kawagoe station.Fare:450 yen
• From Kawagoe station take bus from bus stop no.1 and get down at KuraMachi Bus stop
• One can also take a 500 yen pass and ride on Loop Bus.

Must See:

• Tokino Kane
• Kitain Temple
• Hikawa Shrine
• Kashiya Yokucho
• Toshogu Shrine

Must Try:

• Engraving names in chopsticks  at Yuzen(and that too in English!!)
• Eating delicacies made of sweet potatoes 

What is with this Japanese Hai?

Ah! This is one of the most hilarious incident of my life.

On my very first day of stay in Japan I went to Ajabu-Juban Metro Station.We had some problems regarding the train routes as none of us knew Japanese. So, my mother (she's a very good observer...maybe because her zodiac sign is scorpion..lol!!)started looking for someone who could help us. She quickly spotted a man in navy-blue uniform(well...that was quite an easy task for her..lol!!)

Oh! that man was so cute.I was just dying to talk with him( but for a conversation I should atleast know Japanese...otherwise it would only be a monologue and will never turn into a dialogue. Dah!! I was cursing  every moment as I didn't know Japanese)

My mother went to him and said "Sumimasen!!" (Our Japanese vocabulary is confined to 2 words only..sumimasen and arigato)
The man abruptly replied in a thick voice "Hai!"
I couldn't believe my ears.Had I become deaf? Was he greeting us?But why in a thick voice?Then I thought maybe he was in duty so he was very much into his job and hence replied in a thick voice.To that I too replied in a fruity voice "Hi".

Later in the evening when I narrated the entire incident to my father I was feeling myself to be the most stupid  person in the entire world.I was shocked to know that "Hai" in japanese meant "Yes".Had I shut my mouth at that time I wouldn't have to feel so embarrassed afterwards.But that is only life.These stupid incidents only bring smiles to our faces. Am I right?
Please feel free to comment and share your weird experiences with me  .

The Denizens of the Land of Rising Sun

Their spirits never founder

in any disaster.

Even in the worst melancholy

their hopes aren’t shattered so easily.

Before their courage, that’s boundless

fiascos have to be faced by menace.

They do bend with gratitude

but nothing can break their fortitude.

Bravely they face each  twist and turn.

They are the people of

The Land of Rising Sun.

-          Tanushree Dutta