Almost all of us woke up to attend the 6:50 morning service where the sutra was chanted and incense offered. I felt like Auntie Grace was with me and Mom would be happy that I was concentrating on trying to find that peace inside of me.
At 7:20 we all came together for our morning vegetarian breakfast and boarded the bus for our long trip to Osaka.
We had a final look at the fall colors and Reiko showed us the last leg of our Japan Tour.
We stopped along the way at Yuasa Miso and Shoyu (Soy Sauce) Factory. It was explained to us that both miso and shoyu originated in China.
We didn't buy any soy sauce, but they gave us free samples anyway.
We then stopped at historic Yuasa Town and met a 72 year old (one man operation) proprietor named Mr. Ota still making kinzanji miso the old way. He was such a sweet man, who proceeded to sneak into the photo with Art that we really had to buy one of his miso too. It was delicious by the way.
Arriving in Osaka, we found a warmer, more comfortable climate. All our many purchases from the trip were unloaded from the bus. The hotel also informed us that our very generous Tokyo friend had sent us more gifts to bring home. Good gracious! Luckily, Kobayashi Travel provided everyone with packing boxes to cart our treasures home.
We took an orientation walk of Osaka with Reiko at 3:40 PM.
Dinner at 7 PM was a buffet at Cafe in the Park in the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resort. We were all going to hold dear in our memories this brief moment of luxury in our lives.
At 7:20 we all came together for our morning vegetarian breakfast and boarded the bus for our long trip to Osaka.
We had a final look at the fall colors and Reiko showed us the last leg of our Japan Tour.
I must have had the kinzanji miso somewhere else but just didn't know what it was. I really liked the distinctive flavor."Yuasa is where soy sauce was first produced in Japan, the origin of which was Kinzanji miso(soy bean paste) from Kokokuji Temple in Yura Town. The liquid from brewing Kinzanji miso was used to make soy sauce. At Yuasa, you can learn all about soy sauce and Kinzanji miso - the sources of Japanese flavors."
We didn't buy any soy sauce, but they gave us free samples anyway.
Arriving in Osaka, we found a warmer, more comfortable climate. All our many purchases from the trip were unloaded from the bus. The hotel also informed us that our very generous Tokyo friend had sent us more gifts to bring home. Good gracious! Luckily, Kobayashi Travel provided everyone with packing boxes to cart our treasures home.
We took an orientation walk of Osaka with Reiko at 3:40 PM.
Dinner at 7 PM was a buffet at Cafe in the Park in the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resort. We were all going to hold dear in our memories this brief moment of luxury in our lives.
The whole trip will be source of fond memories, I am sure. I love that you share your many travels.
ReplyDeleteYes, I do too. It's the only way I travel...with you and your photos.
ReplyDeleteSome of you were curious about the bedding in Japan. We actually slept very well on the floor. The nice thing about the Japanese method is that all the bedding is portable. Every morning the futons are folded and put away and then brought out at night before bedtime. There are two futons. One is firmer for the mattress and then the lighter one is for the comforter. Mom still sleeps with a futon which I think is too heavy for Hawaii, but she prefers it anyway. There might be names for the different futon types, but I’m afraid I don’t know what it is.
ReplyDeleteI just looked it up. Here’s a great website that explains the whole thing:
ReplyDeletehttp://asianlifestyledesign.com/2010/08/the-pros-and-cons-of-the-japanese-futon/
I used to sleep on a futon in my hippie days. I loved it, and it sure makes it easy to live in a smaller space. :-)
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed taking this trip with you. Packing to go home is such a struggle if you have been shopping. Once in Paris, we shipped our dirty laundry home FedEX so we would have room to bring our shopping home. Your way is much better. :)
ReplyDeleteSo I guess Hokkaido is the NY, and Osaka is the Florida of Japan?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful journey that was! What memories you will have.
ReplyDeleteThank You, Kay!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kay! I'm seriously considering this tour now for my next trip.
ReplyDeleteYou must feel like your head is exploding with all the interesting things you have seen and done.
ReplyDeletesounds like a gourmet eating tour...lol!
ReplyDeleteOh, how sad that it is almost over! Such a wonderful trip for you.
ReplyDeleteCrowne Plazas are luxurious!
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm exhausted again just looking at the final map and everywhere you've been. Yes, traveling in luxury sometimes is a nice treat for all of the years you worked so hard. That's part of the reason I love Hawaii; I can be treated well and enjoy the memories many times over. The tasty, healthy food is even better when you don't have to prepare it. Hope the shipping didn't cost too much. I shipped home one box after each week visiting 3 different Hawaiian islands; not the cheapest way over the ocean. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm surprised there was rom for all the luggage AND purchases! I recall getting on the bus to go to the airport in Samana. What a crowd!
ReplyDeleteStumbled upon your blog and 'Japan Trip' caught my attentions. Enjoyed reading your tour, food and beautiful photos. I live outside US and had been to Japan twice. Love the people there, always polite and loving. Their culture and honesty put us to shame. I remember leaving a few shopping bags outside a shop and went to another floor to get something. When I came back my things are untouched. It's the safest place on earth!
ReplyDeleteHello there! It’s so nice to meet you. I agree that the Japanese people are very polite, friendly and kind. I guess that’s why so many people love to visit their country. We also love it because it’s so very clean there.
ReplyDelete