{"id":2341,"date":"2017-05-03T14:10:26","date_gmt":"2017-05-03T04:10:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/?p=2341"},"modified":"2022-06-15T14:07:07","modified_gmt":"2022-06-15T04:07:07","slug":"traditional-japan-step-back-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/traditional-japan-step-back-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Traditional Japan \u2013 Step Back in Time"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan.jpg\" class=\"broken_link\"><noscript><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan.jpg\" alt width=\"1920\" height=\"620\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-300x97.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-768x248.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-1024x331.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-1200x388.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-345x111.jpg 345w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-770x249.jpg 770w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\"><\/noscript><img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-4527 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201920%20620%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt width=\"1920\" height=\"620\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201920%20620%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-300x97.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-768x248.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-1024x331.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-1200x388.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-345x111.jpg 345w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan-770x249.jpg 770w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Wendy Wu Tours team member Lachlan Burnet recently travelled on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/japan\/tours\/jewels-of-japan.htm\">Jewels of Japan<\/a> tour. Anticipating a modern country, with neon signs and high tech-gadgetry, Lachlan was pleasantly surprised by the timeless aspects of traditional Japan. He described it as &#8216;captivating, entrancing and fascinating&#8217;.<\/p>\n<p>Lachlan shares his fond memories of his step back in time during his&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/japan\/\">Japan<\/a>&nbsp;tour, including the must-see highlights, customs and culture from days gone by&#8230;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2362\" style=\"width: 3200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2362\" class=\"wp-image-2362 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695.jpg\" alt=\"Lachlan meeting a Maiko in Kyoto, traditional japan\" width=\"3190\" height=\"1758\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695.jpg 3190w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695-768x423.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695-1024x564.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3190px) 100vw, 3190px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2362\" class=\"wp-image-2362 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203190%201758%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Lachlan meeting a Maiko in Kyoto, traditional japan\" width=\"3190\" height=\"1758\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203190%201758%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 3190w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3190px) 100vw, 3190px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695.jpg 3190w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695-768x423.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695-1024x564.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lachlan-meeting-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-e1493779888695.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2362\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lachlan meeting a Maiko in Kyoto<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_2363\" style=\"width: 3978px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2363\" class=\"wp-image-2363 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji.jpg\" alt=\"Lach on the way to Mt. Fuji, traditional japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2363\" class=\"wp-image-2363 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Lach on the way to Mt. Fuji, traditional japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 3968w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lach-MtFuji.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2363\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lach on the way to Mt. Fuji<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"mceTemp\"><\/div>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Tokyo \u2013&nbsp;where modern embraces traditional<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>One of the most captivating things about Tokyo is how the modern and futuristic blend&nbsp;seamlessly with historic and traditional Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Senso-Ji Temple, originally founded in the 7th century, is Tokyo\u2019s oldest temple. It is still extremely popular for worship with local people. At the Edo Museum, we explore the period of Tokyo\u2019s history from the 17th-19th centuries when Tokyo was a fishing village known as Edo.&nbsp;A highlight for our group in Tokyo was the Imperial Palace East Gardens, home to Japan&#8217;s emperor, and \u2013 cherry blossoms! Luckily we were able to see these wondrous trees in full bloom, despite it being towards the end of the brief blooming season.&nbsp;The classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens, a 70-year-old public park are another aspect of Tokyo that highlights traditional Japan. We were in luck once again as late-season cherry blossoms decorated the park.<\/p>\n<p>There are two main religious beliefs in Japan \u2013 Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto (meaning \u2018way of the gods\u2019) is unique to Japan and is as old as the country itself. Shinto is an optimistic way of life that focuses on sacred spirits found in elements vital to life, such as wind, rain, mountains, trees and fertility. People become ancestral&nbsp;<em>kami&nbsp;<\/em>after death. Devotees visit their local shrine to keep evil spirits at bay through purification, prayer and offerings to the <em>kami<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Tokyo\u2019s famous Meiji Shrine also provides a fascinating insight into the timeless nature of Japanese culture. The first thing that especially strikes you is the 12m-high torii gate, which is made of 1,500-year-old cedar wood. A torii gate is a traditional Japanese gate found at the entrance to a Shinto shrine and marks the boundary between life outside the temple and the sacred within.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2367\" style=\"width: 4906px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2367\" class=\"wp-image-2367 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624.jpg\" alt=\"Entrance to popular Sensoji Temple, traditional japan\" width=\"4896\" height=\"2460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624.jpg 4896w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624-1024x515.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4896px) 100vw, 4896px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2367\" class=\"wp-image-2367 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%204896%202460%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Entrance to popular Sensoji Temple, traditional japan\" width=\"4896\" height=\"2460\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%204896%202460%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 4896w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4896px) 100vw, 4896px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624.jpg 4896w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624-1024x515.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Entrance-to-popular-Sensoji-Temple-e1493780222624.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2367\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Entrance to popular Sensoji Temple<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_2365\" style=\"width: 3978px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2365\" class=\"wp-image-2365 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine.jpg\" alt=\"Cleansing Ritual Prior to Entering Meiji Shrine, traditional japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2365\" class=\"wp-image-2365 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Cleansing Ritual Prior to Entering Meiji Shrine, traditional japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 3968w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Cleansing-Ritual-Prior-to-Entering-Meiji-Shrine.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2365\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cleansing Ritual Prior to Entering Meiji Shrine<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h2><strong>Mt Fuji \u2013 oh my!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Time to leave the bright lights of Tokyo and head&nbsp;off to rural Japan. First stop \u2013 Mt Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes. There is a&nbsp;sense of excitement, but also apprehension; excitement because Mt Fuji evokes images of one of the world\u2019s most impressive and national icons, and apprehension because we knew how temperamental the weather can be in this area. I will never forget that moment our coach rounded a bend and there she was in all her magnificence! It was breathtaking!<\/p>\n<p>We continued to a hidden spot that you\u2019d never find by yourself where two friendly (and very funny) ladies instructed us about how to make our own soba noodles. There is laughter aplenty as we master the fine hand-chopping of the noodles! Our efforts are well-rewarded when our two new friends took our freshly-made noodles away and returned minutes later with a thoroughly delicious lunch made up of our own handiwork. It was a fantastic cultural experience to cook using traditional cooking methods and Japanese utensils and one that we may have missed if we were on an escorted tour.<\/p>\n<p>The local knowledge of our Wendy Wu Tours guide has been of huge benefit. She knows the secret spots, when to go, what the weather looks like it&#8217;s going to do. We don&#8217;t miss out on anything because of her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/about-us\/why-book-with-us\/\">expertise<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2381\" style=\"width: 3978px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2381\" class=\"wp-image-2381 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles.jpg\" alt=\"Making Soba Noodles, traditional japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2381\" class=\"wp-image-2381 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Making Soba Noodles, traditional japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 3968w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Making-Soba-Noodles.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2381\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Making Soba Noodles<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_2382\" style=\"width: 4294px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2382\" class=\"wp-image-2382 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813.jpg\" alt=\"Mt. Fuji, traditional japan\" width=\"4284\" height=\"2356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813.jpg 4284w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813-1024x563.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4284px) 100vw, 4284px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2382\" class=\"wp-image-2382 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%204284%202356%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Mt. Fuji, traditional japan\" width=\"4284\" height=\"2356\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%204284%202356%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 4284w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4284px) 100vw, 4284px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813.jpg 4284w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813-1024x563.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Mt-Fuji_shutterstock_135137369-e1493782557813.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2382\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mt. Fuji<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h2><strong>Onsen, Samurai &amp; Kimonos<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Our lodgings for two nights are a hot spring resort beside the shores of Kawaguchi-ko. Hot springs are incredibly popular in Japan. Known as <em>onsen<\/em>, they have been enjoyed by the Japanese for centuries for their health benefits and as a place to socialise too. The onsen is also segregated into male and female. Some <em>less shy<\/em> members of our group decided to take the plunge and experience the onsen for themselves. I say <em>less shy<\/em> as it is a requirement that you bathe naked, with just a tiny &#8216;modesty towel&#8217;. Reports back indicate that everyone felt reinvigorated after soaking in the ancient and therapeutic geothermal waters.<\/p>\n<p>For those who wish to embrace traditional Japan, a visit to Iyashi no Sato is essential. Famous for its thatched houses, this historic village gives an insight into what traditional life was like. A highlight was the option to dress up in traditional Samurai regalia (for the gents) and traditional Kimonos (for the ladies). We emerged wearing our new garb of raucous laughter. We have a newfound respect for Japanese Samurais of the era \u2013 their armour and headwear were incredibly heavy \u2013 how they fought and manoeuvred wearing these pieces of equipment is anybody\u2019s guess!<\/p>\n<p>Our other stop was at Oshino Hakkai, a beautiful area of tranquil scenery featuring five large ponds that are filled with the melting snow from Mt Fuji. There are also some stunning views of Fuji from here. The small-yet-interesting museum here features Samurai swords and armour, household objects from times gone by and other glimpses into traditional Japanese life from many years ago.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2393\" style=\"width: 3978px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2393\" class=\"wp-image-2393 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji.jpg\" alt=\"Dress Up Time in the Foothills of Mt. Fuji, traditional japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2393\" class=\"wp-image-2393 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Dress Up Time in the Foothills of Mt. Fuji, traditional japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 3968w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Dress-Up-Time-in-the-Foothills-of-Mt-Fuji.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2393\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dress Up Time in the Foothills of Mt. Fuji<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_2394\" style=\"width: 5510px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2394\" class=\"wp-image-2394 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695.jpg\" alt=\"Iyashi No Sato Village and Mt. Fuji, traditional japan\" width=\"5500\" height=\"3066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695.jpg 5500w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695-768x428.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695-1024x571.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5500px) 100vw, 5500px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2394\" class=\"wp-image-2394 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%205500%203066%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Iyashi No Sato Village and Mt. Fuji, traditional japan\" width=\"5500\" height=\"3066\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%205500%203066%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 5500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5500px) 100vw, 5500px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695.jpg 5500w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695-768x428.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695-1024x571.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Iyashi-No-Sato-Village-and-Mt-Fuji_Fotolia_61562961-e1493782121695.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2394\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Iyashi No Sato Village and Mt. Fuji<\/p><\/div>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h2><strong>The spiritual heart of Japan<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Kyoto conjures images of ancient temples and Zen gardens. Sometimes when you travel to a destination with a picture in your mind, you end up disappointed with the reality. Let me tell you, Kyoto is not one of those destinations! Kyoto is incredibly beautiful and a wonderful place to experience traditional Japan, its culture and customs.<\/p>\n<p>We meet traditional Japan head-on during lunch with a genuine Maiko, an apprentice Geisha. She was beautiful and entertained us with traditional Japanese dance. As part of Geisha culture, their role includes talking with guests. Our Maiko, named Fukuya, sat with us and also answered our questions about life as a Maiko. It was a fascinating experience.<\/p>\n<p>We were in for a lot of fun this afternoon as the group engaged in the centuries-old art of Japanese paper-folding known as Origami. Our teacher was fantastic at keeping her explanations simple, and before we knew it we were making our own Origami frogs and paper boxes. We also took part in a traditional tea ceremony, usually reserved for formal occasions.<\/p>\n<p>Most of the temples in Kyoto symbolise the values of traditional Japan. The beautiful Ryoan-Ji Temple is a lush and tranquil escape. A beautiful, Zen-inspired rock garden is the&nbsp;centrepiece. Kiyomizu-Dera, a 16th-century Buddhist temple offers&nbsp;spectacular woodland vistas. Drink the pure water to preserve health and long life. Kinkaku-Ji, better known to most as the &#8216;Golden Temple&#8217;, is one of Japan&#8217;s most iconic sites. We were lucky again with cherry blossoms galore!<\/p>\n<p>Kyoto leaves you with a sense of inner-peace and calmness and consequently a much larger insight into the Japanese culture and mindset.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2403\" style=\"width: 3474px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2403\" class=\"wp-image-2403 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional Japanese tea ceremony\" width=\"3464\" height=\"1991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115.jpg 3464w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115-768x441.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115-1024x589.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3464px) 100vw, 3464px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2403\" class=\"wp-image-2403 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203464%201991%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Traditional Japanese tea ceremony\" width=\"3464\" height=\"1991\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203464%201991%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 3464w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3464px) 100vw, 3464px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115.jpg 3464w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115-768x441.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115-1024x589.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Traditional-japanese-tea-ceremony_dreamstime-e1493782598115.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2403\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Traditional Japanese tea ceremony<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_2402\" style=\"width: 3978px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2402\" class=\"wp-image-2402 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto.jpg\" alt=\"Lunch with a Maiko in Kyoto, traditional Japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2402\" class=\"wp-image-2402 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Lunch with a Maiko in Kyoto, traditional Japan\" width=\"3968\" height=\"2240\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203968%202240%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 3968w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3968px) 100vw, 3968px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto.jpg 3968w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-768x434.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto-1024x578.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Lunch-with-a-Maiko-in-Kyoto.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2402\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lunch with a Maiko in Kyoto<\/p><\/div>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h2><strong>Reflection in Hiroshima<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Hiroshima is infamous as the site of the first use of a nuclear weapon on humans on August 6, 1945. It is essential to have a solemn visit to &#8216;Ground Zero&#8217; at the Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum. It was poignant and also a time for reflection to learn more about what occurred during the aftermath.<\/p>\n<p>A brief, but scenic 15-minute ride across the water takes us to the sacred isle of Miyajima. This island features a beautiful Shinto shrine, Itsukushima, and a beautiful Torii gate. At high tide, it gives the impression that it&#8217;s floating on the water. It\u2019s an iconic image of Japan.<\/p>\n<p>A journey&nbsp;to one of Japan\u2019s national treasures \u2013 Himeji Castle, is not to be missed. In its current form, it dates back over 400 years. This castle is sacred to the Japanese people and is largely intact from its original state. Yes, there are a number of steep staircases inside to traverse. The view from the top is magnificent and a true insight into life in ancient and traditional Japan. Similarly, the beautiful Kokoen Gardens, just next door to the castle, are a magnificent example of traditional Japanese garden architecture.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2409\" style=\"width: 5482px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2409\" class=\"wp-image-2409 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677.jpg\" alt=\"Hiroshima Peace Park, traditional japan\" width=\"5472\" height=\"3648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677.jpg 5472w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2409\" class=\"wp-image-2409 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%205472%203648%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Hiroshima Peace Park, traditional japan\" width=\"5472\" height=\"3648\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%205472%203648%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 5472w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677.jpg 5472w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hiroshima-Peace-Park-AdobeStock_59707677.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2409\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hiroshima Peace Park<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_2410\" style=\"width: 3245px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2410\" class=\"wp-image-2410 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan.jpg\" alt=\"Itsukushima Shrine, traditional japan\" width=\"3235\" height=\"2427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan.jpg 3235w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3235px) 100vw, 3235px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2410\" class=\"wp-image-2410 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203235%202427%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Itsukushima Shrine, traditional japan\" width=\"3235\" height=\"2427\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%203235%202427%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 3235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3235px) 100vw, 3235px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan.jpg 3235w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Itsukushima-Shrine-Miyajima-lachlan.jpg\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-2410\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Itsukushima Shrine<\/p><\/div>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h4><\/h4>\n<h2><strong>&#8216;&#8230;captivating, entrancing and fascinating&#8230;&#8217;<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I have seen and experienced so much on this Wendy Wu Tour. It\u2019s the unique touches makes travelling with Wendy Wu Tours the way to go. I underestimated Japan. I found it captivating, entrancing and fascinating. How to sum it up? Quirky, at-times modern, at-times ancient, polite, highly organised yet a very traditional destination.<\/p>\n<p>It seems like I have found a new favourite destination in Asia \u2013 I can\u2019t wait to go back\u2026 and I know it will be sooner, rather than later!<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Subscribe to our blog!<\/p>\n<p>Other blogs that may interest you:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/guided-tours-benefits\/\">FULLY INCLUSIVE GUIDED TOURS: BENEFITS<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/cherry-blossom-fever-japan-want-catch\/\">Cherry Blossom Fever in Japan (And Why You Want to Catch It)<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/blog\/48-hours-tokyo\/\">48 Hours in Tokyo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sign up for our free newsletter or request a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.com.au\/brochures\/\">brochure<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wendy Wu Tours team member Lachlan Burnet recently travelled on our Jewels of Japan tour. Anticipating a modern country, with neon signs and high tech-gadgetry, Lachlan was pleasantly surprised by the timeless aspects of traditional Japan. He described it as &#8216;captivating, entrancing and fascinating&#8217;. Lachlan shares his fond memories of his step back in time [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4527,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"spay_email":""},"categories":[7,9,157,205],"tags":[76,160,169,130],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/header-image-japan.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2341"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2341"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2341\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5374,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2341\/revisions\/5374"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4527"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2341"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2341"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2341"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}