South African Garden and Home – September 2019

gardenandhome.co.za | SEPTEMBER 2019 111

JENNY’STRAVEL TIPS

MUST-SEESIGHTForaguaranteedglimpseofgeishas,

waitatthedoorsoftheMinami-zaTheatreinKyotojust

beforeakabukiperformance.

INTERESTINGTOKNOWMostrestaurantshaveaspecialty

suchassushi,yakitoriorramen.Chefsspendalifetime

perfectingonedishorstyleofcooking,soyou’reunlikely

tohaveabadmeal.

NICETOKNOWVisittheFacebookpageoftheKyotoFree

WalkingTourtobookawalk.

LOCALLINGOUponarrivalatarestaurantsay:itadakimasu(Igratefullyreceive)

andendwithgochisosamadeshita(thankyouforthefeast).

time, the nation celebrates with magical
events, hanami – parties and picnics.
The Japanese archipelago is a fusion
of tradition and modernity with
breathtaking natural and man-made

beauty. Nearly 7 000 islands in the

Pacific Ocean with 60 active volcanoes

make up this mountainous country. The

cities are energetic and industrialised,

the country towns tranquil. Generous

rainfall combined with melting snowcaps

are the reason for the beautiful lakes

and natural hot springs, which offer

relaxation and purification.

After a few days in Osaka, known

as the ‘kitchen of Japan’, I travelled to

crowded Kyoto, a 15-minute bullet train

ride away. This imperial city is lauded

for its tradition, reflected in temples and

teahouses, gardens and geisha, art

and architecture. 

The iconic Fushimi

Inari-taisha shrine in Kyoto.

Osaka Castle looms behind

a froth of cherry blossoms.

A kimono-clad girl in front

of a traditional teahouse.

Locals like to dress up in

kimonos over weekends.