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- #Wilderness travel treasure temples and tea houses japan upgrade
- #Wilderness travel treasure temples and tea houses japan series
This is the principal temple of Esoteric Buddhism, with a history spanning over 1,200 years.Īfter ‘cleansing’ at the Tsukubai (ceremonial stone water basin), I am introduced to Takua Kamei (the kachou or manager of international affairs at Kongobu-ji Head Temple), who is dressed in a flowing black robe and wooden slippers. If the tranquillity of the beachfront doesn’t induce a zen-like state in you, how about some formal spirituality? In the dense Koya-Ryujin Quasi-National Park, located in the northeastern part of Wakayama, lies nestled the Kongobu-ji Head Temple, founded by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai). I ended my day with a long, much-needed stroll on the moonlit silver sands, with just enough time to tuck in a matcha (powdered green tea) ice cream.
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Speaking of whom, back at the resort, Chef Satoru Nishi had a feast laid out: cold steamed soy milk, lily root and tortoise shell candy, zucchini scallop and squid salad, chicken pot with soy sauce seasoning, vegetable tempura with curry seasoning, red miso soup, mixed pickles, sliced watermelon, mango and kiwi with a citrus sauce. No wonder sashimi and sushiĬlockwise from right: serene surroundings of the Kongobu-ji Temple, Kanto region the rock garden in the temple a taste of Shojin Ryori, the temple cuisine and Shirahama beach is always thronging with people chefs are treated with reverence not only in Japan but all across the culinary world. The quality of the knife-blade itself is believed to lend flavour and texture to the flesh. Starting from the blade of the knife, poker-straight at the tip, then gently curving towards the base. Not only is it a glimpse into Japan’s history and tradition but also a wonderful demonstration of these people’s fabled love of precision and discipline. A perfect canvas for legends of pirates and seamen alike.įor a display of little less adventure but no less skill, head to Toretore fish market, which heaves with fresh seafood and offers live demos on filleting tuna for sashimi. That said, views of the robust rockface being lashed by the equally powerful sea waves are available to be enjoyed by all. Standing on the edge of the cliff was enough to make my feeble heart flutter but more intrepid types–adrenaline junkies, that is–should add cliff diving in Shirahama to their bucket list. The sharp drop from Sandanbeki Rock Cliff provides the ideal platform for this sport.
#Wilderness travel treasure temples and tea houses japan series
The Cliff Diving World Series attracts a large number of participants from across the globe. This quaint little fishing port has, over the years, become a hotspot for beach buffs and watersport enthusiasts. But the perfectionist Japanese wouldn’t have any of it–they simply went ahead and imported more white sand from the Great Barrier Reef! Google had already told me that the name literally meant ‘white sands’, but that years of erosion and degradation were taking their toll and Shirahama was in danger of losing its claim to fame. Shirahama, a resort town in Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, is first on the list. Eight-hour-plus flights are always a little daunting but with a comfortable large seat with leg rests in addition to footrests, I am thankful for this extremely auspicious start.
#Wilderness travel treasure temples and tea houses japan upgrade
Arriving at Delhi airport, I’m greeted by my hosts from JAL, Okamoto-san and Nibedita-san, who deliver the first piece of good news: an upgrade to Premium Economy.
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