By Patricia Lightfoot
Here is the final instalment of a brief tour of Japan presented through the Japanese words I practised each day. After Kyoto, we went to Mount Koya or Koyasan, which is an area of religious significance, being the centre of Shingon Buddhism. One attraction for visitors, apart from the town’s natural setting in the mountains, its history, its many temples and other religious buildings, is the opportunity to stay in a temple lodging, where you eat the same vegetarian food as the monks and you can attend morning prayers. We rose early each day with other visitors to sit and listen to three monks clad in dark-blue robes chant. It was interesting to have the opportunity to see this daily ritual. The lodgings were described in various communications as “spartan,” but seemed quite comfortable, though toilets and hot baths were communal.

Day 13: Koyasan
Word of the day
Pasmo, which is the name of the incredibly useful pass that can be used on trains, subways and buses, all of which we used on our way from Kyoto to the mountain town of Koyasan, where we stayed in one of the many temples, the Shojoshin-in temple. Before a delicious vegetarian dinner, we walked at dusk through the cemetery that surrounds the Okunoin Temple below the massive cedars, with stone lanterns lighting our way.
Places visited: Shojoshin-in temple, Okunoin Temple

Day 14: Koyasan
Words of the day
Yakuta because of the cotton housecoats we were invited to wear at meals at the inn in Yumoto Onsen and at the temple in Koyasan, though it was made clear that we had to wear our own clothes when attending morning prayers at the temple. The thick cotton jacket that can be worn over the yakuta was particularly welcome, as the weather had become quite chilly.
Kasa or “umbrella,” because it rained all day. Sometimes the rain was relatively light and at other times it was very heavy. For the first time in my life, I hiked mountain peaks while holding an umbrella. These could be found outside any establishment, borrowed and returned at one’s final stop of the day.
Places visited: Mount Mani, Mount Yoryu, Mount Tengiku, Konpon Daito


Day 15: Osaka
Word of the day
Pachinko or slot machines in honour of the many pachinko palaces, restaurants, stores and the focus on gaudy commerce in Osaka. We were there on a Wednesday evening and the city was humming. What could it be like on a Saturday night? Before going to Japan, I had walked through Simons department store in Ottawa and had seen an “Osaka nights” line of clothing for teens. Now I understand the reference.
Places visited: Muji store at Grand Front, Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade

Day 16: Osaka
Word of the day
Sayonara, because it was time to leave. One last Japanese sight was a group of young people in dark blue business suits crossing the road near Osaka station.
Places visited: City Café at Grand Front, Nakanoshima rose garden
Previous stop: Kyoto
Photos: Patricia Lightfoot and Phillip Lightfoot
December 28, 2017 at 12:12 pm
I’ve enjoyed your words and images very much. Thank you for sharing this with us.
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December 29, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Thanks, Jan! I’ve really enjoyed trying to say something coherent about a truly stimulating journey.
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January 3, 2018 at 2:33 pm
Patricia, this has been an inspiring series of thoughts, words and stunning visuals from your visit to Japan! I don’t really do New Year’s Resolutions, but I like the idea of ‘carefully appreciating small pleasures’ so will see what I can do with that. And reading these blog posts certainly fits that category…
I’m going to take my time with visiting the many linked attractions and highlights over the next while, to extend the pleasure indefinitely. I hope the memories of this journey stay with you and Phil for a long time to come!
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January 3, 2018 at 7:58 pm
Thank you, Marla! That’s so very kind of you.
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