In light of making it through college in one piece, I went on a five-day tour with my aunt around the Shizuoka-ken 静岡県 in Japan. Armed with dad’s heavy camera (“borrowed” for the long term), I managed to take some photos along the way.
“Ano sumimasen… shashin toru yi desuka?”
(Excuse me… is it okay if I take a picture?)
The tea-pouring session of the tour is when one can really observe how tourists respond to the local culture. Gathered around the tea pouring demonstration, visitors were visibly divided into two types — those who sat in seiza (traditional sitting posture with legs folded underneath thighs), and those who don’t. Jocular comments thrown around as the demonstrator poured gyokuro tea with delicate, well-practiced gestures. I don’t know how to feel about the situation.
I love how the residents stopped and waved at us when our train passed by— it reflects the people’s sense of appreciation for their railway.
Never got to see Mt. Fuji (cloudy week), but hey. That calls for another visit in the future. Until next time, Japan!
laura
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