I arrived to Japan in mid of March, when the spring time was calling for the cherry blossom. “Hanami” is the old name of picnicking under a blooming sakura (cherry blossoms). It could be considered as a reunion time, when friends and family members are sitting on the carpet under the cherry trees and enjoying the beautiful scents and color of spring. I lived in a guesthouse for both Japanese and foreigners. It was a very friendly community. I had a chance to experience “Hanami” event organized for the tenants by the guesthouse. It was very enjoyable to see the canopy of blossoms with a picnic and a traditional photo screen.
As my internship lasted until August, I had more chances to explore the summer season in Japan. About the weather, it was not so nice to go out during the season of both humid and hot. It is also the time of tsunami. Regardless of these factors, it was still worth to staying there for the summer because it is time for “Hanabi” (fireworks) festivals. For me, the Japanese fireworks were bigger, longer lasting, and more colorful than any fireworks that I have seen so far. The special thing going hand-in-hand with hanabi was wearing Yukata. This is traditional clothing in Japan, and also is known as a summer version of kimono. Wearing yukata does not mean only wearing an outfit, but a certain hairstyle and elaborate accessories are the requirements to complete the look. I and my colleagues went to see hanabi in August, it was a great chance for me to wear yukata. One of my colleagues has lent me her yukata, which was made by her mother. I would say, it was not as easy as it looked to wear the yukata by myself. With the help from my colleague, I finally managed to have a perfect look for the firework festivals.
Mount Fuji is a national icon for Japan, which is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776.24 m. This is one of the most attractive destinations for foreigners, especially for hikers. The best option is to take two days and one night to reach the top of the mountain. Unfortunately, due to a tight schedule, I was not able to complete the trail. However, it was still worth going to the Mt. Fuji for the sunrise as well as for little walks. One thing to be aware of is weather. As it is a typhoon season during the summer, as well as the weather up to the mountain can be unpredicted- changeable, climbing the mountain with well preparation and experts are recommended.
Japan is also a famous place of shrines, temples, and souvenirs.
Getting to know Japanese history, traditional things, and cuisines, Japanese manner and equity, etc. as well as discovering many different perspectives of the country makes me want to stay there longer. It was such amazing journey for me. I hope I would come back to Japan one day soon.
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