JAN | FEB 2018

FIJITIMEWE LC OM E TO O U R HO M E

Romantic Rendezvous
From the comfort our new lounge to thefar flung places of the earth

Insta Worthy

Romantic Places toVisit in the World

Romantic Routes

RV Adventures in New
Zealand’s South Island

Jaunty Japan

Cherry Blossoms, Neon
Lights and Zen Moments

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JAPANNeon Lights & Zen
By Rachna NathNaked, with goose bumps, soaking in a 40
degree mineral bath deep enough to cover mybosom is how I would best sum up my mostmemorable experience of Japan.
This experience, my first, was in a quiet onsen
on a hotel rooftop and I was a little awkward at
first -- because I’m a conservative Fijian andbeing stark naked in a pool with strangers is not
something we do every day in the islands. Or atall, ever.
It was in Matsushima, a coastal town four andhalf hours drive from Tokyo, a must-see for its
famous pine-clad islets and Zen temples. Theonsen has roots dating back to 712, used by inured
Samurai warriors to heal their wounds, later
spreading to the wider population. Traditionallymen and women bathed together and although
there are now separate baths, mixed bathing still
occurs in some areas.
I like to think I’m quite adventurous. I’m all fortrying out different cuisine, but I was hesitant
about the onsen so timed my visit for 11pm, justan hour before it closed when I expected fewer
people would be there.
I was one of the few wrapped in a yukata,a casual version of the kimono. Naked elderly
women strolled happily about, preparing for thebath. I put my yukata in one of the little baskets
provided, hoping no-one was looking as I tried toblend in – rather difficult when you are the only
dark skinned person there.
A tiny towel the size of a facecloth provided theonly ounce of modesty, which I used to me get tothe showers for the thorough rinse bathers have
before entering the pool.
The hand-held shower stalls are equipped witha little wooden stool and a basket with shampoo
and soap. The idea is to sit down with your backto the pool and clean up. Two doorless cubicles
at the end had overhead shower heads, which I
preferred to coping with the little stools.

66FIJITIMEThe coastal town of Matsushima is perfect for Zen moments

The bustling city of TokyoMust-see cities and activities:*Tokyo – experience the nightlife anddon’t forget to visit the Robot Restaurant,
enjoy the views from Tokyo Skytree
tower, ride the world’s first bullet train,
visit the imperial palace and the very
colourful Tsukiji Fish market*Kyoto – experience authentic
Japanese tea ceremony at WAK Japan,
visit the Golden Pavilion and enjoy somegood shopping along the infamous Shoji
Street.
*Matsushima – take a boat cruise inthe Matsushima Bay, visit the Zuiganji
Zen Buddhist Temple, and try out
Japanese-style restaurant Un-gai toappreciate Washoku, traditional dietarycultures of the Japanese.

Cherry Blossom lined waterways of Japan

Then came a 20 metre walk across to the poolwhich I managed to achieve without making eye
contact with anyone, and lowered myself into thewater. A quick glance around reveals the womenin the pool smiling and nodding their approval.
Then I realised I was supposed to move the face
towel covering my modesty and place it neatly on
my head, like the others.
The natural hot water is wonderful and I began
to feel more relaxed almost immediately. With eyes
closed, I leant against the rocks and soak it up.
When I opened my eyes, I discovered I was
the only one left in the hot pool. Surely I didn’t
scare off the locals. Of course not, there’s only 20
minutes left to closing time.
Though 7000 kilometres apart, Japan and Fijiare island countries with culture firmly rooted incustoms, some still relevant today; with strong
family ties and respect for tradition, such as theritual of the onsen.
The experience left me feeling liberated witha sense of accomplishment. After my bath I I
confidently walked out of the pool, this time withthe towel on my head, and head to the showers.
Maybe it was because no-one was actuallyaround, or just maybe I learnt a thing or two about
the Japanese way of life.
Zen Moments
Few places can boast a quintessential balance
between modern life and a rich imperial culture
as Japan does. Beyond the neon-lit streetscapes,
extravagant street fashion and tantalising fresh
seafood, Japan has a fascinating spiritual side.
Kyoto’s most iconic Zen temples, Ryoan-ji
translates to the Temple of the Dragon of Peace.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, thetemple’s Stone Garden features distinctive rockcreations and smooth small river pebbles in linear
patterns that are intended to assist mediation.

Zen pond garden and cherry tree at Ryoan-ji in Kyoto

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ADVENTURE

Traditional Japanese tea tray

The Stone Garden has four secrets and isa puzzle of sorts. Its 15 rocks are arranged
so that only 14 can be viewed at any one time.
Some say the rock formations representa tiger carrying a cub across the stream,others believe it depicts an ocean accented
with small islands, but true zen believers willargue the garden signifies the incompletenessof the things of this world.
If you appreciate Zen Buddhism, then visit
the breath-taking Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji. Originally built in 1397 as a residence forshogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the temple hasburnt down numerous times throughout
history. The present structure was rebuilt in1955 and is richly adorned in gold leaf that68

FIJITIME

reflects in the mirror pond, making for great
photography in every season.
The Way of Tea
A good cuppa is widely appreciated in thePacific. The Japanese Way of Tea ceremony
is as ritualistic as a yaqona ceremony.
The ritual of serving green powered tea
dates back 1000 years when the first tea
leaves were brought back from China by
Japanese priests for religious purposes.
Today the tea ceremony is considered anart and spiritual discipline, although there isincreasing understanding of its health benefits
and appreciation of its cultural importance.

The writer in a Kimono

Day in a Kimono
You haven’t truly experienced Japan if you
haven’t worn a kimono, the national dress ofboth men and women. It is a full length robewith a sash, obi.
It does feel heavy at first, but it’s a beautiful
garment. Women’s kimonos often are brightcoloured while men’s are often dark orwith bold colours. While not everyday wear,
in Japan, it is worn with pride on special
occasions such as weddings, graduations or
coming of age ceremonies.
Fiji Airways will begin flights from Nadi toTokyo from July.