A Journey to the DMZ: A Glimpse into Korea's Divided Past

The DMZ

We arrived early at Exit 9 of Myeongdong Station in Seoul, eager to board the bus for our day trip to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), the tense border that separates North and South Korea. The excitement was palpable—standing at the 38th Parallel, a line that once seemed distant and unreachable, was about to become a reality.

Arrival in Seoul: A Warm Welcome

Our journey to Seoul had begun the previous day with a pleasant flight from Fukuoka. Upon landing at the bustling Incheon Airport, we were immediately struck by South Korea’s seamless integration of technology and efficiency. Purchasing a T-Money card from a convenience store ensured smooth travel on public transportation and even allowed purchases at various shops.

We hopped onto the AREX-Airport Express train, which was crowded but efficient, and arrived at Seoul Station. As we navigated the vast network of escalators and stairways, a kind-hearted local approached us, inquiring about our destination. To our surprise, he personally guided us through the maze, ensuring we boarded the correct train before continuing on our way. This unexpected act of kindness was our first taste of Korean hospitality—even before checking into our accommodation.

Later that evening, while exploring the vibrant streets of Myeongdong, we located Exit 9—the designated meeting point for our DMZ tour the next morning.

The DMZ Tour Begins

Our Guide Doria

At precisely 7:30 AM, our guide, a friendly Korean woman named Daria, greeted us and ushered us onto the bus. As we made our way through the metropolis, the sight of towering skyscrapers, ancient palaces, and meticulously maintained gardens provided a striking contrast to the history of division we were about to witness.

Daria kept us engaged with artefacts and historical accounts of the Korean War, describing how families were separated—some never to reunite again. As we neared the DMZ, a routine security check by South Korean soldiers required every visitor’s passport to be inspected before entry. After about ninety minutes, our first stop awaited us.

Imjingak Park: A Site of Reflection

The Freedom Bridge

Imjingak Park, a space dedicated to Korean War refugees, houses remnants of history, including a war-damaged train that had remained stranded in the DMZ for nearly fifty years. The Freedom Bridge, an iconic landmark, witnessed the exchange of hundreds of prisoners of war in 1953.

A particularly moving story tied to this place is that of Hyundai founder Chung Ju-Yung. As a young man, he had sold his father’s cow to escape to South Korea. In a symbolic gesture of gratitude and reconciliation, he returned to North Korea in 1998, crossing the DMZ with 1,001 cows as repayment for the one he had taken decades earlier.

Imjingak is also home to Dorasan Station, the northernmost railway station in South Korea. Though inactive, it stands as a symbol of hope for the possible reunification of the two Koreas. A quirky curio shop here sells North Korean stamps and currency notes, intriguing souvenirs for visitors.

The Train

Dora Observatory: A Window into North Korea

The two stations on either side of North and South Korea

Our next stop was the Dora Observatory, perched atop Mount Dora. Along the way, another military checkpoint required another round of passport verification, reminding us of the strict security measures in place.

A peek into North Korea side

The observatory offers a rare view into North Korea, overlooking Kaesong Industrial Complex, Kaesong city, and the Military Demarcation Line. Before stepping onto the observation deck, we watched a brief documentary about the Korean War and the DMZ’s history. 

A farmer on N Korea side

The N Korea flagpost

The telescopes provided a glimpse of the towering North Korean flagpole, military outposts, and the Kaesong River—offering a surreal, firsthand view of a land so close yet worlds apart.

The Third Tunnel: A Covert Passage

At the Third Infiltration Tunnel

Perhaps the most thrilling part of the tour was exploring the Third Infiltration Tunnel, discovered in 1978. One of several tunnels dug by North Korea with the intent of a surprise attack, this passage measures 1.7 km in length and a mere 2 meters in width.

Equipped with hard hats, we ventured inside the dim, narrow tunnel. The steep climb back up was exhausting, but the experience of walking through history made every step worth it. Photography was strictly prohibited, preserving the secrecy and sensitivity of this extraordinary underground passage.

Unification Village: Life Within the DMZ

A symbol of Ongoing Effort for Reunification

Our final stop was Daeseong-dong (Unification Village), a small farming community that uniquely exists within the DMZ. Here, residents live under stringent monitoring, with specific rules governing their daily lives.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the village is its loudspeakers, which broadcast messages and music into North Korea—a practice met with reciprocal broadcasts from the North. This unusual form of communication added to the surreal atmosphere of the place.

Flavouring the local Soya Bean icecream at the Unification village

A local shop sold DMZ-themed souvenirs and snacks, offering visitors a taste of life near the border. We picked up Cheorwon Odae rice, known for its rich flavour, cultivated in the nutrient-rich basalt soil near the DMZ.

Reflections on a Historic Journey

As we made our way back to Seoul, passing through yet another military inspection, the weight of history lingered in our minds. The DMZ tour was an eye-opening experience, reminiscent of our visits to the Golan Heights in Israel and the Attari Border in India. It was a stark reminder of the human cost of division and the enduring hope for reunification.

Our journey to the DMZ was more than just a tour—it was a profound lesson in history, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a divided nation.

PS- All pics are mine

An Angel in Fukuoka

A recent trip to Japan and Korea would go down the memory as one with the most unforgettable experiences one could ever imagine. Not only the rapid pace with which both these nations have progressed post second world war but also on many other fronts like the high human values, integrity, good food, cleanliness amongst many more. What I am about to narrate is perhaps one of the most surreal experience my wife and I had in a lovely city called Fukuoka in Kyushu island of Japan. 

We had a very busy start to the day, when we visited one of the most beautiful shrines located at an hour's distance from Fukuoka called Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine. This followed with more riveting shrines called Kushida and Tochoji within the city. It was almost afternoon and we reached a bus stop looking for a bus to visit the Ohori Park located in Fukuoka. It is a well known site for a beautiful lake where there are pretty gardens too! After waiting for about five minutes, a little uncertain about from which end of the bus stop to take a bus, we were struggling to read the route printed in Ja[anease, using the Google Translator. A petite girl who was very cute asked us where we wanted to go. It was a struggle to communicate as she could converse in Japanese only with just a word or two in English. She understood where we were headed and showed us the timing of the next  bus on the time table. After a while she pointed us to a building in the vicinity from where a subway train could be taken. She accompanied us and we thouht she is taking all the trouble to lead us to the train where we could save time too. We scanned the ticket reader and stepped on the platform. To our surprise she also followed and told us that she would be going to the stop after ours. We boarded the train and she sat next to my wife exchanging some notes through the mobile translator when we reached the destination. She also stepped out with us and tried to tell me something. She was telling me that the balance on my Suica Card( extensively used in all public transport and commercial outlets) was low! I too had noticed and I walked upto the charging machine before the exit to refill the card .We stepped out of the station and the girl still accompanied us while we walked towards the beautiful park which was now visible. She opened a bag that she was carrying and held out two donuts for us. We told her that it was not necessary but she said that she had more so she wanted to share with us. I asked her if she would like to join us for a cup of coffee and she beamed and agreed. We continued our small converation as we headed to the Starbucks outlet within the park. Her name was Yoko and she was twenty four years old and worked with a huge company in Japan. We had coffee together and I was wondering what made Yoko to go to this extent and act as if she was our daughter and kept us entertained with small conversation. She too was visiting Fukuoka and hailed from Aichi Prefecture. on Honshu island. She said that she enjoyed meeting us and for us this meeting was nothing short of ablessing in disguise. We then strolled along the lake together taking some pictures together.

We realized that she must have some thing on her agenda which she gave a skip to accompany us, with little in common among us. She was extremely loving and we exchanged our Instagram handles. We have been in touch since. 

Our meeting Yoko was not a chance meeting but God's way of telling that no matter where we go we don't need familiar faces to help us or even give company. I will highlight these great virtues that we encounterd on our most recent vist apart from highlighting other experineces. I wish Yoko a very happy life and success in all her pursuits. We were so fortunate to experience the generosity and love of the young Japanese girl, Yoko 

PS- A huge thanks to Yoko ! I will follow up with more posts on my other experiences

A Soulful Road Trip to Prayagraj-Mahakumbh

 Last month, I embarked on a 650-km road trip to Prayagraj, driven by the occasion of the recently concluded Mahakumbh. For me, it wasn’t just a journey across distances, but a deep dive into nostalgia, spirituality, and the spirit of community. The city, a place where I spent five life-changing months during my college days, was now teeming with pilgrims and visitors from all corners of the world. I couldn't help but reflect on the past, when I trained at Naini for five months, commuting daily between Allahabad and Naini on the COD Express.

A Journey of Reflection

Over five decades ago, during my college days, I used to travel daily between Naini and Allahabad, a journey that took me through the heart of this vibrant city. Back then, the COD Express was my lifeline, and the landscape of Prayagraj was much simpler. The city, while always a bustling hub of history and culture, had an air of serenity to it. But today, much had changed. The roads were wider, the infrastructure modernized, yet, despite the changes, there remained a thread of continuity—the spiritual energy of the place that never faded.

One of the highlights of the trip was the boat ride from the Boat Club to the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. As our boat gently sailed through the water, I was taken aback by the sheer sight of humanity that lined the riverbanks. Pilgrims bathed in the holy waters, seeking redemption, while thousands of migratory birds from Siberia dotted the skies above us. It was an awe-inspiring sight—an entire ecosystem at work, with the land, water, and sky merging into one divine experience.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still, and I could feel the weight of centuries of tradition that this sacred place represented. The boat ride wasn't just about reaching a destination; it was about connecting to something deeper, something ancient. My heart felt lighter as I absorbed the serenity of the Sangam, even amidst the chaos around me.

A City Embracing Its Visitors 

Despite the overwhelming crowds and the never-ending streams of devotees, Prayagraj managed to retain its grace. The roads were often blocked by the constant flow of people, but it did not affect the city’s sanitation or its hospitality. In fact, it was remarkable to see how clean and well-maintained the city was, considering the number of visitors who flooded it during the Kumbh.

The authorities had ensured that the city remained organized, with efficient waste management systems in place, allowing the pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey without distractions. At night, the city transformed into a glowing wonderland, with glittering lights illuminating the streets. The city, dressed in these lights, felt like a heaven on Earth, welcoming devotees with open arms and offering them a sense of peace amidst the chaos.

Nostalgia at the Indian Coffee House

No visit to Prayagraj would be complete without a trip to the iconic Indian Coffee House at Civil Lines. As I stepped inside after five decades, the familiar aroma of coffee and the retro ambience flooded me with nostalgia. The same ceiling fans, the old wooden tables, and the unchanging vibe reminded me of the many hours spent there during my student days. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, conversations flowed freely, and the outside world faded away.

Each sip of the coffee felt like a moment frozen in time, and for a brief moment, I was transported back to my younger days, sitting with friends and discussing everything from politics to philosophy. It was a nostalgic reunion with the past that felt both comforting and bittersweet.

Unforgettable Hospitality

The highlight of my visit, however, was the warmth and kindness I experienced from our hosts in Civil Lines. In a city so filled with devotees, their hospitality stood out. They went beyond mere politeness, offering us their love, kindness, and generosity in ways that felt like a true embodiment of the human spirit. Whether it was helping us navigate the crowded streets or sharing stories of their own lives, our hosts made us feel like family. Their hospitality was a reminder that, at the heart of all pilgrimages and celebrations, it is the human connection that makes the journey worthwhile.

Conclusion

This road trip to Prayagraj, with its blend of nostalgia, spirituality, and kindness, was an experience that touched my soul. It reminded me that, while cities evolve and change, the essence of what makes them special—whether it's the people, the traditions, or the natural beauty—remains timeless. The Mahakumbh was a celebration of faith, but it was also a celebration of the enduring human spirit, a spirit that I felt deeply connected to during my journey.

Reflections of a Rewarding Year

As 2024 came to a close, I reflected on a year filled with exploration, meaningful reunions, and moments of personal growth. My experiences this year have left me with lasting memories, and I’d like to share some of the highlights that made this year so special.

Exploring Morocco's Enchanting Marrakech

Jardin Majorelle 

The year began with a trip to the captivating city of Marrakech, Morocco. Walking through the bustling souks, marvelling at the intricate architecture of the Bahia Palace, Yves Saint Laurent Museum located inside the pristine Jardin Majorelle, the soaring Menara tower and soaking in the vibrant energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa square were unforgettable experiences. 

Historic streets of Marakkesh

Morocco’s rich culture and warm hospitality made this trip truly magical, and the flavours of tagines, freshly baked delicacies and mint tea are memories I continue to savour.

Immersed in the Spirit of Japan

The divine Mt Fuji

One of the most transformative journeys this year was to Japan. Tokyo’s blend of modernity and tradition amazed me, while Osaka’s culinary delights were a treat for the senses. The bustling Shibuya Crossing, snow-capped Mt Fuji, and the bloom of Cherry Blossoms in Ueno Park are some memories that are permanently etched. Kyoto, with its serene temples and stunning landscapes, felt like stepping into a postcard.

A pretty street in Kyoto lined with Cherry Blossoms

Travelling between Osaka and Kyoto on the Shinkansen (bullet train) was an unforgettable experience, not just for its speed but for the seamless efficiency of Japanese transportation. 

A bustling street of Osaka

What stood out most, however, was the incredible hospitality of the Japanese people—their kindness and attention to detail left a lasting impression. I can write reams of stories of the experiences and interactions with locals 

Discovering the Netherlands

Pretty Het Park in Rotterdam

Summer took me to the Netherlands, where I explored Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague, and Amsterdam. Each city offered charm, from Rotterdam's modern skyline to Delft's historic canals. In The Hague, I admired the blend of royal history and contemporary life, while Amsterdam captivated me with its picturesque polders and vibrant farmer markets. 

The modern buildings 0f Rotterdam

I was especially moved by the pristine nature and the Dutch way of life, where simplicity and sustainability reign supreme. The transport system never fails to impress as each place is so well connected by public transport that accessibility is never a problem

Van Gogh's Almond Tree painting

A visit to the Van Gogh Museum was the experience of a lifetime in understanding the beauty of the Impressionist Movement in his paintings and his contemporaries

Reunions Across the Globe

A get-together of College friends in NOIDA

This year also brought the joy of reconnecting with friends after decades. Twice, friends travelled all the way from the US—once a classmate from the college in March, and again in July- meeting a blog friend. 

These reunions were filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt conversations, reminding me of the enduring bonds of true friendship. Besides this, there were meetings with folks after a long time.

Rediscovering India’s Spiritual Heart

Idols of Radha Krishna in Prem Mandir, Vrindavan

After many years, I visited Mathura, immersing myself in the divine and serene atmosphere of this sacred city. Visiting Banke Bihari Temple, Dwarkadeesh, and Prem Mandir was a memorable experience. The spiritual energy there was transformative and gave me moments of deep introspection. 

A shop in Vrindavan market

A trip to Mathura and Vrindavan is incomplete without digging into 'Pedas' and Jalabei and Kachori, and 'chaat' at local sweet shops. 

A Sandesh shop in Kolkata

As always, My trips to Kolkata were exhilarating, filled with the city’s rich culture, vibrant streets, and unmatched food. Tasting simple Luchi, Aloo Dum and Cholar Dal with Sandesh in North Kolkata revitalised the taste buds.

 Mentoring Students

Amidst these travels, one of the most fulfilling aspects of 2024 was the time I spent mentoring school children. Guiding young minds and witnessing their growth brought me immense joy and a sense of purpose. Teaching them wasn’t just about imparting knowledge but learning from their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm. On the personal learning front, I got familiarised with AI and created a school magazine with contributions from school children using these cutting-edge technology tools.

The Students after winning a game

I got an opportunity to visit a High school; in Rotterdam during my visit. The school is equipped to impart training on every aspect of a child's growth. The picture of the Music Room below illustrates their dedication to multi-dimensional growth

The Music Room in a High School in Rotterdam

As I look back, 2024 was a year of enriching experiences, personal growth, and meaningful connections. Each journey, reunion, and moment of giving back added depth and joy to my life. I am grateful for this incredible year and look forward to what 2025 has in store!

What were your favourite moments of 2024? Let’s celebrate them together!

Connecting With the God

Prem Mandir in Vrindavan

After a long time, I recently visited the sacred destinations of Vrindavan and Mathura. The earliest memories of these places are embedded like a transparency. Going to the Dwarkdeesh Temple in Mathura in the wee morning at dawn was an exhilarating experience. The ringing of chimes and the ' Aarti' amidst chants of devotees was always looked forward to. In subsequent years it became an annual ritual to visit Mathura and adjoining places at the beginning of each New Year. This continued till almost a decade back when the constant construction of roads, haphazard traffic and wrong-side driving took menacing proportion. About a fortnight ago, some of our relatives travelling to Delhi wanted to visit these destinations and asked us to accompany them. The offer was tempting and hurriedly the plan was drawn out including a two-night stay in Vrindavan. 

Yamuna Expressway

We left by Yamuna Expressway which was a breeze. The beginning of the journey could not have been better and the effort to modernise Indian infrastructure was evidently visible. In just over two hours the driver stopped at a roadside eatery that appeared to be an extension of a mall in any metro city. 

Beautiful gardens and murals in Prem Mandir

After a brief halt, we entered Vrindavan to visit the Prem Mandir. Crossing the traffic barriers set up to regulate the vehicles in the temple town was a challenge. The floodlit Prem Mandir had a tsunami of visitors of all hues. 

Since, we had not seen the place, an hour plus passed away in a jiffy to witness the beautiful portrayal of murals, paintings from the life of Lord Krishna and dancing musical fountains. By the time we came out of the temple, it was dinner time. 

Traditional Kitchen of Anandram Jaipuria Bhawan in Vrindavan

Near the Bankey Bihari temple is Anandram Jaipuria Bhawan- a good place to eat. The Marwari food was cooked on ' Chulah '. A simple dinner of dal, curry, vegetables, Papad, assorted chapatis, rice and Kheer with dollops of ghee was beyond delicious.

 

Colourful shops in Vrindavan

After dinner, we checked into the hotel. The next day, we started with a visit to Bankey Bihar Temple after manoeuvring through a congested market which was very colourful. The never-ending stream of tourists and monkeys is a special feature. One has to be very cautious as the monkeys are notorious for robbing the tourists of their handbags, eatables and glasses.

The Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan

A 'Darshan' of Bankey Bihari( Lord Krishna as a child) is mesmerising. The folklore and love for the child form of Lord Krishna is difficult to describe in words. As most children wake up late, even this temple opens around 8.30 AM, unlike others. After the visit, we headed to Brijwasi a renowned chain in the region to flavour the amazing 'Lassi', 'Puri Sabzi' and 'Pedas'.  Everything is worth trying! 

ISKON Temple Vrindavan

We next went to, the ISKON temple which is worth visiting. Steaming hot ' Khichdi' was served as 'prasad'. The idols of Lord Krishna, Radha and Balram are stunningly beautiful.

Potra Kund at Krishna Janambhumi Mathura

We continued by heading to the ' Krishna Janambhumi temple'( the birthplace of Lord Krishna). It is midway from Vrindavan to Mathura. The sprawling complex has the prison where the lord was born. Next to this temple is the Shahi Idgah built by Aurangzeb. Hardly 50m away from the temple complex is a huge stepped bathing tank called ' Potra Kuind' which has significance as the spot where the infant Lord Krishna was bathed. 

The Holi Gate in Mathura

In the evening we entered Mathura and meandered through Holi Gate(or Tilak Dwar) walking past the oldest Brijwasi Sweet shop, Oma Kachori shop, and a very congested market.

The Dwarkadeesh Temple Mathura

We reached the Dwarkadeesh Temple and were fortunate to have the darshan of ' Lord Krishna'. A flood of memories sailed past my eyes of the yesteryears of earlier visits. Only a little had changed except the crowd was better managed and there were huge TV monitors installed where one could see the image of the lord even from a distance. The flavour of Prasad was just the same. 

A Chaat Shop in Mathura

My relatives had a shopping list of eats, clothes for god idols at home, pickles, 'Churan' among others. So we went exploring the Vishram Ghat and the market around 'Bengali Ghat' on the Yamuna riverfront. Later we had the famous Chat and dinner at Shankar Mithai Bhandar. The place is to be noticed for the delicious ' kachori aloo and pumpkin sabzi'.

The Radha Kund at Goverdhan

On the final day, we headed for Goverdhan, after checking out from the hotel. The place is known for the mountain that was lifted by Lord Krishna to protect the people from the incessant rains. Hundreds of devotees come here to circumambulate around Goverdhan and Radha Kund( a distance of about 21 km). 

The Shyam Kund at Goverdhan

We visited the Radha Kund and Shyam Kund the two ponds adjacent to each other and offered our prayers. Our final stop was Barsana, where Radha lived in her early years. The place is about 30 km from Goverdhan.

 

The Ladli Temple at Barsana

The Ladli Temple, dedicated to Radha is atop a hill from where a panoramic view of the entire village can be had. The beauty of this temple and the love for Radha is to be seen to believe. There could not have been a better culmination of the trip. It was a satisfying whirlwind trip to assimilate flavours of new places and exposition to the immortal love story of Lord Radha and Krishan

Smiles for Miles

 It has now been more than a decade since I started blogging. I vividly remember living in Patna to execute a project for a major telecom operator when my blog was born. I would pen whatever thoughts occurred to me and soon I found that people were reading my blogposts and commenting too! The excitement of seeing the response was as great as writing the blog. For the first time since I commenced blogging, this has been the longest lull in writing.  The journey was very eventful and I made friends and learned much from my fellow bloggers. 

I got an opportunity to rub shoulders with some very good bloggers like Purba Ray and Alka Gurha whose sharp incisive wit could make even the dreariest subject worthy of attention. The poetic verses of Saru and her penchant for writing posts won her accolades. Awarded travel bloggers like Mridula, Manjulika Pramod, Abhinav Singh, Dipanshu Goyal and Pranshree Devi each have their unique style of seeing the world and taught me to appreciate the beauty when travelling around. I met a few of them at blog events like various workshops held from time to time and events like MP Tourism Mart amongst others. I even managed to get Manjulika for one of the NGO events where she taught children to make things out of waste material! It is a long list and I will not be able to do justice even with best intentions.

I am linking some of my earlier posts where I made mention of some of the bloggers who I came across on this journey. ( http://www.rahulsblogandcollections.com/2016/02/the-perks-of-blogging.html  and http://www.rahulsblogandcollections.com/2016/12/mona-lisa-alive-at-louvre.html)

One of the earliest followers of my blog was Ramya, from Bengaluru who would read regularly and offer her comments. Years went by. and her younger sister Ranjana too read my blogposts. I never got a chance to meet them and once when I was in Paris I chanced upon meeting the younger sister and her husband at the Louvre. I wrote a post about it as given in the link earlier.  I met her again in Delhi a few years later. However, Ramya the elder one moved out of India to the USA  with her husband and except for an exchange of greetings, I never met her.

Come July this year, suddenly Ramya informed me that she would be meeting her folks in Bengaluru and would also come over to Delhi. We met at the Delhi airport and recognised one another instantly as if we had met earlier. I was able to see the real face after almost 15 years since the first interaction on the blog. The next day she wanted to see the parts of Delhi for which the city is known the world over like Akshardham, Chandni Chowk, Gurudwara Sis Ganj, the spice market in Khari Baoli, the clothes market at Nai Sark besides indulgence in the local food. She wanted to experience the ride in local autos and on the metro rail besides exploring some hidden corners in the old city

I consider myself fortunate to have enjoyed her presence and my wife hosted her like one of our family. I could never have imagined that I would make friends for life just by blogging. The perks of befriending almost strangers who now are like an extension of a family can only be accredited to blogging. I am singularly lucky to have met many such blog friends not only in India but in distant places like Singapore, Germany, Switzerland and Sri Lanka too.

A chance foray into the world of blogging has earned me friends with some well-known travel bloggers, food bloggers and lifestyle bloggers. Some of them are printed authors, media persons, IT professionals and accomplished dancers too. The world of blogging has rapidly transformed in recent times with microblogs on Instagram, Facebook, and X( erstwhile Twitter) and the growing popularity of reels and vlogs has turned the tide. I thank many of my fellow bloggers who have made my journey a memorable one and the innocuous hobby tuned me into a blog enthusiast for a lifetime.

Gateways to Heaven

 

Sensoji Temple Tokyo

A recent trip to Japan was an opportunity to peek into the rich past and culture of Japan. An insight into the hundreds of shrines dotted around the country and how it is interwoven with the beliefs could be better understood. There are approximately 100000 Shinto shrines and around 80000 Buddhist shrines in Japan. How are these different from one another? The shrines built to serve the Shinto religious traditions are characterised by a torii gate at the entrance. 

A painting on the roof of Meiji Jingu temple, Tokyo

Temples built to serve the Buddhist religious traditions are characterised by a Sanmon gate at the entrance. Apart from these differences, a few things are to be observed when visiting these shrines or temples. Every shrine has a torii gate that separates the shrine from the secular world. Some practices followed are bowing before the gate, purifying hand and mouth, bowing and clapping twice before the deity and saying the prayer, which are things one would observe at every shrine. Many temples have incense sticks lit and the emitting smoke is said to have healing powers. Remove the shoes and be respectful when entering the sanctum sanctorum.

Five Storey Pagoda at Sensoji Temple

Our sojourn started with the massive Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. A tip for the visitors is to arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the peace and serenity offered. This place is popular with locals and tourists and swarms of people can be seen. One can feel the Edo era in the atmosphere around a five-storey pagoda, Kaminarimon, and speciality shops around Nakamise-Dori. 

Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo

As it was Cherry Blossom bloom time the foliage of these verdant trees made a perfect photo shoot opportunity. The main hall of Sensoji is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. The temple was initially built in 628 AD and has been rebuilt over 20 times. The large red lantern at Kaminamoron Gate weighs over 700 kg. As one steps out of the huge gate of Sensoji shrine a short walk through the market selling delicious food and souvenirs the Asakusa shrine is visible. 

Tokyo Sky Tree as seen from Asakusa

This is a gateway to modern Japan where the Tokyo Sky  Tree building looms large on the horizon and a walk along the River Sumeda is another rewarding experience.

The Main Entrance of Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo

Meiji Jingu Shrine in the heart of the green belt of Tokyo at the intersection of Harajuku and Shibuya is a perfect destination where history meets modernity. 

The Caskets of Wine as offering in Meiji Jingu shrine, Tokyo

A calm walk through the wooded area which is man-made with a plantation of over 100000 trees brings to hundreds of caskets of wines that have come as offerings from France. 

The Meiji Jingu Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji(1852-1912) and Empress Shoken and was built in 1920. We were fortunate to witness a Shinto ritual while visiting the place. Many people write their wishes on the ema tablet and purchase an amulet or fortune. 

The coupled Camphor trees at Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo

A pair of Camphor trees were planted in 1920 at the time of the enshrinement of Meiji Jingu and have grown under the protection of deities to become huge and vivid. and are considered to be sacred. Well known as 'Meoto Kusu' or husband and wife, the coupled trees have become a symbol of a happy marriage and harmonious life within the family.

At the Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

Yoyogi Park a stone's throw from the shrine is a delightful place with hundreds of flowers and walkways that add lustre.

Hanazon Jingu shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Another famous Shinto shrine in the heart of the Shinjuku district of Tokyo is the Hanazono Jinja or shrine. It is said to guard the residents, businessmen, traders, craftsmen and artisans in the area

Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto

Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, has some of the most alluring shrines. After arriving there by the Bullet train we headed straight for Ryoanji Temple. The garden of this temple is one of the finest examples of 'dry landscaping' using only the rock formations amidst fine pebbles in linear patterns that facilitate meditation. It was built in the year 1450 AD by a warlord Hosokawa Katsumoto. 

Dry landscaped Rock garden at Ryoanji Temple

The temple's name is synonymous with the 'Zen Garden' and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple has a pond garden, a water garden and plenty of cherry blossom trees that add to the beauty.

At The Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto

A short distance from the Ryoanji Temple is the Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple. The pavilion is three stories high. The top two stories are covered with a pure Gold leaf. 

The Pond at Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto

The pavilion extends over a pond that reflects the building. The pond contains 10 small islands The beauty of the gardens which surround the pond is to be seen to believe its beauty.

The Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto

There are many small and big shrines in Kyoto and the fitting finale to the day was a visit to the Yasaka shrine, around sunset. Yasaka or the Gion shrine was founded over 1350 years ago and is one of the oldest ones in Kyoto. The shrine's main hall has a huge stage in its front with hundreds of lanterns lit up in the evening. 

The garden festival at Maruyama Park in Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto

The shrine had an ongoing festival in a huge 'cherry blossom' garden, Maruyama Park where hundreds of visitors had descended. It is a must-visit place, especially to see the cherry blossoms.

At Shitennoji Temple in Osaka

Our last destination Osaka has some fine shrines of which Shitennoji and Sumisho Taisha are prominent. Shitennoji temple is a testament to its long-standing Buddhist heritage. This was founded in 593 by Shotoku who is revered for his role in promoting Buddhism in Japan. The temple comprises a five-storey pagoda, a main golden hall, and a tranquil garden.

Sumiyoshi Taisha in Osaka

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines characterized by straight roofs, having no upward curves at eaves. This shrine is a part of Sumiyoshi Sanjin, three gods important for sea voyages and maritime safety, making it a crucial site to visit by seafarers. It is a peaceful retreat with expansive gardens, ancient trees, and an iconic drum bridge.

Suyomishi Taisha Shrine in Osaka

The list is almost endless and recounting and visiting these heavenly destinations on a single trip was a huge blessing. On any trip to Japan, a visit to some shrines is a must to get a true feel of the culture of this beautiful country. 

PS- All pics are mine