by Gary Tate
An outstanding feature of Japan is the wonderful warm welcoming people. On the several occasions that we have visited Japan we have always come away with many pleasant memories of these lovely welcoming people, young and old.
On one occasion we were in the beautiful city of Hiroshima to view the stunning cherry blossoms. Whilst admiring the pretty pink flowers that were providing a feast for a small bird a lovely elderly kimono-clad lady started chatting to us in Japanese. We did not understand a word, other than kon’nichiwa (hello) and arigato (thank you), but she was obviously explaining the beauty of the scene before us. It was a lovely encounter that we both cherished.
A short time later we shared a bench seat beneath the beautiful blossoms alongside a young Japanese couple who very kindly shared their box of chocolates with us. A fabulous Forrest Gump moment, that will always be remembered!
On our latest 18-day cruise around Japan we again had many memorable encounters. When our cruise ship, the Diamond Princess, arrived in the scenic port of Miyako, meaning ‘beautiful child’ or ‘cherry blossom child’, we were very warmly greeted by a large contingent of colourfully dressed locals. This was an unscheduled port visit, however the people had assembled a well organised greeting ceremony complete with mascots, musicians, flag wavers and many colourful banners.
On the wharf tents were setup, food trucks serving food and drinks, a free wi-fi station with tables and chairs, a weaving loom demonstration and a group of lovely ladies calligraphy writing your name in Japanese onto nice cardboard cards, making wonderful souvenirs. Market stalls and an information tent were also provided. On the wharf and around town English speaking interpreters, with clearly identifiable jackets, were there to guide and assist with any queries that the cruise ship passengers may have had.
As we departed Miyako speeches wishing us safe travels were read out as a dozen vivid banners were waved to some wonderful Japanese music. Four people, traditionally dressed, held a long ‘bon voyage’ banner and were constantly waving farewell. The warm welcoming people of Miyako created a very memorable visit to their city. These wonderful warm welcomes and sincere send offs were repeated in many other ports that we have had the pleasure to visit over recent years.
In Kagoshima a nice young man approached, us as we were enjoying the scenery, he introduced himself as Daniel and asked if we would mind if he practised his English. Of course, we obliged and had a charming and lengthy conversation which we were able to enhance with some good Aussie images stored on our Ipad mini.
As our ship left this port an energetic and entertaining taiko drum group, along with flag waving ladies, gave us a raucous and dramatic send off. Taiko performers were also farewelling us at Aamori.
Many of the attractive gardens we visited were used as wedding photo venues. Every newly wedded couple that we encountered were more than happy for me to take their photos, always smiling obligingly to the camera.
In Yokohama we took a local bus to the superb Sankeien Gardens, just ¥2.20 each way. The driver got off at our stop and showed us the place for our return trip, along with highlighting the return bus timetable. As we walked to the gardens a nice young girl on a bicycle stopped to make sure we knew the way to our destination.
Departing Yokohama large crowds gathered to wave and smile to the ship’s passengers, many would pose happily for a photo with their dogs and a school brass band gave the ship a rousing send off.
Japan – wonderful, very welcoming and extremely hospitable.
