Eating dinner dressed in Kimonos.
In 69 years, I have never once written a “Christmas Letter.” Decades ago, I dutifully sent out Holiday Cards and did my best to include a personal message. But as Thom and I eventually gave up the ritual of giving gifts, I abandoned the chore of writing and mailing those cards. When friends and family realized that I had stopped sending them out—most of them stopped too—or dropped us from their lists. Then several days ago, while waiting in line at the post office, I saw a woman proudly hand over 20+ cards to be stamped with special holiday stamps. Without warning, that quaint act reminded me of more connected times. It also reminded me of holiday letters. And while oftentimes corny or boastful, in some ways they still offered a peak into lives separated by miles and busy schedules. That prompted me to sit down and write a blog post updating anyone (who might be interested) in what we’ve been up to in the last couple of months, mainly our trip to Japan. So please forgive me—in some ways this post is my version of a Christmas letter.
It’s not like I haven’t had ideas about what I would like to write. I’ve even renewed my costly web-hosting fees for a couple of years. I am proud of this blog and the people who take the time to read my words even if they never leave a comment. They have been patient with my increasingly irregular schedule. I think, as many of us bloggers do, that even when I don’t write out a full blog post or publish bits and pieces online, I am still communicating with all of you in my mind. In many ways, I consider you my family and friends.
With that said, I wanted to share with you a few details about our recent three-week trip to Japan. We went for a couple of reasons. Thom was stationed there for a year back in the early 70’s and wanted to return. Me? I just thought of it as another great adventure. Also different was for the first time we decided to join a Road Scholar Tour Group. We had read and heard that their tours were educational, cultural and attracted a wonderful group of older adults. Now we can attest that they do.
The Motsomoto Castle in the moonlight
The tour itself was spread over two weeks. We opted to stay a couple of days early and a week after. We flew into Tokyo and after a couple of days we were able to adjust to the 16-hour time change. Then it was time to join the group. I’m happy to say that the tour was focused on the history and culture of the country rather than running around attempting to cram in as many of the tourist attractions we could manage. As one of the most populated cities in the world, Tokyo needed (in my honest opinion) to be taken in small bites. After four nights we headed out to smaller cities and the countryside.
A few of the more memorable experiences was a short walk to witness the full moon over the Matsumoto Castle on a pleasant night. Another was driving through the mountains considered to be the Japanese Alps and walking along the river on a beautiful fall day. Then there was our entire group in kimonos and playing a game with the geisha who danced and sang for us. Plus, we happily witnessed the Golden Palace in Kyoto just as the sun came out. Also in Kyoto we went to an authentic Tea Ceremony and walked to the top of the 1,000 Tori Gates at the Inari Taisha Shrine.
Dinner and drinks with new friends.
But the tour wasn’t all about history or historical sites in Japan. What made it enjoyable was getting to know the variety of people on the tour. By about halfway through we started hanging out with several others who shared lunches, dinners and even a Happy or two with us. Did I mention the food? Road Scholar didn’t skimp on food selections with a focus on regional specialties. There was always more than we could eat. I was determined to at least try everything sitting in front of me until they told me one was liver. I didn’t love it all but was pleasantly surprised by how good most of it was. And let me tell you, each presentation was visually stunning.
On Myajima Island with their huge Tori Gate.
Still, after two weeks we were ready to be on our own. We hopped on the bullet train and headed to Hiroshima. Yes, it is the city where in 1945 the U.S. dropped one of its nuclear bombs that killed tens of thousands and destroyed two-thirds of the city. However, when Thom was there 50 years ago he had many meaningful encounters with the locals there and found the city and gardens peaceful and lovely. In fact, the entire city now focuses on the idea of peace, the end of war, and the complete restriction of all nuclear weapons.
Overall Japan is a wonderful country to visit. We never struggled with language (and there is always Google translate.) Prices were surprisingly inexpensive because right now the U.S. dollar is strong. Also, tips are not only not required but completely discouraged. Food was excellent but because they tend to focus only on seasonal fruits and vegetables, we couldn’t find many things we were used to consuming—even in larger grocery stores. But isn’t that part of the reason to travel—getting away from what you’re used to seeing, doing or eating?
The Japanese people are extremely polite and very friendly and helpful. Service in hotels, restaurants and transportation was above and beyond. They work hard and long hours and take great pride in certain practices. They wait patiently in line and never jay walk! In fact, they will wait in line for hours to enter certain stores or restaurants—quite different than the U.S.! They do love their cell phones, but except for young teenagers, the “selfie” was noticeably absent. And did I mention the cleanliness? It was very rare to see any trash anywhere—unusual when you consider the mass amounts of people in the city during certain times. The bathrooms were spotless and all of them had bidets and heated toilet seats (even in public parks!)
Our Road Scholar Group in front of an ancient Buddhist Temple.
I could go on, but I think you get the idea of how much we enjoyed our trip. If you have any specific questions, just ask it in the comments below. And although I’ve included a few photos in this post, if you want the hundreds that Thom and I took, I made a video slide show and posted it on YouTube where you can watch it. Just know in advance there are LOTS of photos of Thom and me! You can find it here. Three Weeks in Japan
Japan is a very popular destination right now so yes, it is crowded. But it is still special and unique, and I think everyone would enjoy it—especially if you don’t waste your time purely on the touristy places and instead just absorb the beauty of the country. And do get out of the big cities if you can.
There is obviously more that I could put into my “Holiday Letter” but I think Japan was a big highlight. It also represents something big in my life—adventure. In the time we all have left on this planet, I think it is SMART to remember for each of us to make the most of every day. I also hope that peace and good will are extended to everyone, everywhere from today forward. And no matter how you choose to celebrate, may your holiday be a time of joy and tranquility in abundance.
Wait, you mean the holidays have come and gone? Man, I am about a month behind in my internal calendar. But as always, I enjoyed your post and travel reflections. I’ve often said that if I were to ever travel again, I would be interested in the Road Scholar program. Your article affirms what I suspected about the quality of the tour and the company. So glad you had a good time. Happy New Year to you and Thom.
PS–I’m intrigued and amused by your human verification badge on your comment responses. Has it really come to that??
Nice to read a quick overview of your time in Japan, Kathy. I was curious about that. I’m glad to read the country is affordable, clean, and efficient. Opposites of Argentina, haha.
I used to write an annual end-of-the-year letter and blog post in the past, but I’ve gotten lazy about that and am finding myself with less and less time as we keep traveling overland. People who read my blog get the idea of how my year has gone. 🙂
Happy holidays to you and Thom. You two sure keep busy with your explorations, travels, and adventures. Keep it up in 2025 and beyond!
Hi Kathy, I enjoyed reading your Christmas letter. I haven’t sent one in years, and have even given up sending cards. My list of people who matter is small and we communicate regularly, (I guess that’s a good thing), so I no longer feel compelled to maintain the tradition. Besides, nearly my whole life is on the blog.
My daughter and SIL visited Japan twice this year and loved it – for many of the same reasons you mentioned. She is convinced we will love it too. It’s on the list for 2025, so we will see.
I am glad you renewed your blog subscription and plan to be around a while longer. I always appreciate what you have to say. Thanks for adding a link to the slideshow. I enjoyed your photos.
Hi Suzanne! Oh you have to go to Japan now that you’ve had family there a lot! Like I think I said, the biggest challenges for us was avoiding crowds. I guess we’ve lived in small towns too much! I look forward to hearing about YOUR trip now!
Thanks for checking in with me and have a wonderful holiday in every way. ~Kathy
I love getting the Christmas Letters from family and friends, but have rarely done one for us. Maybe 2-3 in 10 years! I’d have a hard time doing a positive one this year as it’s been a rocky end of year. I realized, however, that most of my life ends up on my blog …and many friends read my blog.
I liked hearing your perspective about Japan. I visited there a number of times through the years for business. In the “early years” it was more challenging as signs were all in Kanji (no English lettering) and very few people spoke any English.Through the years it got better – signage and younger people spoke some English (and I learned some Japanese). I was always in cities (and crowds), too. Did you travel on the subways? Those were a unique experience.
Hi Pat! Yes…there is certainly a LOT of change and uncertainty in our country and around the world at this time. And I agree that when we write regularly we pretty much do share what is happening in our lives. (I actually do MORE on FB too!) Either way it is a great way to stay connected to people and the friends we’ve made here online. I hope to do more in the coming days.
And yes, a LOT has changed in Japan. I’ll bet in some ways you wouldn’t even recognize it. Thom sure didn’t. But like I hope I shared, it some ways it has gotten easier. Most signs are now in both English and Japanese (especially in the cities.) But those crowds…wow! And yes, the subways were REALLY busy the couple of times we used them. (Even in off times!). Definitely something that they are just used to doing…and amazing quiet…everyone just staring at their phones!
Thanks for checking in here and Happy and Peace Holiday to you and your family! ~Kathy
Good to hear from you! Was pleasantly surprised to see the post pop into my inbox. Hope you are well.
Hey Janet! Good to hear from you too! I’m hoping I have “kick-started” my writing with this post and will get into putting them out more in the future. But I have found that since Thom as retired he is a GREAT distraction from sitting quietly by myself!!! Ha, ha! Time will tell! But I do hope that you and your family are well and that the coming season brings you peace and happiness. ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy for your Holiday letter! It has been over a decade since I’ve been to Japan.
Hiroshima made me cry – for the suffering of it all – I do not regret going there.
Japan is a beautiful country- so much we can learn from.
Will definitely check out Road Scholar in the future!
Hope you have a wonderful holiday season
Hi Alicia! You’re welcome and yes to visiting Japan. Not only is it a beautiful and culturally rich country, there is so much we can all learn from one another. And for travelers (and even single travelers) Road Scholar is great option!
I trust you have a wonderful holiday and a New Year filled with peace and good health! ~Kathy
Nice wrap-up of your trip. Japan has never been at the top of my to-see list but I may have to reconsider. I have heard many good things about Road Scholar Tours and will definitely consider traveling with them in the future.
Hey Janis! I know there is SO-O-O much more to say about Japan. (like some of that article you sent me) but like usual I didn’t want it to be too long! Japan is a wonderful country but the people there are definitely more “contained” than we are here and that starts at a very young age. (by contained I mean they are taught to follow rules, be respectful and courteous, etc.). And of course those qualities are admirable. But I also sense that they put a lot of pressure on people do do what they are told and not make waves. Like here and everywhere, there are good things and less than good things with different cultures and I never even considered that before visiting.
And as far Road Scholar I think you and Paul would fit right in with their travelers. :-). ~Kathy
Nice to hear from you again! I had the same idea about a Christmas letter this year, but didn’t get around to it… yet!
Hi Laura Lee! Nice to hear from you too! I do miss all the connections I’ve made through the years and always happy when they chime in! Are you planning on a “Christmas letter” on your blog or one IRL? Either way, I have a new appreciation of them now. Merry Christmas and may your New Year be filled with peace and good health! ~Kathy