Posted on

Welcome to Shimadzu

I could see how beautiful this port must be. Unfortunately, it is very raining and cold leaving its beauty to the imagination. Fortunately, I am scheduled to attend a tea ceremony and a visit to a museum.

Approaching the tea ceremony
At the entrance

The celebration of this type of tea ceremony was started in the 1500s by Buddhist monks as an art form to show respect for the beauty of daily life. There are a number of specific rituals that are meant to help participants prepare for the enjoyment of the tea and the gathering of families and friends.

Our host has taken 10 years to learn how to properly serve the tea at this ceremony and other more elaborate dinners.
Preparing the tea bowl
Servings of green tea
Some of our group trying to follow the proper procedure to drink the tea.
Traditionally, visitors would enter the tea house through a small entry. All guests were prohibited from bringing weapons into the house. This small opening helped to prevent weapons such as swords from entering.
The appreciation of the beauty of nature is a key ingredient for the tea house.

The Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum was adjacent to the tea house and focused on the work of Utagawa Toyohiro who is better known as Tokaido Hiroshige. He produced his art in the early to mid 1800s and had a series of work representing areas of Japan during the Edo period. His influence extended to Impressionist artist in Europe.

This map shows the route that was commonly traveled with stops that inspired Hiroshige.

We were prohibited from taking pictures of his work but were able to make a personal print of one of his famous pictures.

By following the instructions, I was able to produce this print. Great fun and a special way to remember this day.

Finally, our day ended with a visit to Miho no Matsubara. This area is covered by thousands of dark pine trees. It is primarily known for its view of Mt Fuji.

A walk through a very soggy forest.
The weather interfered with our view of Mt. Fuji.
This was what we were hoping to see.

Cheers and good night Joey.

4 thoughts on “Welcome to Shimadzu”

  1. Perhaps you can host a traditional tea party when you return and we can all enter thru joeys doggie door😂.  Glad you are enjoying your trip.  So many wonderful memories.  Maybe a picture of you

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment