Next October, I am returning to Japan for the third time. The first two times were group tours arranged by Espirt Travel.
They were so well arranged and we were very well taken care of. This coming year they are arranging a tour just for me to revisit my favorite places.
One of them is in the pottery town of Karatsu, at Yoyokaku, a Japanese style Inn. I find myself longing to be back there and sit and have tea looking out at their gardens. Here is a link to a photo on Steve Biemel’s Japan Living Arts blog. The photos take me back to this beautiful place.
While traveling, a few friends and I enjoyed eating plain white rice and discussing the pros and cons of the taste. In each region of Japan, the rice grown there has a slightly different flavor. For me the rice in Karatsu was my favorite. I will be bringing some uncooked rice home with me.
How can I tell you the joy I feel looking at the pictures in the links and remembering? I came home from Japan so esthetically heightened.
© 2010 J.B. Vadeboncoeur
Purplume's blog 
damamat
January 3, 2010 at 7:34 am
I have always wanted to travel like that. I hope your next trip is all you hope for. And more. xoxo
purplume
January 3, 2010 at 8:03 am
Thanks Damamat, me too. XP
Robin
January 3, 2010 at 9:11 am
Your writing shares your joy. I have yet to venture further than Tokyo (unfortunately) but the Japan of your description begs to be experienced! Thank you.
purplume
January 3, 2010 at 9:20 am
Thanks Robin. I hope you get to go sometime,
XD
nuvofelt
January 3, 2010 at 10:31 am
What a lovely trip you have planned. I’m looking forward to reading about it just from the excitement you impart in this post. I love revisiting places that have inspired me. Especially as inspiration often comes when you least expect it!
purplume
January 4, 2010 at 10:06 pm
Isn’t that the truth? Japan is very inspirational to me. Thank you for your kind words. XD
themindofifer
January 3, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I am so insanely jealous of you, it isn’t even funny 🙂 I have missed Japan, since living there as a kid. Oh, and did you know that I took a year and half of Japanese language in college? Used to be able to speak it pretty well.
purplume
January 4, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Now I am insanely jealous of you for being able to speak it. I was there for two weeks before I risked saying ohio gozymus.
I’m working with a book to learn the written language as I don’t have a good ear for the spoken one.
blkdrama
January 3, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Gorgeous. Have you seen the Japanese movie, Departures? That film took me to your world of Japan. I loved being in that world. I took a trip to China and so far, that’s been it for the Asian world.
Bravo Purplume
Bonnie
purplume
January 4, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Thanks Bonnie. I made myself a note to order Departures on Netflix. Sounds like I will love it.
How did you like China?
AmyH
January 4, 2010 at 9:37 am
What a great trip you have planned. I hope to visit Japan someday.
purplume
January 4, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I suppose travel will get easier as it has over the decades: like the internet, we are getting so connected.
blkdrama
January 4, 2010 at 10:35 pm
We loved China. We took the usual tour to 5 major cities in two weeks. Five planes, great hotels, interesting place, of course, but I don’t think we will be back in the near future. Long trip. We travel to Israel at least once a year and that’s 10 hours each way.
Bonnie
purplume
January 4, 2010 at 10:41 pm
The trip to China sounds full. Yes, the jet lag is a force to be reckoned with.
I went to Israel once. Oh, I loved the dead sea and Masada. They were so austerely beautiful.
FattyFatFat
January 5, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Our supply rep just got back from Japan, he had gone with his family over Christmas, and he LOVED it! That (along with Sweden & Ireland) is a place I would love to visit. I hope that you look forward to your trip!!! It will come around soon enough! =) (Btw, this is Daria)
purplume
January 5, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Hi Daria,
That is a good recommendation. I’m holding for you to get to both places.
It seems my blog is turning out to be about Japan. It up;lifts me to write and think about it.