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Dososhin Shrine

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This is a bit of a different post, I'll be talking about my visit to a shrine kind of near where I go to school! A few weekends ago, I visited the Dososhin Shrine in Okamoto, Kobe. The shrine is situated at the base of hiking trails that span the mountain range behind the city of Kobe, perhaps serving as a place of prayer before one embarks upon a hike. I have observed shrines that may serve a similar function, notably one at the base of the hiking trail one takes to summit Mt. Rokko, also in Kobe. The trail to Dososhin can be seen after walking up the streets, following the slope of the hills, until one reaches the highest point and the street turns into a small walking path. The path runs alongside a ravine and is surrounded by trees. About 30m after entering the tree line, the path is flanked by two 地蔵（じぞう, jizoo) , which are statues of a bodhisattva, perhaps serving as protectors of hikers entering the path. The 地蔵 are also wearing bright red bibs, which ties into their role...
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Music in Kobe

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           As you may know, I must follow certain guidelines with each blog post; the subject of each post a different topic or aspect of studying abroad. It can be difficult to always write a post that I think you all will enjoy reading while still completing the assignment, so definitely let me know if you have any questions about anything that I write about! This week’s focus is on cultural differences.             There are innumerable differences between Japanese and Western culture, down to individual’s daily lives. Some examples: Japanese people generally prefer to take baths in the evening, whereas most Americans I know take showers far more regularly than they take baths. It is a lot more rare for Japanese people to wash their hands after using the bathroom (although there are public health initiatives that are changing this). The gesture for “come here” in Japan is inverted compared to t...
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節分祭 and Trip to Kyoto

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           Today is my first day back at school after an extra long weekend for spring break. I kept busy: I went to a sake brewery/museum, did the tour of the Yamazaki Whisky Distillery ( 山崎蒸留所、 Yamazaki Jooryuujo), spent a night in Kyoto, and went to a local shrine for the Setsubun festival （節分祭、 Setsubun Matsuri ） , the Japanese celebration of the coming of spring (hence why this break is called ‘spring break’ even though we do not consider spring to start until March). We did not have much homework, so I was able to get a good bit of saxophone in as well!             Setsubun is celebrated annually on February 3 rd , and the celebration falls close to the Lunar New Year (this year on Feb 5 th ). This festival is used as a way to cleanse the previous years evil and to bring good luck and happiness for the coming year. This is done through 豆撒き、 ”mamemaki” or bean throwing. Participants will throw ...
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First Post

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         Greetings all! As many of you know, I have arrived safely in Japan, and am in the middle of my third week here. I am healthy and well, and school has kicked off in earnest. My host mother is a kind and funny lady, and she is an amazing cook. So far, everything I’ve eaten in Japan (both at school, out, and at home) has been delicious. 鍋、 "nabe", referring to the bowl, where assorted veggies, crab, and pork cooks on the table. Also pictured is sashimi, beer, sake, and wine. After all the food in the nabe was eaten, my host mother used the leftover broth and made a risotto. This is more elaborate than most meals, as this was my first dinner in Japan. 'Okonomiyaki,' a fried pancake-shaped savory dish of veggies, seafood, and meat, with some sauce on top.   My host mother usually makes Japanese food (pictured), but occasionally we’ve had spaghetti and last night she made what I took to be creamed corn soup. For breakfast there is u...
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