I visited Japan in Dec'98, and, again, I must say it was a dream come true. I have always been interested in Japan, and since my studies were taking a turn towards Japanese art and literature, (see the Art page) the trip could not have come at a better time. And it was everything I expected it to be.

I stayed for a month, a long yet short period of time, and we managed to visit Kyoto, Nara, and staying in Tokyo. Three cities each with their own unique atmosphere. The gardens in Kyoto were absolutely stunning. We even visited Daitoku-ji, one of the most important Zen temples and the once home of Ikkyu (see my Ikkyu Page).

It is certainly strange, but I always say there were three things I fell in love with about Japan: pottery, bamboo and moss. Perhaps because these things are absent in the Western popular view of "art", but there was a "natural-ness" about them I found attractive. The Japanese sense of aesthetics is one of my key interests.

• Koyasan:

  For New Year's Mari and I visited this small temple town in the mountains, and the journey there, by trains then cable car, was just as enjoyable as being there. We were staying the night in a Buddhist temple (common for Japan) and the moment we arrived a heavy but beautiful snowfall began. It was extremely cold in our room, but this was the view we had. It was also in the temple where I received the most beautiful meal I've had. I say received because it felt a gift and I didn't want to eat it. I can't say it was the most filling or tasty, but beautiful. The Buddhist vegetarian cuisine uses only seasonal foods, and with has a gift for colour and composition found in painters.

  New Year's over there has a different meaning than in the west. It is much more family-oriented and "quiet". People, literally millions, flock on New Year's day to pray at Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines. It was a refreshing experience for me, to welcome the new year in a quiet rather than intoxicated state of mind.

• Kamakura:

  This is town, full of artists and writers, just an hour or so from Tokyo. It is here that you will find the Great Buddha, the famous statue which sits in the open air. You will also see old store establishments such as katana shops (Japanese swords).

  Hase-dera is a temple we visited in Kamakura, and this photo is of the many Jizo Bodhisattvas found in Japan. Jizo is the diety for unborn or deceased children, who guides the spirit of the child after death. Often adorned in children's clothes, it is for this reason that they are particular moving.

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