Destination: Japan

The view from the Enoshima Lighthouse Observatory. 
Taken by Justeen Elliott

A praying monk.
Taken by Justeen Elliott

Japan has many different attractions. The best ones near the southern part of the country would have to be the temples.

Since the March 2011 Japan tsunami, many people think that Japanese citizens are helpless and unhappy, but that is not the case.  It is actually quite the opposite. The people are still generally happy, friendly, and take pride in everything that they do.

It has now been months since the media began painting the picture of an entire country strewn with garbage in their narrow streets, that many people are suffering without work, and that the ancient temples are in ruins. Japan isn’t like that at all. They are doing as great as ever.
It has been a year after the devastating tsunami hit Japan and since then, businesses are thriving, the temples are always full of people, both locals and tourists, and trees are getting ready to bloom in the spring.

The Cosmo Clock 21 and the theme park next to it.
Taken by Justeen Elliott

According Jason Hedrick, a travel agent at Portland's Azumano, it is now safe to travel to Japan, and visitors actually help their economy recover.

"I believe that Japan is a safe country to travel to again," said Hendrick.  "Not only would traveling there help prove to others that it is safe, but it will also help their economy boom once again."

Walking through various businesses and malls, visitors can see that each business is full of all sorts of people.

A grave stone at the Hase-Dera Temple.
Taken by Justeen Elliott

The people are very friendly and will help tourists, even without being asked for help.  Whether they're locals, military, or citizens, they're always willing to help.

"Every time I see someone who looks like an American, or that looks confused, I always try and point them in the right direction, or if I'm able to, help take them to their destination," said local Yokosuka native Akina Del Rosario.  "Since I know how hard the train stations are, I try to help people as much as I can."   

There are three major cities near Yokosuka:  Kamakura, Enoshima, and Yokohama.

Kamakura has around 20 different temples. Two of the major ones are Daibutsu and the Hase-Dera Temple.

Taken by Kent Elliott

 Daibutsu's main attraction is the giant bronze Daibutsu statue. It was built in 1252, and the name means “Great Buddha”. For only 200 yen (roughly $4.00), visitors can climb inside to see what the interior of the statue looks like.

 The other major temple is the Hase-Dera Temple. This temple originally belonged to the Tendai sect of Buddhism, but eventually became an independent temple of the Jodo-shu sect.

The Cosmo Clock 21.
Taken by Kent Elliott

 Enoshima is an interesting place to visit. The Enoshima Lighthouse Observatory is there. The lighthouse on the island takes a couple hours to walk to, and along the way visitors may view various businesses, meeting some of the monks that are walking about. They might even pet some of the random cats that are lounging along the way. Once at island's peak, the view is breathtaking. Visitors can see for miles and miles, and if lucky enough to get there at dusk, they will have an excellent view of Mt. Fuji. The lighthouse has been around for well over a century, and is a new landmark on the highest point of Enoshima Island. It is 59.9 meters high, at only 119.6 meters above sea level.

The Enoshima Lighthouse Observatory.
Taken by Justeen Elliott

The most awe-inspiring attraction in Yokohama is the Cosmo Clock 21. The Cosmo Clock 21 was built in 1989 and is the world’s largest clock (369 feet). When it opened in 1989, it was the world’s largest Ferris wheel; it is now the second largest, behind the Singapore Flyer, in Singapore. The Cosmo Clock has 60 passenger cars, each capable of carrying eight people, and takes about 15 minutes to complete a full rotation.

The view from the clock is spectacular. Once at the top, visitors can see the nearby theme park from above. With the lights on, it makes the view so much more beautiful. If lucky enough to experience the ride when it is exceptionally dark outside, it is even more lit up than the usual breathtaking view.

It is safe to say that Japan isn’t still suffering after the tsunami and all of the recent earthquakes. They’re doing just fine.

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