Teignmouth Probus Club members were treated to a special illustrated travelogue of our speaker’s experience of an exchange scheme return visit to Japan staying with his Japanese guest.

Japan is steeped in ancient history, from the 12th to the 19th century the country was governed by feudal war lords – Samuri, isolated from the outside world until as recently as 1853 when ‘western’ influences intruded. Japan is about the size of the UK with twice the population, running adjacent to South & North Korea and Russia, a very mountainous landscape with over 100 active volcanoes and the meeting of 4 tectonic plates. There remain many differences in the Japanese way of life compared to Europe.

Ian’s travels included staying in Japanese style hotels and home hospitality. We enjoyed his superb personal guided tour of Japan with a unique insight as seen by a native of that land.

Whilst cities appear overpopulated, Society is disciplined, very formal and respectful, everywhere is clean and tidy, no graffiti to be seen. Toiletry especially, hi-tech and immaculate, with heated seats and push button bidet-like services. Locals often visit an ‘Onsen’ a natural hot water community spring for bathing, soaking and relaxing requiring a shower before entering but not so afterwards to retain the health giving minerals of the volcanic spa on ones body. Food was extra-ordinary, often banquet/buffet style with its own rituals. Not spiced as in Asia but uniquely flavoursome to the nation. Presentation is part of the culture, mostly savoury with little sweet food and ‘Saki’ remains very popular. Segregation of the sexes was evident, men socialised together while the wives stayed home. Living rooms were small, sparsely furnished centred around Tatami mats and for bedrooms, futons  Transport is technologically advance with fast bullet trains since introduction in 1964. There are a lot of tunnels going through mountains with one being 33 miles long. Society remains regimented demonstrated by a typical photo of a tube train compartment where almost everyone was dressed in black, a quiet spoken and polite people. Our speaker was surprised, that once out of the major city centres tourist areas, little English was understood or spoken with a local guide being essential. Tokyo, its capital has but one central railway station compared to London hosting several. 

Famous flora are the cherry trees in bloom which can be enjoyed for 6 weeks following the blossom up country from South to North during the season. The forna included snow monkeys bathing in the hot water springs in the depth of winter, cranes and eagles abound with Serow (an indigenous  goat/antelope creature) and sable and Seeker Deer. Buddhism & Shinto is deeply entrenched with Temples and Pagodas and sacred areas abound.  A unique and stimulation country and way of lie. Well worth a visit.

Our well-travelled Secretary, John Polley gave the vote off thanks with anecdotal confirmation from his experiences.