The Sound of Summer: Bell Healing Concert in Japan

I've gone to one of the most unusual concerts in Japan- a bell healing concert in Shinjohara. I got intrigued when a friend invited me so I went without having a slightest idea how it would be. 

The concert was held in a temple located in a ruralish area. The temple was a lovely surprise with its decors dusted in gold dust. It was a very informal and intimate affair. The stage for performance was small and the audience area were just pillows and small chairs. It felt like a small community gathering. 

interior decor of a temple in Shinjohara

engravings in gold 

 At 7 pm, the concert started. There were only two artists- the bell player and the singer. The opening act was a melody similar to what you nay hear in a spa. It was very soothing and relaxing but it was recorded. The bell player played along with the flute while singer hummed some notes. And the bells? After playing with the flute, the bell person did some seemingly random bell sounds by hitting the bells in front of him.

stage for performance

This type of performance continued all throughout the concert. A recorded melody was played, the singer hummed and the bell player played the flute then hit the bells on some random part of the song. He seemed earnest in what he does although I didn't really appreciate it. When he hit the bells, it brought discord rather than harmony to the song to my ears.

bells, bells, bells

Do Re Mi of bells

The highlights of the concert was when they blended traditional music with pop rhythm just before the break. It sounded more melodious and the bells seem to be more in tune. Also, the rendition of Amazing Grace through the bells was movingly solemn. They also played a seemingly sad and hopeful melody for the Tohoku Earthquake victims. Just before the concert ended, the singer sang a song with one word - ARIGATOU (Thank You) which she asked the audience to sing with her. It was touching and it felt very sincere. 

In between songs, the bell player mentioned how each bell has a different sound depending on how it was serated. I also learned that before airconditioning was invented, the Japanese hanged bells in the summer to give a refreshing feel. The sound of bells is the sound of summer. He then further explained how he started his bell collections and from what places he got his bells. I have to thank my friend for translating all these information for me. 

Aside from the interesting tidbits of information, I also appreciated the singer's voice. She did not sing any lyrics but I fell in a trance just hearing her humming. Her voice was smooth, clear and sleep-inducing. I saw a lot of people falling asleep. I was half asleep myself during the concert. 

They mention that they play in a temple in Kyoto and that they have various concerts in Japan. I regretted not getting more information about them. (I was just rushing to go home to catch the train.) I tried looking for them on Google but I can't seem to find one. If you ever heard of a bell healing concert, I recommend to give it a try. It can be a relaxing and moving experience. 

Bright Moshi: Firefly Festival

In the past if somebody invites me to watch fireflies, I would probably look at that person stupidly. Who would waste time to watch fireflies? They are beautiful when you chance upon them but I won't spend time travelling for almost an hour to some grassy place just to see fireflies. But that was in the past and this is what I actually did last Saturday- riding a bus for almost an hour to a grassy place just to watch fireflies as if I've never seen one.

photo credit: http://www.gtia.jp/kokusai/english/traveling/event_200906.php

The sight of fireflies was lovely but not impressive. I was a bit disappointed because I was expecting a spectacular display of fireflies. It doesn't mean that I didn't appreciate the fireflies, I was just anticipating for more. 

However, what I appreciated more is how the Japanese people took time to watch these shining creatures. There were a lot of people during the firefly watching. Families roamed around taking pictures, bent old people sitting while watching the fireflies and young couples holding hands savored the blinking sights. There was a communal feel to it like a group of people coming together to celebrate creation. Even if it is as small as fireflies. 

In Hamamatsu, you can watch fireflies until the 20th of June at the Flower Park. It's from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.　Entrance fee is 500 Yen. In other areas, check your prefectural tourism websites, Most prefectures also have firefly viewing for this month. 

Going Solo in Kyoto: Part 3- Temple Hopping

It's hard to miss temples in Kyoto for they are just about everywhere. I feel like in every turn in the corner, a temple pops up. Because there are just so many temples to see and each claiming its significance in Japanese history, it's important to decide what temples you'd like to see.

I considered two things. I have to see the Kinkakuji Temple- the temple covered in gold dust and I'll also look at the temples around that area. The other ones, maybe I can see them next time. Japan Guide has a great guide on where to go and how to get around in Kyoto. 

From Kyoto Station, buses are available to different temple districts. Bus guides in English are all around the bus terminal so it's easy to know which bus to take. 

A one-day bus pass worth 500 Yen for adults is available at the bus station. This can only be used on the City Buses and not on the JR Buses. 

Kyo-Ramen

After having a brief lunch of Kyo-ramen at the Kyoto Station, I marched to the bus terminal and boarded a bus to Kinkakuji. The ride is about 40 minutes with 230 Yen fare. Bus announcements are also translated in English so English-speaking tourists would know where to get off. 

(Going Solo in Kyoto Parts 1 and 2 here)

From the bus stop, the temple entrance is a 3-minute walk. Entrance is 400 Yen. The temple is truly worth the 40-minute bus ride. It was lovely sitting amidst a pond with a mountain backdrop. It was cloudy when I visited but I'm sure it would look stunning in a hot midday afternoon sun. I could imagine the golden glow of the temple. 

Kinkakuji Temple
(Kin means gold in Japanese)

Close Up of Kinkakuji

After almost an hour in Kinkakuji, I headed to the next temple which is Ryoanji. From Kinkakuji, board a bus passing the street in front of the temple. I was planning to walk up there but I'm glad I didn't because it's quite far for a walk. 

Ryoanji boasts of its Zen Rock Garden. The entrance is 500 Yen which I regret paying. The Rock Garden was a disappointment for me. It was small (probably just the same size as my Leo Palace Apartment.) I also some of the other foreigners with their disappointed faces. 

Ryoanji's Zen Rock Garden

temple interior at Ryoanji

After that disappointing visit, I walked towards Ninnanji Temple. It's a 15-minute walk from Ryoanji. There's a bus going there but it's not as often, I think. Entrance is 500 Yen which is a fair price for the sights you'll see. 

The temple garden was spacious peppered with small temples. There's also the historic five-story pagoda. And the Zen Garden of the main temple was soothing and relaxing. 

Kyoto's five-story pagoda

Ninnanji Temple's Garden
(Bigger and better than Ryoanji's)

Top view of Ninnanji's Temple Garden

After more than an hour, I left Ninnanji and head back to Kyoto Station. I would have loved to see Ginkakuji Temple (It's the silver temple.) and the geisha house next time. But for this trip, I had seen enough of temples and I had to be back to Hamamatsu by 8 pm. 

(More of Places in Japan, here)

I was glad I had my first year celebration in Kyoto. It was the perfect place to feel that I am truly in Japan.