Things to Do in Golden Week

Hattasan Soneiji Temple, Fukuroi

Golden Week in Japan is a collection of 4 holidays in a week. It starts from April 29, then May 3 to 5. A lot of companies also cancel work from April 30 to May 2 completing a full week as a holiday. Hence, the term "GOLDEN WEEK."

Golden week is one of the three busiest times in Japan. The other two are during Obon and New Year's Celebration. Tourism is at its peak both locally and internationally. I tried booking a tour for Fuji Five Lakes 2 weeks ago but the agent said it's already full until May 6th. It's probably the same with other tour agencies. If not fully booked, prices are expected to be more expensive. Airports and train stations are anticipating a large influx of tourists. If you're a foreigner who's planning to come to Japan, this is not the best time to go.

If you're not up for travelling during this time, you can do these things instead.

Where to See Wisteria in Japan

Kawachi Tunnel in Kitakyushu
photo credits: http://www.tourismontheedge.com/

I saw a comic strip a few months ago. I wish I've bookmarked it

It goes like this:

(Man and woman on a Japanese train)

Man: So we're travelling for hours to see flowers???
Woman: Yes. 
Man: This better be good. 
Woman: (looks at him annoyingly)

(Man and woman arrived in a wisteria tunnel)

Man: (cries with joy over the sight of wisteria) 
Woman: (looks at him puzzled)

The artist then explained how it was truly his reaction when he first saw a wisteria tunnel. It was so beautiful. I definitely agree with him. I could even say that it's more beautiful than the cherry blossoms. The dropping flowers of wisteria gives a fairy-tale quality to a place. It just looks so whimsical.

So where can you see this whimsical wisteria?

In Hamamatsu, you can find wisteria on the grounds of Gyokoji Temple, Iwata. I visited this place yesterday and the wisteria are in full bloom. Perfect timing!

wisteria in Gyokoji Temple, Iwata

How to Help Earthquake Victims in Nepal

In case you don't know yet, a 7.8 earthquake hit Nepal last Saturday. Earthquakes hitting 7 in the Richter scale is considered a major earthquake and causes serious damage. As of today, more than 3,000 people have died and thousands more are injured. Some parts of China, Tibet, Bangladesh and India were also affected by the quake. Strong aftershocks are still being felt. Tent dwellings have sprung up in Kathmandu with the locals scared to go back to their homes. Many others and still missing or trapped. 

Historical temples, shrines and buildings were destroyed. About 29 districts in Kathmandu were declared crisis zones. Hospitals are overcrowded and supplies are running out. Stores are expected to be closed for at least a week. Food and water are in short supply. 

I could write more sentences to describe the devastation in Nepal. A quick search in on Google Images will show you how horrible and sad the current situation in Nepal is. 

I'm no stranger to calamities since the Philippines face 20 typhoons in a year. I have families and friends who suffered during Haiyan and Ondoy. I've also seen the devastation of the March 11 earthquake in Japan. I've visited the ghost towns in Tohuko and talked with children orphaned from the disaster. So my heart goes out when things like this happen. I can't just pretend that everything is fine in the world when I know that in another part, thousands of people are hanging on for their lives. 

I'm writing this post to ask help and prayers for the people in Nepal.