Takamatsu, 9/16/2023, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Japan
Ritsurin Garden is, for all the Japanese who have the luck to live in a city like Takamatsu, one of the most visited places. You can spend hours just feeding the koi or admiring the trees and the gardening in this place that is full of beauty and peace.
In the afternoon, we went to visit Shikokumura, a traditional village, and we found some protection against the burning sun as we walked under the leafy trees and admired the waterfall.
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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We spent the day in Sakaiminato, a city located on a sand spit between a huge lagoon and the Sea of Japan which has a bridge that is famous for its steepness. We all went to the Adachi Art Museum to enjoy the Japanese artwork and the adjoining gardens. There were six different gorgeous gardens that were best seen through the huge windows of the museum. For our excursions of the day, half of us went to a beautiful seaside fishing village called Mihonoseki, with traditional streets and houses. We visited a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Ebisu. Others went to see the Matsue Castle, which was constructed out of wood in the 17th century. Guests got to climb up several stories to the top floor, which afforded them views of the interior and an amazing perspective of the city of Matsue. Upon return to the port, we saw local artisans performing and selling art, such as calligraphy, weaving, and wood working. A local Japanese gospel choir gave us a dock-side performance as National Geographic Resolution pulled up the gangway and sailed away. It was a perfect ending to our explorations of these fascinating destinations.
Last night we departed from South Korea and have taken the day to cross the Sea of Japan and return to the Japanese island of Honshu tomorrow. Throughout the day we were treated to presentations: Geology by Joe, Japanese Performing Arts by Stefan, and iPhone Editing by Anna. We had a delicious outdoor BBQ that had a varied menu, from hamburgers to lobster tail. Following, the ship slowly turned and came to a complete stop. Everyone listened closely when our Expedition Leader, Andy, addressed us over the loudspeaker, calling those interested to take a swim in the middle of the Sea of Japan. The day was beautiful, the sea was calm, and the water was warm making for an exceptionally fun experience in the middle of our day at sea. Sushi teatime capped off an amazing day, and the after dinner showing of Princess Mononoke was the perfect way to end our return sail back to Japan.
Today we arrived in a new country! We disembarked at the port of Busan and took buses to Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Silla. We visited the Cheomseongdae Observatory and the ancient tombs of past royalty of the kingdom. Then we explored the Gyeongju National Museum, home to many of the ancient tools, relics, crowns, and jewelry of the kingdom. Instead of returning to National Geographic Resolution for lunch, we all visited a traditional Korean restaurant where dish after dish was piled onto the tables. Everyone left with very full bellies! After lunch we visited the Bulguksa Temple, a Buddhist temple that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art during the Silla Kingdom. It was a great day in South Korea!
