ICAA Japan Tour 2007 Episode 2
Bryant Irawan / Indonesia Media
Day 5
 Our adventure continues as we finally hop on to one of Japan ’s well-noted bullet trains, the Shinkansen. Japan ’s dense traffic led to many frustrated drivers tired of battling the dense crowds. As a result, bullet trains were born. Not only can bullet trains accommodate a large number of passengers and travel up to speeds of 320 km/h, they are extremely safe and have not seen an accident for over thirty years!
Luckily, our group was able to experience the wonder of the Shinkansen Bullet train. Traveling from Mishima Station to Shin Fuji Station, would take a car a good hour to complete his journey. However, our bullet train completed the drive in only 15 minutes!
After purchasing our tickets, we went up the tall steps and waited in the chilly wind for our bullet train. Some people decided to pass the yellow boundary to take a snapshot of the incoming bullet train. Instantly, an alarm blared in our ears screaming to get to a safe distance in Japanese. We laughed merrily at our mistake as we hopped on the bullet train.
 You would normally expect to feel a force pushing against you, but all of Japan ’s bullet trains are designed for the highest comfort. My drink even stood still on the window sill the whole time!
 Unfortunately, we did not visit Japan during May since a new bullet train, the Lineast Line, -capable of traveling 581km/h- would be available for the public. The Noshomi Line, fastest bullet train line presently, would celebrate its last few days holding the record as the presentation of the Lineast Line neared.
 Compared to the driving time of 10 hours from Tokyo to Osaka , the Lineast Line would be able to easily accomplish the journey in only 45 minutes. Japan ’s domestic air flights can’t even compete with the Lineast Line. The flight is reported to take at least an hour to arrive at the destination, but a passenger must also add time for airport procedures/security.
After our enjoyable joyride in the Shinkansen bullet train, we headed to our next destination, the Shizuoka Green Tea Plantation where we will experience a classical Japanese green tea ceremony. Everyone received a little taste of Japanese culture as well as the green tea.
 Filled with tea in our bellies, we moved onward to Osaka Castle . Joey entertained us with Japanese stories and origami. In no time, we reached Osaka Castle –built in 1585-. Like many other castles or temples, Osaka Castle was burned during war and was rebuilt in 1699.  When we arrived at Osaka ’s castle, we were dazzled with an array of sunflowers, cherry blossoms, and chrysanthemums – the three prominent flowers in Japan- . A neat trivia to remember is that Japan ’s national flower is not sakura. The national flower is actually chrysanthemums and it is illegal to pluck one.
 The sun was setting down quickly so we rushed to the Shinsaibashi Shopping Street . Before shopping, our group ate a mouth-watering meal. Filled with tempuras, steamy noodles, and rice, the tour group unanimously agreed they would have trouble walking later on that day.
 Though the Shinjuku Shopping Street in Tokyo is very prominent, Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is the longest shopping street in Japan . The shopping street represents Japan and easily dominates Shanghai Nanjing’s road. Our tour leader stated that it would be impossible to cover the whole street in an hour. One can only truly experience Shinsaibashi if they spend an entire day! Disappointed to not spend much time shopping, we rested our fat bellies and slept, looking forward to go to Nara , the first capital of Japan .
Day 6
  After waking up and eating a fulfilling breakfast, we headed to Nara ’s most prominent attraction, the Todaiji Temple . The temple is currently the world’s largest wooden built temple. However, it was destroyed during war and later rebuilt. The original would have been approximately three times larger. Inside the large temple lies a large Buddha 18 meters tall. Inside the temple is an unique pole with a gigantic hole at the bottom. Myths state the size of the hole is as big as the nose of the Buddha statue.
 If one is able to crawl through, they will live a peaceful afterlife in Heaven after they die. Though our tour’s generous breakfasts and dinners make it physically impossible for most of our tour members to crawl through, everyone at least gave their best effort. As we exited the temple, a swarm of deer charged to us. Todaiji‘s deer park is well-known among Japan and a population of 1,100 deer can be seen roaming the perimeter of the temple. The mystery, however, is that none of the deer pass through the gates and roam in the temple.  Could it be the deer are intimidated by the guardian statues and understand they are not allowed? Or could it simply be they can not climb the tall stairs?
Our company finally closed in on our last city, Kyoto . Wooden houses, temples, and dojos flood Kyoto making it a “ Holy City .” Kyoto is noted for preserving its antique Japanese architecture and shops. If one seeks to visit a cultural perspective of Japan , they must visit Kyoto or Little Tokyo in Los Angeles .
 But, there is one other fact that Kyoto is legendary. Kyoto is the home of Japan’s geisha association. Currently, there are only forty-five geishas. The low number is caused by the rigorous procedure and regulations. For example, a geisha must be a certain height and must be purely Japanese. Because geishas are a symbol of Japan ’s culture, they are very expensive. A maiko, geisha in training, already costs 600 dollars for 15 min. A real geisha, however, would cost much more. Luckily, ICAA’s leaders were determined to let the tour experience a photo shoot with a geisha. They did it… A real maiko and two geishas sat inside the tour bus as we drove to Kyomizu temple to take pictures. Though it was only for fifteen minutes, our group can now brag they saw not one, but two geishas and one maiko.
 After the quick photo shoot, we headed to Heian Shrine. Bur, before praying, one must fill their bellies. We've seen geishas, Mt. Fuji , temples, hot springs and famous shopping streets. What else is there to see? Kimono Fashion show, of course. After another Japanese lunch set, we saw many models show off their elaborate kimono and introduce us the variety of designs. Everyone was happy and filled with food, ready to take the group photo at Heian Shrine.
 The famous tourist attraction in the shrine is the three waterfalls of Holy water. It is said that the water comes from a very pure spring. The spring’s water is then split to three waterfalls. One must remember to drink from each waterfall to obtain the fullest benefits. The holy water would grant a long and good life as well as love. Feared to be denied by USA ’s strict health department, the shrine stationed a UV sterilization for the cups.
  After drowning ourselves in holy water, we headed back down to the bus through a sea of souvenir stores. It was hard to imagine we practically visited every tourist attraction in Japan in such a short time period. All there’s left to do is head back to Narita and wait for our flight the next day.
Day 7
A deep sleep got us through the long road trip back to Narita and the demanding conditions and interests of Japan ’s urban cities flew back at me. Of course, every one has heard of Japan ’s legendary electronic toilet. With six functions, toilet fanatics in Japan spends  hours reading magazines on their toilets. In the winter, the heating functions are a dream come true and the water squirters fulfill every lethargic person’s wishes. Some toilets even shoot a perfume scent to make any one’s business pleasant.
But here’s a bit of trivia most tourists are flabbergasted to hear. Employees must wear a black suit uniform every day of their work. Their ties are free of dress code however. Another unbelievable fact employees must deal with is they are not allowed to return home until their employer leaves. Once their employer leaves, they must at least spend hour overtime without getting paid. They must also be at work an hour before their bosses as well. Could this be the reason why Japan ’s stress levels are so high?
 Similar to Indonesia , Japan is filled with smokers. 80% of Japan ’s population are smokers. When tourists visit America , they smell hamburgers and diesel. When tourists visit Indonesia , they smell soto ayam and sweat. But, when tourists visit Japan they smell soy sauce and cigarette smoke. Japan even has cigarette vending machines
On the other hand, Japan has a giant list of bragging rights as well. For one, they are the world’s vending machine kings. Hot coffee made fresh in a vending machine and hot lunches as well. Now these meals are not pre-made and heated afterwards. They are literally cooked inside the machine or at least the little video on the machine says so.
 Their rest areas are also much cleaner than America . Japan is nuts about their restrooms and have the top of the line toilet equipment and a safety rack for parents to put their babies while doing their private business.
 Well, we finally arrived at the airport and the clerk was shocked to see our eighty-eight tour group. Narita International Airport has admitted that our tour was the largest they have seen. Wouldn’t they be amazed if they saw last year’s ICAA China Tour group of 162 people. Even next year’s tour group –ICAA 2008 Spring Break Tour to Italy- number is climbing. Twenty Six people have already signed up, so don’t be late! OFF TO AMERICA !!!!!! - The End. "
Catatan perjalanan ICAA Japan Tour 2007
Dr. Irawan / Indonesia Media
 Berhubung banyak yang menanyakan bagaimana kabar perjalanan kami dalam Tour ke Jepang baru-baru ini, maka saya akan ceritakan sedikit tentang kesan-kesan khusus saya terhadap negeri Sakura ini. Tentunya saya tidak akan menceritakan secara khronologis keseluruhannya. Namun bagi yang ingin mengikuti tahyangan yang lebih lengkap dalam perjalannya masih dapat membaca di terbitan Indonesia Media yang lalu dan sekarang ini dari artikel yang di tulis oleh Bryant.
Pertama tama saya ucapkan terimakasih sebesarnya kepada seluruh peserta (88 orang), bahwa perjalanan Tour ini telah berjalan dengan selamat dan sukses, semua senang tidak ada satupun peserta yang komplain. Bahkan dari pihak Singapore Airline juga mengucapkan terimakasih atas kerjasamanya yang baik kepada group kami dengan membuka 6 counter check in khusus kepada rombongan ICAA, di airport Narita.
Perubahan di Jepang.
Kesan saya setelah mendarat di Narita kali ini antara lain adalah, Jepang saat ini semakin bersih dan teratur, namun asap rokok masih mengepul dimana-mana. Saya heran kemana itu puntung rokok di buangnya , tong sampah juga jarang kelihatan, apakah puntung rokok pada ditelani oleh penghisapnya ? Dari info local Tour Guide, ternyata, karena setelah 911, mereka meningkatkan kewaspadaan dan mengurangi tong sampah ditempat umum yang rentan terhadap kemungkinan tempat untuk menyembunyikan bom atau sejenisnya dari kelompok teroris.
 Biaya hidup memang terkesan tinggi, mungkin sekitar 15% lebih tinggi dari LA. Maaf, saya tidak begitu memperhatikan secara jelas harga makanan , karena Tour kami sudah termasuk makan 3 kali sehari. Angka diatas adalah berdasarkan ukuran Big Mac dan Coca Cola saja, itupun bukan saya yang makan , hanya karena anak-anak tidak tahan makan sashimi melulu tiap hari. Katanya angka stress juga tinggi, terbukti dari banyaknya orang merokok, dan banyak orang mengalami rambut rontok, angka perceraian juga menyolok mendekati 2/3, menurut pemandu wisata local.
 Kalau mau beli souvenir harus jeli mata memantau, sebab , bisa-bisa anda dapatkan yang ada tulisannya made in China. Memang terkesan ada invasi dari Barat (bukan western lho) maksudnya sebelah Barat dari Jepang. Banyak pramuniaganya yang berbicara bahasa Nihon kepada pembeli, tapi diantara mereka sendiri berkomunikasi dengan bahasa Mandarin, kabarnya banyak pengunjung dari Daratan. (ini membuktikan ekonomi di Tiongkok sudah lumayan)
Kebudayaan senioritas masih tetap dipegang teguh, misalnya kalau dikantor ada pekerja yang baru masuk, biasanya orang tersebut harus masuk lebih awal untuk nyapu-nyapu dan bebersih dulu di kantor dan menyediakan kopi atau teh kepada seniornya sebelum memulai pekerjaannya sendiri. Kebanyakan dari pekerja di kota besar bekerja dikantor lebih dari 10 jam, karena toh dirumah mereka yang kecil tidak senyaman seperti dikantor.
Tidak banyak korupsi.
Saya sempat berbincang dengan penduduk setempat yang kebetulan berbahasa Indonesia. Ketika saya tanya mengapa Jepang tetap teratur dan maju meskipun Tiongkok sekarang banyak merebut pangsa ekonomi ? Jawabannya adalah "Kami hidup dengan disiplin dan tidak banyak korupsi, setiap orang membayar pajak dan kami tetap giat bekerja".
Terobosan technologi.
Kabarnya bulan Mei tahun ini Jepang akan meluncurkan Shinkanshen (bullet train)tercepat didunia dengan kapasitas max 581 Km/jam, dengan jalur rel khusus. Diramalkan dengan terobosan ini penerbangan domestik akan gulung tikar, pasalnya dengan kecepatan itu transportasi dengan bullet train akan lebih cepat , karena tidak perlu direpotkan dengan security check di airport.
 Kemajuan technologi untuk tingkat konsumen Jepang masih terunggul didunia. Banyak orang percaya kalau Amerika tertinggal sedikitnya 2 tahun dari technology tingkat konsumen terutama barang-barang elektronik. Sayangnya waktu kami tidak banyak hanya 7 hari jadi tidak sempat mengunjungi surga electronic di Akihabara. Sepuluh tahun yang lalu di Jepang sudah menggunakan mesin semprot untuk cebok setelah buang hajat besar, sekarang di toilet umum Jepang juga sudah tersedia, kami di Amrik masih langka menjumpainya. Berhari hari kami menikmati kecanggihan itu, sekarang pulang ke Amrik merasa kehilangan barang itu. Untungnya barang itu sudah mulai tersedia di market Amrik, harganya berkisar antara $300 sampai $600. Percaya tidak, ada peserta tour yang sengaja berlama-lama duduk di toilet mengambil kesempatan untuk kenikmatan itu.
Lintas agama.
Mayoritas penduduk Jepang beragama Budha dan Shinto, hampir tidak ada yang beragama Islam, kendati di Tokyo ada juga Masjid yang disediakan untuk orang asing. Yang sangat menarik adalah, orang muda lebih suka nikah di Chaple yang diatur oleh pendeta orang bule. Walaupun mereka sudah menikah secara adat secara Budhis atau Shinto , tetap saja mereka meminta disahkan dengan perkawinan cara Barat.
Saya hanya tergelitik, karena bisa dibayangkan kalau umat dari agama lain apakah mereka berani melakukan hal yang sebaliknya ? Hal ini mengingatkan saya kembali kepada tata cara dulu kami sebagai Tionghoa Indonesia yang dibilang orang "totok", pada zaman tempo dulu. Tionghoa yang umumnya beragama Budha atau Konghuchu setiap bulan maulud mengundang Haji untuk selametan (Sedekah) kedalam rumah. Dengan menggelar tikar , kembang tujuh rupa, asap menyan, lisong, rokok, nasi kuning (tumpeng), semur daging, kopi, pisang raja, krupuk dan emping, dan lainnya ditambah Al Quran, lalu para abang-abang datang mengaji disekelilingnya, dan setelah selesai kami makan bersama.
Ritual semacam ini adalah salah satu contoh ceremoni lintas agama yang mirip dengan orang Jepang itu kawin di chaple. Walaupun tidak mutlak 100% sama, tapi masih bisa di analogikanlah gitu. Percaya atau tidak, saat adanya toleransi lintas agama, tidak terdengar adanya peristiwa pertikaian antar golongan agama. Di Jepang saat ini tidak ada isu permusuhan antar agama, demikian pula pada zaman tempo dulu di Indonesia.
Obrolan sampingan.
Kebetulan ada peserta ICAA dari Washington DC ikut tour ini yang bekerja sebagai aircraft tech dari Air Force One, dia bilang kalau pesawat pesawat Indonesia saat ini tidak diizinkan terbang ke AS, karena tidak memenuhi standart sertifikasi penggantian dan service suku cadang. Dia juga menambahkan kalau pesawat di AS biasanya selalu terbang dengan suku cadang baru walaupun umurnya tua, mereka diterbangkan sampai pensiun yang artinya sampai penggantian suku cadang tidak ekonomis lagi, lalu pesawat -pesawat ini biasanya di istirahatkan di gurun . Tapi kalau pesawat di Indonesia sudah lumrah kalau diterbangkan terus sampai "crash". Pesawat disana kalau ada yang rusak, suku cadangnya di reparasi (diakalin istilahnya) dan dipasang kembali, tidak diganti baru. katanya Dia melarang isterinya mudik ke Indo, kecuali sampai ke Bali saja.
Apakah benar omongan dia ??
Demikanlah sedikit catatan kesan saya dari Jepang.
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