Table Of Contents

1. Dress for Success
2. Hydrangeas Symbolism in Japan
3. When to go See Them
4. How To Ge to Kamakura
5. Engakuji temple 
6. Tokeiji Temple
7. Meigetsu-in Temple 
   • Hojo Tokiyori
8. Hase Temple 
9. Joju-in Temple Stairs
10. Gokurakuji Station 
11. Gokurakuji Temple
12. Komachi Chaya
13. Sakura no Yumemiya
14. Imoyoshi Yakata

Dress for Success

The key to a great day out in the rain is the proper attire! If you know there might be rain on your trip, bring a light but high-quality raincoat with you. A coat that folds up quickly is great as it can be tucked away in your backpack once the rain passes. I always bring a large plastic bag with me to put any wet clothes inside once I take them off.

While you might not want to pack a large pair of rubber boots, an excellent option is all-weather leather ankle boots. Add a bit of anti-rain spray and this will go along way to keeping your feet dry. If I’m expecting a lot of rain, I always pack an extra pair of socks. Just throw them in your backpack to change into throughout the day. They take up almost no room and can be a game-changer. Avoid wearing jeans on a rainy day as once they get wet, they take FOREVER to dry! Avoid cotton and synthetic fabrics as well. The best thing to wear, especially in warmer weather, is a dress with nylon stockings or light leggings. Since these aren’t too porous, they won’t retain the water and dry quickly once the weather clears up.

If you’re hesitant to bring an umbrella, as it takes up weight and room in your suitcase, fear not! On rainy days, almost everywhere you go in Japan, like train stations and convenience stores, will have umbrellas for sale. And best of all, they only cost about $5. They are surprisingly high quality and even look super cute! I love the clear plastic dome and a wide opening for good rain coverage.

Hydrangeas Symbolism in Japan

Hydrangeas are not only a beautiful flower but also a highly symbolic one. Since the flower has a large head and long stalk, the blooms appear to bow down as if they were crying when covered in rainfall. The pale pink varieties are thought to resemble the shape of a beating heart. So for these reasons, they have always been associated with heartfelt emotion. Legend has it that the Japanese emperor gave the hydrangea flower to the family of the girl he loved. He had been paying too much attention to work and not enough to her. He wanted to show his remorse to his future in-laws for his neglect. So he sent them a basket of flowers to show how sorry he was and express his gratitude for their understanding.

The variety of hydrangea that you’ll find in Japan was created by famous botanist Tomitaro Makino. He was known as the “Father of Japanese Botany.” He named this variety the “princess hydrangea” because of its large, beautiful clusters of star-like petals. As the flower blooms, the colours of the petals get deeper and deeper. When they first open, they are a pale, baby blue colour. As their seasons extend, the colour gradually turns into a deep indigo hue. One of the best times to view the flowers is at dawn and dusk. At this time the light of the rising or setting sun kisses the petals and makes them appear even more vibrant. For these reasons, they are also labeleld as ‘Shitihenge‘ flowers which means “various changes“.

When to go See Them

Hydrangeas bloom in Kamakura from mid-June to early July. Rain or shine, the hydrangea season in Kamakura is hectic! Local Japanese people come from prefectures all over the country to see the flower – they definitely aren’t a hidden secret. The best times to avoid at all costs are the weekend and holidays when you’ll see the largest influx of people. Aim for an early start to your day and arrive mid-week and you’ll be rewarded with the best shot of having an excellent opportunity to see the flowers without too many crowds.

Remember, if there’s a large group gathered blocking your view, just wait till the group passes. You might find you suddenly have the spot all to yourself (if even for just a minute.) As in all things, patience is critical, as well as understanding that everyone else is just as excited as you to see the blooms, and we all just need to share the space.

How To Ge to Kamakura

Kamakura is a comfortable hour-long train ride from Tokyo, making it one of the easiest day-trips to do. If you leave from the central hub of Tokyo Station you can get right on the Yokosuka Line. This line arrives directly at our first stop, Kita-Kamakura Station. No need to change any lines. Virtually, from anywhere else in Tokyo you can still arrive quickly in Kamakura with generally just one change of trains.

Engakuji temple 

Head to Kita-Kamakura Station to make your way to Engakuji temple. This temple complex is the best place to start your day. The hydrangeas here aren’t as dense as the other spots, so it’s one of the less crowded places on the tour. The Engakuji temple is one of the most important Zen Buddhist temple complexes in Japan. Its historical importance is one of the foundations of Kamakura but the beauty of the gardens and buildings that make up the temple complex is what will draw you in like under a spell.

Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm | Admission fee: 300 yen

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The hydrangea blooms pop-up in small clusters throughout the temple. Along the pathways and around the large Sanmon gate. Be sure to find the tea house located on the grounds. During the hydrangea season, you can enjoy a cup of matcha with a side of sweet candy shaped into the iconic blossoms.

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Tokeiji Temple

Just across from Kita-Kamakura station and south down the road a few minutes, you’ll find yourself at Tokeiji Temple. Tokeiji Temple was founded as a nunnery for women who wanted to escape abusive marriages but could not initiate a divorce. Their flower garden was always one of the greatest in Kamakura, and still to this day, it’s a great place to come to see the hydrangeas. 

Hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm | Admission Fee: 100 yen

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Meigetsu-in Temple 

Continue walking south and cross over the river when you come to Meigetsuin Street. Named for the most famous temple to see during the flower season. The road will be pretty busy as this narrow street, usually only for a few locals, is suddenly overcome with tourists. As you approach the mouth of the temple, you’ll see why…

Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm) | Admission fee: 500 yen

Meigetsu-in Temple is also known as the “Ajisai-dera Temple“, which means “Hydrangea Temple“. Every year, baby blue hydrangeas bloom in the gardens which cover the grounds of the temple. One of the best views of the flowers is right as you come in. The sprays of blooms lean in on either side of the staircase. Almost greeting you with their bowed heads. Meigetsu-in was founded in 1160 as a Rinzai Zen temple and Buddist school. The temple complex provides a stunning array of views at the iconic Kamakura landscape. The views features a look at the valley with its low hills and bright green foliage spread across the background of the great mountains.

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Hojo Tokiyori

Meigetsu-in Temple is famously known for housing the tomb of Hojo Tokiyori, a former supreme ruler of Japan. Tokiyori made his home in Kamakura and wanted to be commemorated here. The building that houses his tomb is one of the most beautiful, with a charming thatched roof and stunning historical founders hall. The key feature of this room is the iconic circle window. The circle window is meant to resemble the moon as the name Meigetsu literally means “bright moon.” It is called the “Window of Enlightenment” and looks out at an inner zen garden where people can find peace in meditation.

As another nod to the moon, you might notice a series of rabbit statues throughout the temple. Rabbits have long been associated with the moon in Japanese folklore. Legend has it that when the man on the moon came down to earth, the rabbit was willing to sacrifice himself to feed the starving man. Shocked by the rabbit’s generosity, the man took the rabbit back to the moon with him. You can still see the outline of a rabbit pounding mochi on the full moon when you look up today. In addition to rabbit statues, there is also rabbit in cages that you’ll find as you explore. And you might even spot a rabbit hopping around the flowers as well.

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Hase Temple 

Hase Temple or Hase-dera is known for its hilltop temple built into the mountains of Kamakura. But during the rainy season, what brings so many people to the temple are the 2,500 hydrangeas that cover the temple’s grounds. Over 40 different hydrangeas varieties bloom in the temple and cover the scenic Prospect Path, which looks over the seaside. The rising swell of flowers that cover the hills of the temple look like something out of a painting!

Hours: 8:00 am 5:00 pm | Admission fee: 400 yen

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Joju-in Temple Stairs

Walking down from Hase temple, make a stop at Joju-in Temple. This small temple is located at the top of long set of stairs, carved into the edge of the hillside looking out over the beach. The stone staircase is flanked by 262 hydrangeas that create this mesmerizing photo. One of the best parts of this stop is that you don’t even need to go into the temple to get the beautiful view! So it’s a free activitiy.

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Gokurakuji Station 

Gokurakuji Station is a charming little train station where you can see a smattering of hydrangea flowers located on either side of the train track. The flowers grow so large they lean onto the track, almost getting in the way of the train. Gokurakuji is located on the historic Enoden Train line famous for its retro and colourful train cars.

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Gokurakuji Temple

Although Gokurakuji Temple might be small, it has an impressive set of hydrangeas out front. These bright and elegant flowers look especially beautiful against the temple’s rustic backdrop.

Hours: 9:00 to 4:30 pm | Admission: Free

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Komachi Chaya

Once you are done touring the temple, it’s time to get something to eat. And there is no better place to eat the best street food than Komachi street. Just as Sakura’s seem to be a Japanese obsession, Kamakura residents love their hydrangeas. At Komachi Chaya, they serve up a hydrangea black tea infused with the petals. You can also get an ombre coloured kakigori inspired by the hues of the hydrangea. Traditionally a kakigori is either plain or covered in toppings. But this one is served with a tray of various fruit compotes on the side to pour on top as you like it! Adding the fruit as you eat it also means it doesn’t immediately melt the ice right away. The perfect treat to enjoy on a hot and humid day.

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Sakura no Yumemiya

My favourite stop for a treat in Kamakura is Sakura no Yumemiya. This shop sells a variety of fantastic dango. Dango is Japanese dumplings made from rice flour. They are very similar to mochi, but the rice flour balls are smaller, the size of a marble, and steamed to make them super bouncy instead of chewy. While dango usually comes in just one of two flavours, this shop has dozens and dozens of toppings that jazz it up. The best one to get during this season is the hydrangea-inspired dango. It is covered in a green and purple topping meant to resemble the hydrangeas steams and flowers. The toppings are made from white bean paste. The green part is flavoured with matcha, while the purple is flavoured with taro (sweet potato). 

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Imoyoshi Yakata

Imoyoshi Yakata is a trendy and colourful soft serve ice cream shop. Other than the smiling faces of the people inside, the thing that really draws you into the shop is the fantastic flavours offered up here. But what you need to buy during hydrangea season is the “Ajisai” ice cream. This version is a mix of Uji green tea and purple sweet potato, once more coloured to look like the iconic flower.

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If you find yourself anywhere near Kamakura during the rainy season you really need to make an effort to see the hydrangeas for yourself! The season isn’t as short-lived as the Sakuras, so you have a little bit more time to plan your trip around seeing them. They are definitely a popular attraction but well worth the train ride out to see them. Plus, Kamakura is one of my favourite day trips from Tokyo and such a lovely little seaside town to wander and explore.

The post The Best Guide to Exploring the Amazing Hydrangeas of Kamakura first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

When we were visiting Tokyo during Cherry Blossom season, we had heard that this park was one of the best places to come to enjoy the last of the season. The sakura had bloomed early this year, and we were hoping we might be in luck to find some trees with a few petals still clinging to the buds when we arrived. Lucky for us the park is home to a variety of different sakura trees which are known to bloom throughout the spring.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. Hours and Admission
3. Accessibility
4. History
5. Design of the Gardens
6. French Formal Gardens
7. English Landscape Garden
8. Variety of Sakura Trees
9. Shinjuku Gyoen Throughout the Seasons
10. Greenhouse
11. Where to Eat?
12. Rakuu-tei

Access

The garden has three separate entrances around the park to make it easy to enter from various parts of the city. The largest gate (Shinjuku Gate) is located 10-minutes from the Shinjuku JR station or five minutes from Shinjukugyoenmae Station. The Okido Gate, is located farther east on the north side five minutes from Shinjukugyoenmae Station. There is one last gate (Sendagaya Gate) located on the south side. This gate is accessible from the nearby JR Sendagaya Station.

Hours and Admission

To enter this park, you do need to pay an admission fee. This means the park is much less crowded. Admission costs 500 yen. The gardens are open from 7:00 am if you come in from the Shinjuku Gate. The other two gates only allow access starting at 9:00 am. The park closes at 4:30 pm, with the last admission at 4:00 pm. The park is closed on Mondays for maintenance. During cherry blossom season and chrysanthemum festivals, the gardens remain open 7 days a week due to the overwhelming popularity.

Accessibility

If you require accessible access, exit through Shinjuku Station or Shinjukusanchome Station. These stations do not require walking up to any stairs or escalators. From there, head over to the Shinjuku Gate. Once you pass through the admission gate, you will be provided with a map in the language of your choice. The map is wonderfully clear in identifying wheelchair-friendly areas. Great effort was taken in ensuring the part is friendly for those with disabilities. There are various washrooms in the park which are accessible. The map also points out pathways which are easier to traverse in a wheelchair or any areas of difficult terrains (such as gravel or steeper slopes).

History

Initially, the park wasn’t owned by the city; it was private property. The shōgun bequeathed the land to Lord Naitō, who built a grand garden onto his palace in 1772. Over the years, the gardens passed hands, down from a private residence to an agriculture centre to a public botanical garden in 1879. The garden’s original layout was destroyed during the air raids of WWII. After the war, much effort was taken to restore and rebuilt the park back to its original design.

Design of the Gardens

The Shinjuku Gyoen garden is spread over 58.3 hectares! The gardens were designed in three distinct styles: French formal, English landscape and Japanese traditional. The Japanese Garden is decorated with a series of large reflecting ponds. Connecting the different areas of the garden across the pond are various large stones, gravel pathways and an iconic Japanese bridge.

You’ll find a large structure called the Kyu-Goryotei or the “old palace” in the center of the Japanese garden. This building is, oddly enough, designed in Chinese-style. This is because it was donated by the Japanese residents of Taiwan for the imperial wedding celebrations. Today, it a favourite place for photographs as you look out at the beautiful pond on the other side.

Take a closer look at the pond and see if you can spot some of the carp which are stocked in the water. Carp symbolizes the Japanese fighting spirit due to their hardy nature. You can also see if you can see any of the many turtles, sunbathing on the rocks around the pond.

French Formal Gardens

The Formal French Gardens are dominated by perfect beds of roses surrounded by the Avenue of Sycamore trees. Sycamore trees are native to central, eastern and southern Europe, having been introduced by the Romans. There are eight hundred feet of roses with varieties all originating outside of Japan.

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English Landscape Garden

The English Landscape Garden features this large open lawn surrounded by cherry blossom trees. This area is a favourite for children to run freely and play on the manicured grass.

There are over 20,000 trees to be found inside the park. You can spot tall Himalayan cedars, tulip trees, cypresses, as well as a stock of 1,700 tropical pants inside the greenhouse. Of the 20,000 trees found here, 1,500 of which are Japanese cherry blossom trees.

Variety of Sakura Trees

What makes this park a little different is that there are different varieties of cherry blossom trees. Some areas only have one kind which means there is only one opportunity to see the flowers. Having different species means the trees bloom at different times of the year. This ensures that people can enjoy the season in the park for a more extended period.

Weeping Cherry Tree

The Weeping Cherry tree is the first to bloom in early March. By far, these trees are the most dramatic. Their flowers delicately covering the long tendrils, reaching towards the the ground. 

Somei Cherry Trees

Then there are the Tokyo Cherry or Somei trees. These are most commonly found in Tokyo prefecture and start blooming in early April. This is the most popular species you’ll find all over the city. The variety has only five petals and is pale pink in colour. From afar these flowers almost appear to be white.

Kanzan Cherry Trees

The final kind of tree found in the park is the Kanzan Cherry trees. These are the last to bloom in late April. These are my favourite variety. They are known for their “double blossom.” There are as many as 50 petals on each of these flowers. They are a deep pink colour and have the most fantastic contrast against the bright blue sky. 

Shinjuku Gyoen Throughout the Seasons

Springtime

Springtime is the most popular time to visit the park as this is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Since the park is so large though even at the busiest times, you never feel too overwhelmed. Bring your picnic blankets and relax here under the precious petals.

Summer

In the summertime, the garden blooms with hydrangeas, one of the most popular seasonal flowers. Also in the summertime, you can wander around the French garden which is covered in an efflorescence of blooming roses!

Fall

Outside of Sakura season, the most popular time to visit is during the park is during the chrysanthemum festival. This festival has been running since 1929 and is a very popular event for the locals. The festival usually runs for two weeks beginning in November, but it depends on the flowers’ blossoming time.

In the Autumn, all the trees change colour and create a magical sunset-toned wave across the sky. The most beautiful of which is the maple trees which have been planted here, which turn a deep autumnal red. The contrast of the red against the rest of the green tree is truly stunning.

Winter

Even in the wintertime, there are plenty of flowers to see. The camellia and the white narcissus are blooming in December and January. And in February, you’ll find the Japanese apricot and witch hazel trees abloom.

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Greenhouse

Right beside the Ookido Gate, you’ll find the large greenhouse. This greenhouse is home to many different tropical plants which bloom all year round. So even if there isn’t anything budding outside, you can always find something to look at in here. The interior feels like a jungle, with wild plants growing up to the ceiling and their leaves hanging down around you. The greenhouse is divided into different regional plants, so you can travel around the world in this one little building.

Where to Eat?

While there are some lovely restaurants in the surrounding area, the best thing to do inside the park brings a picnic! During cherry blossom season, this is called having a “hanami party” or sakura watching party. But it doesn’t need to be springtime to have a picnic. Just head down to your local konbini to pick up a variety of foods, ready to eat, and layout on a blanket to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Remember, there is no drinking or bringing in alcohol into this park.

Rakuu-tei

If you haven’t brought any food with you, there are a few different rest houses and cafes dotted throughout the park. These are not always open, so be sure to check with the gate attendant to see which ones are serving customers. The Rakuu-tei (tea house) is a great place to have a cup of traditional macha inside a traditional tea room. This building is located beside the old plum trees in the Japanese garden. Here you can take a moment of relaxation as you enjoy a spot of tea with a seasonal Japanese sweets. The drink set will cost 700 yen, which is steep, but it’s all about the experience. If you’ve never had a tea set inside a garden-side tea room before this is your chance!

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Shinjuku Gyoen is the perfect place to escape to if you feel like the crowded and busy nature of the city is getting to you. Shinjuku is one of the most populated parts of the city and the fact this peaceful oasis is hidden in the middle of it is fantastic. Be sure to pay this place a visit to find a moment of zen in your busy travel schedule.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

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Aoraki Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It soars 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) above the land around it. The mountain is infamous for climbing. It was even used by famed climber Edmund Hillary as a practice hike before he summitted Mount Everest. Surrounding the base of the mountain is the Tasman Glacier and the Hooker Glacier, two of the longest and largest remaining glaciers in the world. It truly is a place of incredible natural wonders and there are so many things to see and do here.

Table Of Contents

1. When to Visit
2. Maori History
3. Do I Need to Know how to Hike?
4. Where to Stay?
5. How to Access Aoraki Mount Cook by Car
6. Can you get there without renting a car?
7. What to See and Do While in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
8. #1. Lake Tekapo 
9. #2. Church of the Good Shepard
10. 3 Lake Pukaki
11. 4 Aoraki Mount Cook Road Photo
12. #5. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
13. #6. Governors Bush Walk 
14. #7. Dine under the Stars
15. #8. Star Gaze!
16. #9. The Hooker Valley Trail
17. #10. Scenic Helicopter Ride
18. #11. Tasman Glacier View Track
19. #12. Tasman Lake Boating or Kayaking Experience 
20. #13. Hike to the Mueller Hut (Expert only)
21. #14. Red Tarns Track
22. #15. The Sir Edmund Hillary Café & Bar

When to Visit

I think the best time to visit Aoraki Mount Cook is as Springtime arrives. This is from September to November in New Zealand. The temperatures in September to November range from highs of 20°C degrees and lows of 0°C . It can get especially chilly at night but you just need to pack on those layers!

Their peak season for tourism is from December to February when the weather is the warmest. Temperatures range from a high of 25°C and a low of 10°C. But warm weather also means you’ll see more tourists and need to book things well in advance.

March into May is when New Zealand sees autumnal weather and is another great time to visit since those fall colours are impressive across the park. The temperatures during these months are similar to those in the Spring.

March, May and October are the rainest months to visit. But since the mountains are located in a valley, they experience a bit of rain throughout the entire year.

Maori History

Although the Europeans named it Mount Cook the natives have long called it Aoraki. Aoraki, according to Maori legend, was a young boy who was the son of the Sky Father and Earth Mother. The name means “Cloud Piercer”. The word “Ao” means “cloud” and “Ranki” means “sky or weather”.

According to the legend, Aoraki and his brothers were visiting their mother on Earth when their canoe became stranded on a reef and capsized. The canoe became the land on which the south island of New Zealand was formed, and Aoraki, the tallest of all the brothers, turned into a mountain.

The Maori Ngāi Tahu tribe which inhabits this region considers Aoraki the most sacred ancestor of their tribe. It links the physical world and the spiritual word together. And when walking through the park it’s important to remember this and honour the land upon which you visiting. Today, it is respectful to call the mountain either Aoraki Mount Cook or simply Aoraki as it recognizes the indigenous inhabitants of this region.

Do I Need to Know how to Hike?

I am by NO means an athletic person! But even I found there were so many hiking trails here that appeal to every level of hiker. Some are not much more than a walk along some rough terrain into the gorgeous valleys surrounding the mountains. But if you are a more seasoned hiker you can set out on real adventures up the mountain. There really are trails for everyone, from beginner to expert.

Where to Stay?

Hermitage Hotel

I opted to stay at the acclaimed Hermitage Hotel right in the centre of Mount Cook National Park. This place books up very far in advance so the sooner you can make plans, the better. Their hotel has various room options from Chalets to Suites where you even have your kitchen. These are surprisingly affordable when considering the location and you CANNOT beat the views out their windows. Even if you just sat inside and looked out your window all day you’re bound to have an amazing time. Their prices range from $113 USD-$198 USD/night for the standard room depending on the season.

YHA Hostel Mount Cook

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option check out YHA Hostel. This hostel offers up dorm beds in a variety of combinations. If you’re a family you can get a private double room with bunk beds. There also are large dorm rooms if you’re travelling solo or with a group of friends. They have free parking, a fully equipped kitchen and they even have a sauna! Rooms cost anywhere between $22 USD-$117 USD depending on your choice of room (the private family rooms being the most expensive).

Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

The Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge is a great mid-range price option. Their rooms are simple but they still all have stunning views and communal cooking spaces. So even if you don’t opt for the room with a kitchenette, there are places to make your meals. Rooms start at $111 USD a night.

How to Access Aoraki Mount Cook by Car

The only road into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is via State Highway 80. This road starts near Twizel, and leads directly to Mount Cook Village, where the road ends. If you’re driving in from Christchurch, you’ll take Highway 79, to Highway 8 and then onto Highway 80. There are plenty of things to see on your drive into the park. Be sure to read this post before planning your route. Many of the sights below you can visit on your drive into the park! I’ve laid them all out in order below to make your trip as seamless as possible.

Can you get there without renting a car?

While most journeys in New Zealand are done by renting a car, if you have flown in Christchurch you can get an intercity bus to Mount Cook. The bus will drop you off at the Aoraki Hermitage Hotel. The return price is $229 so it’s a great option if you can’t drive yourself.

Another option is to take a day trip from Christchurch. Although these tours cover most of the big sights, you’ll only get to experience them for a few minutes outside the coach. And you’ll miss out on most of the hikes. But if you’re pressed for time and want to see this mountain before leaving, these tours are a great option.

What to See and Do While in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

#1. Lake Tekapo 

Whether you’re driving in from Twizel or Christchurch, be sure to make a short detour to Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo lies in the heart of the Mackenzie District. The word “Tekapo” is from the Maori word “taka” which means sleeping mat and “PO” which means night.

The lake is located inside a huge basin. Because of its location, protected from the rough coastal weather, it is surrounded by some incredible flora and fauna. The lake is encircled by lush golden tussock grass and sprawling flowers. One of the most popular times of the year to see the Lake is in the spring when the Lupin flowers bloom. Lupins are in actuality weeds so they spread like wildfire! But they are the most beautiful weeds in the entire world! The water which makes up the lake is drawn from melted glaciers. This glacier water contains finely ground rocks that give the lake that magical turquoise colouring.

#2. Church of the Good Shepard

Located on the edge of Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepard. This is the most famous church in New Zealand due to its scenic location. It was built in 1935 as a memorial to commemorate early settlers of the region.

3 Lake Pukaki

As you continue along Highway 80 towards Mount Cook make a stop at Lake Pukaki. Your eyes will be amazed looking at the almost neon blue waters of this natural wonder. Lake Pukaki was also formed by the melting glaciers which give the lake that distinctive blue colour. These glacier lakes are created by years of grinding on the bedrock, called glacial erosion. Silt-sized particles make the water appear cloudy and therefore reflect the colour of the sky differently from normal lakes.

4 Aoraki Mount Cook Road Photo

About 15 minutes before arriving into Aoraki Mount Cook village you’ll have one of the best opportunities for a photo! As you approach, you’ll see Mount Cook in all its glory appear in the centre of the road. The mountain is framed perfectly and often there isn’t another car in sight. This makes it truly such a spectacularly intimate photo.

#5. Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Upon arriving at your accommodation, before setting right out on a hike it’s good to go and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Visitor Center. This little museum is located inside the Heritage Hotel and is dedicated to one the world’s greatest explorers; Sir Edmund Hillary.

Sir Edmund Hillary used Aoraki Mount Cook National Park as a training ground for his summit to Everest. The visitor centre has a theatre show which has a great documentary about Hillary. It also contains fantastic historical objects and documents about Aoraki Mount Cook Park. It details the history of hiking in the park over the years and is a great primer for new explorers.

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#6. Governors Bush Walk 

If you’re an inexperienced hiker (like me!) or just looking for a short walk to get your bearings, take off on the Governors Bush Walk. This is the easiest hike in the park but also provides several lookout points near the village of Mount Cook. You’ll even get a chance to see some unimaginable mountain views and a surprise waterfall!

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#7. Dine under the Stars

The Hermitage Hotel offers up one of the best locations to see Mount Cook under the veil of darkness. It’s pretty beautiful during the day as well but at night it’s honestly just spectacular. Their panorama restaurant has windows around the entire room. This means no matter where you sit you’ll have a gorgeous view while enjoying some fine dining.

If you can swing it, be sure to book your dinner around sunset as you’ll be able to enjoy both the mountains during the day and under the stars. Their menu is shockingly well priced. Meals start at only $60 for their ala cart menu and $84 for their ala cart menu with wine pairings (I’d recommend this as it adds to your experience).

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#8. Star Gaze!

As night falls, it’s time to pile on the layers and lie out under the stars. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is part of the Dark Sky Reserve. This is a 4,3oo sq/km area which is protected from artificial light pollution. The park is the only Dark Sky Reserve in the entire southern hemisphere. Located inside the park, Mount John Observatory uses this lack of light pollution, to properly be able to study the stars and beyond.

Being inside this Dark Sky Reserve at night means you have some of the best views of the night sky anywhere in the world. There are plenty of stargazing tours you can take part in or use the telescopes at the Hermitage Hotel to get an even better experience. I’d also recommend downloading a stargazing app. The SkyView app is free and one of the best out there. It uses augmented reality to show you various constellations as you move your phone across the sky. It will even show you what planets you might be able to spot as well!

#9. The Hooker Valley Trail

As early as you can manage it the next morning, get up and head out to the Hooker Valley Track. Hiking this trail as the sun rises across the valley is an unimaginable experience. This hike is about 3 hours there and back and is suitable for almost every fitness level. You still need good walking shoes but hiking boots aren’t requires. The hike is free and takes you through the Hooker Valley towards glacial Hooker Lake.

As you go you’ll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the New Zealand mountain ranges all around you. The first large lookout you’ll come to is the Mueller Lake Glacier lookout. You’ll cross over a famous suspension bridges and finally arrive at the Hooker Valley Boardwalk. Hooker Lake is still filled with icebergs so see how many you’re able to spot.

#10. Scenic Helicopter Ride

Ok, truthfully Helicopter Rides aren’t for me since I’m terrified to go in one. But so many of my fellow travel companions loved their experience I had to include this! Seeing this enter park from high up in the air would honestly be such an incredible experience. Most of these helicopter flights last around 25-55 minutes (depending on the helicopter company you go with and price you want to pay). They all provide views of the Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, the surrounding lakes and Mount Cook itself. Some of the tours also offer a soft landing in a snowfield with a photo opportunity in the middle of nowhere. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so while they cost a pretty penny they do give you a vantage point which you can’t find anywhere else.

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#11. Tasman Glacier View Track

The Tasman Glacier Trail is a 1-hour return hike perfect for the whole family. A short drive away from the Aoraki Mount Cook Village, this trail leads you to the Tasman Glacier Lake. Upon arriving at the lake, you can see dozens and dozens of floating icebergs. These have all cracked off the huge nearby glacier. This is another great place to come early in the morning to view a gorgeous sunrise view across the valley with Aoraki Mount Cook in the distance

#12. Tasman Lake Boating or Kayaking Experience 

When coming to the Tasman Lake viewpoint you can also book a boat tour which will allow you to get on the water to see these glaciers up close. The kayaking option will take you even closer as you can paddle right up next to these ancient water features.

#13. Hike to the Mueller Hut (Expert only)

Be warned, this hike is only for experienced hikers and requires booking in advance! I didn’t do this trek but felt the need to mention it as there might be some among you who came all this way for a real adventure! The Mueller Hut Route takes 3–5 hr one way. Many people opt to do this hike and stay overnight in the hut. Then they return the next morning. This is the main reason that reservations for this hike are required. Summer is the best time to do this hike as during the winter months the trail is even more difficult. You’ll need experience in walking on ice and using ice axes and crampons. They also require practice with route finding and using an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.

The hut at the end of the trail lies over 1,800m above sea level. From this tiny hut, you have one of the most stunning views of the nearby Mueller Glacier. By staying the night in the Hueller Hut you can experience the night sky surrounded by nothing but snow-covered mountains. The hut costs $36 NZ per person per night. They also offer guided tours which will be of some help to climbers with experience who still require some assistance with the most difficult portions of the trail. If you are wondering if you will be able to do the hike or not, ask for advice! Park rangers at any information stations are more than welcome to provide advice and assistance.

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#14. Red Tarns Track

One of the best hikes to spend your last night in Aoraki Mount Cook is the Red Tarns Track. This 2-hour return hike is relatively easy for anyone with a medium fitness level. The most difficult part of this hike is the steep steps which can be exhausting. But just take your time, that’s always my advice. After gaining over 300 m of elevation you’ll find yourself at this marvelous viewpoint. It looks out over the valleys below and is an optimal place to be at sunset. The area is called the Red Tarns because of the red pond weeds that grows in this area.

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#15. The Sir Edmund Hillary Café & Bar

The Sir Edmund Hillary Café & Bar at the Hermitage Hotel is one of the best places to say goodbye to this wondrous place. The cafe has outdoor seating which is the perfect place to eat breakfast on your last day. The cafe specializes in classic Kiwi fare like salt and pepper squid, hot cheese toasties, smoked salmon pizza and my favourite, the breakfast bun! Sitting here, looking out at the mountains while sipping my coffee is a memory I’ll never forget. Probably the best breakfast view I’ll ever have

Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever visited Mount Cook before or what hike you’re most looking forward to visiting on your next trip to New Zealand!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post 15 Things to See & Do in Mount Cook New Zealand first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Since the dawn of time, how we house, dispose and care for our dead reflects the kind of society, culture and people that lived during that specific period. While not all of us may love art, food or sports, what we all have in common is that we will all die. Cemeteries are places where people of all kinds can come together for eternity.

Visiting a cemetery is also a great chance to get outside the busy city, see some nature, be awed at artful and ornate tombstones and even check out where a famous person or two are buried. So next time you’re travelling, consider going to a cemetery and taking a quiet wander. Do be as respectful as possible. See if any signs are asking you not to take pictures, walk your dog, or speak loudly. If you see someone morning their loved one, give them their space. Otherwise, unless marked, cemeteries are open to the public and are a great, AND FREE, way to spend the day. While almost all cemeteries have their unique touch, here are some of the most beautiful cemeteries worldwide to visit.

Table Of Contents

1. #1. Chichicastenango, Guatemala
2. #2. Merry Cemetery, Săpânţa, Romania
3. #3. Waverley Cemetery, Australia
4. #4. Okunoin Cemetery, Japan
5. #5. Highgate Cemetery, London
6. #6. La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina
7. #7. Punta Arenas Cemetery, Chile
8. #8. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, USA
9. #9. Père Lachaise, Paris
10. #10. Bonaventure Savannah, Georgia
11. #11. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
12. #12. Panteón de Dolores
13. #13. South Park Street Cemetery in Kolkata, India
14. #14. Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague
15. #15. Milan Monumental Cemetery, Italy
16. #16. St. Andrews Graveyard, Scotland

#1. Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Although your immediate vision of a cemetery might be dull and dreary, the Chichicastenango in Guatemala is an explosion of colour! Upon a hillside, away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, is a cemetery that celebrates the afterlife instead of shying away from it, as is the Mayan tradition. Most townspeople here are indigenous, and preserving their rituals and culture is of the utmost importance. 

Different shades on the tombs symbolize what roles each of these people played or reflect a powerful aspect of their personality. White represents purity; turquoise is reserved for mothers, and grandfathers are marked with bright yellow, representing the golden sun’s protective quality. Looking across this rainbow of tombs, you can imagine the kinds of people laid to rest here and what they mean to the living.

#2. Merry Cemetery, Săpânţa, Romania

Following along the tradition of cemeteries which are bright and cheery, we find ourselves in the Romanian Countryside. Appropriately enough this place’s name is Merry Cemetery. Unlike, Chichicastenango, Merry has become a HUGE tourist destination. People come from all over to admire the hundreds of brilliant blue crosses. Intricate carvings of scenes from the dead person’s life or portraits of the deceased mark each stone. Each gravestone is also etched with a special verse referencing a defining characteristic or story from the life of the deceased. These can be camp and cute or surprisingly honest. These verses are about womanizing, drinking, cheating and even a few choice mother-in-law jokes.

You’ll be surprised to know that the same carpenter, Stan Ioan Pătraş, carved almost all the grave markers here, starting his first in 1935. Today, over 800 of these markers stand in the cemetery. After Pătraş passed, his apprentice Dumitu Pop took over and continued creating these comedic and colourful crosses. Sometimes I think we worship the dead after their passing, so much so that they become infallible and almost inhuman. But these brutally honest carvings reflect that these people were real, just like everyone else. It somehow makes their death more tangible and relatable to strangers passing by. 

#3. Waverley Cemetery, Australia

Waverley Cemetery, atop Bronte Cliffs in Syndey, Australia, is one of the most peaceful places to rest, both for the living and the dead. Sitting across from the South Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea is this picturesque hillside cemetery. Opened in 1877, this cemetery contains some of Australia’s most stunning Victorian and Edwardian-designed tombs. Influential Australians like writer Dorothea Mackellar and poet Henry Lawson can be found here. Over 200 veterans are also laid to rest at Waverley, along with 11 Civil War soldiers who moved to Australia after the horrors they saw during the war back in the US. The cemetery was used for the film The Great Gatsby by Baz Lurhman, which doubled for a cemetery on Long Island. 

When you enter through the front gates, take a moment to study them. They are a memorial to the residents of the area who died during World War I and World War II. Looking at these tombstones is a glimpse into the masonry styles of the period. Being so far away from the rest of the world, Australians have a unique sensibility in their architecture and design. A broken telephone of elements coming from Europe, the Americas and Asia. It’s a playful combination of many styles and is unmissable for those interested in dazzling views and gorgeous designs.

#4. Okunoin Cemetery, Japan

Okunoin Cemetery is the largest cemetery in Japan, but it’s not just its size that makes it so impressive. 200,000 tombstones cover the two kilometres of lush forest that house the graves. Giant cedar trees seem to reach up to the heavens and provide an almost meditative silence for the visitors.

The tombstones throughout the cemetery are known for their distinctive carvings dedicated to the dead housed beneath. You’ll find giant coffee cups in honour of a corporation’s CEO, a pufferfish to acknowledge the chef who died cooking it and even a pile of termites in celebration of a pesticide company’s owner. It might seem strange, but the banality of life is sometimes an important thing to remember. Since the forest is left to its own devices, bright green moss has overtaken many graves. The stones now look like they are part of the forest themselves.

In the middle of the cemetery lies Kobo Daishi‘s mausoleum, the founder of Shingon Buddhism and a sacred pilgrimage spot for Buddhists worldwide. Walking inside the mausoleum, you come upon 10,000 illuminated lanterns glowing inside. Each one is in dedication to someone who has passed. It feels like a dream and not a ghastly experience like you would expect from a cemetery. Surrounded by all these lights, you feel like you can’t help but smile, thinking of each of these lights as a representation of our eternal love for each other. Life may come to an end, but your memory carries on.

#5. Highgate Cemetery, London

Wandering the Highgate Cemetery in London, filled with its high-gothic, Victorian tombstones, feels like stepping back in time. In the 1830s, church cemeteries were overflowing. They became a health hazard, so the city of London authorized the building of seven new cemeteries, the largest and most opulent being Highgate. Over the years, more than 170,000 people have been interred here, and it even houses a few famous occupants such as Karl Marx, novelist George Eliot and the parents of Charles Dickens.

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The cemetery’s landscaping has been left to nature, and the wildness provides an eerie, almost undiscovered feeling to the graveyard. Despite feeling untouched, it became a popular destination for tourists, and now the cemetery is only viewable by guided tour. During peak months, these tours require a reservation in advance, so don’t hesitate to book if you don’t want to miss it. Myths and legends regarding the cemetery are plentiful. One of the most prominent is the existence of the Highgate Vampire! The rumours were so persistent that British Psychic and Occult Society officially investigated the phenomenon. A tale the tour guides love to tell!

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#6. La Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Originally, in 1732, La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires was a modest burial ground outside the church of Our Lady of Pilar run by the monks of the Order of the Recoletos. When the order disbanded in the 1820s, the land was given over the city and turned into a public cemetery. The wealthy population of Buenos Aires began buying up plots and began designing opulent mausoleums. Each one is trying to outdo the next. Soon, it was one of the most popular spots to be buried, and now there are over 4,691 above-ground vaults across over 5.5 hectares of land.

One of the things that makes this cemetery so magnificent is the care people took in both the design of the cemetery and the tombs. The cemetery replicated city blocks and was filled in with lush tree-lined walkways. The mausoleums are intricate marble masterpieces made in all different architectural styles, from Art Deco to Baroque. The most notable grave here is the tomb of Eva Peron, the wife of the president of Argentina who, much like Princess Diana, was adored by her people. Her enormous black granite tomb is still visited today by the people who loved her or still want to thank her for her impact on the country.

#7. Punta Arenas Cemetery, Chile

The Punta Arenas Cemetery is well known as a popular tourist attraction mainly due to its iconic Cypress Trees. Cypress trees have long been an element of classic cemeteries since, in greek mythology, the cypress tree is associated with death, the underworld and eternity. The trees in the Punta Arenas are intricately trimmed, like little fingers sticking out of the ground. They laced their way around the pathways which lead you through the delightful cemetery.

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The other iconic element that makes this place so popular is the legends surrounding it. The cemetery is actually “officially” called the Cementerio Municipal Sara Braun, named after Sara Braun, one of the richest women in Patagonia and who donated an enormous stone gateway in 1919 to the cemetery. This iconic piece of architecture is a symbol of Chilean architecture.

After she died, she said no one would ever pass through the gate again. They sealed the gate to honour her wishes, and guests must now enter through a side entrance. It is also rumoured that her body is taken out of her tomb every year on the anniversary of her death, and her family goes to brush her hair and put a fresh coat of makeup on her face. People come from all over to watch to see if the rumours are true, but alas, no one has yet to witness the event.

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#8. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles, USA

This cemetery is the final resting place of many Hollywood legends, including Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and Johnny Ramone. With its lush landscaping, beautiful mausoleums, and stunning views of the Hollywood Hills, Hollywood Forever is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

#9. Père Lachaise, Paris

Père Lachaise Cemetery is a great example of the power of celebrity. It is one of the most picturesque cemeteries in the world and is also home to some very notable people. The cemetery is over 44 hectares and contains a staggering one million bodies! The cobblestone walkways, sophisticated mausoleums, and tree-lined paths all contribute to the overwhelming gothic beauty of this cemetery.

Over 3 million visitors walk the cemetery pathways every year, mostly to visit the famous gravestones and mausoleums that can be found within. This draw that even the dead can bring was part of the cemetery’s design. With the influx of people living (and subsequently dying) in Paris, local church graveyards began to overflow.

In the 1800s, various larger cemeteries were built on the outreaches of town. But they were seen as too far away and were not blessed by any church. Therefore, many God-fearing Catholics wouldn’t be seen dead (quite literally) being interred here. Two years after being built, only 33 people had been buried here. But the owner of the property had a plan. He organized to have the remains of Jean de La Fontaine and Molière to Père Lachaise to help increase its reputation and popularity. He immediately saw people coming from far and wide requesting to be buried alongside their favourite celebrity.

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Celebrity Graves

Today, you can see more celebrity graves, including Jim Morrison. He is one of the most popular tombs visited, and guests often leave tokens of love behind for him. The musician Chopin is also interred here, and his grave is adorned by a statue of a beautiful muse holding a lyre. Oscar Wilde‘s grave, sculpted by Jacob Epstein, is a modern piece in the shape of a Sphinx flying through the air. Its mouth, slightly pursed, was often interpreted as if it was reaching out for a kiss and leading visitors to lean in and kiss the stone. So many people were kissing the stone that they began to worry about its preservation. Now, a modern plastic barrier separates visitors from the original stone. Now, they just kiss the plastic instead.

#10. Bonaventure Savannah, Georgia

Bonaventure is best known for its iconic Southern Gothic architecture and uncannily eerie natural surroundings. Snarled oak trees with cobweb-like moss pour over all the tombstones throughout the 19th-century graveyard. The cemetery remained unknown until it was the scene on the cover of the popular novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The hauntingly beautiful sculptures atop the gravestones are one of the reasons the cemetery has had such a draw from artists, poets and writers.

The Little Gracie Watson statue is one of the most iconic images from the cemetery. Little Gracie was born in 1883 but died only 6 years later from pneumonia. At the time of her death, sculptor John Walz had just relocated to Savannah and was moved by the story. He offered to carve a sculpture of the little girl from a photograph to preserve her memory. Today, the sculpture is admired just as much as it was the day it was carved for its lifelike realism of the subject.

#11. Mount of Olives, Jerusalem

The Mount of Olives in Jerusalem is over 3,000 years old. Older than any of the others on this list by over 1,200 years. From afar, the sand-hued tombs blend in with the Kidron Valley, so much so that you might not even though it’s there. But when you walk closer, the different shapes and carvings will soon reveal themselves to you. The cemetery is the resting place of rabbis, Christian prophets, and the Israeli prime minister. People were brought from around the world to be buried in this sacred soil.

As you walk past, some tombstones are so old that nothing but a rough headstone remains. The details of who they were and when they died were all lost to time. It is said that this very valley was where Jesus once was thought to walk through the Garden of Gethsemane. Although nothing remains, imagine the lush green groves and trees that once covered this part of the country. The cemetery also provides one of the most spectacular views across Jerusalem.

#12. Panteón de Dolores

The Panteón Civil de Dolores is the largest cemetery in Mexico. You can find the cemetery inside the great Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. The cemetery was created by Juan Manuel Benfield. When his sister Dolores died in Veracruz, shortly after she had arrived from London, he needed a place to bury her. All cemeteries in Veracruz were reserved for Roman Catholics, and Benfield’s family was Anglican. As a large landowner in Mexico City, he founded a large graveyard in her name, naming it Panteón Civil de Dolores. He opened the cemetery up to all religions, and it quickly became one of the most popular burial spots in the city.

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Today there are over 700,000 people buried here. Some tombs contain multiple bodies. The cemetery is home to the “Rotonda de las Personas Ilustres” where some of the most famous citizens who contributed to Mexico’s civic, national and human values are entombed. This includes the renowned painter Diego Rivera, whose grave is somewhat of a pilgrimage site for those who come to Mexico City to explore his public works of art. Other famous graves include Tina Modotti, General Calles, Venustiano Carranza, Alfonso Reyes and Ángel del Campo. Each is designed with freedom of creation that you don’t always see worldwide.

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#13. South Park Street Cemetery in Kolkata, India

The enchanting South Park Street Cemetery in Kolkata looks like it grew up from the earth, not constructed atop it. Originally built in 1767 but closed in 1830, this old colonial cemetery has had over 300 years of overgrowth to turn its dull grey tombs into bright green monuments. South Park Street is the largest Christian cemetery outside Europe and North America. When the British came to Kolkata, they required a graveyard for their dead since they did prescribe to the local custom of burning the deceased.

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The graves are each ornate creations ranging in styles from Gothic to Indo-Saracenic. Walking beneath the tropical treetops, you’ll find a mix of obelisks, urns, and caskets. Moss grows wildly, and ferns seem to intertwine with the elaborate carvings. One of the most famous graves is of Major-General Charles Stuart. He wanted his tomb to resemble a minature Hindu temple. Despite his nationality, the general wanted to have his tomb inspired by his homeland and adopted country.

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#14. Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague

The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague is the third oldest cemetery in Europe. Some argue it is also the largest, but counting the number of people buried here is a challenge. And that challenge is part of why the cemetery has become so famous. Consecrated in the first half of the 15th century, it was the only place where Jews could be buried in Prague. As per Jewish doctrine, graves cannot be moved. But eventually, the small graveyard ran out of space, so the dead were buried on top of each other. This has resulted in layer upon layer of stones crammed together, looking like a sea of stones. There are estimated to be over 100,000 Jews buried here. Poets, writers, and rabbis lived in Prague’s Jewish Quarter. 

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Gravestones over the Ages

There are over 12,000 remaining headstones in the cemetery. The earliest tombstones in the cemetery can be identified by their roman and gothic styles. The renaissance period stones feature lines of poetry and biblical quotes. The 16th and 17th-century tombstones were more intricately sculpted with inscriptions of the deceased’s family name, profession, or even personality trait. A bunch of grapes would have denoted that they had a full life; a pile of books was for cantors and scissors for tailors.

But the meticulous preservation of this cemetery was almost lost to history. During WWII, the Nazis took control of Prague. While they were destroying all memory of Jews worldwide, they decided not to destroy the cemetery. But this was not due to any small kindness; it was instead because they wished to include the cemetery in their “Museum of an Extinct Race .”But, by the grace of all that is good, they did not fulfil their dark plans, and because of this greed on their part, we are left with a very important piece of their history.

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#15. Milan Monumental Cemetery, Italy

Looking at the Milan Monumental Cemetery from afar, it might appear like a jumble of cluttered tombstones. But as you approach the individual monuments, you’ll begin to see that each is an artful masterpiece assembled together; this is more of an outdoor art museum than a cemetery.

Some of Italy’s wealthiest families buried their dead here over the last 150 years. A guided tour of the cemetery will take you past some of the most exquisite sculptures which sit upon the dead buried below. The most impressive ones I’m drawn to are the ones with beautiful stone women who have thrown themselves down upon the grave in eternal sorrow over the loss of their beloved. Marble tears forever fall from their eyes.

#16. St. Andrews Graveyard, Scotland

Once the site of St. Andrews Cathedral, most of this stone church has long since disappeared, destroyed by fires and storms. Despite the ravages to the building, the graveyard remains, framed by the last remaining stones of the church and the cliffside below. The graveyard was initially consecrated in the 11th and 12th centuries. Wandering the church’s shell and the graveyard surrounding it can be an eerie yet beautiful experience. There have even been graves unearthed under the floor of the chapter house. The oldest gravestones have been protected from the elements and moved inside a museum nearby. However, many of the remaining ones are still on display. Since the church was built in the medieval period, many gravestones are wonderful examples of medieval stonework.

The post 16 of the World’s Most Beautiful Cemeteries first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. #1. Take a Walk on the Boardwalk
3. #2. Light some Spirit Cleansing Incense in the Benten-do
4. #3. Read Your Fortune
5. 4. Sample Street Food
6. #5. Ride in a Duck Boats
7. #6. Admire the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
8. #7. Walk Through the Torii Gates
9. #8. Have a Hanami
10. #9. Find the Ueno Daibutsu
11. #10. Take a Step Back in Time at the Tokyo National Museum
12. #11. Write Your Wishes on an Ema
13. #12. Find the Golden Gates of Toshogu Shrine
14. #13. Ameya Yokocho

Access

Ueno Park covers a large area and is surrounded by several stations. Most people who visit the park simply take the JR line to Ueno Station.

#1. Take a Walk on the Boardwalk

As you pass through the main gates of Ueno Park, you come upon a sea of green lotus leaves, absolutely glowing against that blue sky. This is Shinobazu Pond. The pond is situated in the south part of Ueno Park and is divided into three different areas. The Lotus Pond, the Boat Pond and the Cormorant Pond. There are several boardwalks across the Lotus pond which seemed to disappear into the green masses as they trailed off.

#2. Light some Spirit Cleansing Incense in the Benten-do

Beside the pond, stands a moderately tall temple with a bright teal roof and octagonal shell painted brilliant red. This is a Benten-dō. A Benten-dō is an octagonal temple dedicated to Benten, the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge.  Temples are the places of worship for Japanese Buddhists and often store and display sacred Buddhist objects. The roofs of these temples are almost always the most impressive part of the building. The intricate patterns of tiles create a rich texture, and intricate sculptures line the eaves, a contrast to the simple wooden structure below. In front of the temple, you’ll find a large incense burner where locals will come to cleanse themselves before entering. Incense has been used in Buddism since the 6th century in Japan and is often used as a means of purifying yourself before entering the temple for meditation. The smell permeated this en

#3. Read Your Fortune

Found inside more shrines are cabinets containing ‘O-mikujis’. O-mikujis means ” the sacred lot” and are random fortunes written on pieces of paper housed in beautiful wooden drawers near the shrine. There are various ways of receiving these fortunes, but often they received by shaking a metal container with different sticks inside until one stick comes out a small hole at the top. You can then match the Kanji characters carved on the stick to the wooden drawers along the wall where your corresponding fortune will be found. Your fortune will always be characterized by a type of blessing. These blessings range from; great blessings, small blessings, half blessings, ending blessings and even, god forbid, curses. In additional to blessings, your fortune will also contain a reference to an aspect of your life. These can be such topics as; travel, lost articles, romantic relationships, disputes and business dealings.

4. Sample Street Food

Food stalls pop up all over the parks and around the temples. Even during the offseason, there is almost always something delicious to be found here! Most of the food stalls are selling traditional Japanese street food. If you’ve just arrived in Japan, this is such a great opportunity to dive right into to trying all different kinds of Japanese treats. Don’t be scared of these, Japanese street food is very safe to eat!

#5. Ride in a Duck Boats

Around the back of the Benten-dō is the Boat Pond. This body of water is home to the brightly coloured duck boats and other small paddle boats available for rent. The cost to rent a swan boat is 700 yen for 30 minutes. Peddling around the pond, especially during cherry blossom season is a wonderful experience!

#6. Admire the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple

Make your way towards steep steps and climb up to the Kiyomizu Kannon Temple. From the top of the stairs, you have the most fantastic view of the Bentendo below and the beautiful trees surrounding it. The first Kiyomizu Kannondo temple was built in 1631. Although fire and weather have destroyed the original temple, the one standing atop the hill now is a perfect replica of the same one people have worshipped at for ages past. Standing in the courtyard and on the deck, you feel as though time has stopped. Nothing surrounds you but trees and the outside world, full of technology, stress and troubles, seems so far away.

The Kiyomizu Kannondo temple is home to a relic of Kosodate Kannon, the goddess of conception, and is particularly popular among women hoping to have children. You see many ladies come up these steps with their husbands, cheerfully smiling, hoping the goddess will bless them with their heart’s desire. Other women approach the temple with a more

#7. Walk Through the Torii Gates

Walk back down to the stairs from the temple and stroll along the main walkway. Head towards the Ana Inari shrine where you’ll find a stunning collection of ‘torii’ gates.  A ‘torii’ gate is commonly found at the entrance of a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mortal realm to the sacred realm. The brilliant vermillion colour you often see these gates painted with is used as the colour acts to block out magical powers and evil spirits. 

As we sauntered down the rows of bright vermillion gates, we saw various, curious stone foxes with red scarves on either side of the shrine. These are called ‘Kitsune’ or fox spirit. These Kitsune are believed to possess superior intelligence, long life, and magical powers and are also there to protect the shrines. Foxes in North America are often thought of as devious scoundrels, but in Japan, they are revered with the highest regard.

#8. Have a Hanami

Along the main road that winds throughout the park are rows upon rows of cherry blossom trees. There are over 1000 trees in the park, and in April they attract ‘hanami parties’ where locals come to celebrate and enjoy the incredible views. Even if you are visiting outside of cherry blossom season, I think these trees, no matter what time of years, are still the perfect place to park yourself under and enjoy a conbini picnic!

#9. Find the Ueno Daibutsu

One of the most interesting edifices in the park is the temple dedicated to the Ueno Daibutsu. The Ueno Daibutsu was a giant bronze Buddha statue that stood from 1631 – 1923. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the Great Tokyo Earthquake of 1923. The remains were if you can believe it, melted down to make bullets in WWII and today all that remains is the great Buddha’s face. People come from all over to see it. Outside the temple, the emas are all painted with the Ueno Daibutsu’s face.

#10. Take a Step Back in Time at the Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan. It’s spread out across over 5 different buildings located inside the park. There are over 110,000 items on display which help newcomers to Japan learn all about its rich history! Admission is only 620 yen, which is less than $6 making it an amazingly cheap way to travel back in time!

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#11. Write Your Wishes on an Ema

Outside almost every temple in Japan, you’ll see hundreds of small, wooden plaques hanging on a large board. Each one is painted on one side, and the other is left for the user to write upon it. These are called ‘Emas‘. Emas are prayers or wishes left for the gods to receive. Often ema will bear pictures which may reflect the wish or the god they are trying to reach out to. The word ’ema’ means “picture horse”. This is because long ago, people would donate their horses to shrines to win favour with the gods.

As time went on, this tradition was transferred to wooden plaques with horses painted on them. These days, you donate money to the shrine to receive your chosen ema. People will often use their ema wish for luck on an exam or for a happy marriage or even just to pray for a child. Depending on your type of wish, you can search out a shrine or temple which specializes in your kind of wish.

#12. Find the Golden Gates of Toshogu Shrine

If you’re interested in seeing some Edo style architecture, head over to the Toshogu Shrine. This gorgeous shrine has survived earthquakes, wars and the worst of them all, urbanization! The shrine was dedicated to the Tokugawa Shoguns (commander in chief in feudal Japan) and is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who ruled Japan for over 250 years until 1868. Unlike some more modest shrines, this shrine is full of ostentatious ornamentation! Everywhere you look there appears to be gold leaf, shining in the sunlight. Over 50 copper lanterns greet you as you enter. Be sure to study the gorgeous wood carving painted in stunning rainbow colours which decorate the entire exterior of the shrine.

#13. Ameya Yokocho

To end your day, head over to Ameya-Yokochō. Ameya-Yokochō is a marketplace home to over one hundred and eighty-one shops occupying about 164,227 square feet outside of Ueno station. The market consists of two streets, which run parallel to the train line. The first street is mainly street vendors selling local produce and fresh food while the other streets have mostly permanent shops which sell everyday goods and slightly more upscale merchandise. The name Ameya-Yokochō comes from the word “ameya” which in Japanese means “candy store”. After WWII, sugar was hard to obtain, but in this area of Japan, there were many candy stores still selling the precious sweets. Even today, you can still find a few stores selling Japanese candy. It’s a great place to find sweet and savoury items or just browse some awesome shops where you can find great souvenirs at low, low prices!

The post 13 Awesome Things to do in the Ueno Park, the Best Park in Tokyo first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Access
2. History
   • The Inari Kami
3. Torii Gates
4. The Power of Vermilion
5. The Main Hall, ‘Hoden’
6. Offerings Hall, ‘Haiden’
7. Ema Plaques and Paper Cranes
8. Omikuji
9. The Beginning of the Hike
   • Buying a Torii Gate
10. Okusha Hohaisho
11. The Inner Shrine
    • Inari Foxes
    • Fox Emas
    • Mini Torri Gate Emas
    • Omokaru Ishi
12. Kumatakasha
13. Headquarters of the Inari Shrines
14. Bamboo Forest
15. Fushimishinpo Shrine
    • Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle
16. Yotsu-tsuji
17. Kami-no-Yashiro shrine
    • End of the Hike
    • Tsujiura senbei

Access

To get to the shrine, you can take the JR Nara Line to Inari Station, a short 7-minute ride from Kyoto Station only costs 140 yen. When you arrive at the station, you immediately notice the vermillion painted columns all over the platform, to replicate the torii gates at the shrine so you’ll know you’re in the right place.

Walking over from the station and looking up at the mountain, it doesn’t seem like such a difficult hike, but the trek will take you at least 2-3 hours. Even more, if you’re like me and stop along the way to study every shrine and take a million pictures.

History

To understand the significance this place, we must first understand a little bit about Shinto Shrines in general. A Shinto shrine is places of worship for Shintoist. It is also where the kami (Shinto gods) dwell. Inside these shrines are stored objects of worship for the kami. Since different gods have influence over specific parts of life, people will often go to a certain shrine to pray for good fortune in the area of expertise for that kami. These include childbirth, marriage, health and getting good grades at school.

The Inari Kami

The Inari Kami, the god worshipped throughout the entire mountain and subsequent shrines, is the patron of businesses, merchants and manufacturers. For as long as there have been temples for the Inari Kami, people have come here to pray for success in their corporate endeavours.

Torii Gates

Early on after the temple’s construction, worshippers would donate money to ensure their wishes were granted by getting good favour with the kami. To demonstrate their donations, a torii gate would be built with their name inscribed on it. Soon, hundreds of people wanted the same good fortune and came to this now infamous shrine to buy their own torii gates, creating the tunnel of torii gates you see today. Some say there are over 10,000 gates along the path but others claim that the number is well over 30,000.

The Power of Vermilion

Many people wonder why the gates and temple are painted that very particular shade of vermilion. This colour is called shuiro in Japanese and is meant to represent the colour of the sun. The goddess Amaterasu, goddess of the sun, is the most important god in Shintoism and her name literally means shining in heaven. Reflecting elements of her in the architecture of these shines brings them closer to heaven itself.

The Main Hall, ‘Hoden’

The main shrine sits at the base of the mountain. Originally built on Inariyama hill in 711, it was moved to the base of the hill later one in 816 to protect it from earthquakes. The honden or main hall was built in 1499. It’s golden ornaments glitter like sunshine against the bright red painted structure. The main temple is the location of the shrines most precious and sacred objects. Dragon fountains beside the temple are provided so visitor can wash their hands and cleanse themselves before stepping into the sacred space.

Offerings Hall, ‘Haiden’

Opposite the Hoden, is the Haiden or Offerings Hall. Here, visitors can come and make their prayers and offerings. You’ll see hundreds of sacks of rice, sake, wine, beer and other consumer products. The owners of the companies who produce these items will often make a financial donation but also leave their products on display as a means of demonstrating their donation. Free promotion too for people will have respect for corporations who support their chosen Kami.

Ema Plaques and Paper Cranes

In the main shrine, you’ll see ema plaques with wishes written all over them. Alongside the hanging emas are hundreds and thousands of paper cranes. Paper cranes in Japan have a very powerful significance. A little girl whose parents were killed in the bombing of Hiroshima channelled her pain into the creation of these tiny, paper works of art.

They were a symbol of her pain and giving them to the temple was an act of turning in her grief and stepping away from her suffering. These bright and colourful cranes are a symbol of people letting go of their grief and moving forward, to happier times.

Omikuji

In the shrine, you’ll also come across places to buy Omikuji. These are paper fortunes with predictions for your life written on them. But be warned, not all of them are good fortunes. If you receive a bad fortune, to counteract it, simply tie it onto the wire bands beside the shrine. This way, you leave the fortune behind.

The Beginning of the Hike

After wandering around the lower level temple, we headed for the stairs to begin our climb to the top! At the back of the main shrine, you come upon two rows, side by side, of Senbon Torii (thousands of torii gates). No matter which path you take, they both will lead you to the inner shine in the middle of the mountain.

There are said to over 10,000 torii gates lining the path, which creates a tunnel effect which you pass through. There are so many gates at some points that it completely obscures the forest around you. From the map, the trek didn’t look so hard, but as we watched that tiny red point move only slightly after almost half an hour of climbing, we knew this was no walk in the park.

Buying a Torii Gate

The smaller torii gates cost about 400,000 yen, and the larger ones can cost up to 1 million yen! They last about five years up here in the wilderness before they begin to deteriorate and need to be repainted or replaced. You’ll see lots of “wet paint” signs along the path as there is always a dozen or so in the process of being repaired.

When you first enter either side of the Torii gate trail, you’ll see it is crammed with tourists. The effect of the gates might seem a little distorted when full of people but as you continue to walk, more and more people drop off, having had their fill, and suddenly you’ll find yourself being the only one in these fields of bright orange wood.

Okusha Hohaisho

The first station you’ll come to is Okusha Hohaisho, the inner shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha. This shrine was originally built for pilgrims who came and prayed to the mountain deities. The shrine was built in 1500 and has remained steadfastly the same throughout the years.

The Inner Shrine

The inner shrine was dedicated to the god of rice and sake by the Hata clan in the 8th century. Shintoists who come here to worship always follow a few rituals as they pray. The first thing they do is throw a coin into a box in front of the shrine and ring one of the suzu bells outside. These bells are thought to call the kami and let them know you’re here. They are also believed to repel evil and imbue positive energy.

Next, visitors will bow twice, quietly making their prayer to the kami, clap their hands twice and then bow deeply once more. Watching the deep concentration and devotion in their faces as made their prayers was a powerful and incredible thing to witness.

Inari Foxes

Throughout the shrine and across the pathways, you begin to spot hundreds of stone foxes. Foxes are scared to the Japanese. They were thought to be messengers for the Inari, and they are the representatives of the gods here on earth. Often you’ll see these foxes with different objects in their mouth. Each one of these items represents something significant for the gods. Keys represent the ability these foxes have to unlock a rice granary and bring forth sustenance. A scroll is meant to say the Fox is here to bring the recipient wisdom. A bamboo plant means a plentiful harvest and an orb symbolises spiritual power.

Fox Emas

In the inner shrine, you’ll see ema in the shape of foxes where visitors can write their wishes and draw a face onto the ema, making it all the more personal. Each one of the faces a unique representation of the wish maker.

Mini Torri Gate Emas

There are also miniature torii gate emas that you can buy to write your prayers on. You might not have 40,000 yen, but you can still have a torii gate with your name on it. Dan ended up buying a green copper bell up here from a priest who blessed it with good luck and told him to ring it anytime he wanted to ask the gods for a favour.

Omokaru Ishi

Beside the inner shrine, you’ll also fine the Omokaru Ishi. This is the site of the “light heavy stones”. Here, you place a coin in the box, make a wish and then pick up a stone from the pile. If it’s lighter than you thought it would be, your wish will be granted.

Kumatakasha

After visiting the Omokaru-Ishi, you can continue on the pathway up the hill or take a short detour off the path to visit some of the sub-shrines located just to the south of Kumatakasha. The Kumatakasha is where you can get a great view of the tunnel of torii gates from outside of it. From afar you can more greatly appreciate how densely packed those gates really are.

Headquarters of the Inari Shrines

The temple you’ll see right off this path is a very sweet little temple in the middle of a private bamboo forest. This site is the headquarters of the Inari shrines across Japan. Every Inari shrine from across Japan is represented here via a small sub-shrine. Some no bigger than an apple basket. You could spend hours here looking at all the different sculptures and miniature shrines. There are said to be over 10,000 here, but we didn’t come close to spotting that many.

The large shrine here is marked with a shimenawa which is a straw rope with white zigzag paper strips along the top to marks the boundary between the physical realm and the sacred realm. There was a very kind priest in the shop beside the temple who tried to help explain what the colourful kimonos along the perimeter of the shrine were. Each one was a wish and with a small donation to the shrine, we decided to make one was well. Seeing as our next step in our life was to hopefully get our own house, we wished for that. You were supposed to make the wish in elements of threes, so we went with, “health, happiness and home.”

Bamboo Forest

After walking through the shrine garden, we headed out the back to explore the bamboo forest. There were no signs, or directions and not a soul had ventured in with us. Leaving a super crowded area and heading into an empty one certainly felt like we were breaking in somewhere we weren’t supposed to be. We had visited the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove the day before and fought through hundreds of the people to view the forest. Here, we had our own private viewing garden. The bamboo might not have been as lush and tall but it was equally as beautiful.

Fushimishinpo Shrine

Hidden at the back of the forest is Fushimishinpo Shrine. Beside this shrine are hundreds of O-Tsuka, stone monuments. These may look like tombstones, but they are a monument donated by Shintoists. People who believe in Inari gods will give them names, place the names of the stone monuments and leave them in places like these shrines.

You come down a few steps to find a covered set of small shops and a few restaurants. Because these shops are only open during the busiest months, they were all closed when we arrived. These restaurants feature locals street food like fried tofu, said to be a favourite food of foxes. We peeked inside a few of the shops and were surprised to find that some of the doors were left open. We got a little spooked out and hurriedly, headed back to where we could hear more than just the sound of our own voices.

Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle

As you continue to hike up the path, you come across a large lake beside the Kumataka-sha shrine. This is the Shrine of the Mountain Hawk-Eagle. Along the lake, above the shrine, there are a few small tea shops (which again were closed while we visited) but there are also a few vending machines here where you could buy various overpriced bottles of water, soda or coffee. Legend has it that if you face the lake and clap your hands, you will hear an echo come back to you. Listen carefully for which direction the echo returns as it says that if you follow in that direction, it will lead you to someone who has lost their way.

Yotsu-tsuji

After the lake, you’ll see the pathways become almost empty. People have all but given up on the journey and yet here you’re barely halfway up. Before the first lookout point, I ran into a man feeding cats at the top of the hill. As he brought out the food, dozens of cats emerged from the forest. It was a haunting image to see when you’re walking through this forest all alone. At about the halfway mark along the path, you’ll come upon Yotsu-tsuji. This small shrine has an incredible view of Kyoto below and the trail of torii gates.

Kami-no-Yashiro shrine

At the summit of Inariyama Mountain, you’ll finally come to the Kami-no-Yashiro shrine, 233 meters above sea level. Up at the top shrine, you’ll find omikuji fortunes which are notorious for being extremely accurate – for some people, it is the entire reason they make the hike up to the summit.

The walk back down the hill is a much easier journey. You can choose to descend on the opposite side you came up so you have some different things to look at.

End of the Hike

Dusk was settling on the mountain, and our stomachs were grumbling. At night, many of the pathways are lit up, and the tourists have significantly dwindled. We wish we could have stayed longer and see the trail when it is all aglow but we were exhausted from our journey and decided to head home.

As we left, we ran into a few women in their finest kimonos leaving the temple. It was magic hour and seeing these alluring dresses as the sun began to set was one of that one-of-a-kind moments.

Tsujiura senbei

As you leave the shrine and head back to the station, you pass some sweet shops. The most famous treat being sold here is the tsujiura senbei, a fortune cookie from the 19th century.Snack carts sold a myriad of street food, infusing the entire lane with sweet and savory smells. Roasted dango was another popular dish found all over the streets here. It was being uniquely prepared as the dango rested around hot coals in the centre of an urn where they are slowly turned to give them an even char.

Fushimi Inari-taisha is truly one of the man-made wonders of the world. Finding time to come here and make the entire journey is highly recommended. The best time to come is early in the morning or as the sun sets at night since the crowds are the lowest and the light is stunning. Although we did find that even with heavy crowds, the further you get up the mountain the less and less people there are around you. So put in the effort and you’ll be rewarded with the most incredible sites.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Airport to Spa Transfer
2. Access
   • Journey to the Lagoon
3. History of the Blue Lagoon
4. Booking Your Time Slot
5. Choice of Package
6. Arrival at the Blue Lagoon
   • Checkin
7. Entering the Thermal Pools
8. Booking a Massage
   • Massage Pricing:
     • My Experience
9. Benefits of the Waters
10. Silica Mud
11. Steam Rooms
    • TIP

Airport to Spa Transfer

Your visit to the Blue Lagoon begina as soon as you land in Reykjavik. Our flight arrived so early in the morning that even the cafes were shut at the airport. It would be hours before we could check into our hotel, but happily, the Blue Lagoon offers a service for this very problem. You can board a bus directly from the airport that brings you and your luggage straight to the spa. When you arrive, they store your bags free of charge, and you can enjoy the rest of your day in the waters. It’s the perfect remedy for jetlag!

Access

If you are not travelling from the airport on the Blue Lagoon bus, there are several other ways of arriving at the spa. If you are renting a can from the airport, the Blue Lagoon is about 20 minutes from Keflavik International Airport. And 45 minutes outside Reykjavik. To get to the Blue Lagoon via public transport, you’ll need to board a “Destination Blue Lagoon” bus. There are 12 different pickup locations in Reykjavik where you can board this bus. The journey on the bus takes about an hour and costs ISK 3,495 for a one way journey.

Journey to the Lagoon

The journey out to the Lagoon is a wonderful part of the entire experience. We saw our first glimpses of this gorgeous and strange country on the way. The houses outside the city were so unique. Bright metal siding and colourful roofs decorated the barren landscape. We saw statues along the water’s edge as we drove along the coast. They were giant rocks carved into the shapes of people, their bodies leaning into the surf, the wind blowing in their hair.

But the thing that grabbed my attention the most was the earth itself. It was such a strange colour, almost as if the entirety of the soil here was made of nothing but moss. There were pretty much no trees anywhere you looked. Just ground and mountains. This makes the landscape stand out, as nothing obscures the view. It was almost like seeing the surface of Mars.

History of the Blue Lagoon

The history of the Blue Lagoon can be traced back to 1976, when a geothermal power plant was built in the area. The warm water produced by the power plant was directed into a nearby lagoon, which eventually became known as the Blue Lagoon. Over time, the lagoon became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique therapeutic properties.

Booking Your Time Slot

As of 2023, pre-booking is required due to the popularity of this spa. Others in Iceland provide a similar experience, but this is the best of the best when it comes to geothermal spas. One of the most awe-inspiring time slots will be around sunset. Book your arrival an hour before sunset, so you’ll be there day and night. But witnessing the sunset from these stunning waters is an out-of-this-world experience. If you are delighted with a clear day during the season with northern lights, you might also be surprised to see these out here while swimming in the water.

Choice of Package

There are two main types of tickets to the spa. The COMFORT package gets you entrance into Blue Lagoon, a Silica Mud Mask, the use of one towel and a drink of your choice costs at the bar. This package costs between 8,990 kr -12,990 kr, which is the best value. The price is dependant on what time you book, as some times are less popular and therefore less expensive.

Next is the PREMIUM package, which features Entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Silica mud mask, Two additional masks of your choice, Use of towel, 1st drink of your choice, Use of bathrobe and 1 glass of sparkling wine if dining at Lava restaurant. This package costs you 11,490 kr – 14,490 kr. Each package allows you to add other spa treatments for additional costs.

Arrival at the Blue Lagoon

When we arrived, in the distance, we saw the hills part and a faint trail of smoke leading up to the sky where the hot springs were located. The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa. Unlike some naturally formed hot springs in Iceland, the Blue Lagoon is man-made and uses geothermal water from the nearby power plant. Don’t worry; it’s completely safe. Even more than that, the waters are thought to be some of the most healing on the planet.

The lava formations which create the pools are all natural and filled with geothermal water run-off. The water’s main healing ingredients are silica, algae & other minerals. The blue colour comes from the reflection of the silica in the sunlight.

Checkin

When you check-in, you are given a small blue wristband letting you in and out of the pools and a bright blue towel to use all day. You could also buy a robe or slipper, but we didn’t feel the need to have them. If you visited in the colder months, I can see why the robe would be a plus.

The changing rooms are public – unless you opt for the super expensive couples package. So prepare to change into your bathing suits around others. But arriving as early in the morning as we did, there weren’t many people, so we felt it was private enough. After changing into your bathing suit, you need to take a cleansing shower before entering the thermal pools.

Entering the Thermal Pools

Immediately as you walk through the doors to the outdoor pools, you’ll be stunned and in awe by the sight. The vivid blue waters glowed in the sunlight, and puffs of steam rose off the water like clouds in the sky. The pools were framed against the rough and rugged black molten rocks. It seemed impossible that the earth created something so incredible. I was one of the only people outside since it was early in the day, and walking across the bridges and platforms to the massage area, I felt so lucky to be experiencing something not many would ever get to see – an empty blue lagoon.

It felt so hot when I dipped my toe in the water, but since it was Iceland and the air was freezing, I jumped in to escape the cold. I breathed a sigh of relief as the warm water surrounded me. I gently swam around my tiny waiting pool and watched as a man with a severe skin condition rubbed the silica mud all over himself. To my amazement, after he left it on for a few minutes, the redness in his skin had all but disappeared when he washed it off. It was like magic. After washing in the showers, he quickly left without even using the water. I found out later that he is a regular whose doctor gave him private entry to the spa to help heal his severe eczema since it was the only thing that brought him any relief. Magic.

Booking a Massage

One of the most unique aspects about booking a massage at the Blue Lagoon is that they provide in-water massages. Unifying the dynamic pleasures of massage therapy, the revitalizing powers of Blue Lagoon Water, and the otherworldly beauty of the Blue Lagoon’s volcanic landscape.

Massage Pricing:

Relaxing Massage 30 minutes ISK 15 900 | Relaxing Massage 60 minutes ISK 24 900 | Signature Massage 120 minutes ISK 49 900

My Experience

I decided to book a 30-minute message when I visited the Blue Lagoon to get the complete experience. When I arrived for my massage, I was told to lie on a floating blue mat in the water. A small pillow is placed under your head, and a large wet towel covers your body to keep you warm. Unlike any other massage I’d had before, here you feel weightless. My masseur could massage parts of my body I don’t think you can explore in a regular massage.

Floating there, weightless, she could move around me like a fish. After she was done, she pushed my mat to another part of the lagoon, where I lay for a few minutes, eye closed, letting that sense of perfect calmness flow over me. I almost fell asleep, but soon I opened my eyes, and to my surprise, when I sat up, I saw that the entire pool was now filled with hundreds of people. I pulled my jelly-like appendages off the mat, went to find my friend, and swam in these crystal blue waters.

Benefits of the Waters

The water here is SUPER salty. I also noticed that different areas of the pools had varying degrees of warmth since there were heated by the earth’s natural temperature. The geothermal water cannot hold onto bacteria, so the waters do not need any chlorinator; therefore, it’s devoid of any chemicals which might dry out your skin. The lagoon had a few little nooks where you could sit and relax. There was even a waterfall which was so powerful that when you stood underneath it, you thought it much crushed you. But oddly enough, it felt great on sore muscles.

Silica Mud

We went and put silica mud on our faces to moisturize and exfoliate. As we swam around and loved squishing the silica between our toes. We giggled and laughed as kids again, playing in the mud and splashing around in the pool.

Steam Rooms

There were also steam rooms which were insanely hot but great for getting rid of impurities in the skin. The steam rooms looked like little hobbit holes in the hillsides. When you stepped inside, it was almost pitch black, with bursts of steam rising from the ground. Sitting inside on one of the benches, it felt like I was breathing in hot lava. It was a mysterious but enjoyable experience. I was too scared to stay there for an extended period, but we stayed long enough to decompress and let the hot air fill out lungs and purge our skin of city pollution.

TIP

While basking in these waters is super relaxing, it is important to take breaks. You will get very dehydrated, so be sure to grab a drink of water throughout your stay, so you don’t pass out. It is also essential to use the conditioner provided in the showers before you leave. Take this piece of advice seriously! The waters are extremely dehydrating for your hair, but their super moisturizing conditions are perfect for bringing back a soft texture. So don’t just shower and run. Some people even like to put some conditioner on their hair while they get dressed.

Iceland is an incredible city, unlike any other in the world. Mystical, magical and a must-see for anyone with a desire to seek out the strange and mysterious sides of this great place we call earth.

The post Everything you Need to Know about Visiting Blue Lagoon in Iceland [UPDATED 20223] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.