Cochin Book Club - 7th Anniversary

 

Thanks to Cochin Book Club, Conscientious Reflections Harish,  Harris Ali and all the amazing and enthusiastic participants for a fulfilled and enriching evening celebrating our 7th anniversary meet-up. Jam packed and fun filled with

I ) Three literary activities:

1) Literature quiz. All the attendees were divided into two groups.  Each group had to elect a spokesperson who was authorized to answer. For Team A it was Philip Abraham Sir and for Team B Anil. Team A was leading for almost until the end, but eventually Team B won. Overview/Synopses/Highlight of a book was narrated and we had to guess the book. Some were indeed thought provoking.

2) Surprise Book Swap. There was a designated space where the books brought for swap was to be kept while entering the venue. After the first hour, anyone who has kept a book could  pick one of their choice. Books were covered   and tagged  with a clue about the content.

3) Flash fiction. Each person got  a famous quote from a novel and within 20 minutes has to create a short fiction not exceeding 100 words in which the quote appeared anywhere. Not necessarily in the context in which it's used in the original. The best effort would get a prize.

II) There were other items like:

4) Cake cutting with the Founding members

5) Unveiling the amazing logo Signifying 'CBC' and meet up.

6) Samosas and tea with BOTM discussion on 'A Man Called Ove' with mixed views and opinions.

Time was a constraint,  we could not go through the events of the month, Newsletter, , congratulate or ask Leena Elizabeth Abraham about her Poem win and contest. We can never have enough of what we love. More power to the team.

Japan

Finally reached Japan, via KL. on 3rd April evening though left home on 2nd April afternoon. 

First 2 nights were in Asakusa View Tokyo / JAL City Toyusu Tokyo / Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay / Villa Fontaine Haneda

Time difference between Japan and India is 3.30 hours, India being behind. Japan is the land of rising sun.  Began the trip from  Tokyo / Haneda

Night view from hotel was awesome. Packed food for dinner was Jain food. Day 1: Hotel - Asakusa View Tokyo / JAL City Toyusu Tokyo / Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay / Villa Fontaine

Sightseeing began at 9 am on 4th April. 

Day 2 - Welcome to Tokyo

Visited Tokyo Skytree Observatory (350 m)

After breakfast, we proceeded for Tokyo sightseeing, where we began by visiting the Tokyo Skytree observation deck for stunning city views. 

Then Visited  Asakusa Kannon Temple 

Next, explore Asakusa Kannon, one of Tokyo's most vibrant and renowned temples, and stroll along. It is believed to be 1400 years old, with Buddha statue. 

also known as Sensō-ji (浅草寺) it is one of the most iconic and spiritual places in Tokyo

Location: Asakusa district, Taitō, Tokyo, Founded: In 645 AD – the oldest temple in Tokyo, Dedicated to: Kannon Bosatsu (Bodhisattva of compassion, known as Guanyin in Chinese). Buddhist temple (specifically of the Tendai sect, though it's now independent)

In 628 AD, two fishermen brothers found a small golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the Sumida River. A village chief recognized its sacredness and enshrined it—thus, Sensō-ji was born.

🏯 What Makes Sensō-ji Special

1. 🏮 Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)

The grand outer gate with a giant red lantern is one of Tokyo’s most photographed spots.

Flanked by two fierce statues: Fūjin (god of wind) and Raijin (god of thunder).

2. 🛍️ Nakamise Shopping Street

A lively street filled with traditional snacks, kimono shops, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

Great place for trying Japanese treats like ningyo-yaki (mini sponge cakes) and senbei (rice crackers).

3. 🕯️ Hozomon Gate & Main Hall

Houses large lanterns and leads to the Main Worship Hall where people offer prayers to Kannon.

You can light incense (osenko) and waft the smoke over yourself for healing and luck.

4. 🔮 Omikuji Fortune Papers

Draw a stick and receive a fortune—good or bad! If it's bad, tie it to a rack to leave the misfortune behind.

5. 🎏 Five-Story Pagoda

One of the tallest pagodas in Japan, symbolizing peace and the journey to enlightenment.

🌸 Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–April): For cherry blossoms in full bloom 🌸

Summer (mid-July): For Sanja Matsuri, a massive and lively Shinto festival

Evenings: The temple buildings are beautifully lit up after dark

Getting There

Train: Just a short walk from Asakusa Station (served by Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line)

Despite being centuries old, Sensō-ji was rebuilt after World War II when much of it was destroyed. It now stands as a symbol of rebirth and peace for the Japanese people.

Nakamise Dori Street, one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets. 

Later, visit Ueno Park, one of Japan's oldest public parks, which is highly recommended for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.

Day 3 - Welcome to Hakone

Visit Team Labs - Photo stop at Statue of Liberty - Visit Hie Shrine – Photo stop at Shibuya Crossing

After breakfast, we headed to Team Labs, an immersive museum renowned for its vibrant, futuristic digital art installations and excellent photo opportunities. Next, we take a photo stop at the replica of the “Statue of Liberty.” We  then visited Hie Shrine, a traditional Japanese Shinto shrine famous for its striking row of red torii gates. Later, we take a photo stop at Shibuya, where you'll experience the famous Shibuya Crossing, known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in Tokyo.

Hotel - Fujisan Mishima / Oiso Prince / Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel or similar in Hakone Region

Day 4 - Welcome to Nagoya

Owakudani Ropeway - Visit Owakudani Valley - Lake Ashi Cruise – Visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station

After breakfast, we will head to Owakudani and take the Owakudani Ropeway to explore Owakudani Valley. 

View might be free.. 😄 from a apagoda nearby, but there a train to  be taken. Then cruise near the lake . Those are included in pkg

 Mount Fuji nahi hua  no visibility and slight rains also. One cable car to a mountain with hot springs. It's an active volcano mountain.

 Active hoga tho kaise jaayenge 😂 not erupted  in 1000 years but is an active volcano. Sulphur fumes keep  coming out.

Yahan Jisha khe stole ko dekhkar log dandawath Pranam kar rahe hai.😂 All r clothed in 3-5 layers. As she is inspired by their IITs and IIMs.

One good thing since these ppl are all very experienced travellers... no one is late. Just exceptional case. I am on time..still feel as I am late as these ppl r already there. 😂😂

Experienced and Energetic too🥰

Fir ek ferry ride. Bada cruise   vruise likha tha 😏

Got a glimpse from a distance

Our Japanese lady who is going to have four eggs and become sweet sixteen

Those black eggs are famous there. Regular eggs bolied in hot spring water with sulfur to give that colour.

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ashinoko. Later, visit the Mt. Fuji 5th Station, where you can witness Japan's highest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Note: Hakone valley experiences strong winds. In case of extreme weather conditions, access to above sites is restricted.

Hotel - Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya / Nagoya Tokyu / Nagoya Strings or similar in Nagoya

Day 5 - Welcome to Nagoya

Photo stop at Nagoya Castle - Visit Nabana no Sato Illumination

Following this, enjoy a photo stop at Nagoya Castle, Japan's first castle also regarded as a National Treasure. In the evening, head to Nabana no Sato, known for its LED light displays at night.

 SC Maglev and Railway Park.

Hotel - Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya / Nagoya Tokyu / Nagoya Strings or similar in Nagoya

Day 6 - Welcome to Osaka

Visit Nara Deer Park – Visit Todaiji Temple – Free Time at Shinsaibashi street

After breakfast, visit Nara Deer Park, where you can interact with hundreds of freely roaming deer, often regarded as “Messengers of God,” and explore Todaiji Temple, renowned for its Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), which was once the world’s largest wooden building. Later, we visit Shinsaibashi - one of the most famous shopping streets in Osaka and

Japan.

View from Crown Plaza 18th floor

Hotel - ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka / Quintessa Osaka Bay / ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe or similar in Osaka /Kobe

Day 7 - Welcome to Osaka

Day Trip to Hiroshima – Return Bullet Train Experience – Visit Miyajima Island – Visit Itsukushima Shrine – Photo stop

Bullet train to Hiroshima

Tori gate at miyajima Island

Hiroshima peace memorial park at the Floating Tori Gate – Photo stop at Atomic Dome – Visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Today we proceed on a day trip to Hiroshima with a bullet train ride. Upon arrival, head to the pier to catch a ferry to Miyajima Island, where you will visit the historic Itsukushima Shrine, renowned for its iconic “Floating Torii Gate.” Next, explore the Hiroshima Peace Park, Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a UNESCO World Heritage site within the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. After a poignant visit, return via bullet train.

Hotel - ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka / Quintessa Osaka Bay / ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe or similar in Osaka / Kobe

Day 8 - Welcome to Osaka

Experience Japanese Tea Ceremony - Visit Daigo-ji Temple - Visit Kinkakuji Temple - Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

After breakfast, start your day with an immersive Japanese Tea Ceremony experience. Next, visit Daigo-ji Temple, a World Heritage site renowned for its beautiful cherry blossom views. Continue to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the “Temple of the Golden Pavilion,” where you can admire the stunning pagoda designed to house sacred Buddha relics.

Finally, take a serene walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where you will wander amidst an endless stretch of towering bamboo stalks.

Hotel - ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka / Quintessa Osaka Bay / ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe or similar in Osaka /Kobe

Day 9 - Welcome to Osaka

Departure. Check out of the hotel and proceed to the airport for your flight back home. As you bid farewell to the new friends you have made,  take with you many happy memories of your holiday. 

Whats more by Thomas cook?

Traditional Japanese Yukata costume giveaway

Mochi Tasting

Rice Cracker Tasting

Pocky Tasting

Sushi Tasting

Gift bag per family

2 water bottles (500 ml) per person per day

Stay was spread across Japan. 

First 2 nights were in Asakusa View Tokyo / JAL City Toyusu Tokyo / Hoshino Resorts 1955 Tokyo Bay / Villa Fontaine Haneda

• 1 night in Fujisan Mishima / Oiso Prince / Hakone Sengokuhara Prince Hotel or similar in Hakone Region

• 2 nights in Courtyard by Marriott Nagoya / Nagoya Tokyu / Nagoya Strings or similar in Nagoya

• 3 nights in ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka / Quintessa Osaka Bay / ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe or similar in Osaka / Kobe

 Back home on 12th April.