Cleaning Observations

Already very early, in comparison to other countries, Japanese collected body waste and used it as fertilisers leading to high levels of sanitation. Being associated with fertility, rituals were performed to ask the kawaya kami (the god of the toilet) for help in producing a good harvest. Toilets

Onigiri are traditional Japanese rice balls which were originally homemade products. Wrapped in bamboo leaves they have been, already for centuries, a convenient take-away food. Today, onigiri are being sold by millions daily. While being easy to make yourself, their industrial manufactured vers

As we learned during the first days of our stay in Japan, people don't take shower - they bath. Or to be precise they first wash themselves really well and then soak their body in hot water, to relax their muscles and warm up. The same bathing water is used by all family members, making it much mo

The level of packaging wastage, throughout Japan, is in complete contrast to the country’s recycling efforts. Fruits and vegetables, which one can find in Europe easily unpacked are, even in organic supermarket, wrapped in layers of plastic. Tradition, hygiene, comfort and the feeling of luxur

In Japan it is very normal to carry a small towel with you in your handbag. When using public toilets, it enables one to dry ones hands when paper towels are missing. It is also a very environmental friendly solution. But above all it is extremely hygienic.

Bathroom at our "Hostel" belonging to Tenrykio. #tenri #tenrykio