Washburn (AKA 108) - Naval Cruise Book

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anmz 101901, Today two generations removed from topknots and the longsword Japan lives happily with both East and West During our visits we made many acquaintances and enloyed the gentle in nature and some nearly childishly naive. They were very curious and eagerly friendly with a warmth that many of us envied. Politeness and courtesy has reached a friendship of the Japanese people. To us the people were different. They were perhaps more national art in Japan The people seemed very happy and seldom appeared discontent Their children, especially, were fun to watch and loved to have someone take their pictures. Everywhere we visited in Japan, we have seen evidence of their beliefs in the Gods of their ancestors. Each house and shop has its Butsudau Csmall Buddist altar? and each village its Ujigame Cshrineb. So much a part of these people are their traditions, that the one con- cession granted them after their surrender in World War II, was the retention of Hirohito as the Imperial Emperor of Japan. In Japan, we learned much about the customs and habits of the Japanese people. We dined in their restaurants and managed to operate their chop-sticks quite successfully. We will never forget the smells of hot SUKIYAKI and TEMPURA simmering in a pan. We enjoyed the Japanese beer and hot SAKI, but most of us were reluctant to try any of the famous raw fish dishes that the Japanese people cherished. Riding in the small taxi-cabs, as they darted about the narrow, colorful streets, was a great sport. Still very popular in Japan, is the hot steam-bath and massage, which leaves the customer relaxed and refreshed. In the towns, it was simply fun to walk around and look at the shops and buildings, however one usually founds himself buying something. Items such as cameras, electronic equipment, chinaware, embroidered silks, and beautiful works of art could be purchased at a fraction of their American value. -4 ' 4.-1... , -E . Q A. I 16 -f lk 476, 'Q 'X Ain. Q

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4460444464 is the home of the U. S. N avy's largest naval base in Japan. Cnce nothing more than a mere fishing village, Yokosuka is now one of lapan's most important naval ports. We arrived 22 December 1961 and this was where we spent the Christmas season and celebrated New Year's Day. p Japan opened her doors to foreign countries and western civilization after Commodore Perry's landing at Kurihama on 14 Iuly 1853. Three years later the Yokosuka Iron Foundry was established and has dominated the city's industry ever since. Yokosuka flourished as a naval base of eastern lapan until the end of World War Two. Following the war, industry, trade, and fishing grew rapidly. Former Japanese military installations were converted into various industries which produced such things as automobiles, canned foods, spun cotton, and electricity. Yolcosuka has become a major industrial city of lapan and presently has a popula- tion of nearly 300,000. Yokosuka is situated in the central part of the Muira Penninsula which extends southward from the main island of Honshu, and is easily reached by rail and car from all surrounding areas. Within hours, via fine electric train services, one can travel to Kamakura, Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Tokyo, all of which are scattered along the edges of Tokyo Bay. Souvenir Alley was the main attraction of Yokosuka. Here along the narrow streets, were shops selling every trinket ever imagined. Silk, kimonos, pottery products, mechanical toys, embroidered garments and electronic equipment were available. The list was almost endless. Yokosuka also offers more serious attractions. The once proud battleship of Admiral Togo houses a marine museum. Tsukayama and Kinugasa parks are prominent and colorful places. In Kamakura, the famous Great Buddha attracts many tourists. One may visit the famed Mt. Fujiyama which can be seen in the distance. Fuji-san , as it is affectionately called, is snow-capped throughout the year. It rises majestically to the height of 12,397 feet and each year thousands of people scale its heights.

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ing, . 'Mitzi 2 7o6q0, the Capital city of lapan, is the center ot political and cultural traits and re- presents all lapan. The Ginza, which rivals with 5th Avenue in New York City, in luxury offerings and plush entertainment spots, with its modern department stores in stone and glass, fails to conceal completely the acres of ancient shops and weathered homes that surroundl it. The moat-encircled Imperial Palace located in central Tokyo, still serving as a symbol of the long historical tradition upon which Japan is built, stands in view of the new Diet Building where the governing body meets in legislative session, much the same as our Senate in Washington. Tokyo today boasts the most advanced facilities but, on the other hand, still retains in abundance, the cultural properties and traditions oi the Oriental and purely Japanese style. Every man's taste is catered somewhere in this unforgettable city of flashing color. fill Z- f '-- 1 . Y 14,15 lx 1 ffa 'nl'-, ' N R' . K -Q F rw 1- N - s -X-e v ' I - - o , f M J ,ix 1,1 . ,X K ' 1 Rail' I re' ,- - ...rt - 5 Sl- 5 - .1 T ar 1 - I E ,fe 1 mi .4-.fl