Japan is a land of contrasts. While it has been quick to embrace modernity, it has not forgotten to preserve its heritage in many different ways. That is not to say that it is an equal balance. As anywhere else in the world, the crossroads between fresh (& innovative) and established it is fraught with tension. Even so, this fascinating land has much to offer travelers in search of unique experiences. We explored top things to check out in Japan in a previous post a few weeks ago. Here are a few more. More to follow in part 3-
Hiking in Hokkaido– Breathtaking is the only word for it. Autumnal Hokkaido offers a kaleidoscope of colors transforming the region. Its beauty is comparable to the alpine loveliness of the mountains in Canada. Framed by looming peaks in the background, red, brown and gold hues proliferate as far as the eye can see making hiking in the region a must-do time bound activity. Diesetsuzan national park is the go to for hiking in this season. You can begin or alternately finish in one of many of the onsen (hot spring) towns that abound in the region. These are perfect for soaking tired limbs after worthwhile but arduous treks. Plunge in.
Outside of autumn, you could visit Sapporo during cherry blossom season which coincides with that of The Shibazakura or Pink moss festival at Takinoue town, located in Diesetsuzan’s backyard. The festival running from early May to early June is a highlight on Hokkaido’s flower calendar.
Sushi and Sashimi– When it comes to food you think Japan, you think sushi. The proliferation of sushi bars in the country maybe spelling disaster for the ecological balance due to overfishing, nonetheless when in Japan sampling a wide variety of sushi and sashimi is definitely recommended. Depending on where you go, sushi can be economical or prohibitively expensive. From sushi and sashimi made out of the day’s catch at affordable sushi joints at fish markets to Michelin star restaurants you cannot escape this delectable offering while in Japan whatever your budget.
In most towns and cities are fish markets that bring in fresh catch every morning. Go early to mid-morning for the best cuts served as a meal at small local restaurants inside or adjoining the market. Tsukiji market in Tokyo is definitely worth a visit. Alternately try Yanagibashi Chuo Ichiba, a commercial wholesale market in Nagoya. They even offer guided tours that cost a mere 1000 yen every Friday and Saturday after which you can indulge the gastronome in you for throwaway prices at the local diner.
Ryokan stay– No trip to Japan is complete without staying at a traditional Japanese style house also known as Ryokans complete with Japanese style beds on the floor. These certainly don’t come cheap though there are some more affordable options around. They are worth the splurge especially in pretty bucolic surroundings if only for the experience of a combination of excellent kaiseki (traditional, multi-course dinners that are usually included in the price) and in house hot springs that many of these are equipped with.
Pearl divers– If you hanker after luscious pearls Great Gatsby style then the Mikimoto pearl island near Ise bay is just for you. Not only do you get an insight at the pearl museum into the intricacies and origins of cultured pearl Aquaculture , you can also purchase these much prized and coveted pearls here, set as exquisite jewelry at rates far cheaper than anywhere else in the world. The big draw however is the women divers’ performance where you are invited to view from a viewing deck women divers clothed wholly in white suits plunging into the ocean to retrieve oysters from the ocean bed. Watch and wave encouragement at the intrepid women called ‘Ama’ who have traditionally been involved in planting and harvesting pearls in the region.
Castles– High on the list of things not to miss is taking a dekko at, at least one castle while in Japan. While almost all of them look nearly the same to an untrained eye except perhaps in terms of scale, they are nevertheless eye pleasing grandiose structures. May have had to be renovated as being made of wood, at some point or another they have been susceptible to fire. Extensive rolling grounds with pretty gardens make for a pleasant day picnic especially during cherry blossom season. Himeji castle is routinely ranked as Japan’s most beautiful castle. Although, the castles at Matsumoto, Okayama, Osaka and Nagoya also rank high up in the league.
Feature image- Himeji castle during cherry blossom season. Image courtesy- S R Lee Photo Traveller / Shutterstock.com
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