Land of the Rising Sun
Words & Photos by Jessi Devenyns
Much in the way a beautifully wrapped silk kimono unravels to reveal layered nuance in pattern and texture, a trip to Japan is a slow unfurling of preconceptions that give way to an intricate mosaic of culture. The wild variations in food, people, and terrain are enough to keep a traveler occupied for a lifetime.
Monday
After landing early in the morning, hop onto a bullet train and head up north to Yamanouchi. Here the barrier between human and animal blurs at the Iwatayama Monkey Park where macaque monkeys bathe in natural hot springs and wind their way through visitor’s legs. Back in the village, warm up with a plunge in a public onsen where bathers of all ages enjoy the shock of hot water mingling with cold air amid the beauty of snow-capped peaks.
Tuesday
Today there is plenty of time for relaxing in the hot springs and savoring homemade udon noodles. Otherwise, more adventurous spirits can head up the mountain to the Ryuoo Ski Park and spend a day on the slopes enjoying some world-renowned powder.
Wednesday
Grab an early morning train to Kyoto to arrive by lunch time. Then spend some time wandering around to see classic Buddhist temples, lusciously tended gardens, Shinto shrines and imperial palaces. Don’t miss the bold orange pillars of the Fushimi Inari Shrine before finishing the day with a zen-inducing matcha tea ceremony.
Thursday
Enjoy a morning at the Nishiki Market where barrels and stalls are bursting with uncommon colors and ingredients. Pick up a few tantalizing treats and maybe even try a ramen breakfast. It will be welcome on the three-hour train ride to Tokyo.
Friday
Make the most out of a day in Tokyo. Wake up with an early walk among the stone bridges, wooded walkways and meandering streams of the 18th century Rikugi-en gardens. From there, take the metro to the Akihabara district where electronics, anime and manga reign supreme. After refueling for the evening with some ramen, make a beeline for Golden Gai. This neighborhood is a collection of micro-bars that all have a distinctly eccentric personality and serve up cocktails that are as imaginative as their décor.
Saturday
Stroll al fresco through Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection, and keep going until Harajuku. This quirky neighborhood is a pulsing hub of color, youth fashion, and cosplay. Squeezing through the tiny, people-lined streets will eventually lead to the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting edge takes on a more sophisticated meaning. This district is also an opportune chance to sample a Japanese bakery. Later, spend the evening immersed in neon light in the Shinjuku or Roppongi entertainment districts.
Sunday
On the last day, indulge in a traditional, savory Japanese breakfast. The unfamiliar combination of fish, miso, rice, and soup will permanently imprint the distinctive, but fond, memories of the country before the flight back home.
Did you know?
Tokyo will be hosting the XXXII Olympic Summer Games from July 24 through August 9, 2020. Travelers who plan to be in Japan at that time and visit Tokyo should book hotel rooms well in advance.
How to get around:
To travel conveniently and cheaply, book a Japan Rail Pass online or at a train station kiosk.
