REDISCOVERING JAPAN A YEAR SINCE TRAVEL RESUMED
October marks one year since Japan reopened its borders to travelers from the UK, and it has been an eventful year. Since the lifting of restrictions, Japan has experienced a surge in inbound tourism. In January 2023, the number of visitors from the UK decreased by approximately 30% compared to the same period in 2019. However, by August 2023, Japan welcomed around 23,800 UK travelers, which was only a 9% decrease from August 2019.
Looking ahead to the coming year, Japan is determined to achieve full recovery, and there are numerous experiences that showcase the unique essence of the country. These include participating in traditional festivals, savoring authentic Japanese cuisine, and exploring distinct accommodation spread across Japan. These experiences truly represent the spirit of Japan and provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the country.
EXPERIENCE A TRADITIONAL JAPANESE FESTIVAL – MATSURI
Konomiya Hadaka Matsuri, Inazawa – 13th day of the Lunar calendar
The festival, also known as the “Naked Man Festival” takes place annually on the 13th day of the lunar calendar, so it always changes dates in February or March. On Lunar New Year, believers and thousands of men wearing loincloths gather at Owari Okunitama-jinja Shrine (Konomiya-jinja Shrine), in the normally quiet Aichi city of Inazawa, to pray for good luck. Start the day by watching teams from all over the city wear no more protection from the winter chill than a loincloth and a few swigs of fortifying sake as they parade through the town. Gather with the other spectators along the passage to Konomiya-jinja Shrine and cheer as the local groups demonstrate their strength and dexterity carrying large bamboo poles (called “naoi-zasa”), hurrying them into the shrine.
Honen Matsuri, Aichi Prefecture – 15 March
Dating back over 1,500 years, the Tagata Jinja Shrine in the Aichi prefecture is filled with man-made and naturally formed penis shaped items which are worshipped for fertility. The shrine plays host to the annual fertility festival, the Honen Matsuri, in March but guests are welcome to visit the shrine year round. During the festival, celebrants line up to rub the stones and statues, praying for a good harvest and fertility. The highlight of the matsuri is a two metre long wooden penis sculpture that is carried through the crowd. From 10am, visitors can wander around the area shopping for souvenirs, grabbing some candies, cakes and cookies, all made to match the theme.
Nachi Ougi Matsuri, Wakayama – 14 July
Every year on 14 July, what is usually a slow relaxing walk down a stone staircase to the Nachi Waterfall from the Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine transforms into a roaring expedition. The Nachi Ougi Matsuri, also known as the Nachi Fire Festival, brings flaming torches and loud cheers to the area. One of the most famous and breathtaking festivals in the region, the Nachi Ougi Matsuri is a Shinto ritual where 12 portable shrines which represent the 12 divine spirits of the waterfall are purified by fire. Watch in awe as torch bearers wield the flaming torches amidst loud religious chanting and thick smoke.
UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION
Traditional gassho-house stay, Gokayama
While most tourists head for the popular traditional village – Shirakawa-go, which features a traditional building style known as gasshō-zukuri, Gokayama, located in Japan’s Toyama prefecture offers a similar yet less crowded experience. With a more intimate setting and less intrusion from modern developments, Gokayama is just as unique. Visitors can also stay overnight in villages such as Suganuma and Ainokura, immersing themselves into the local traditions and culture.
Shoureki-ji Temple Stay, Kyoto
From experiencing traditional temple meals known as Shojin Ryori, to joining morning prayers, the Shoureki-ji Temple allows travellers to live a day in the life of a traditional Japanese monk. Located in the mountains near Ayabe, north of Kyoto, this temple stay offers travellers the opportunity to experience Kyoto’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The temple only accommodates one group of up to six people at a time to ensure the best experience. The temple also serves as a good base for exploring the region and taking part in other activities such as traditional paper making at the Kurotani Washi Center.
UNUSUAL CUISINES
Try Fugu (pufferfish), Tokyo
Usually poisonous, the pufferfish is a luxurious delicacy only to be served by qualified fugu handlers. The carefully prepared edible slices of the fish are presented on a large plate, sliced so thin that you can usually see the pattern on the plate through the meat. To try authentic fugu dishes, head to Tokyo’s Fukuji, which prides itself in serving top quality fugu cuisine.
Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki
Better known as a Japanese pancake, Okonomiyaki is Hiroshima’s soul food. With more Okonomiyaki restaurants (2,000) than anywhere else in Japan, Hiroshima has a long history of loving this dish. Traditionally filled with shredded veggies and meat, the Hiroshima style of the dish includes noodles, a unique addition that is not found anywhere else. For the best experience of the Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki, head to the Okonomimurabuilding – a seven-story building with two floors dedicated to Okonomiyaki restaurants, each putting their own twist on the much loved dish.
Gold Leaf Ice Cream, Kanazawa
Today, Kanazawa boasts upwards of 99% domestic gold leaf production. It has become a well-known symbol for Ishikawa through its delicate and awe-inspiring decoration on handicrafts, ornaments and even food. Head to the heart of Higashi Chaya district to find HAKUICHI where visitors can try soft-serve ice-cream covered in Kanazawa’s famous gold leaf.
