Page 31 - Oundle Life August 2024

Picture credits: ©Sarah Pretelli, ©David Lovejoy and ©Steven Diaz
TURNING
JAPANESE
No country in the world like it
Japan is a remarkable, incredibly varied and diverse country stretching over 3,000km from the quasi-Siberian snowscapes of Hokkaido to the subtropical beaches and mangrove
forests of Okinawa.
Over 70% of its terrain is
mountainous and contains one-tenth
of the world’s active volcanoes. Each
region is totally unique and will provide
a never-ending list of things to see,
experiences to be had and tastes to
savour and the Japanese themselves are
some of the most charming, gracious, hospitable people you’ll ever meet.
To take a comprehensive and well organised tour, something that is most definitely on my list too. Depending on personal interests and available time there are lots of ways to construct an exciting schedule for the first-time visitor. Here are some of the most requested activities and experiences you would be wise to seek out:
Gastronomy tours
From the finest Michelin starred restaurants to the most informal of izakaya (Japanese pubs), you won’t go hungry. An overview of the foodie scene with a local expert is a must-do; whether
it’s a street food tour or an izakaya night, they’ll introduce you to the very best places and help to navigate the menu and be prepared to return
Japan contains one- tenth of the world’s active volcanoes
31
home with an insatiable taste for Japanese food!
Meet a maiko (apprentice geisha)
Few Japanese experiences are as special as meeting a maiko. While elusive, these trainee geishas are recognisable for their elaborate kanzashi (hair ornaments) and striking patterned
kimonos. Becoming a geisha requires years
of intense training in traditional performing arts. Many Japanese people will never get the opportunity to meet one of these performers, but with the right connections to okiya (geisha houses), meetings can be organised with live music, dancing and drinking games too.
Hot spring baths
If you thought Japan’s lush green paddies and rolling mountains were beautiful, wait until you relax in an onsen (hot spring bath). Forget wild swimming, nature’s own hot tubs with steaming turquoise waters, are for wild soaking and there are thousands across the country.