Japan: 4 Unique Sensory Experiences Not to Miss

“The way in which a people explain their existence sometimes teaches as much as the way they live it.” Japanese Chronicle, Nicolas Bouvier

I could have told you about the Tottori dunes along the Sea of Japan. One does not expect, in Japan, to trek through sand mountains on the back of a camel. I could have also told you about the Kamakura festival that takes place near Hokkaido, its snow huts within which one savors a traditional stew. Japan never ceases to surprise travelers. If you ever feel like you're on another planet, you will never feel in danger. For behind every detail, you sense the presence of an ancient and extremely refined civilization. Among the sites that have marked me, here are four, let's see if you find your inner child...

The old road that connected Tokyo to Kyoto during the Edo era was measured in Li, which is 3.93 km. It was the distance a laden person could cover in an hour! The system of five trade routes unfolded in the 18th century under the shogunate of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This longest of all the trade routes was used by warriors, diplomats, and monks during the heyday of Kyoto. The city ceded the capital status to Tokyo in 1869. Along this route, relay stations emerged to supply travelers and their animals. Perfectly marked by stones, the route is best traveled by bicycle or on foot. It winds through the Japanese Alps, sneaks between paddy fields where communities of farmers have settled, and crosses rivers. You might even spot wild boars or bears, as the region is home to them. Along the way, you will fall for handicraft items such as Japanese washi paper made from mulberry wood. You will attend a Kabuki theater performance, which Mishima tried to revive after World War II. The most spectacular section is between Magome and Tsumago, with its cobbled streets and traditional inns where you will taste zobas, these black buckwheat noodles.  

According to some connoisseurs, Japanese whisky, much like Taiwanese whisky, competes with Scottish or Irish alcohol. The legendary Nikka distillery dates back to 1923. It was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, a pioneer who had trained in Scotland. Wishing to replicate the climatic conditions of Scotland, he built a distillery on the island of Hokkaido in the extreme north of the country. Do you remember the opening scenes of the movie Lost in Translation where Bill Murray is filming a commercial for a Japanese whisky in Tokyo? That's the one! The parent company Suntory Yamazaki is the second oldest after Nikka and still uses several stills today. Originating from the vicinity of Osaka, the new Suntory Hakushu currently supplies Japanese gourmet restaurants. In fact, the famous master blender Keizo Saji selected this institution. Do not miss the 80-minute guided tour by reservation or equip yourself with an audio guide. In small groups, you will experience the stages of production from the selection of grains, barley, malt, wheat, rye to the maturation casks, including the mashing and fermentation sites. 

For those heading to Naoshima, know that the spotted yellow squash by Kusuma has a little sister, a red pumpkin, just as Naoshima has a little sister, Teshima. The history of this island heading towards Okinawa is remarkable. It begins with the scouting of a site for a holiday camp! The Benesse company - at the head of correspondence courses created this site in 1989. The stroke of genius was to hire the services of the Japanese architect Tadao Ando who designed white yurts that blend into the landscape. Monumental sculptures are placed here and there such as the Frog and the Cat by Karel Appel. Then the Benesse House was created, which transforms into a hotel-museum with its oval room. There, you will see besides the yellow squash, sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle. In 2004, the Chichu Museum was established. It houses not only the Water Lilies but also Open Sky by James Turrell. Sitting on a marble bench, you observe the sky through a large light well. On-site, do not miss the imposing steel balls by Walter de Maria entitled Time-Timeless/No Time. Finally, if you appreciate the black and white photographs by Sugimoto so vibrant, you will be delighted! But especially linger at the port to contemplate the floating island by Fujimoto or the kinetic sculpture by Rickey.

Ang Lee's 2000 movie filmed on location recounts the quest to retrieve a magical sword named Destiny. While martial arts are widely used, the bamboo forest of Sagano in northwest Kyoto adds a magical touch. It must be said that this species of tree symbolizes strength and wards off evil spirits. Spanning 500 meters, this path can be traversed on foot or by rickshaw. The giant bamboos are impressive, and the slanting sun as it breaks through them. In December, illuminations take place using lanterns hung from the trees. In summer you can take a mini cruise on the Hasegawa River. I was unaware until now, but the Japanese Ministry of the Environment has classified the rustling in the leaves among the country's 100 soundscapes. Once there, take the opportunity to visit the forest of kimonos, or the 600 colorful pillars clothed in fabric dyed using the Kyo-Yuzen technique. To conclude, head to the Tenryu-Ji temple, listed by UNESCO as one of 23 other remarkable sites. It is best to visit in autumn and make a stop at the Shigetsu restaurant, a Michelin-starred establishment.

There’s not enough time to see everything in this country full of wonders like Yoro Park in Gifu. Conceived by architects and artists, this experimental park focuses on the unexpected. Prepare to lose your bearings as if you’re on a merry-go-round. It is favored by children who find it a fabulous playground. Follow in their footsteps. The site is marvelous from the cherry blossoms in spring, the Yoro mountains, the cable car, or the waterfalls. In Gifu, I recommend Ukai fishing on the Nagara River, a practice that has existed for 1300 years. It is done at night using lanterns and cormorants. To attract the fish, fishermen put orange peels in the water.

NB: Do you know what a High Ball is? A cocktail made of whiskey, ice cubes, and sparkling water!


Author: Gretel Tamalet
Photo Credits: Kaori Chin - Unsplash