A Traveller's Guide to Authentic Local Experiences in Japan
Japan offers a wealth of authentic experiences that allow travellers to immerse themselves in the country's unique culture and traditions. From riding scenic railways through picturesque landscapes to participating in ancient tea ceremonies, this guide explores a range of activities that provide genuine insights into Japanese life.
Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway
The Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Sagano Romantic Train, offers a picturesque journey through the stunning landscapes of western Kyoto.
Passengers can enjoy breath taking views of mountains, forests, and the river along the Hozugawa River gorge from the train's vintage-style cars, including an open-air carriage for an immersive experience.
The train operates from early March to late December each year, with peak seasons during cherry blossom viewing (late March to late April) and autumn foliage (mid-November to early December).
For a complete experience, consider combining the train ride with a Hozugawa River boat cruise for the return journey, offering two unique perspectives of the scenic Arashiyama area, including the stunning Bamboo Grove.
Stay at a Ryokan
Staying at a ryokan offers an authentic Japanese experience, immersing guests in traditional hospitality and culture. These traditional inns typically feature tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and communal baths, often supplied by natural hot springs.
Guests are provided with yukata robes to wear during their stay, and are served elaborate kaiseki meals, showcasing seasonal local ingredients. Ryokans are best experienced in rural areas for a more authentic atmosphere, but you can also find the inns in large cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.
Bathe in an Onsen
Bathing in an onsen, or Japanese hot spring, is a quintessential experience that offers both relaxation and cultural immersion. These natural hot springs are rich in minerals and believed to have therapeutic properties.
Some of the best places to bathe in an onsen include:
1) Hakone, renowned for its picturesque mountain scenery and diverse onsen options with views of Mount Fuji.
2) Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture, famous for its yubatake, or hot water field, in the town centre.
3) Noboribetsu, Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort which features various types of mineral waters and the dramatic ‘Hell Valley’, full of steaming vents.
Many ryokans and hotels in Japan offer both communal onsen baths and rooms with private onsen, providing a more intimate experience.
Participate in a Tea Ceremony
Participating in a Japanese tea ceremony offers a profound insight into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Known as sadō or chanoyu, this ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha green tea is an art form that emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity.
The ceremony often takes place in a traditional tearoom adorned with tatami mats and seasonal decorations. Guests are usually served Japanese sweets (wagashi) before the tea to complement its bitterness.
One of the best places to participate in a tea ceremony is in the Nishinomaru Garden of Osaka Castle, which is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom. Alternatively, tea ceremonies in Kyoto’s historic Gion district offer you the chance to be served by geisha, known locally as geiko, and observe their graceful movements.
Visit Famous Temples and Shrines
One of the best reasons to visit Japan is to visit its numerous famous temples and shrines. Some of the most notable are found in Kyoto and include:
1) Fushimi Inari Taisha - This shrine dates back to 711 A.D. and is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a stunning path up the mountain.
2) Kinkaku-ji - Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this temple was originally built as a shogun's villa and is famous for its gold-leaf façade that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond.
3) Kiyomizu-dera - This iconic Buddhist temple offers breath taking views from its large veranda overlooking the city, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
Also worth a visit is Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, completed in 645. The temple is particularly beautiful at night when illuminated, highlighting its intricate architecture.
Experience a Japanese Festival (matsuri)
Some of the most renowned Japanese festivals or matsuri, are held in the summer, and include:
1) Gion Matsuri - Held in July in Kyoto, this festival is known for its grand processions of elaborately decorated floats called yamaboko.
2) Aomori Nebuta Matsuri -Taking place from August 2nd to 7th in Aomori, this festival is famous for its giant illuminated floats depicting warriors and mythical figures, accompanied by vibrant music and energetic dancers known as haneto.
3) Tanabata Matsuri - Celebrated from August 6th to 8th, this festival in Sendai is known for its stunning decorations made from colourful paper streamers, and a spectacular fireworks display on the opening night.
If you’re visiting Japan in winter, it’s also well worth visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival. Held in February, it features impressive snow and ice sculptures displayed throughout Sapporo City in Hokkaido, attracting millions of visitors each year.
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