Japan Favorite Adventures
FAVORITE ADVENTURES
Japan
Our Japan Favorite Adventures
Our Japan Favorite Adventures
Despite the fact that Leah and I have both been to Japan several times, we have only scratched the surface of what the country has to offer.
Nevertheless, here are the favorite adventures we have had in Japan and a few that we hope to experience in the future.
# 1. Completing a Remote Pilgrimage
As described in our Japan Adventure Report, completing a pilgrimage like the Kumano Kodo can be a great way to immerse yourself into Japanese culture and history and see a remote region of the country.
# 2. Drinking Local Sake
Sake is made in almost every prefecture in Japan, but some prefectures are more famous for their local sake than others. Like wine, there are many different types of sake that are classified based on their degree of rice polishing, ingredients and production methods. Some of our favorites include Honjozo and Junmai, the latter of which is made only using rice, water and yeast. Japanese also make whiskey which is similar to Scotch which is also worth trying.
# 3. Eating Some of the Best Food in the World
Japan has some of the best food in the world including Ramen, Sukiyaki, Sushi, Teriyaki, Udon and Yakitori. As described in our adventure report, you will have better food experiences if you get recommendations from locals. The street food, especially in the larger cities, is also especially good. If you end up in a long line for a restaurant or street vendor, that’s actually a good thing since it means the food is highly regarded by locals.
# 4. Exploring Kyoto
Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan and for good reason. It is full of fascinating Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens and palaces. As described in our adventure report, keep in mind that many of the famous sites are busy throughout the year so you may want to identify a mix of on and off the beaten path sites to see.
# 5. Exploring Tokyo
For us, and for most people, Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, offering an unforgettable mix of fascinating urban landscapes and unique food experiences. Some of our favorite areas of Tokyo include Akihabara, Golden Gai and Shibuya.
# 6. Soaking in Onsens
There are over 25,000 onsens in Japan. Some of our favorites were the remote onsens that we had an opportunity to soak in during the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. Keep in mind that if you have tattoos (like Leah), you will have to cover them before entering most onsens.
# 7. Skiing in Northern Japan
We have not skied in Japan but have always been enticed by the prospect of skiing deep powder all day and soaking in onsens at night. The backcountry skiing is also amazing with deep powder, moderate slopes and short approaches.
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