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Mark is a tour leader at Inside Japan. Originally from Honolulu, Mark came to Japan in search of his Japanese ancestry – and stayed. Today he’s based in Gifu Prefecture, near Nagoya. In this post, he gives us a few of his favourite aspects of our Hands On Japan group tour – from his top destination to his favourite nightspot.
Destination
One of the highlights of this tour is the diversity of the destinations we visit. From the metropolis of Tokyo to the small mountain town of Togarinozawa Onsen, there’s the opportunity to take a peek into many different sides of life in Japan. Ever the crowd favorite, Kyoto is hard to beat. On tour we try our hand at roketsuzome (Japanese batik), get a little dirty and make some pottery, sit up straight and enjoy a tea ceremony while wearing kimono – and that’s not even all the included activities we do. Filling any free time is never a problem; making the choices of where to go and what to do, on the other hand, can be! For a solo traveler or family, whether you’re a run-yourself-ragged or a take-in-the-atmosphere type, Kyoto has got it all.
Experience
Wadaiko (Japanese drumming) has a rich history that spans over 2,000 years. Even today, it continues to play an important role in both geographic and spiritual communities. On tour, our wadaiko lesson is the first activity that we do as a group. Feeling the vibrations in your body as you strike the drum, and the satisfaction of starting from zero and wrapping up the lesson by playing a short piece with your fellow travellers, is a fantastic feeling. Linking the past, present, and people: the wadaiko lesson tops my list.
Restaurant
Enjoying a cruise on a yakatabune (Japanese-style houseboat) has been popular since the Edo Period (early 17th through mid-19th century). On tour we enjoy a delicious, multi-course dinner while cruising up and down the Sumida River, taking in the metropolis from a unique vantage point. To my knowledge, this tour is the only one that includes a dinner like this!
Accommodation
During our stay in the small town of Togarinozawa Onsen, we stay at the family-run Shikisai no Yado Kanoe Ryokan. Kanoe-san and her family prepare delicious meals which highlight local and seasonal produce. If you go on our May departure, you’re in for a treat – as freshly gathered and expertly prepared mountain vegetables will grace your plate at every meal! As of May 2016, this is also the only accommodation we stay at that has onsen (hot spring) water used in the ofuro (bath). The rural and secluded nature of this accommodation means that in the evenings, everyone gets to know each other a little better through some good old fashioned games.
Night spot
In the quiet town of Takefu, there are not many places you could add “#nightlife” to. On second thought, I take that back. There are no places that you could add that hashtag to, and that’s okay. Takefu isn’t that kind of town and that’s one of the things that make it a unique destination on this tour. However, a quiet down doesn’t mean a lack of watering holes. Concrete Bar 2nd in the central part of town has a great, appropriately Takefu-esque, chilled-out and intimate atmosphere, with softer lighting and lots of natural building material. Oh yes, and they have a drink list that would make you forget you’re in a small town. Did I mention they do requests? French 57, anyone?
If Hands On Japan tickles your fancy, visit our website for more information – or get in touch with one of our experts to book your place today.