Beguiling Japan

By DELMAR WORLD in Gresford

Spend a little time in Japan and you’ll soon start thinking: “Why don’t we do things this way at home?”

The trains run on time, there isn’t a scrap of litter to be seen and simple activities such as bathing and drinking tea have been elevated to high culture.

Then there’s the food! Who could fail to be impressed by the huge range of dishes on offer? Slices of sashimi served fresh from the sea, steaming winter stews, bento box picnics beneath the cherry blossom and exquisite kaiseki banquets.

The geography is staggering. Japan stretches over 3,000 kms from quasiSiberian snowscapes of Hokkaido to the subtropical beaches and mangrove forests of Okinawa. This diversity is fascinating but also daunting when considering your first visit to Japan.

There are different experiences to be had depending on the time of year. The most famous perhaps, is Spring for the Cherry Blossom bloom and Geisha dance shows.

Autumn’s vibrant colours is an equally beautiful time, particularly in Kamikochi National Park and Summer is great for enjoying the festivals, fireworks and the best of the temperatures in the Alps and beaches.

In winter, the snow monkeys of Yudanaka Onsen are a sight as are the red-crowed cranes during the mating season. The Sumo tournament in Tokyo is unforgettable and of course, skiing in Hokkaido has the best and most reliable powder conditions.

My advice would be to combine a broad sweep of some of the country’s most exciting and diverse destinations starting with the exciting and busy city of Tokyo, where the ultra modern and traditional combine to give an endless choice of new things to discover. Experience bathing in hot springs in the foothills of Mount Fuji in Hakone National Park. Visit the alpine town of Takayama famous for it’s Sake production and enjoy a private audience with a Geisha in the great city of Kyoto.

Whether you are fascinated by Japanese History, Samurai, Pop culture, Japanese Gardens, Festivals or the art of Zen, it is easy to learn and immerse yourself in this nourishing culture in a short time of being there. The Japanese themselves are some of the most charming, gracious, hospitable hosts you’ll ever meet - which explains why our clients are so keen to return.