Combed through my travel materials (which I have been hoarding for 7-8 years, no kidding) and came up with the following alternative things I wanna do in Japan. Not a single mention of the bustling cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka here. If you’re a Japanophile like me, you will probably enjoy reading this!
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There is sake and there is exquisite sake. Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum has made its name synonymous with quality sake. With over 340 years of history and being the chosen topple of the Tokugawa Shogunate, it surely entices me to pay it a visit.
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Honestly, I’m not into Pokemon, but even the jaded middle-aged uncle wants to board the Pokemon train, said to be launched to bring cheer to the victims of the tsunami disaster in Fukushima in 2011. Plus, my children will roam free in the Pokemon playroom!
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Sometimes, you just want to get things off your chest. The Missing Post Office on Awashima, Kagawa captivates my attention because it features anonymous post cards and letters. I think my reading proficiency is good enough for me to peek into the hidden secret lives of the Japanese.
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Ehime is famous for mikan (mandarin oranges), so I would love to indulge my love for coffee by sipping mikan coffee at 10-Factory, located near the one of the oldest onsens that is Dogo Onsen.
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I’m attracted to novelty, so the vine bridges in the Iya Valley pique my curiosity even though they are out of the way. I want to be there to experience the ancient wisdom of the Japanese - how they harnessed nature to get things done.
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Come summer time, the Japanese shed their inhibitions like chameleons mounting their skins. I will like to soak up the boisterous energy radiating from the Awa Odori festival in Tokushima City. I have been to similar dance festivals before, and always come away with a renewed appreciation of how the Japanese must have worked hard to synchronise their steps and vibes.
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I drink Asahi Beer once weekly, and will love to visit the Asahi Beer Shikoku Factory to luxuriate in my alcoholic habit. The same goes for the Kirin Brewery Okayama Plant In Okayama.
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Why visit one beer factory when you can patronise several sake breweries? Located in the vicinity of JR Saijo Station are seven sake breweries, so I am keen to visit the Saijo area and compare the taste of sake from various breweries.
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Akita is renowned for imaginative rice field art, so boarding a train on the Akita Nairiku Line from July to early September fascinates me because it offers a spectacular view of the farmers’ masterpieces.
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In this age of AI, it will feel surreal to witness the regal majesty of Kakunodate Old samurai residences in Semboku City, Akita and imagine how the samurais must have lived life in the hubbub of a war-riddled era.
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Watch the Hachiman Tsuzureko Festival in Kitaakita, where local people parade down the streets, playing huge taiko drums to pray for a bountiful harvest. The largest drum measures 3.8m in diameter, so I imagine that it will be a delightful and impactful assault on my senses. If I have time, I will also squeeze in a visit to the Nebuta Museum Wa-Rasse to check out the floats used in previous years.
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One of my most memorable travel experiences was partaking in the Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki, so I would expect to feel right at home at the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori held every August 2 to 7. It’s a boisterous festival that showcases vibrant graphic lantern floats accompanied by - you guessed it right - huge taiko drums.
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Stay at a repurposed train called Blue Train Akebono at the Kosaka Rail Park. Once transporting commuters between Tokyo and Akita for 44 years, it now gives guests a unique accommodation experience.
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It’s always interesting to see how the Japanese interpret Western cultural icons. If your children are die-hard fans of Thomas the Tank Engine, they will be elated at the chance of riding on such a train that operates on the Oigawa Main Line in Shizuoka during summer.
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As a teacher, I am enthusiastic about visiting classrooms that are relics of history. Mitsuke School in Iwata City, Shizuoka - designated as a National Historical Site - was built in 1875 and is the oldest remaining Western-style wooden elementary school in Japan.
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Shizuoka is also home to the world’s longest wooden walking bridge (recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records no less). Awe at the ingenuity of the Japanese people when you walk across the Horai Bridge that span a formidable 897.4 metres.
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Bird enthusiasts will relish the chance to get up close and personal with migrating swans when they come to Ibaraki to spend the winter.
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Akita is known for two things: its beautiful ladies and loyal Akita dogs. For the latter, I aspire to spend quality time with the dogs at the Akita Dog Visitor Centre that is located next to JR Odate Station.
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Japan is enamoured with foreign influences, so viewing Lockheart Castle in Gunma should be fun. This is an authentic Scottish-style castle that is originally built in Scotland.
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Japan doesn’t do things by halves, so witnessing the grandiose scale of the sand sculptures at The Sand Museum in Tottori will yield me a great dose of endorphins.
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Come winter time, snow is known to accumulate on the trees on the slopes of Mount Zao. Skiing down the mountains while trying to dodge these Ice Monsters makes for a memorable experience.
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Gunkanjima may be an abandoned island, but it was once a prosperous coal mine during the Meiji and Showa eras. Its brooding vibes make it appropriate as a filming location, and indeed, it has been showcased in movies like “Skyfall”.
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My favourite animal is the monkey, so I will relish watching Japanese monkeys having a relaxing dip in Jigokudani Hot Springs, Nagano.
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History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the attractions at Edo Wonderland Nikko to their heart’s content. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere evoked by the residences and shophouses reminiscent of the Edo era.
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I’m not a fan of Japan’s bitterly cold winters, so you can imagine the immense appeal Sapporo Snow Festival holds for me. I will kill for the chance to witness the spectacle of majestic snow sculptures and statues!
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Another snow festival organised by indefatigable people of Yokote City, Akita showcases more than 100 large kamakura (igloo-like snow houses). If this description intrigues you, head over to Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival on 15-16 February. Interact with adorable children who may fill your stomachs with amazake and mochi rice cakes.
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One of my most enjoyable experiences was taking a boat ride and taking in the picturesque sights of old Yanagawa City, Fukuoka. That’s why I expect to be entranced by the quaint white-walled houses in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Okayama when I take a boat ride along Kurashiki River.
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Kojima, Okayama is also the birthplace of denim jeans in Japan, so a leisurely stroll along Kojima Jeans Street seems right up my alley. I want to take artistic shots of jeans flapping in the air.
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Always love how ancient houses built during the Meiji Restoration are kept in a pristine state at Hagi Castle Town in Yamaguchi.
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Ninjas must be one of Japan’s most popular cultural exports. I sure don’t mind doing the touristy thing at the Kids’ Ninja Village in Nagano. I anticipate this ninja-themed amusement park to entertain my children!