A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned

By Robyn DeVoe, Explorer X Travel Designer

To be honest, Japan wasn’t near the top of my “dream travel” destinations list, because, well, it was on too many others. “Over-touristed … too modern,” I thought, not for me. Then a trip fell in my lap: A 12-day pilgrimage along the mountainous coastline of the Mie Prefecture, Japan. Intrigued, this sounded like something different than what I’d ever learned about Japan. Of course, I jumped on the opportunity and, in so doing, widened my narrow mindset about this part of the world. My travels in Japan served as a gentle reminder to drop preconceived notions. Here’s what I learned and why I am now spreading the word about Japan to anyone who’ll listen.

You can have authentic and genuine local experiences even in big cities like Tokyo.

Most visitors to Japan fly in/out of Tokyo, and it’s not something that should be skipped over. My advice: stay a couple of days. Even if you’re not into the shopping and modern tech scene, there is something for everyone (speaking as someone who isn’t personally into shopping or tech). To my own surprise, a few of my favorite experiences of my 20-day trip happened in the first couple of days while I was in Tokyo. From serendipitously stumbling upon a new-years mochi-pounding neighborhood block party, to an early morning walk to watch the vendors sell their catch of the day at a seafood market to restaurant owners, to sharing a bench with a local man who’d been coming to this particular izakaya (small Japanese pub) every day after work for 25 years…these were some unexpected gems of Tokyo and now I do not doubt that I would have experienced more surprises for each day spent here.

Look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto for a beautiful contrast of environments and cultures elsewhere.

Did you know that women in the seaside town of Ise dive for sea snails and farmers collect the most perfect pearls? Did you know in Odai-cho and Owase you can enjoy homestays with rural families, learn their farming practices, go fishing or sea kayaking, and make meals together? And if you visit a place full of tourists like Kyoto, there are options to stay about an hour outside of hustle and bustle in adorable guesthouses with a local host who can give you a glimpse of what their real daily life is like, while still having quick access to all the major sites. When choosing destinations and experiences within Japan ask yourself, are you learning from and giving back to the local communities here? Or are you simply being served by them? Choose to be a traveler, not a tourist, and you’ll be rewarded with a richer and deeper experience.

Get train and bus station assistance.

No joke! Especially in big cities like Tokyo. I’m a fairly savvy traveler and can generally find my way around, but there were times navigating on my own that I thought I knew where I was going, only to end up completely turned around. The train stations can feel like a complete maze, and you’ll find very few who can speak English to direct you. Thus, I highly recommend hiring someone who can take you to the correct platform and meet you upon arrival at the next one. There is so much value in the stress you’ll save yourself.

Photo by Robyn DeVoe — Be open; be observant; try everything; get uncomfortable!

Including the unfamiliar foods (Natto!) and the Japanese squatting toilets. Stay in traditional Japanese inns called Ryokans. Bathe nude in the onsens. Wear the house slippers and the toilet slippers. Practice the phrase “arigato gozaimasu” and use it often with a bow. In general, bow often. Use two hands to accept what is given to you. Observe the correct way to enter a shrine, purify, and pray. And if you take anything away from this, don’t ever stick your chopsticks upright into your bowl of rice (trust me)! These practices and more will earn you a greater understanding of the customs. You will gain respect and friendships by demonstrating your efforts to journey through this country as a humble student.

Movement heals.

The bulk of my trip to Japan was a 12-day pilgrimage hike on the lesser known Kumano Kodo Iseji route on the Kii Peninsula. Many of us began with various aches and pains (fully expecting to utilize the support vehicle, personally speaking) that miraculously improved a bit more each day we walked. It became the general consensus among the group members that this is simply what the human body naturally needs for homeostasis - regular motion. And you can get plenty of that in a country where walking is a primary means of transport, whether that’s on the trail or in the city.

Adopt an attitude of gratitude.

I learned so much from the warm Japanese people I encountered along the way, but most of all, it was this. A reminder to send thanks for every meal with a quiet “itadakimasu,” to worship nature, to express undivided attention with every human interaction, and to tread lightly, leaving everything as pristine in your wake as you found it, whether it’s a room in a guesthouse or a trail.

Thank you to the beautiful country and gracious people of Japan for welcoming this naive westerner in and showing me your ways. May we all be so lucky to look at our world and each other through your eyes.

Begin Your Journey to Japan