Exploring Japan: Culture, Conversations and Adventures
On the road again. And rail tracks and hiking paths too.
When I started constructing my itinerary for this trip to Japan, I wanted to try to make sure I traversed the contrasts in Japan between culture, urban life, and nature.
And I think I've done pretty well so far.
I had a wonderful chat with my old psychiatry colleague Professor Kim on... wait, what day was it now? That was Friday. We spent three hours talking about the psychological impact of disasters and how he helped guide public mental health interventions in Japan. We also discussed other work that he was doing. But we also debated all sorts of interesting things, such as the ongoing debate about whether Japan should return to nuclear power after the Fukushima disaster. The cost of electricity is so high and they just can't bring green energy up to scratch quickly enough
Then I spent the afternoon in Akihabara, which if you don't know is kind of the electronics and gaming capital of Japan, if not the world. It was really interesting to see how pachinko parlors have been modernized. It's been a while since I've been to Akihabara and it's probably less electronics-focused now than it is gaming-focused. That was a really interesting contrast to see. And revealing of the potential for problem gambling in Japan. It seems like its already here.
In the evening, I went to TeamLab Planets, which is this amazing multimedia display installation. At first, I was skeptical because it costs quite a lot ofmoney and it's outside the center of Tokyo. Is it worth the bother? Let me tell you: it is so much worth the bother! At least the water part of the exhibition anyway. If you get a chance while you're in Tokyo and if the exhibition is still on when you go there, you must go! It's a must-see; it really is incredible! Bits of it just absolutely blew my mind.
So then next morning after very short sleep - up at 4:30 - made my way into centre of Tokyo and then got the Shinkansen because my JR rail pass had begun. On my way to Nagoya and then got a couple of local trains and then a bus when I eventually managed to end up in Tsumago, which is a postal town - an old postal town marking the route that people used to take with horses between Tokyo and Kyoto. This part of what is known as the Nakasendo Trail is preserved trying to keep as much of the modern Edo period buildings and trail as possible.
Now I did it the tough way. Well, the slightly tougher way walking from Tsumago to Magome rather than vice versa because this way it's uphill the whole way but it is ultra challenging when it's 33 degrees with high humidity. So, that made what should have been an easy moderate walk definitely a moderate if not slightly higher than moderate walk. It's pretty rutted track; it's an interesting cultural dive into past. There's wonderful little free tea house where you can stop and have chat with owner which few people were doing - I joined in on that - and yes, there are even vending machines on the way. You have kind of have to search them out. They're hidden away, but they are there.
It was incredible little adventure arriving at my Minshuku guest house in Magome, tired but grateful that I'd sent my bags ahead - which is an incredibly good service the Tourist Information Centre offers.
And my sleep for the night was only two doors away. When I found out that most places shut up for the night at 5pm, I booked myself dinner at my Minshuku. They managed to squeeze me in.
I lucked out with one of best dinners I've had in Japan.
And with that, to bed, for a fitful sleep with pretend air-con, thin walls and noisy neighbours. And I started putting this together and 6.45am at the bus stop.
I’m in Takayama now. Moving on again tomorrow at 7am.
I can’t keep up with myself and my writing! Let me know if you liked this one, eh?
cool!