During the monotonous days of pandemic lockdown, my mind often wandered back to Japan, a country I explored extensively in 2018. Memories flooded back: the surreal experience of sipping a canned Sapporo in a hotel bathtub, battling jet lag; the rush of crossing Shibuya Crossing at midnight with an old friend; the delight of tasting crispy tempura in Kyoto; and, most vividly, the earthy scent of towering cedar trees along the Kumano Kodo, ancient pilgrimage trails in the Kii Hanto peninsula south of Kyoto, where I trekked for a week.
I’m not alone in longing for Japan’s embrace. Despite over two years of closed borders, our readers have consistently voted Tokyo as their third favorite large city globally and Japan as their second favorite country. Tokyo has undergone significant transformations since most Westerners last visited, thanks to investments tied to the 2020 Olympics. These include upgrades in public transit and the emergence of luxurious accommodations like the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi and The Tokyo Edition Toranomon. Yet, Japan’s allure extends beyond its cities, beckoning as a captivating outdoor destination—a glimpse of which I experienced on the Kumano Kodo.
According to Andres Zuleta, founder of Boutique Japan, Japan’s national parks offer a diverse array of experiences, often away from the tourist throngs. The integration of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes outdoor travel in Japan uniquely enriching. The government’s initiatives, such as the VISIT! National Park project and the Step Up Program 2020, have encouraged exploration of lesser-known regions and contributed to local economies and conservation efforts. These efforts spotlight destinations like Nikko and Ise-Shima, offering activities like hiking, rafting, and canyoneering, followed by relaxation in onsens and meals at rural ryokans.
In line with this outdoor enthusiasm, there’s a rising trend in unconventional accommodations. Snow Peak’s collaboration with architect Kengo Kuma resulted in Field Suite Hakuba, a glamping resort in Hakuba Happo-one’s mountainous ski region. Similarly, Nordisk is developing Hygge Circles-Ugakei, a sustainable campground in Mie prefecture’s Uga Valley, promising a tranquil stay amidst nature’s symphony of waterfalls and mountain breezes.
Japan’s allure lies not just in its bustling cities but also in its untamed landscapes, beckoning travelers to explore its national parks, discover hidden gems, and immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of nature and culture.
