When thinking of Japan, many picture the fast pace of its sprawling urban areas and futuristic technology. Yet, there’s a quieter rhythm beneath the surface, offering a chance to connect more deeply with the culture and landscape.
Travelling slowly in Japan lets you experience its traditions, nature and people in a way that a quick dash from landmark to landmark never could.
Instead of rushing, take the time to immerse yourself.
RELATED blog post to read: How to Spend An Amazing 3 Weeks in Japan: Travel Route
Stay in Traditional Ryokan Inns
Staying in a ryokan places you in the heart of Japan’s heritage. These traditional inns surround you with tatami mats and sliding shoji screens that ooze calmness. They’re often found in serene towns like Hakone or Takayama.
Experience soaking in an onsen bath while surrounded by nature, then, when the multi-course kaiseki meal arrives, take your time to appreciate each dish. This kind of stay encourages you to connect with traditional Japanese hospitality.
Explore Regions by Local Train
Though the Shinkansen bullet train dazzles with its speed and efficiency, choosing local or scenic rail lines lets you enjoy the quieter side of Japan.
Rather than racing from city to city, hop on routes like the Ōigawa Railway in Shizuoka or the Hisatsu Line in Kyushu, to see tea fields, rural villages and rolling mountains outside your window.
This gives you the freedom to step off at small stations. You’ll discover places that don’t make the typical travel guides and experience landscapes that tell stories of Japan’s rural heart.
Discover Nature Trails and Pilgrimage Routes
Japan’s ancient paths offer more than just exercise. Walk the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, with moss-covered shrines and quiet forests, or take the Nakasendō Trail, which takes you through Edo-period post towns nestled between mountains.
Walking these trails connects you to Japan’s spiritual roots and offers a more mindful way to experience the country’s beauty beyond the usual tourist spots.
Participate in Local Experiences and Workshops
Look for authentic activities nearby – whether you’re onshore during Japan cruises or visiting larger cities, you’ll find opportunities to join local experience.
You can join tea ceremonies, sushi-making classes, or calligraphy workshops, for instance.
Booking a class or experience adds structure to your trip while keeping it flexible and personal. You’ll find lots of opportunities in Kyoto and Kanazawa, as well as smaller towns like Kurashiki.
Attend Seasonal Festivals and Markets
Timing your visit for festivals such as Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri or the Spring Festival in Takayama offers a front-row seat to centuries-old customs.
Soak in the atmosphere, enjoy the flavours from food stalls and watch parades unfold.
Meanwhile, early morning visits to markets like Wajima in the Noto Peninsula provide another glimpse of daily life, where local vendors offer fresh produce and handcrafted goods.
Leave a Reply