Japan
How long have you lived in the neighborhood? What do you like most about living here?
We’ve lived in the neighborhood for 12 years now. What we love most is the sense of community. You always run into friendly faces, and there’s a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like home.
Where did you travel to, and who did you travel with? How long did you stay?
We traveled to Japan with my family and met up with my grandparents, aunt, and uncle. We spent a week in Asakusa, Tokyo, followed by four days in the mountains of Nikko. We then flew south to Okinawa, where my aunt and uncle live, and stayed there for about three weeks. Altogether, we were in Japan for nearly a month.
What inspired you to visit this destination?
My parents are professors at the College of Charleston and were leading a two-week study-abroad program in Japan. While they were teaching, my sister and I traveled with our grandparents, aunt, and uncle. This was also my third trip to Japan, so I was excited to revisit some familiar places while experiencing new parts of the country.
Tell us about the types of experiences, excursions, and activities you enjoyed on the trip.
We began in Tokyo, where we explored Asakusa, visited temples and gardens, ate ramen, and saw landmarks including Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, teamLab Borderless, and Hamarikyu Gardens. We also visited a miniature pig café in Shibuya.From Tokyo, we rode the Spacia X train into the mountains of Nikko. We walked through the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, saw Kegon Falls, and hiked through the Senjogahara Marshlands, where we spotted monkeys and even a bear nearby. We also explored Nikko’s temples and climbed Mount Nantai, a volcano overlooking Lake Chūzenji. At the summit, we were rewarded with views of the surrounding mountains and a massive ceremonial sword.In Okinawa, we stayed in Onna, a quiet coastal town in the center of the island. We snorkeled almost every day, went boating, explored caves, visited the aquarium, and rode bikes through the forest. I also had an internship at Ryu-Pin, a local kakigori shop, where I learned Japanese shaved-ice techniques that I could bring home and use for Old Village Shaved Ice.
Did you come across any hidden gems or lesser-known spots there? What made them special?
Nikko felt like a hidden gem because it was peaceful and far less crowded than Tokyo. It is a great destination for anyone who enjoys waterfalls, hiking, wildlife, and mountain scenery. It showed a completely different side of Japan from its large cities.
Share some highlights from the local cuisine on this trip. Any dishes that became instant favorites?
I have always loved kakigori, but the ramen and nigiri in Japan were also incredible. Even simple meals were prepared with a level of care and quality that made them memorable.
Reflecting on this trip, has it influenced your future travel aspirations? Are there places you now wish to explore based on this experience?
There are still so many parts of Japan I would like to explore. I would especially like to visit Hokkaido and travel farther south to Kyushu someday.
What advice or recommendations do you have for someone traveling to this area?
Use public transportation whenever possible. Japan’s train system is reliable, convenient, and usually very affordable. The exchange rate also made food, transportation, and activities feel inexpensive compared with Charleston. Once you purchase the plane tickets, traveling within Japan can be much more affordable than people expect.