Bounded by the same national identity, these enchanting gems shed a different on Japan
I personally really love Japan. So much so, it has been five times since I have visited the country and lived to tell the tale here and here.
One may assume I'm talking about the more familiar tourist-y places of Tokyo, Kyoto and Hokkaido, but instead, I found myself gravitating to the lesser-known-and-treaded gems in the Western part of Japan. Breathtaking, enthralling and brimming with a myriad of fun activities, here are five vacation spots in Westen Japan for an alternative experience of the Land of the Rising Sun.
5. Kurashiki
Visit: The main town
Okayama’s Kurashiki is a charming town where a small river weaves through its center. With willow trees line up along the natural water feature, a boat ride is the best way to explore the Kurashiki, roughly translated to mean a town of shophouses. The name is fitting as the town is made up of little shophouses, built during in the Edo periods, that double up as food and beverage outlets, art showrooms, grocery stores, and fashion boutiques.
The bustling town mellows down in the evening, when the sun sets – a time when many retire to a restaurant for a drink and heart conversations.
Getting there
Always start a vacation on a good note. And so we did, thanks to SilkAir that offered a comfortable six-hour flight in its business class. Aside from cushiony seats and top-notch service, I have to say that the food and drinks on the plane are amazing.
The myriad of drink options make you feel like you’re at a sky bar. The in-house entertainment offerings will also leave you spoiled for choice!
A Chinese version of the article appeared here.
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