Journey Through Japan: Pilgrimages And Soba-Making In The Heart Of Tradition
With Japan reopening, now’s the perfect time to explore its treasures.
Japan has always been a place of fascination—its early influence through food, culture, and even childhood cartoons made it the top destination on my travel bucket list. When the opportunity to explore it fully arrived, it became a recurring journey, with over 21 weeks spent across the country before the pandemic paused travel.
Now, as borders steadily reopen, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the unforgettable moments experienced—from connecting with locals to witnessing ancient traditions still thriving today. Here are some memorable encounters and how to experience them firsthand.
Meeting the Ama Free Diver
Across Japan, female free divers known as ama continue a centuries-old tradition of diving for shellfish without modern equipment. A visit to the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture provided a rare opportunity to watch these women in action—diving for turban snails and abalone before cooking their fresh catch over smoldering coal. The real highlight, however, was the conversation. Their humor, resilience, and personal stories offered a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for generations.
How to experience: Enjoy a seafood meal at an amagoya (ama hut) by booking a spot at one of the traditional establishments in the area.
Conversations Along the Nakasendo Route
Once a major route connecting Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo), the Nakasendo Route remains a picturesque trail dotted with historic post towns. A guided walk along this path was an unexpected lesson in community. Along the way, locals shared their stories—an elderly woman reminiscing about her father’s daily walk to work, a volunteer at a rest stop offering homemade plum wine, and a generous host providing dried persimmons and warm conversation. These interactions made the journey as memorable as the landscape itself.
How to experience: Stay at a local inn or guesthouse and explore the trail with a guide to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Overnight at a Buddhist Temple
Koyasan, home to over 100 Shingon Buddhist temples, is one of Japan’s most sacred places. Visiting in autumn, with crisp air and fiery red leaves, made the experience even more enchanting. Instead of a traditional hotel, staying in a shukubo (temple lodging) offered a rare opportunity to glimpse monastic life—tasting shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine), participating in morning prayers, and experiencing the tranquility of being surrounded by centuries of history.
How to experience: Book a stay at a shukubo in Koyasan for an immersive spiritual retreat.
Making Soba in the Mountains
Deep in the hills of Tokushima Prefecture, a small family-run shop has been perfecting the art of soba making for generations. Here, the process begins with grinding buckwheat before shaping the noodles by hand. The reward? A delicious, freshly made bowl of soba, enjoyed alongside crispy tempura. Adding to the experience, the owner’s family singing created an atmosphere unlike any other.
How to experience: Arrange a soba-making session at a traditional workshop in Tokushima.
A Glimpse Inside a Geisha School
After an evening spent dining with geiko and maiko in Kyoto, curiosity led to an opportunity to witness the training behind their highly disciplined craft. Just days before the annual Gion Odori festival, a rare visit to a geisha school revealed a world of intense rehearsals, deep cultural pride, and the dedication required to keep this centuries-old tradition alive.
How to experience: While geisha schools are private, other options include booking a dinner with geisha entertainment, staying at select Kyoto hotels that host geiko and maiko, or attending one of the six annual geisha dance performances.
Shower Climbing in Kiso
A lesser-known adventure, shower climbing involves hiking upstream through rivers and waterfalls. With water temperatures nearing freezing, gearing up in a dry suit was essential. The climb was challenging—slipping, briefly getting swept away—but reaching the waterfall, sipping hot green tea at its base, and floating back down the river made every struggle worth it.
How to experience: Join a guided shower climbing tour in Kiso for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Harvesting Shellfish on Ogijima
Beyond Japan’s famous art islands lies Ogijima, where a quiet, sustainable way of life thrives. Here, a local inn and café offer hands-on experiences in organic farming and seafood harvesting. An evening spent collecting shellfish along the shore and preparing them for dinner provided an insightful conversation about island life and the beauty of simplicity.
How to experience: Stay at a traditional inn on Ogijima for a hands-on farm-to-table experience.
Dining on Innovation and Tradition
Japanese cuisine is rooted in seasonality and precision. From humble bowls of noodles at family-run markets to elaborate multi-course kaiseki meals, food is an art form. One of the most memorable dining experiences was at a modern restaurant, where dishes reinvented tradition—like a seemingly simple salad transformed into an unforgettable masterpiece featuring over 20 vegetables. Even the most familiar flavors were elevated into something extraordinary.
How to experience: Seek out restaurants that emphasize seasonal ingredients and innovative takes on traditional dishes.
The Endless Allure of Japan
Every journey through Japan uncovers something new—whether it’s through deep cultural traditions, breathtaking landscapes, or meaningful connections with locals. As travel gradually resumes, the opportunity to explore these extraordinary experiences again is on the horizon. For those seeking to immerse themselves in the heart of Japan, adventure, discovery, and unforgettable moments await.
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