JAPAN ROADS LESS TRAVELED
by Fred Braun - July 2002

I have just returned from a very interesting trip to Japan where I was one of seven individuals who were invited to sample some of the sites less visited by tourists. We were expected to make comments and evaluations. Based upon these observations, a new tour will begin next year incorporating much of this schedule.

Tokyo was not a feature of this trip, although this would be the entrance and departure city for flights to Japan. Kyoto, the second most popular current destination, was used as a base for this tour. This is where the excitement began for the next six days to the unusual side of Japan that is so inaccessible to most travelers.

I was absolutely delighted with the array of experiences offered.

Click on each picture for a larger view
First you make the dough	Then cut into strips for noodles	Frying noodle cakes
None of this looks familiar	Can't tell you what it is, but it sure was good	All of the dishes were colorful
Japanese Impressionist Art	Old Mill	Checking out the efficient mass transit system

The Shinto and Buddhist shrines were colorful, lively and remarkably interesting. Always commanding an intriguing site and gorgeously designed, these shrines are a fascinating destination. The commentary and background discussion of each shrine made each destination well worth the journey.

Each day included a diverting and entertaining side trip. I consider myself very arts-and-craft challenged. Yet, the stops for hands-on Japanese crafts were a highlight. On separate days, we got very involved in such adventures as:
1. Making rice paper from design to hand-dipping to drying and cutting.
2. Making noodles starting with dough kneading and rolling to cutting to cooking and, of course, eating.
3. Pottery crafting, design and hand work (the glazing and firing is done later and mailed to our home.

This trips was to small towns that just don’t have American visitors. Tsuwano, for instance, an incredibly charming town of 4,000 residents and 80,000 koi (carp). The town features lovely architecture and landscaped streets flanked by 3 foot streams containing enormous multicolored fish that are considered community treasures.

The seacoast town of Hagi is meant for strolling and exploration. Famous as both a samurai town and for its pottery, the town is a delight. In addition to its samurai past, Hagi was the principal site for the negotiations that led to the opening of Japan to the United States in 1853.

Hiroshima is a vibrant city, crowds of shoppers and with an air of excitement. The Peace Memorial is extremely interesting and an eloquent cry for an alternative to war. I found the Memorial gave a very balanced view of both the beginning and conclusion of WWII.

There is too much of this trip to describe in full detail. Suffice it to say that everything from food, history and insightful information was contained in the itinerary. I strongly urge anyone who might consider a trip to Japan to inquire about this very special itinerary that will be confirmed in the near future.

Please call or for more specifics and recommendations.