Top 3 Ways to See Japan (Notes from Under the Tatami Mats–85 … My Adventures in Japan)

Cycling along the coast and through the countryside, we saw much more of Japan than most people ever see – more even than many Japanese see.

Through a blinding, alcohol-induced haze

This may not actually be one of the best ways to see Japan. But for several years, it was definitely the most common way that we saw it.

And to be honest, it had certain noticeable and definite advantages over the sober way of looking at things.    _{(Image source)}

From a cycle

On our annual cycling trips, we’d bike for days on end. We’d cycle up mountains, down the other side, along quiet coastal roads, past terraced rice paddies, and through old traditional towns.

At night, we’d either camp out (for free) after setting up our tents in a comfortable and well-appointed park, or lodge at a traditional minshuku or ryokan.   

Travelling through the country that way, we saw much more of Japan than most people ever see – even more than most Japanese ever see. We also learned a lot about the country and the people.

Those annual trips were the highlight of the year. They remain highlights of my time in Japan.    

From a plane

Looking through the window of a plane and seeing the perfectly symmetrical Mt Fuji poking through the clouds is like looking through a divine lens at a divine scene.

It’s truly a magnificent and memorable sight.    _{(Image source)}

   Introduction to – “Notes from Under the Tatami Mats”  _{(right-click on title)}

Top 5 Destinations After Leaving Japan

Top 4 Reasons for Leaving Japan

... and more

Links to my Other Series …

      Introduction – "Intro to Vocab-ability"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Guide – "Guide to Entries"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Index– "Index" to all Chapters and Sections   _{(right-click on title)}

      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 1"   _{(right-click on title)}
      Lou Reed – "Anthology of Memorable Lyrics, Part 2"   <sub>(right-click on title)

Images sourced from Google Images, unless otherwise indicated or unless my own.</sub>