18 Comments
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Francis Turner's avatar

I agree completely with the Shimanami recommendation. It's a wonderful ride and there are plenty of detours you can make if you want to. We cycle there frequently.

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

Ah, that sounds lovely! Thank you for reading Francis!

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Phil's avatar

I haven't experienced any of the other places mentioned so I have a lot for the list!

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

I know! They are all fascinating...💓

I haven't visited Hokkaido in winter, and now I am intrigued😄

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Lisa Cunningham DeLauney's avatar

Thank you for inviting me to contribute to this wonderful project, Yuri. I will make sure to take advantage of all these tips on my next trip.

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

Thank you for joining this project, Lisa. I love your sketch💓

Yes, all these recommendations show different ways to enjoy Japan!

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Lucy P's avatar

Thank you for this. I am going to Japan for 3 weeks with my family in July. It will be our first time and I know it’s not the ideal season but it’s all we could manage given school holidays in the UK. We are really looking forward to walking in the forests in particular. I think it’s fantastic that it’s an officially recognised form of therapy in Japan. My son has been so stressed with exams these last few weeks but we’ve walked in our local forest almost every day (we live not far from London) and it has helped so much. A 16 year old boy asking to walk for an hour in a forest! I wish our attitude to health and well-being was as enlightened here as it appears to be in Japan.

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

Hi Lucy. The three-week holiday in July sounds amazing! There are many experiences unique to summer, such as regional festivals and fireworks. As long as you drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in cool places, I think you'll be fine.

The term ‘forest bathing’ (Shinrin-yoku) was coined in 1982 by a leader of the Forestry Agency. In 2003, the effect was scientifically validated, and it became known as ‘forest therapy (Shinrin-therapy).’ Your son experienced its benefits before knowing the science behind it. How wonderful. We adults should incorporate it into our lives more often too🍃

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Amy J's avatar

Japan is really an amazing place! Can’t wait to plan my next trip with all these other recommendations 🥰

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

Hi Amy, thank you for reading. Japan has many fascinating places and fun activities, all of which await you💓

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Kenneth Yap's avatar

The Sapporo Snow Festival is featured prominently in one of the chapters of my manga project, and I would love to see it for myself someday. Until now I've only seen photos of the giant snow sculptures, but it must be impressive to actually be there!

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

The Sapporo Snow Festival indeed looks amazing! I love how they have turned the snow into artworks and a fun festival. Thank you for reading Kenneth!

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Kenneth Yap's avatar

So your ancestors were samurai who worked at Himeji Castle? You won't be surprised that that's another place I've always wanted to see...

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

Haha, yes. Himeji Castle is often called the most beautiful Japanese castle. The city is also so lovely, as Ashleigh wrote, so I hope you will visit it one day!

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Richard Harrison's avatar

Thanks for including me in this project. Now I have a few more places on my bucket list!

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

Thank you for joining this project, Richard! I did not mention Tigers in the Post, as Giants fans may be jealous😉But really appreciate both your recommendations!

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Ashleigh at Travel Bugg's avatar

Thank you for including me in this article, Yuri! I’m looking forward to checking out these other suggestions on my next trip to Japan. 😊

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Yuri Minamide's avatar

Thank you for joining this project, Ashleigh! I really need some forest therapy now🍃

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