Japan Off The Beaten Path Travel Articles | Page 3 Of 5

Japan: Hiking Between Temples on Shikoku Island

Shikoku Island Japan: Hiking Between Temples, island of Shikoku. Japan’s fourth largest island where there is a phallic museum and hikes to 88 temples.

Old Meets New: Edo-Tokyo Museum in Japan

In Japan’s capital city, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is a blend of old and the new…with exhibits showing how the shoguns lived as well as about modern Tokyo.

Japan: Kicking it in Kanto

Kanto, the province that includes greater Tokyo in Central Japan, has many treasures, both history and culinary to explore.

Karuizawa, Japan: In the Footsteps of John Lennon

A guide to Japan that includes all the stops fans of the Beatles- specifically fans of John Lennon and Yoko Ono- want to see.

Japan: A Bullet Train Journey to Hokuriku

Japan’s Shinkansen, or bullet trains, are a legend the world over. Details on touring Japan by train and what it’s like to ride the bullet train in Japan.

Tokyo: Ten Good Things to Know Before You Go

Ten tips for western travelers who are going to Tokyo for the first time…bowing, presenting yourself, how to drink tea, slurp noodles and more.

Photos from Japan by Max Hartshorne

A photo gallery from Tokyo and other cities in Japan by Max Hartshorne.

A Mid-Winter Adventure in Narita City Japan

Narita City, Japan: Exploring lesser-known areas of Honshu just outside of Tokyo, Narita-san Temple and other highlights during a winter visit to Japan.

Japan: Meeting the Snow Monkeys

Japan: Meeting the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park, in Nagano, 1.5 hours by train from Tokyo.

Japan: One of the Bucket List Destinations

Women-only tours to Japan with Sights and Soul travels are gaining in popularity.

Soba no Mi, Togakushi, Japan: Nothing like hot sake to help you defrost from the inside out.

Hiking in Ancient Woods, Togakushi, Japan.

Ancient Cedars, Ancient Prayers: Hiking in the woods in Togakushi, Japan. Reflections on a winter day hiking in a remote part of Japan.

Japan: Touring the Temple

Touring the Temple, Americans visit to Japan’s holy shrines and temples. An excerpt from Wally Wood’s book about Japan.

GoNOMAD Travel Podcast

Take a few minutes to travel the world with The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast. Brought to you by the long-running GoNOMAD travel website, The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast brings you audio stories from destinations around the globe. It’s short-form… 3-7 minute long episodes. No jarring AM radio-style theme songs, no ads, just an interesting short travel story and some food for thought, from editor Max Hartshorne. Fun!
While you’re planning your next trip or travel adventure, download and listen to The GoNOMAD Travel Podcast.

GoNomad is part of the Voyascape Travel Network & you can find more of our travel podcasts from around the world at https://voyascape.com/
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The New Year celebration in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and traditions that provides a unique experience for all who partake. The city is alive with energy as it transforms into a vibrant hub for festivities.

January 1 is not just a day but the beginning of a week-long holiday where locals and visitors alike engage in a variety of celebratory activities. The streets are bustling with life, illuminated by lanterns that glow softly against the backdrop of the night sky, while the scent of street food tantalizes the senses. This journey through Chiang Mai reveals the many layers of its New Year festivities, from its breathtaking natural beauty to the deep-rooted cultural practices that make this time of year so special. Among the most striking sights during this season is the blooming of the Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A short trip to Kun Chang Hian allows visitors to witness these stunning flowers in full bloom, creating a magical setting for exploration. Here, one can engage with local traditions, such as listening to the kyan, the traditional bamboo mouth organ played by village children, or trying one’s hand at archery using bamboo bows.

The culinary scene is equally delightful, featuring local delicacies, including the famous grilled pork sausage, which embodies the rich flavors of Thai cuisine. As the celebrations culminate on New Year’s Eve, a profound sense of spirituality envelops the city. Temples become sanctuaries for nighttime prayer, and the flickering lights of candles enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Participants gather to release floating lanterns, a symbolic gesture of releasing past burdens and inviting new fortunes into their lives.

This ritual not only enhances the visual splendor of the night sky but also fosters a deep connection among participants, creating a moment of shared hope and renewal. The New Year in Chiang Mai is more than just a celebration; it is a heartfelt embrace of tradition, community, and the promise of new beginnings.