Japan’s getaways to beat the heat and chase the shade

Summer in the city leads us to beat the heat and escape to the cooler spots. Japan is resplendent with jewels of nature for sustainable, slow or silent travel that appeals to luxury or luxe-for-less seekers and budget bougie travellers.

Cooling off in the city begins with a kakigori, shaved ice flavoured with matcha, strawberry, sweet plum or a variety of other citric blasts of refreshment. These are trending across Tokyo and Osaka in ever-extravagant options. Another popular edible found at convenience stores is somen. Once boiled, these thin noodles are set in ice water and served with an umami-filled mentsuyu dipping sauce. Summer time also reveals a bounty of fruit like apples, watermelon, muskmelon and yuzu so perfect they look plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Goshiki Somen (Five-coloured Japanese Noodles) Ehime, courtesy of JNTO

Almost 70 per cent of Japan is forest, in which there are popular “Power Spots” where health and well-being enthusiasts immerse themselves in the phytoncide emissions of the woods for rejuvenation. And, there is a quantifiable physiological effect from doing this.

Escaping the bustle of Tokyo, Okutama, lies two hours west by train. Lush mountains gush with waterfalls and rivers that rush past trails, paths and caves. Okutama means “beyond the spirit of the waters.” It’s an easy jaunt to inspirational scenery and serenity.

On the Japan Sea Side, Sado Island, Niigata is renowned as the home of Kodo Taiko drumming, where you can beat massive drums in taiko drumming classes. It’s also a bastion of coveted high end sake breweries, including Hokusetstu, a favourite of Robert De Niro and Nobu. Unique to water transportation, the Tarai-Bune (Tub Boats) seem like DIY boats made from wooden hot tubs in which women in traditional folk attire steer you around the bay. The lush greenery and purity of waters make this area of Niigata prized for high quality rice and seafood. Tarai-Bune, Sado Island, Niigata Shimane is renowned for authentic tea houses and immaculate gardens like the award-winning Adachi Museum of Art. This is a bucket list destination for green tea enthusiasts and horticulturalists. Meander around the Matsue Castle by Horikawa Gondola under low hanging trees, past turtles, ducks, river fish and exotic birds. The bridges are so low that, while singing Japanese folk songs, the boat captain casually pushes a button to close the boat’s awning within an inch of your head. Admire one of Japan’s few remaining original castles along with the architecture of this samurai-era town.

The Izumo Shrine is the tallest shrine in Japan. This is where Shinto Gods descended to form the islands of Japan, and reconvene each year to address the past and the future. It is here in Shimane, where you can witness the Shinto theatrical dance called Kagura. It’s a highly charged folkloric tradition in which masked-performers uncoil giant serpentine costumes in billowing smoke and fire. Tea House, Adachi Museum of Art, Shimane On the rocky coast, the recreation of choice is geo-kayaking in crystal clear waters through sea caves along the Oki Islands, while the interior is home to Omori town’s ancient temples and shops, and the storied forest-walk to the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.

The Imperial Family frequents the resort town of Karuizawa, Nagano where Hoshinoya Resort is the height of luxury. Sip green tea on the porch of your own private villa overlooking floating lanterns in the water below reflecting the starry night above. The focus here is on embracing simplicity, and relaxing the body, the breathing and the mind through nature walks that trace the migration of birds, frogs and bears, to midday exercises and teas. In the evening, before shuffling off to sleep, enter a Meditation Bath. Wade into the hot spring and glide through a dark corridor and into a pitch-black room with zero visibility. Free of any distraction, the body unwinds into complete calmness. Apples in Aomori, courtesy of JNTO

Over half of Japan’s apples are produced in Hirosaki, Aomori and they are the most sweet and delicious in the world. More than 80 varieties of apples are found here in entrées, desserts, soy sauce, wine, brandy, honey and other edibles. There is also an applie pie trail with close to 50 stops of ambrosial apple-y delights. Deep within the nearby lush, unspoiled Shirakami Mountain Range, the gentle breeze is nourishing caress. Hike toward the spectacular Anmon Waterfalls (UNESCO World Heritage Site) that spills out of an ancient forest of beech trees. Forage for leaves to eat, or fold up giant fuki leaves like origami into the shape of a ladle, and scoop pristine water that has been filtering underground for 10 years and now flows through bamboo shoots above a well. It’s totally invigorating.

The Japanese way is not one of opulence, but rather of an appreciation for austerity, and a shrugging off of all the unnecessary clutter. Summer is the best time to appreciate the cool oases of green mountains and rushing rivers to glittering night skies and crisp mountain air. Japan’s natural luxury is a reinvigorating journey to well-being.

–By Adam Waxman

The post Japan’s Getaways to Beat the Heat + Chase the Shade appeared first on DINE and DESTINATIONS Magazine.