Exploring Japan in the Middle of COVID

Posted on 06/08/2021 Last updated on 07/09/2021

It cannot be stated enough how strange the past year has been, and how uncertain the future still is. However, this does not mean we can’t enjoy ourselves and, if we’re lucky enough to be here, see what Japan has to offer. It is easy to forget that some of the most beautiful and gorgeous places can be a five-minute walk away.

Even with large cities like Tokyo and Osaka undergoing a “state of emergency”, this is still nothing close to a complete lockdown and many things are still open and running. Although this is good news economically, the spread of COVID-19 is still a concern and non-essential travel between prefectures is still largely discouraged.

It seems like a waste to not pack suitcase and go out and see what Japan has to offer, but you might not need to travel that far. Japan has a rich and interesting culture where natural beauty coexists with modern living. No matter where you live in Japan, you can find the beauty of this country anywhere.

The four seasons most definitely do exist here in Japan, and with each season comes a distinct change in color and atmosphere. One of the most well known sights of spring is the bright and bountiful cherry blossoms. Traditionally enjoyed with friends and families during Hanami (花見), simply translated as flower viewing, these flowers can still be enjoyed alone while out on a walk.

The great thing about cherry blossoms in the spring is that there are an abundance of them across Japan, and even different kinds to enjoy. You don’t have to go to a famous or well-known park to enjoy them, most local parks will have these tree blooming.

Another well-known Japanese image would be the traditional shrines. Japan is known as the country with a million gods, and these shrines pay homage to all of them. When opening up Google map, you would be hard-pressed to not find a local shrine (or Buddhist temple) nearby.

Some are bigger than others, but all have a distinct beauty to them. Whether it’s in the freezing temperature of winter, or the cool wind of autumn, their presence radiates the tradition and culture that is preserved in their walls.

Japan has so much to offer, and sometimes it feels that everything is so far away. But I realized that if I take a good look around where I live, I can appreciate the area a lot more. Taking the time to explore your local streets and parks can prove to be more fulfilling than a trip to a different prefecture.

Tomorrow is promised to no one, but we can only hope that in the near future, something resembling ‘normalcy’ – or the life we knew before the early months of 2020 – will return. For the time being though, taking a stroll through my city is the greatest adventure I can look forward to.