Finding Beauty in Everyday Japan

Posted on 10/06/2020 Last updated on 11/27/2020

When most think of Japan, they tend to think of the food, technology, history, popular culture, and of course, the many scenic views and locales. You might think you need an extensive knowledge of the land to know where all the best spots are, but this isn’t necessarily the case. A lot of the time, you can find some spectacular scenery right around the corner from where you are staying or living. It’s just a matter of getting out, looking around, and (sometimes) meeting the right people.

Photo by Joshua Minor

If you are like me, you love nature and the many forms it takes. Japan seemingly has it all, from tropical forests to snowy mountains, expansive beaches and towering waterfalls. There’s even some ‘deserts’ here and there! As everyday life continues a slow, careful crawl towards a pre-Corona version of itself, and the Japanese government encourages residents to see the country with the “Go To Travel” campaign, it seems like an apt time to start planning a day to get out of the house and see the sights.

Of course, there are many well-known places you could visit: Mt. Fuji, the Abukuma-do caverns, Amanohashidate, and others. But what about some of the others, the less-famous yet equally stunning? And, for those still mindful of minimizing their time outdoors, what about those spots of beauty a bit closer to home?

The truth is, sometimes all you need to do is step outside your door. Even if you live in the middle of the urban sprawl that is Tokyo, it’s not hard to find some green around, be it Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. For those in Kansai, there’s a trip up a mountain like Mt. Rokko or down to a coastal treasure trove like Wayakama. And those are the more well-known ones. Sometimes, you need not even look so far or grand to find natural elegance and splendor in this country.

Photo by Joshua Minor

Last year, I lived in a little town called Ube in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The town was a very small and quiet place, with not much notoriety. The people were nice and easy to get along with. It was pleasant enough, but there didn’t seem like a whole lot to see and do in the area.

During my time there, I became friends with a local restaurant owner. Sometimes I would go fishing with him on the weekends, and I don’t just mean down to the local river. He knew hundreds of great fishing spots, and going on a trip with him was always a treat. Our travels would yield some truly breathtaking views for me. And yet, for him, those just came with the territory.

That’s the funny thing about it all: what’s considered unforgettable scenery for me is often normal for the locals. Seeing the Japan Sea, hills, and mountains on a nice day are memories that will stay with me forever. For the people that have lived here all their lives, they’re completely normal, if a subtly-acknowledged reminder of the wonders of nature.

I suppose that may be true wherever you go. Ultimately, if you are a lover of the outdoors, Japan will be a slice of heaven for you. It’s well worth taking some time to acknowledge the beauty of the world around you- you never know what you may find in your own proverbial backyard! And when you can experience it across all four seasons, you’re guaranteed to create memories that no one can take from you. Whether you’re living here now or planning to come some day, there’s beauty in everyday Japan just waiting to be found.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: Kanenori on Pixabay

(Previous photo used: Kohji Asakawa on Unsplash)

Additional photos provided by Joshua Minor