Why not plan a slow and immersive journey in the countryside as spring approaches?
I would like to simplify the concept of travel into two types.
The first is a "tracing" journey.
For example, visiting London and feeling a sense of relief upon seeing Big Ben, just like in the photos from an English textbook. Or a foreign traveler capturing an Instagram-worthy shot of Mount Fuji in the background.
In this type of journey, the peak experience comes when you recreate and photograph the "real thing."
The second is a "drawn-in" journey.
With minimal information, you freely explore your destination, drawn to its nature, architecture, art, and crafts. You open your senses and follow what excites your heart. The experience deepens over time through the spaces you encounter and the people you meet.
It has been four years since I moved from Tokyo to Fukuoka. During that time, I have taken numerous small trips around Kyushu. My approach to travel leans toward the "drawn-in" type. Here, I would like to reflect on and share some of those experiences.
The Beauty of Time Passing
One of the first things that caught my eye was the beauty of aging over time.
I found myself staring in awe at the bark of a sacred camphor tree, over a thousand years old, at a shrine.
I visited a historic pottery kiln that had been in operation for centuries, captivated by the indescribable aura of the workshop.
The rich textures shaped by wind, snow, and the passage of countless people conveyed a depth that cannot be replicated by new materials or modern designs.
The Storytellers of the Land
During my travels, I was often drawn in by the personalities and stories of the local storytellers.
A Shinto priest from a family lineage spanning over a thousand years shared tales of the region that were far more enriching than any history book.
Hearing these stories sparked my curiosity about history, ignited a sense of ancient romance, and transported me through time in a way that felt almost surreal.
Perhaps this fascination stemmed from the possibility that these places were connected to my own ancestral roots.
The Beauty of Japanese Craftsmanship
I also found myself deeply moved by the beauty of traditional Japanese crafts, such as ceramics and textiles.
Each piece evoked a sense of aesthetic awareness within me, sparking a desire to learn more about its history and techniques.
A Journey of Discovery
So, which type of journey do you prefer?
Do you enjoy retracing familiar knowledge and confirming what you already know?
Or do you prefer being drawn to the unknown, encountering new aspects of yourself along the way?
Of course, some may love both types of travel.
In recent years, some argue that online travel experiences are enough. However, I believe that direct, firsthand experiences are far richer than anything virtual can offer.
Even after returning from a trip, the journey continues—through research into the land’s history and culture, deepening its afterglow. You may feel a pull to visit again, and if you discover ancestral connections, your interest might grow even further.
Handcrafted souvenirs gradually blend into your home, fostering a sense of respect for the people who preserve these cultural traditions.
Travel is an experience of discovering aesthetic sensibilities and connections to life that we may not have been aware of. In other words, it is a journey guided by your own DNA.
You follow where you are drawn, encounter people and objects, and feel a renewed sense of vitality.
Japan’s rural regions quietly and steadfastly preserve such spaces for meaningful travel.
Why not escape the bustle of the city and plan a slow journey in the countryside as spring approaches?
