HEART & WORSHIP

One of the words that form "Hatonomori" means "pigeon". The significance of the pigeon is reflected in the shrine's fortunes. All of the fortunes at Hatonomori are crafted in pigeons.Another detail of culture significance is the "fuji-zuka", a miniature imitation of Mount Fuji.

Without a doubt, Akihabara’s “otaku” culture garners much interest worldwide.There are many places to indulge in Japan’s culture. Chabara is not your average market when you shop for daily groceries. Rather, it is a one-stop shop containing various specialty items from all regions of Japan.

An integral part of experiencing Japan is visiting a shrine. The shrine’s close proximity to Akihabara makes it a great stop for tourists; the shrine’s deities are appealing to locals to often come to pray for wealth and prosperity. The shrine is also said to bring luck in finding a spouse. Another distinguished guest of honor is the pet pony, who is believed to be the pet of one of the deities. You can find the pony resting on the shrine’s premises.

With the advancement of technology, people have traded their heavy novels for lightweight iBooks. As the steady decline of tangible books becomes prominent throughout society, it is refreshing to come across Jinbocho Used Book Town.The organized yet cluttered bookstore is reminiscent of my childhood.

Golden Gai is comprised of small alleyways, each with small eateries and shanty-style bars. Each establishment has very limited seating, which allows for intimacy when dining and drinking.

Cha Cha Hana is a contemporary restaurant nested in the backstreets of Shinjuku. The set menu of Cha Cha Hana allows customers to experience traditional Japanese cuisine. The flavors are simple, but delicious.

Shinjuku Washington Hotel is located in one of the prime spots of Shinjuku. The lobby is bright and inviting with two separate front desks to cater to both local and foreign guests.

Tokyo Haneda Airport is easily on my top-ten list for its advanced technology, customer service, and punctual departures. The check-in process is completely automated with employees on standby for assistance. Rather than having to pick up a heavy luggage to put it on the scale, customers simply roll their bags into a machine that proceeds to measure dimensions and check in the bag.

While quaint, Suzumasa is very busy. The cozy atmosphere offers a feeling of home. Yamagata Prefecture is well-known for its abundance of seafood. With over a dozen different type of marine creature, it was hard to distinguish the very delicious from the extraordinarily drool-inducing.

At Somaro, visitors can experience a well-preserved form of Japanese entertainment that is often forgotten. The beauty and elegance of each maiko is further exemplified in their routine. Their enticing voices resonate throughout Somaro. One does not need to understand Japanese to be hypnotized into a trace-like state.

Kameya is ryokan established over 200 years ago. Each room has unparalleled views of the Sea of Japan. If the Japanese-style room is not your style, upgraded Western views are also available. The Western rooms have two comfortable beds along with your own personal onsen in the bathroom.

For this particular experience of cherry picking, we visited the Suzuki cherry farm. The site was home to over half a dozen variety of cherries that vary by size, color, and tartness. The organization and fine details that are utilized in this cherry picking and cherry packing process created a memorable experience.

Kamo Aquarium is the home to a cornucopia of jellyfish and marine life. The part that separates Kamo Aquarium from other aquariums is its jellyfish ice cream. Not only can visitors ooh and ahh at the free nature of the jellyfish, but they can also taste it.

One does not necessarily think of gastronomic dining when talking about Yamagata prefecture, but Kurayashiki LUNA is exactly that. Our meal began with a large tray of various appetizers embellished with trinkets and adorned with flowers. The one of a kind dining experience is unforgettable and also affordable.

Chido Museum is a public interest incorporated foundation museum boasting various artifacts significant to the region’s history and culture. There are two Western style buildings at the museum’s premise. Chido Museum houses folk items related to fishing, woodcraft, calligraphy, and swords making.

I enjoyed painting candles more than I expected. Picture candles, also known as erosoku, are a traditional craft of the area.

Tachibanaya is one of the remarkable ryokans in Yamagata. The hotel has an awe-inducing landscape garden and pond. The pond is filled with larger-than-life koi carp. The size of the fish often reflects the prestige and success of an establishment. After a second round of hot tea and a quick snack, I took a bath in the Astumi Onsen. The public baths are divided and rotated every day so guests can experience both.

Mount Haguro is amongst the Three Mountains of Dewa. The three sacred mountains represent the past, the present, and the future. In addition to being a tourist location, Mount Haguro is a holy place for both Shinto and Buddhism. There are over 2,000 stone steps embedded into the mountain’s summit. Each step you take transports you further into the spiritual realm amongst towering 600-year-old trees. The most momentous memory is arriving at the famous Goju-to, a five-story pagoda held together by nothing but architectural genius. It is astounding to think that no nails are used in the magnificent structure.

Visiting Japan over a dozen times throughout my life, I was firm in my belief that I have already seen the most notable parts of Tokyo. The trip really opened my eyes to other lesser known towns and activities that provide just as many unique experiences as busy cities. Items on the itinerary that most stood out to me are the activities that are specific to the area.