Relax. This is not another one of those “SHOCK HORROR” posts that crawl along the floor of the internet. It’s a somewhat sad story of a changing Japan. And while we’ve been in much of that wonderful country, there is so much more to see. We’re sure you’re of the same mind. The video, courtesy of the always excellent TRAVELGEEK, covers a situation that many tourists rarely see: older buildings occupied by older residents who may not necessarily be able to maintain them as they once could. In this instance, Hiwasa is a charming coastal town in Minami, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan, renowned for its traditional atmosphere, sea turtle nesting beaches, and the significant Yakuō-ji temple. Part of the Muroto-Anan Coast National Park, this quiet, historic town offers a blend of mountain scenery, rugged coastline, and cultural heritage, making it a key stop for pilgrims.
By all means, it’s pleasant little coastal town that embraces mountains and sea, locals and travelers, the familiar and the foreign. Temples, beaches, good food and great walks, strolls and sojourns. It’s painful but necessary to confess that most small to mid size Japanese cities are, well… ugly. Perhaps it’s better to say that little if any meaningful thought has been given to urban design and its impact upon the social fabric. I guess this is why, on those occasions I stumble upon the rare exception I am reminded of how remarkable life in Japan can be when everything comes together just so.
From our perspective, we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy the superb trains of Japan: from Shinkansen to the small local company that only serves travelers mostly out in the sticks. We love them all and are thankful to be able to be a part of it. We’re seniors, and on several occasions, we sat down next to other seniors our age. We looked, smiled, tried to talk but, more often than not, many of us simply burst into laughter as we failed our ad-hoc chatting. That kind off thing is precious. Try it some time. Use your phone’s translate. Or, just give it a go and see what you can do with people your age, too. Walk through the villages. You’ll see what we mean. The next time we visit, we’ll take the slow path. We’ll smile, tip our hats , wave and say Hello!
Our travel partners, Klook, have rail, flight, boat and car options for your travel. Click here