The Japan Within
My Parting Memories
I kind of didn't wrap up the Japan trip here on chain, which is not the right thing to do. Yet, the last few days of Japan trip was fast. I went to the southern most tip of the large island of Honshu, and then from there all the way to Sapporo, in Hokkaido! That is more than 1000 km. I visited a few geologic sites, namely Susa Hornfels, where the pin on this post is located. I pinned it there because not many people visit these places.
Japan is much more than Fushimi Inari Taisha (the rare picture above without any people), or Motonosumi Shrine (the picture below with a lot of people). But the most important part of Japan is inside you! At least that is the way I feel about it.
People often travel to Japan with a checklist (I am not saying I didn't), the flashing neon of Tokyo, the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, the historic temples of Kyoto. But what if the most vital part of Japan cannot be captured in a photo or found on a map? I believe the enduring magic of Japan is not in its majestic tourist sites, but in a deeper current: the quiet, powerful resonance of its culture and the persistent grace of its rural, traditional people. It is a feeling that settles in your bones, a philosophy of life—one of meticulous care, enduring community, and deep respect for nature and history—that remains long after the crowds have dispersed. This is the Japan that truly matters, and it's the one we carry inside.
The outcrop of Susa honfels
A striking example of this philosophy is witnessed not in grand rituals, but in the meticulous theatre of the everyday. Take, for instance, the attendants of the Shinkansen (bullet train), or any regional train for that matter. When the ticket conductor enters or exits a car, they pause to execute a precise, formal bow—a moment of respect for the passengers and their space. Even more profound is the famous seven-minute cleaning crew. Upon completion, they bow toward the empty carriage, and sometimes even to the train itself, embodying the spirit of omotenashi (selfless hospitality) regardless of an audience. This level of reverence, directed even toward objects and empty spaces, mirrors the quiet respect shown by traditional villagers bowing before a torii gate—acknowledging the sacred and important nature of every connection and every task.
Tohoku Shinkansen on the way north
Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa
The picnic area in front of the Susa hornfels
This pervasive culture of respect is fundamentally rooted in Shinto beliefs, the ancient indigenous spirituality of Japan. Shinto teaches that the world is alive; it is a philosophy that sees kami (divine spirit, or sacred essence) residing in virtually everything. This means that a rushing waterfall, a sturdy old tree, a kitchen knife, and yes, even the Shinkansen itself, are not merely objects—they possess a life, a protective spirit, or an inner presence. Understanding this explains the profound bows given to an empty train car or the care given to everyday tools: they are honoring the kami within. This core belief transforms mundane activities into acts of quiet reverence, reinforcing the idea that everything in the world, down to the smallest detail, deserves mindful respect and meticulous care.
My ten days spent traversing the Japanese archipelago were not merely a tour of landmarks, but an unexpected journey inward. While the temples, gardens, and modern skylines provided the backdrop, the true highlights were the moments of quiet observation: the precise bow of a conductor, the deliberate movements of a cleaner, and the silent acknowledgment of the kami in the everyday. I left Japan not with a longer list of tourist sites checked off, but with a profound and personal shift in perspective. The most valuable part of the trip was realizing that the enduring beauty of Japan is not just out there, waiting to be photographed, but lives inside, echoing the deep-seated respect and meticulous care shown by the people and their ancient, vibrant culture.
That's an awful lot of mileage in 10 days! Did you feel you didn't get to experience each location enough by being there for a short period if tiny, or is that how you prefer to travel?
yes, and I am not proud of it.
That said, I knew that no travel plan will be perfect so I didn't try it.
I was in the following places:
Tokyo
Kyoto
Nara
Osaka
Koyasan
Yamaguchi
Tsuwano
Susa
Hagi
Motonosumi
Sendai
Sapporo
I always used to think that Japan was pretty small, but I guess it is spread out over a lot more area. Were you anywhere near where the volcano that just erupted?
No I wasn't, but Japan is full of Volcanos. That picture of outcrop I shared, that was an Andesite volcano. Here is the most famous one. Mt Fuji.
Ah okay, very cool!
It is in Kagoshima, Kyushu
Love the fact that you’ve explored more of the offbeat places in Japan 🤌🏼 I have pushed my plans to travel to Japan twice in 3 years now due to work 😪
Yes, I will be back soon enough. Many times I expect..
Japan is one of those trips I’m really looking forward to doing soon. I also love those moments of quiet observation. Reading about your unexpected inward journey in Japan makes me so jealous. I can’t wait to experience something similar myself. I really like the photos, thank you for sharing them.
You will enjoy it I am sure if you decide to go there.
Definitely I will!
The in laws were just back. The mother in law's first thought was it was spotlessly clean. The entire country. It made me laugh.
It's very clean, especially considering the weight of over-tourism major cities or tourist cities or town deals with. That said, there are messy places, and nothing is perfect.
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Your post is a mix of nature and technology-- exact two things I love about Japan!
Que bueno que tengas la oportunidad de conocer el mundo. Que bonitos paisajes.
This made me appreciate the Japanese way of life even more.
I love how you captured the deeper side of Japan! Beauty is not just in the famous sites, but in the culture, respect an everyday moments that stay with you.
Japan is a very beautiful and fascinating country to me. The picturesque beauty here always beckons me.
This was such an incredible read. The way you described Japan goes far beyond travel — it feels like a quiet reflection on culture, respect, and the kind of beauty that stays with you long after the journey ends. I love how you captured the spirit of everyday moments, not just the famous sites. Your words made me appreciate Japan on a much deeper level.
Many people go to Japan because of the technology and cities like Tokyo, but this is the Japan I wanna see, surrounded by nature, by the sea, more peaceful, so ancient and spiritual. Thank you for showing it to me. Great post.
Hiya, @glecerioberto here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2748.
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