Jack and Akane enjoying breakfast in a Ryokan near Nagano, Japan. We travel to Japan twice a year for a break from everything that is media, work and western civilisation. Gandhi was once asked what he thought about western civilization. His response was: "I think it would be a good idea."
From my own personal perspective as a comparative mythologist and inveterate traveller, Japan offers the very best in 'getting away from it all'. I have only a scant knowledge of the history, I understand a little of each of the primary myth streams and know enough Japanese language to apologise when inadvertently rude, order a beer and enquire when falling off of a bar stool if it was on account of an earthquake.
As you can see from the picture above, we like to travel the country and stay in traditional Japanese hotels, Ryokans. This style represents the best method for cultural immersion especially when moving away from traditional tourist trails. As with all adventures there is a cost to be born and for this type of activity your western stomach will need to be strong enough to deal with a truly traditional Japanese menu. Whilst at the place pictured, in addition to raw fish I was fortunately clued up enough to also recognise raw horse meat when I saw it! Even my own sense of culinary adventure baulked at this dish.
Ryokan YU-YADO SEKIYA
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