Navigating the crossroads of time | Discover the real Japan, with Akemi-san
Open your eyes to towering skylines, inner-city bullet trains, impromptu shrines, energetic street vendors, bustling markets, dancing kaleidoscopes bouncing off myriads of glass panelling, electric and amplifying atmosphere. Close your eyes. Now reopen them to a mountainous backdrop, clear azure rivers, Matsumoto Castle abridging land to lake by traditional design, stepping inside a hub to the distinct scent of Miso brewing. Walking trails of centuries past, gazing upon preserved architecture that transcends time. Tea ceremonies. Traditional dancing. Soba making. Buddhist morning rituals. Meditation within grand temples. Connect, explore and prepare humbly to be taken aback by Akemi’s walking tour.
With many years of experience in the touring game, creation and hosting, Akemi-san comes with her inaugural itinerary for TravelHosts, taking you on a journey through time. From the modernisation and futurism of Tokyo & Kyoto to the smaller, quaint, but remarkable towns of the Japanese countryside, such as Akemi’s hometown of Matsumoto to the coastal, plush, hilly solitude of Fukui. From protected areas to picturesque hikes, temples to traditional tea ceremonies, sumptuous cuisine and a soba making masterclass. Akemi strives to bring all aspects of Japanese history and culture to the forefront of this tour, combining ancient traditions with modern living realities so you can embrace the raw, authentic Japanese experience through our kind, hospitable and enthusiastic host.
When asked as to why she designed the tour in the manner in which she has done, Akemi mentions the need to take everything in and the importance that peace and relaxation play into being able to achieve this. The historical hikes will allow access to some truly remarkable locations and ancient trails that allow inclusivity and accessibility without overly intensive physical demand. Akemi notes that not only will there be many ‘Wow’ viewpoints, boasting the stunning natural elements to come, but also about the many learning experiences as she’ll guide and educate on cultural norms, and deep dive into historical importances that can still be seen throughout the journey. A prime example of this is Matsumoto Castle, which remains as one of just 12 remaining castles from an estimated 25,000+ castles of the military regime during the 17th-19th centuries.
The experience far from stops with the sights and natural splendour of rural Japan, but instead it builds further through the interactions and integrations with local Japanese culture. Akemi-san will bridge the linguistic gap and introduce you to the culture, people and land for which she holds such enthusiasm. You can expect genuine and real insight into one of the most intriguing parts of Japanese culture, Geisha’s, through the Maiko (a geisha’s apprentice) tea ceremony, where you’ll be enlightened as to the lifestyle and realities of Geisha culture. Join in graciously with Buddhist culture through morning routines and meditation within the walls of a traditional Buddhist temple. It’s worth noting that hosting this tour in late spring allows for a temperate experience, which when balanced with the pacing and limited physical intensity helps reinforce the practicalities of relaxation and peace toned by encounters such as with the monks.
We loved Akemi’s passion from the get-go and hope you will too! The abundant enthusiasm for sharing her hometown and country plays the perfect partner to such a lovingly curated experience. Not only can we expect memories, but also lessons in connecting with the natural world, making conscious efforts to understand one another, as well as the importance of supporting local communities, many of which we will encounter on this tour.
Join Akemi-san on this journey. Join us on this adventure. Make memories. Make connections. Live in the present. Revitalise. Refresh. Reconnect and finally, hit the reset button. Akemi and TravelHosts look forward to joining you aboard this bespoke experience, sure and befitting to leave a lasting imprint.
The Famous Matsumoto Castle