MANILA, Philippines - If you prefer to skip the hustle and the bustle of a vibrant and pulsating metropolis such as Tokyo or Osaka, and instead long for the tranquility and serenity of Kyoto and Nara, then you will fall in love with Tot- tori – a new destination par excellence – just as we did on a recent, brief holiday.
A coastline prefecture in the Chugoki region of Japan, it is surrounded by several high mountains with deep forests, historical castle ruins and castle-towns, solemn temples and revered shrines, nature parks and adventure rides, beaches and rivers, gardens and flowers, seafood markets and organic farms, ryokans and onsens – kindly restrain us from rattling it all off – Tottori is the epitome of a genuine relaxed vibe.
After a drive of a little over a three hours from Osaka, we found ourselves in the midst of towering trees, gigantic ferns and a constant cool breeze.
“Hey guys, inhale nature at its best. This is as pure as it can ever get,” urges one of our traveling companions. “And don’t forget to exhale all the toxins within you.” Everyone complied like obedient wards.
The dampened path – it had showered early that morning littered with the fallen leaves of fall, paved the way to Mitaki-En, a charming collection of multiple wooden huts with thatched roofs covered with thriving vegetation and moss that served as private dining venues.
However, lunch seemed to belong to a different time and place, for it was farthest from our minds due to the scenery before us. Imagine this – an entire mountain range sporting the captivating shades of autumn, a series of waterfalls at a distance, intriguingly shaped-by-nature boulders and rocks, lush plants and patches of blooming blossoms, winding streams and brooks, a mini altar with joss sticks for offering. And we just concentrated on what was in front of us and didn’t take a 360-degree look around.
With the soothing sounds of the draft and moving waters plus the rustling of the trees, complimented by the melodramatic chirping of a variety of birds, we gazed up to the heavens in thanks- giving before we had a natural feast of edible leaves and ferns, plump mushrooms, all planted and harvested within the property, and the fresh fish from the nearby waterways – all gifts from the landscape’s bounty.
We soon moved on to Tot- tori Sand Dunes – all of 16 miles long and 2 1?2 miles wide – the region’s most popular attraction that hosts over two million visitors each year. Who would have guessed that the land of the Rising Sun would have a mini-desert. But then again, surprises never seem to cease.
Paragliding and sand- boarding and even camel rides are among the must-dos. But our group of young-once opted to listen to the howling of the wind as the rolling sand dunes would stir, creating amazing weaves — some wave patterns, numerous ripples, several spikes – all works of art, sights of pure disbelief and bewilderment.
A hop away is the towering Sand Museum which displays colossal lifelike sand sculptures by the world’s leading sculptors. Germany is the featured country this year, and the to-see-is-to-believe exhibit focuses on the imposing castles of the land such as the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, the significant historical milestones to include Johannes Gutenberg and the printing press, Martin Luther and the Reformation, the Ger- man Unification, the construction and the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the most-loved fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm such as Hansel and Gretel, Aschenputtel – Cinderella to you and me – and the Pied Piper of Hamelin.
It likewise showcases scenes on the movers of German mu- sic and literature, arts and sciences, and depicts the life in contemporary Germany.
What was supposed to have been a quick stop at the Karoichi Seafood Market the following morning turned into an extended stay as we mentally planned out our meals con mucho gusto sabor y amor either boiled or grilled, roasted or hot pot cooking of the fabled Mastuba crab, white squid, Mosaebi shrimp, sand fish and rock oyster – all fished out from the sea of Japan, which is at the doorstep of Tottori.
We instinctively stepped into the squeaky clean farm to market depository of the freshest of vegetables, newly harvested fruits and a display of plants and flowers on sale.
Oh yes, we noticed up- close neatly-stocked slices of Tottori’s Japanese beef – known as the Tottori Wagyu. Beside it was a sign proudly declaring: “Its amazing taste is, as it were, ‘a gift from the Lord’.” Need I say more?
We then drove to the town of Kurayoshi, famous for its historical Shirakabe storehouses with its uniformed white plastered walls and crimson roofs with alleyways and footbridges as it preserves the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional Japanese town. Several warehouses have since been renovated into family-run businesses like folk arts studios and not the run-of- the-mill souvenir shops.
During our final day, we decided to explore more of the great outdoors by setting foot on the slopes of the sec- ond tallest summit in Japan – Mount Daisen, only bested by the fabled Mount Fuji. Widely known for its ever-changing look throughout the sea- sons, the splendor of autumn brought an outrageous out- burst of warm earthy colors. Several ancient temples, most notably the Daisenji Temple, were full with worshipers paying homage to their own favored gods.
The now-famous all-over- the-globe boy sleuth Detective Conan has his own museum in Hokueicho as the author of the popular series, Gosho Aoyama, was born and bred in the suburb. A display of the creator’s work- shop, complete with samples of manga – comic books to the uninformed – as well as his influences as a child, are all presented for everyone to see and admire – gadgets and gizmos such as the bow-tie voice changer, touch-screen games and augmented reality gim- micks all attempting to make one feel like you’re part of Conan’s crime-busting crew. This Conan enclave of the youngster agent even has a train station named after him.
A scene that could only belong to an animated series comes to life at the Mizuki Shigeru Road, an odd and peculiar street overflowing with bronze and brass statues and figurines and of yokai, Japanese monsters of local folk- lore. We soon learn that the late Mizuki Shigeru, a World War II survivor who had lost his dominant arm, built a ca- reer by drawing manga, and the interesting avenue cel- ebrates his work and his characters.
While kids greeted the various mobile mascots, their parents and grandparents dutifully took their photo- graphs, as young adults co- splaying as Shigeru’s heroes enjoy monster-themed treats from shops and other establishments adapted to the theme of the lane.
All throughout our trip, we faithfully stayed at ryokans, authentic Japanese inns. We must confess that the proper usage of several kinds of foot- wear for specific parts of the room initially terribly con- fused us – considering we only have two feet. Though we must have been an awk- ward and pathetic sight get- ting down – and more so get- ting up – from a mattress so low, so close to the floor, we slept peacefully on our futon. Blame it on the Zen-inspired room with the absolute absence of any clutter whatsoever.
I must admit that for years, I have a compelling attachment to the onsens, and found myself in one – the first personal agenda in the morning and the last private activity at night.
And what can I say about the Japanese fare? Well, re- member our visit to the sea- food market and the depository of Wagyu beef? We had all that in various culinary de- lights and more. But that’s for another article, another time.
Do we plan to ever re- turn? A definite yes, for we only experienced the proverbial tip of the iceberg and hardly scratched the surface, for there are definitely more places to see, more activities to participate in. More.
Trust me.
For information on Tottori tours, contact Classic Travelhaus Inc. at 819-0746.