Japan; the Miricle Islands of the Unexpected and Fascinating

It may well be hard to believe now but up until the 1980s travelling around the globe was really only available to the truly wealthy. With the advent of TV and films, many were able to at least, see places around the world but going there was cost-prohibitive. Then came cheaper travel and many more were able to leave their native countries and see foreign lands and unknown places. This level of travel was somewhat curtailed during lockdown and prices have never been quite so cheap again. A trip around Europe if you are based is still relatively inexpensive but far away continents still feel…well far away. One of the best ways to travel without ever leaving home is of course via words and images and loadstars latest edition does just that, it takes us to Japan, in the comfort of our own home. Find out more her in Japan; the Miricle Islands of the Unexpected and Fascinating

JAPAN-Kanazawa- by Liz Schaffer

Worry not about a hectic airport, getting there at 3 am for a 5am flight, think not about what to pack, or what you need when you get there and have no jetlag. Worry not because this is going to be the most gentle of journies. We are visiting Japan by but the pages of a journal.

Japan seems on the outside to be a colourful non-stop powerhouse of an always-on-the-go place. We may often think of Toyko and her neon lights, her love hotels, towering buildings and well over 14 million inhabitants. Yet, at the very same time, it is a country where culture, history and tradition run deep.

Hozugama River Arashiyama Kyoto

The Japanese archipelago consists of four major islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu as well as thousands of smaller islands. It has four clear seasons and goes from snowy cold weather to sweltering heat.

Its culture is globally renowned and again goes from historically traditional, to the most modern creativity from art, cuisine, film, music, and popular culture, all the way to animation, and video games. 

On the surface, a country seemingly at odds yet nothing here is without reason. Away from the bright lights and tourist destination the latest updated edition of Lodestars Anthology magazine, editor Liz Schaffer decided to return to Japan for her third updated version of this periodical and explore more of what makes this country just so fascinating.

But this is not about the common highlights, the brash tourist spots but the quieter shrines, woods hills and mountains the countryside and its people that are explored here; step away from the well-worn tourist routes.

This special reissue includes more than 12 new stories, original photography and illustrations, and a few updated features from the first two issues, highlighting its longevity as a place to observe.

Toshikazu Makino and his unconventional sugidama – cedar balls that change colour to reflect how far along the sake is in the ageing process, moving from green to earthy brown over a period of ten months to a year Daisy Wingate-Saul

Via the paper pages explore the country’s illuminated capitals and pockets of untouched wilderness. Take a trip to the islands of Hiroshima Prefecture, and visit the wellness spas of Kyoto; explore mythical creatures, and see snow monkeys in Nagano who swim in hot natural spas to keep warm.

Get insider advice on what to eat and where. Is Kinosaki, the best place to eat the revered marbled Tajima beef? Or maybe the Mie Prefecture which is famed for its lobsters, all the way to the best teahouse districts of Hokuriku.

Breakfast at Azumi Setoda Daisy Wingate-Saul

And then of course there are the shrines and Shinto temples. Make a pilgrimage to Tadao Ando’s Water Temple on Awaji Island, walk into the woods by the rivers, breathe in the fragrant air and hike through sacred forests.

Bizen pottery 

Finally, meet the people who live and work in the more remote areas, those master craftspeople who keep heritage crafts alive and those who forage for earthly delights.

This group of islands, this destination with so much yet to be explored. This world of land and water meld seamlessly; azure skies as a backdrop to lush green vegetation, strange fruits and diverse colours of not just the floral and fauna but of the buildings and the people. Explore it all without leaving home

Published by Lodestars Anthology
Paperback please visit lodestarsanthology.co.uk to see and buy this and other issues.

If you enjoyed reading Japan; the Miricle Islands of the Unexpected and Fascinating then why not read Illuminated Centre Stage Here