Q. Are you staying for a month?

That’s right. I’m spending a full month traveling around Japan, a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting. So far, I’ve been to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Each city has its own unique character, and it’s truly fascinating. In Onomichi, I went cycling along the Shimanami Kaido.

This morning, I took the train from Fukuyama and just arrived in Himeji. Even though I’ve only been here for a few hours, I’m already completely captivated. The first place I visited was Himeji Castle. The Koko-en Garden I visited afterward was also wonderful.

Q. How did you find out about the Yukata Festival?

I was taking a stroll around town when I stumbled upon a festival! At first, I thought, “What’s with all these people?” but I soon realized it was a festival. I asked someone at a food stall, and they told me it was the “Yukata Festival”.

The city was filled with people wearing yukatas, and the colorful patterns were very vivid. Red, blue, purple, floral patterns, goldfish patterns… Just looking at them was fun, and everywhere I looked was photogenic! Ah, so this is what summer in Japan is like!

What’s more, this “Yukata Festival” is a traditional festival that has been held since the Edo period and apparently has a history of 280 years. It’s a little hard to believe. The streets are lined with food stalls, and just walking around in the festive atmosphere is enough to lift your spirits.

Earlier, I tried a fried fish called “Hamo” at a food stall. It’s similar to eel, but different, right? I’ve eaten eel before, and it was rich and fatty, but “Hamo” is completely different! It’s white and fluffy, and very light. I guess you could say it has a mild flavor.

Japan has an amazingly sophisticated food culture. I used to work in product development for a food company, so I’m very sensitive to taste and texture. That’s why I love encountering unfamiliar dishes while traveling and trying them. Every new discovery feels like my world is expanding.

Q. What is your impression of Japan?

Above all, Japanese people are really kind. The hotel staff and people I met on the street were very friendly and gave me lots of advice, such as “You should go here.” Thanks to them, I was able to visit many places that weren’t listed in guidebooks.

The other day, I went to the Osaka World expo. It was hot, but I was fascinated by all the futuristic technology and architecture.

Rich nature is also one of Japan’s attractions. Yesterday, I went hiking in Tomonoura, Hiroshima, which was designated as Japan’s first national park. Walking alone in the deep green forest calms my mind and heals my soul. Walking while listening to the birds singing and feeling the sunlight filtering through the trees was the best way to refresh myself.

My next goal is the Nakasendo Trail, spanning Gifu and Nagano. I want to walk in the footsteps of the travelers of old along this historic trail.