The Art and Challenge of Being Present in Japan
Slow travel -- a shift from hurried, checklist-style itineraries toward taking the time to experience meaningful cultural immersion -- is the best way to experience Japan. Spending two weeks walking part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage offers interactions that are likely to be more meaningful than seeing ten cities in the same timeframe.
Slow travel offers deeper, richer benefits that are anchored in traditional Japanese concepts:
Ma is about appreciating the quiet and stillness of nature. Including a “digital detox” and spacing out activities so time and energy are not rushed are two ways to minimize distractions and stress from tight schedules.
Ichigo ichie is a reminder that every interaction is unique and unrepeatable and therefore should be appreciated by paying keen attention to each moment. Staying in fewer locations for a longer amount of time is a great way to do this. Called the "Day 2 Effect,” research has shown that a turning point happens after just two days, where visitors’ transactions with local folks can shift from “transactional” to “relational”. Faces are recognized, hands are waved, and a soft connection can be established.
Our digital world allows us to virtually visit anywhere on the planet, but it can’t provide a light-hearted miscommunication, the taste of a local dish, or the polite nod and grin from a rice farmer looking up from his work.
So when planning a trip to Japan (or anywhere, really) – keep these concepts in mind:
Pace: Stay at least two or three nights in each location, but don’t be afraid to add another. Allow time for spontaneity and the flexibility to take advantage of an unplanned option.
Presence: Disconnect from all devices as much as possible for as long as possible. Yes, even the camera. Give the landscape, the culture and the community the attention they deserve.
Participation: Don’t just consume, connect. Look for opportunities to engage with the local community. Visit local shops, take a workshop, hire a guide, attend community happenings…
Slow travel prioritizes being present and appreciating connection over sightseeing. And isn’t connecting really where the magic happens?
