Page 14 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – September/October 2021

TRAVEL
Timeless Japan
Japan boasts a vast array of experiences – stunning gardens, captivating history and culinary gems are just the beginning. Although the country has significant charm in each season, the spring cherry blossoms make our 2022 AAA trip to Japan with Club Adventures all the more incredible.
At Club Adventures, the small group size keeps things
local, connecting with the people and places that make your destination special. The trip guides, referred to as Local Leaders, are from the destination, so they know the secrets, the legends, and (most importantly) the best place to grab a bowl of ramen.
We’ll start off our Timeless Japan adventure in the eclectic city of Tokyo. This bustling metropolis offers modern energy paired with cultural treasures dating back to 600AD. While in Tokyo, travelers simply must explore Shinjuku – it’s the go-to area for local food, known for their yakitori, simply put, grilled meats on a stick. If you’re daring, try the chicken cartilage, but you absolutely can’t miss the chicken meatballs.
On yet another mouthwatering foodie adventure, take a morning visit to the local fish market, where restaurants across town procure their daily meats that will end up on your plate a few hours
later! You may even opt to join a short sushi making lesson, leaving with a delicious lunch and new skill to bring back home.
There’s no better way to travel locally in Japan than to take the bullet train! Running with precision, outstanding cleanliness and speed, we’ll be whisked from the city to the quaint mountain town of Takayama. Unwind from the city life with a relaxing, meditative dip into the natural hot springs; then rest your head
in a traditional Japanese Inn, called a ryokan. Here, we’ll sleep on tatami mats in traditional Zen-style rooms. No worries if the mats are not for you, there are options for traditional western bedding!
We’re big foodies, and with food comes drinks! Japanese rice wine is brewed nearly everywhere in the country, and we just can’t leave without providing our travelers with an opportunity to try a sip, so we’ll pop into a local brewery to learn about the brewing process, taste different varieties and hear the stories of the brewery’s history.
On day four, we’ll leave the mountains behind for the historic city of Hiroshima. Here, we will visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum (often reported by our travelers as a favorite trip highlight), which showcases the rebuilding efforts, and stands as a symbol of international peace and remembrance.
The city of Kyoto is approachable and charming, we spend three nights here enjoying the timeless vibrance. From the opulent Nijo Castle to the famous Ryoan-ji Zen Garden,
Japan does not get more impressive and authentic than this. Except perhaps for the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, yet another incredible part of this journey in Japan.
As you walk through the gates of the shrine, you will notice that each of the gates has a wish or dedication written on
it. These gates are purchased by local people and added
to the shrine to signify their wishes or asks of the gods. The combination of local significance with the breathtaking orange gated architecture is not to be missed!
Our Timeless Japan adventure ends with a visit to the stunningly picturesque Mt. Fuji, and with views from both cable car and cruise, it will be a trip for the postcards, and an amazing way to finish off your adventure!
14 I SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021