KAMIKOCHI is an incredibly scenic destination in the Japanese alps, home to mountain vistas, hiking trails, camping grounds, a famous bridge, fresh fish, wildlife, and a select few hotels for overnight visitors. It's easily accessible from others parts of the Nagano prefecture via train and then bus/taxi, and made for a lovely day trip from Matsumoto.
Here are some photos from our latest rainy-day adventure, our "honeymoon hike" through Kamikochi. (To Joe's great disappointment, we didn't encounter any of the famous monkeys that live in the mountains...maybe next time). Learn more about it: here and here.
Kappabachi Bridge from the trail
view from Tashiro Pond Trail
Tashiro pond trail
fresh rainfall
so fresh and so green
We started at Taisho Pond, which I believe was formed by a volcano. Pretty incredible on a misty, foggy day.
Chopsticks. If
you grew up using Western cutlery, chances are you’ve experimented
with them from time to time. (And
by "experimented," I mean cursed under your breath while your hand started to get sore chasing around those last few grains of delicious sauce-covered rice).
...just me?
If you're
accustomed to forks, knives and spoons, like any other new skill, eating with chopsticks
takes practice. Having now traveled to a few countries in which chopsticks are
the traditional utensils used for eating, I’ve gotten some real-time training,
and had the chance to see everyday chopstick handlers in action. Even though I have far fewer
stab-resulting run-ins with the elusive cherry tomato, I discovered while
writing this post that even after all this practice, my grip is still not “ideal.”
The thing is, eating
with chopsticks is more complex than simply learning to use a new tool. In the same way that kids in many
American households are taught that it’s considered “good manners” to put
napkins in their laps and keep their elbows off the table, learning to use
chopsticks opens a door to observing the cultural nuance behind the manners, dining
habits, and etiquette practices associated with said tool. And while the basic grip and etiquette
may be fairly universal, the application and detail varies between and evolves
within each country and region.
For instance, did you know that
the shape and material of chopsticks traditionally varies from country to country?
Or that in China and Vietnam it’s customary to lift the bowl to your lips and
scoop rice into your mouth using your chopsticks, but in South Korea you should
leave the bowl on the table and bend to eat it?
image Lyson Media
I have compiled a
list of helpful How-To's from crafty bloggers and eaters everywhere to
help you learn the basic rules and etiquette associated with using chopsticks, unique
to each country. So, even if
you’re not sitting down to a meal right now in Japan (or China, Korea, Taiwan,
or Vietnam…), at least you’ll be prepared to eat like a pro the next time your
friend wants to meet you for Sushi.
GET A GRIP
(tutorials)
This one is my favorite, and it has a visual guide
I know this only scratches the surface, but hopefully you found this helpful. Five points if you're currently
practicing your grip with the pen and highlighter you found lying on your
desk. Happy eating, travelers!
We're in Matsumoto, Japan for the month while my husband sings with the Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival. So far, I've loved every minute in this quiet, clean city surrounded by lush mountains and natural springs and spas ("onsen") at the base of the Japanese Alps. I'll skip to the good part.
Giant. Surprise. Street. Festival. Dance. Party.
Right outside my hotel room window.
The Matsumoto Bon Bon Festival happens the first Saturday of every August, and while I'm still researching the origin of the song, according to the City of Matsumoto website, it's "part parade, part dance, part party and part carnival as each group sports its own costume, and parades through the downtown streets while dancing to the catchy Matsumoto Bon-Bon tune [which plays over loud speakers piped throughout the city]." They aren't lying about any of it. Holy kimono fashion show, street food & cold cold beer fiesta, family-friendly explosion, Batman. If you're ever in the Nagano prefecture in August, don't miss it. I'm talking 20-30,000 attendants, the best grilled steak kebob I've ever eaten, and the entire city center blocked for the party. Who cares if it's hot?!
As a career performing artist with many creative passions and a tumbleweed lifestyle, I wanted a place to provide an honest, unique, and entertaining reflection of my tastes and travels.
In an effort to stay connected, explore unknowns, and share experiences, discoveries, inspiration, mistakes, and interesting findings through my lens, (life as an opera singer is never boring) I'll discuss everything from green smoothie recipes to DIY wedding ideas, to new artists, fitness trends, or recipes, to fun discoveries made on the road (Think: local restaurant, festival and fashion features, or "The 10 most important phrases to learn when visiting a foreign country").
Please feel free to comment, question, and share. You can reach me at hailey@sunshinesurvivalguide.com or leave a comment below any post. Thanks for visiting!
