What comes to mind when we think of lifestyle is ‘a way of living’ that is influenced by culture, tradition, location, education and various other factors. Dividing our trip between the snow and the city meant that we were fortunate enough to experience two completely different ‘ways of living’ within this beautiful country. This is the third and final part of our Japan trip which looks into the theme, ‘lifestyle’…
Steamed buns
Snowed in
Modesty and practicality is what we witnessed during our time in Nozawa Onsen, a snow village town located in the Nagawa region. Most of the locals here are farmers during the summer, and ‘lifties’ or snow operators during the winter. From small housing with steep roofs that are specifically built for the snowy conditions; compact vehicles designed for maneuvering through the slim and winding streets; old school post delivery service; through to mini local shops that sold your basic necessities including the best home made steamed buns. Whatever it was, the way of life here embraces pure simplicity.
Special delivery
White mini
Contrast that to Greater Tokyo, the city that has a population of 35 million + people, that’s 10 million + more than the total population of Australia. When you eventually wrap your head around that you might get an idea of the sheer scale of this mega city. It is indeed a city of noise. And the noise doesn’t just come from the sounds of karaoke music pumping from the bars, or even the busy traffic and overwhelming crowds; by noise we also mean the bright lights, colourful signage, and dramatic buildings that set your visual senses to full throttle. This is definitely a city that embraces speed and sound.
Cherry blossoms and crowds
Shibuya crossing
Because Japan is such a fusion between old and new, fast and slow, simple and intricate, it’s impressive to see that it holds on to it’s traditions with such high regard, whilst at the same time, completely embraces innovation, creativity, and ground breaking discoveries. You could say they have a good handle of balancing the past with the future in the present time - and perhaps what makes this country adored by many, is that they make it look so effortless. Well that is certainly the vibe we took from our visit.
Daytime shopping
Bright lights
Images by CHRISTELH