When I planned my first trip to Japan during cherry blossom season, I knew I wanted to see the tourist highlights in major urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka, but I also wanted to embrace the countryside. I asked my relatives who live in Japan for recommendations, and their suggestions led me to three rural
After three months of keeping the secret, I waited nervously in the hotel lobby. When they got out of the elevator, I held out my hand. “I am your guide, Ash-san.” My father went to shake it, paused, and then said, “Oh, it’s you. What are you doing here?” When my mom realized who I
This essay as told is based on a conversation with Koyo Murata, 25, founder and operator of Villa ASO guest house in Taiki, Mie Prefecture, Japan. His words have been edited for length and clarity. I grew up in a quintessential rural town in Japan with about 8,000 people. My elementary and middle schools only
