Clockwise: Tokyo’s Shibuya, Kyoto’s Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine, a fond farewell from the Matsui Haonkan Ryokan in Kyoto, me as Tokyo tourist, view of Toba, Tokyo’s Imperial Gardens
Last month I spent my summer holiday in Japan, land of the rising sun. A very suitable nickname given its radiating heat. I moved about from the metropolises of Tokyo and Kyoto to the coastal town of Toba, finding 100 degree temperatures in each. City touring was a challenge and often left me feeling like I came back from a spin class, drenched head to toe in sweat. But thankfully the Japanese love ice cream, and it’s available everywhere! From green tea to black sesame, I indulged in some of the best ice cream flavours all week long, with the pinnacle iced dessert being tempura-battered vanilla ice cream. A classic dish met with quirky creativity – this embodies the Japanese style.
Such contrasts were most evident in Japanese fashions. Throughout Tokyo and Kyoto women could be found wearing beautiful colourful kimonos, paired with traditional wooden platform thong sandals. What I assumed was an outfit for ceremonies was actually an outfit worn during fun days out – be it to shop, dine, or hike. In contrast to embodying traditional garbs, many people opt for the eclectic, most notably in the Harajuku district. From decora to goth to cartoon-inspired, contemporary fashion styles challenge traditional dress with a playful smirk. Which quite literally can be found on a t-shirt or on a pair of sequin jean shorts.
A playfulness is found throughout Japanese fashion and food. But as with all games, there exist rules. There are rules revolving around decorum that make Japan truly unique. I was thoroughly impressed to see how polite everyone is. I was thrilled to see that smoking on the street is banned. (Sorry smokers, but I despise walking in the wake of someone else’s smoky exhale and I appreciate that Japan does too.) People care about the individuals around them, which is clear in so many Japanese gestures, from bowing at the waist, to placing a crane on one’s hotel pillow. Even the toilets are polite and automatically close their lids when you’re done.
Like most modern countries, there are fine restaurants and fashionable people. And there are historic sights to be seen throughout. But what made Japan most interesting to me was its reverence for honouring and defying traditions. It’s this dichotomy that makes Japan a true style icon.
Xx, Jenn
PS. Stayed tuned for more travel tips and my next post about my #StyleOnTheLamb in Toba, Japan.
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