【講師コラム】エセル講師No.10～The places I would visit and the foods I would try if ever I could get to go to Japan someday. ～

Undoubtedly, Japan is one of the most desirable countries to explore. Its nature, heritage places, and especially its food culture satisfy travelers’ desires. It also boasts about its diverse culture, history, and talented people. Indeed, there’s no doubt about Japan’s popularity as a travel destination.
My husband had lived in Tokyo for 7 years. His experiences helped me to understand Japan more than what travel guide books could offer. He taught me how to cook some common Japanese foods that he learned from his Japanese colleagues. He had experienced going to bathhouses which he found very embarrassing at first. He also experienced joining in the company’s holiday trip to ‘Onsen’ or hot springs. He truly enjoyed his stay in Japan.
His unforgettable experiences created a deep desire in me to put Japan on top of my bucket list. But to tell the truth, I find all the things that he shared pretty usual. In my opinion, I think I know about Japan more than him because I have talked with many students for 11 years across the country. My knowledge about Japan is far broader than him when it comes to food and travel destinations.
Among the places that I have come to know, The Sky Tree, Kyoto, and Hokkaido stand out.
It would not be complete if I missed the Sky Tree because I consider it as Japan’s new icon. I often imagine myself being on its topmost view deck. I could get a bird’s eye view of Metropolitan Tokyo, and if I was lucky enough, I could see Fuji-san on a clear day.
I also would like to feel the atmosphere of old Japan, and Kyoto has it all. How I wish I could walk down its streets in Kimono. That would be the most marvelous feeling I could have.
And last but not least is Hokkaido. Actually, there are two reasons why I would like to visit it. First, I heard that the freshest and sweetest kinds of seafood in Japan are in Hokkaido since I am a big fan of seafood dishes. I also would like to have an experience of light snowing there. My husband described it as very romantic and magical. I also learned that it is Hokkaido’s pride because of its powdery texture.
Washoku was recently inscribed in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Because of the health benefit it offers, I would like to dig into it and learn about its culture. There is no particular food that I like because I love them all.
Oh! Before I forget, I would like to challenge myself by eating ‘Fugu sashimi’.