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To our Inspiring Vacations customers and community,
Welcome to our March/April bumper issue of Inspiring Vacations magazine!
This issue we travel to the unassuming and very beautiful Southern Highlands (otherwise known as New South Wales’ best kept secret – shhh!). We jump in the car to sample the South Australian alternatives to the world’s most iconic road trips (who needs Route 66 when you can cruise Explorers Way?). And just in time for Cherry Blossom season we dive into everything you need to know about Japan in our handy first timer’s guide.
I have loved seeing all our readers' travel pictures so don’t forget to tag #inspiringvacations
when posting on social media for your chance to win a $100 e-gift card, and be sure to sign up to gain exclusive magazine access. Congratulations to this issue’s winner, Roshell Ebert!
As always, please get in touch to share your thoughts – your feedback is very important to us! You can email us at magazine@ inspiringvacations.com or phone 1300 88 66 88.
Stay safe and see you in the next issue!
Paul Ryan CEO
INSPIRING
MAGAZINE
Editor
Vanessa Mulquiney
Art Directors
Julie Lee & Richard Lee
Contributors
Emily Humphrey, Emma Calley
Marketing
Laura Coop
Advertising
Cameron Hunt, Douglas Hind
Contact For editorial and advertising enquiries, please email magazine@ inspiringvacations.com or phone 1300 88 66 88 (AU)
Wonder RETURNS
Turn holiday dreams into dream holidays, close to home, in 2022–23. Our Australia, New Zealand, and South Pacific sailings will depart from Sydney and Auckland aboard the award-winning Celebrity Eclipse®—equal parts luxurious accommodation, acclaimed cuisine, and intuitive service. Imagine these journeys:
Sun and Beach Escapes
30 Nov. 2022 | 11-Night Great Barrier Reef | Sydney
14 Jan. 2023 | 12-Night Fiji & Tonga | Auckland
Food and Wine Classics
20 Dec. 2022 | 13-Night New Zealand Christmas | Sydney
7 Feb. 2023 | 9-Night Australia Wine | Sydney
Five-Star Getaways
10 March 2023 | 5-Night Tasmania | Sydney
17 April 2023 | 5-Night Tasmania | Sydney
WHAT’S ON
No matter where you are in the world, there are plenty of events - both online and offline - to enjoy
Japan
1-14 MARCH
A cherished Buddhist tradition for over 1250 years, the fiery Omizutori festival is held at Todaiji Temple in Nara.
Ireland
12-17 MARCH
The Emerald Isle’s lively St. Patrick’s Festival is a six-day virtual celebration this year. Sláinte. stpatricksfestival.ie/
Western Australia
5-22 MARCH
Cottlesloe’s 17th annual Sculpture by the Sea beachside exhibition is back.
Melbourne 12 FEBRUARY
Have a laugh at the muchanticipated Melbourne International Comedy Festival. comedyfestival.com.au
India
28-29 MARCH
Holi Festival is a joyful, colourful celebration to mark the beginning of spring.
Turkey
1-30 APRIL
Modern-day tulip mania! Istanbul’s annual Tulip Festival sees millions of traditional floral symbols decorate the city’s open spaces.
Sri Lanka
13-14 APRIL
Sinhala and Tamil New Year is welcomed with time-honoured rituals, traditions and loads of festivity across Sri Lanka.
Melbourne 30 APRIL-2 MAY
Salsa, anyone? The Melbourne Latin Festival VIDA is a lively mix of dancing, food, performances and family fun. melbournelatinsummerfestival.com
Istanbul icons like the Blue Mosque are blanketed in bright blooms for the city’s tulip festival.
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We love our customers sharing their travel photos and memories with us! Use #InspiringVacations when posting your photos on social media and you could appear on this page and be in the running to win a $100 gift card!
WINNER
after a lot of patience and several attempts I was finally rewarded this
@roshellebert
RUNNERS UP
My husband and I were on the amazing 27 Day Egypt, Jordan & Israel tour last November with friends. This photo was taken on the Nile River while we were enjoying a sunset Felucca cruise on our way at the Nubian Village. I’d always wanted to sail on the Nile and this was certainly a memorable experience.
Wendy Harnwell
The photo was taken at Luxor Temple, Luxor City on 27th November, 2019. When I first saw Luxor Temple at night it was breathtaking. It was magical and walking through the site it just got better and better. My husband and I can hardly wait when we can travel again. Hopefully soon and definitely with Inspiring Vacations.
Sophia Hawreluk
This exotic little bee eater was snapped in Yala National Park during our trip to Sri Lanka in March 2020. I was immediately drawn to the vibrant colours and
stunning photo.
IN THE KNOW
What to see, do and where to play
The Langham’s iconic pink taxi is back to lighten the streets of Sydney. Carrying up to five passengers, the blush-hued London cab can be hired by the hour to ferry you around within a 20km radius of the hotel. There’s even a Sydney Instagram Tour starting from $130 (one hour), $495 (half-day) or $895 (full-day), chauffeuring you to hotspots like Bondi Beach and the Opera House to get the best snaps for your social media feeds.
Supersized art exhibition
Impressionist masterpieces come to life in the family-friendly, multi-sensory Monet & Friends – Life, Light & Colour exhibition opening at Sydney’s Royal Hall of Industries on March 12. Paintings by 19th-century icons such as Monet, Renoir and Cézanne are projected in large-scale, vivid detail; with light, colour, sound and fragrance. A delightful musical score includes Debussy and Tchaikovsky.
It’s time to joyscroll
Need a pick me up? Iceland is here to help. The Icelandic tourism board has launched Joyscroll, the perfect antidote to 2020’s doomscrolling. Feel free to compulsively scroll through 22.7 metres of happiness-inducing Icelandic imagery and performances by local musicians. There’s a guided breathing section, enchanting celestial scenes and even a squawking gyrfalcon. Dare you to not be charmed. joyscroll.lookslikeyouneediceland.com
Something to scream about
Arguably the most important artist in Norway’s history, the works of Edvard Munch will have a grander home in Oslo when the much-anticipated new Munchmuseet (Munch Museum) opens soon. Moving from a smaller venue elsewhere in the city, the striking 13-floor waterfront building will house the collection of around 45,000 works –including, of course, The Scream – and objects, along with many spaces for art and cultural experiences.
Think pink
Cruise between Wellington and Picton on the Interislander ferry Spectacular experiences and sightseeing including:
Incredible sightseeing, visit Bay of Islands, Waitomo and Hobbiton, travel on some of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, go whale watching and visit New Zealand’s famous glaciers and national parks
Travel onboard the TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer and Coastal Pacific trains
Travel from Oct 2021 to Dec 2022
Hokkaido Highway Blues: Hitchhiking Japan (Will Ferguson)
Canadian writer Will Ferguson is enjoying the journey. In this wickedly funny read, Ferguson decides to follow Japan’s famed cherry blossom front across the length of the country. While hitchhiking. What starts as a drunken bet becomes a hilarious, offbeat odyssey traversing nearly 3,000 km in the Land of the Rising Sun. It’s a fresh, off the beaten track insight on contemporary Japan.
INDIA
Around India in 80 Trains (Monisha Rajesh)
All aboard! Journalist Monisha Rajesh makes a pilgrimage of sorts back to her parents’ homeland in India. Inspired by Jules Verne, over four months she takes – you guessed it – 80 trains across the length and breadth of this beguiling country. From a luxury train in Rajasthan to a heaving Mumbai commuter service and even the world’s first hospital train, Rajesh encounters all manner of fascinating characters and landscapes.
Destination READS
When the setting is just as important as the story
WORDS: EMILY HUMPHREY
Running in the Family (Michael Ondaatje)
The author of The English Patient delivers musings and stories about his eccentric Dutch-Ceylonese family and his native Ceylon, where he lived as a young boy on a tea plantation before moving abroad in 1954. Ondaatje’s fragmented trip down memory lane is peppered with chapters of poetry, anecdotes about family and glorious prose depicting the charms of this lush
conservationist Daphne Sheldrick penned her memoirs with warmth and compassion, recounting her incredible career and her love story with husband David Sheldrick, the famous Tsavo National Park warden. Dame Sheldrick’s rich life saw her work tirelessly to protect Kenya’s wildlife, notably saving elephant orphans. A truly enchanting read.
My Brilliant Friend
The first book in the wildly successful Neopolitan series follows 50 years of friendship between Elena and Lila, two girls who grew up in a poor neighbourhood on the outskirts of Naples. It won’t exactly have you dreaming of la dolce vita – it’s an authentic, gritty depiction of the city in post-war Italy. Naples is a vivid setting in this absorbing story and really becomes its own character.
A (Southern) HIGHLAND FLING
Just a 90 minute drive from Sydney is New South Wales’ best-kept secret — heritage villages, old world charm, markets and more
MAIN: Beautiful Bendooley Estate; TOP: Wine selection at Bendooley; CENTRE: The Book Barn; BOTTOM: Placing the finishing touches to a dish at Eschalot
the Southern Highlands is postcard pretty with beautiful flower gardens and ivy-covered country manors set amongst the backdrop of rolling hills and unspoilt bushland. This delightful region — just a 90-minute drive south of Sydney — is a popular destination for its heritage villages, old-world charm and a mild climate. Although the area is beautiful all year round, the region really comes to life in autumn when the leaves transform into brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red. Then there’s the spectacular Tulip Time Festival in spring. Good food, luxurious retreats and vineyards can also be found throughout the region in the towns of Bowral, Berrima and Mittagong.
1 DINING
Dining out in the Southern Highlands can be a simple or an elaborate affair. Fresh produce, great eateries, markets and produce stores are scattered throughout the Southern Highlands, giving diners plenty of options to choose from. Long-time favourite Eschalot, set in an old sandstone cottage at Berrima, is a hatted restaurant offering contemporary French-accented cuisine, fine local wines and an elegant ambience. In Mittagong, renowned chefs Bee Satongun and husband Jason Bailey opened Paste Australia. The stunning restaurant takes diners on a palate-tantalising adventure that showcases a bold and masterful approach to Thai cuisine. For a magical experience, visit beautiful Bendooley Estate. The charming Berkelouw Book Barn is a multi-functional space that also houses the estate's restaurant, bar and cellar door. It’s a multi-functional space, operating as a bookshop by day, as well as housing the Bendooley Estate Restaurant and Cellar Door where you can enjoy coffee, lunch or a glass of wine.
Celebrate Pie Time in 2021, which launches on Australia's National Pie Day on June 1. Embark on the delicious ‘Pie Trail’ and taste a variety of pies from award-winning pie makers. With over 30 pie outlets in the region, the Southern Highlands is quickly becoming known as the ultimate pie destination in Australia.
INSPIRED TO VISIT THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS?
Check out our tours here
2
HUNT FOR TRUFFLES
As winter descends upon the Southern Highlands so does the opportunity to enjoy fresh truffles. There are a number of truffle hunting tours available. Wild Food Adventures offers a truffle hunt, paired with a delicious truffle-inspired lunch and wine tasting. Scheduled weekly Saturday tours are bookable now for the winter season running June 26 to August 7.
3 STAY IN QUAINT VILLAGES
This region has a long list of beautiful places to stay in lovely locations. In the Southern Highlands, Gibraltar Hotel, along with Milton Park Country House and Links House Bowral are popular for a country retreat. Peppers Manor House at Sutton Forest resembles a refined country house estate set in spectacular gardens. Built in 1926, the charm of the homestead has been retained and enhanced by tasteful decoration. Nearby, Peppers Craigieburn in Bowral is an impeccably maintained estate, offering rural luxury, with a casual atmosphere, and a private nine-hole golf course.
The Book Barn Cottage on Bendooley Estate is a self-contained two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage only a short stroll from the renowned Berkelouw Book Barn, near Berrima. For those who prefer a B&B experience, there are several stylish choices in Mittagong, while The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park in Bowral is ideal for those who wish to self cater.
This region has a long list of beautiful places to stay in lovely locations
4 IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE
From spectacular waterfalls to sprawling national parks and picturesque vineyards dotted over the landscape, the Southern Highlands is brimming with natural beauty. Walking in the area is popular at any time of the year with a choice of great bush tracks. For breathtaking views, visit the dramatic Fitzroy Falls
in the Morton National Park or head to Bowral Lookout on Mt Gibraltar for a scenic view overlooking Bowral, the Wingecarribee River Valley and Moss Vale. Wildlife lovers should head to Gibbergunyah Reserve near Bowral: native wildlife such as kangaroos, wombats and echidnas are often seen on the Gibbergunyah Walking Track.
5 ANTIQUE SHOPPING
The Southern Highlands is renowned for its antique shopping. Stroll through the streets of Bowral to admire the gorgeous stores and boutiques. Dirty Janes is an emporium of more than 60 shops with everything from cane furniture to old signage and taxidermy. Uncover a treasure trove at Sticky Beaks Vintage Emporium and Village Antiques in beautiful Berrima (both are located on Jellore Street close to town). Alternatively, try Sutton Forest’s The Everything Store. Operating since 1830, it has become an institution for those who enjoy seeking out unique pieces.
6 FLOWER FESTIVAL
In 1958, the first Tulip Time Festival was staged in Bowral. Since then, the momentous tulip display in Corbett Gardens has evolved into the centrepiece of the festival that has made the region a popular springtime destination. Experience a kaleidoscope of tulips at the next event, which will be held from September 17 to October 4. The Instagrammable festival features 75,000 blooming tulips.
7 WINE TASTING
Family owned and operated since 1983, Joadja Estate is the oldest vineyard and winery in the Southern Highlands. It’s situated in the picturesque hills north of Berrima and produces distinctive cool-climate wines. Enjoy the rustic atmosphere at this beautiful boutique estate as you taste hand-crafted wines and fortifieds. Tractorless Vineyard & Bowral Brewing Company has a winemaking philosophy to create sustainable and diverse food and wine experiences from locally sourced, grown and produced foods guided by biodynamic principles. Their cellar door offers an opportunity to try their selection of award-winning wines, ciders and beers. Visit Artemis Wines, a familyrun winery in Mittagong, to taste their award-winning drops. Winemaker brothers Anton and Mark Balog began making wine in 1996.
MAIN: Fitzroy Falls, Morton National ParkOPPOSITE TOP: Bendooley Estate, Berrima CENTRE: Berrima stunning sunsets BOTTOM: Dirty Janes in Bowral
Make every day delicious with a variety of cuisines and recipes to choose from each week.
Whether you want a Mexican fiesta or a taste of Italia, there’s something to suit every household.
High-quality, fresh ingredients. Easy-to-follow recipes. Delicious dinners.
Save a total of $90 on your first four boxes.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA vs THE WORLD
From the outback to the ocean, South Australia is quintessential road trip country. Here, five iconic road trips to rival their international counterparts. 1 Seafood Frontier vs Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Great Ocean Road? We’ll raise you South Australia’s Seafood Frontier road trip. Winding along the rugged, windswept Southern Ocean coastline from Port Lincoln to Head of Bight, this epic seafood safari offers views, incredible food, wildlife encounters and natural beauty around every bend of the 1200km journey. Impressive rock formations? Forget the Twelve Apostles, the Eyre Peninsula has Cummins Monument, Murphy’s Haystacks, Talia Caves and the Great Australian Bight. And along the way you’ll get some seriously good road trip snacks,
MAIN: The Cliffs LEFT: Lincoln National Park RIGHT: Great Australian Bight
The 3,000km journey along the ExplorersWay rewards the adventurous ready to journey through the heart of Australia
MAIN: Talia Caves
OPPOSITE TOP: Bowman Scenic Drive LEFT: Port Lincoln RIGHT: Woolshed Cave, Talia INSET: Boston Bean Coffee Company
INSPIRED TO VISIT SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
Check out our tours here
plucked fresh from the ocean. The pristine Eyre Peninsula waters are famed for producing some of the best seafood in the world from oysters to abalone, crab, bluefin tuna and kingfish - sure beats a questionable roadhouse meat pie. And chic coastal towns, too, with cute cafes, breweries, coffee roasters and stylish boutiques, Port Lincoln rivals Lorne. The clincher? You’ll get to drive traffic free and take snaps without busloads of tourists spoiling the perfect shot.
2
Explorers Way vs Route 66, USA
We know that Route 66 is America’s historic link from the east to the west coast, but the Explorers Way is steeped in history – 800 million years to be exact. Almost as long as Route 66, the 3,000km journey along the Explorers Way rewards the adventurous ready to journey through the heart of Australia. Road trip from Adelaide to Darwin at an unhurried pace, stopping in at quirky outback towns and detouring through ancient landscapes. The vast untouched wilderness, far-reaching skies and wide-open road stretching
out in front of you is unlike any other place in the world, and Arizona scenery pales in comparison to the rugged, red landscapes of the Flinders Ranges. Take in Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre 700 million years older than the Grand Canyon and eight times larger than Uluru, unearth the fossils from the ice age, experience the unique outback way of life at the underground settlement of Coober Pedy, stop off at an outback oasis (that isn’t a mirage) and fall asleep under a blanket of stars. The best part? It's all here in Australia and takes in some of this country's most important, treasured icons and landscapes.
3
Epicurean Way vs Alsace Wine Route, France
The legendary 170-km-long Alsace Wine Route is the most famous wine route in France. A bucket list item for foodies and wine lovers, the road trip takes in picturesque villages and wine-producing towns… just like the Epicurean Way right here in South Australia. Swap your plane ticket for a corkscrew, picnic blanket and esky and hit the road. Wind your way along the dramatic coastline and through the vines of McLaren Vale, stopping
in at iconic and quirky cellar doors in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Taste the Mediterranean climate-influenced drops at the d’Arenberg Cube, Alpha Box & Dice or Coriole and pull out your picnic rug at Down the Rabbit Hole or Samson Tall winery. Further on, journey into the picturesque Adelaide Hills and meander down leafy groves and
Bubble-gum pink lakes, spectacular coastal vistas, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife
through picture-book perfect hamlets reminiscent of the villages found along the Alsace Wine Route. Nestled among a cluster of European-style villages, settle in at the Pavilions at Lenswood and spend a few days wining and dining at Sidewood Estate, Lot 100, Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard, Golding Wines and The Lane Vineyard. Afterwards, cruise on to Clare Valley where a glass of the world’s best riesling awaits, and then reach your final destination and the only red light you’ll have to stop for on the Epicurean Way; a world-famous Barossa bold red.
4
Southern Ocean Drive vs Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Sure, California’s Pacific Coast Highway has epic coastal views, but these are only made famous from their appearances on the big screen. Right here in South Australia, you can marvel at undiscovered natural
wonders worthy of the global acclaim along the Southern Ocean Drive. The 1200km route passes through some of the most idyllic seaside towns in South Australia, offering up sweeping coastal views and the perfect blend of beach, wine, food and wildlife. Work on your California tan at one of South Australia’s postcard worthy beaches, swap Napa Valley for a bold Coonawarra or McLaren Vale red and take your time hiking along coastal cliffs at Deep Creek. You can even stop for a night at Hotel California Road, happily tucked among the rolling vines of McLaren Vale and not a dark desert highway. In an epic finale to the Southern Ocean Drive, float away to Kangaroo Island and spend a few days relaxing on island time… you can’t do that on the Pacific Coast! Instead of driving on the other side of the road, your only worry will be to perfect your ‘driving wave’ to the friendly Kangaroo Island locals. It’d be rude not to!
5
Seafood Frontier vs Coral Coast Road Trip, WA
Bubble-gum pink lakes, spectacular coastal vistas, pristine beaches and abundant wildlife. There’s an undeniable affinity with nature on the Eyre Peninsula, and the Seafood Frontier road trip is one of the best ways to take it all in. One of the biggest drawcards of the Coral Coast road trip is the opportunity to get up close to Australia’s incredible aquatic life, but on the Eyre Peninsula underwater wildlife encounters are part of the territory. Ok, so we may not be able to offer swimming with whale sharks, but what about Great White sharks (from the safety of a cage)? Spot whales frolicking in the cobalt waters off the Head of Bight, snorkel with sea lions and dolphins in Baird Bay, or swim with the chameleons of the sea –Giant Australian Cuttlefish – in Whyalla. Then, wander along empty, sandy beaches and set up camp where the bush meets the ocean in Coffin Bay or Lincoln National Park. Pink lakes are another highlight of the Coral Coast, and you guessed it… we’ve got them right here too. Stop off at Lake MacDonnell where Mother Nature’s full palette is on show with a superhigh salt concentration resulting in some seriously intense colours.
LEFT: Jones
TOP: Murphy's Haystacks
BOTTOM: Great Australian Bight
1ST TIMER’S GUIDE TO JAPAN
From sights to scenery and five-star fare, Japan is the ultimate Asian all-rounder
WORDS BY EMMA CALLEY
MAIN: Himeji Castle
japan is undoubtedly one of the hottest destinations in the world right now, and for good reason. This geographically blessed country is spectacular year-round, easy to navigate and packed with ancient sights. In between attractions, dine on delicious Japanese fare, from katsu (deepfried meat covered in panko crumbs) to fresh nigiri, or share a drink with locals at an izakaya (Japanese pub).
Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming trip or planning your next one, here, a first timer’s guide to Japan.
MAIN: Portrait of a Maiko geisha in Gion Kyoto; TOP: Bullet train at Tokyo Station CENTRE: Billboards in Shinjuku's Kabuki-cho District BOTTOM: Lanterns on display at the Sakura Festival at Mishima Shrine; LEFT: Maiko geisha walking in Gion, Kyoto
EXPECT A LANGUAGE BARRIER
One of the first things people will tell you about Japan is that English is hard to come by (excluding western travellers). Although this statement is generally true, the language barrier isn’t something to fear. In fact, compared to other non-English speaking countries, Japan is well-equipped to conquer any communication problems. Many restaurants have models of food in their windows, or pictures in their menus for people to point to, while most train stations have bilingual signage in Japanese and English.
If you’re truly concerned with the language barrier, download a translation app that works offline, learn a few Japanese words or stick with a tour guide who can bridge the gap. There is no need to feel nervous; Japanese people are incredibly friendly and there’s not much a smile and hearty arigato (thank you) can’t fix.
DON’T FEAR PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Japanese public transport is world-class and simpler than you may think. While there are many different lines, from regular express trains, to underground metros and of course, the famous shinkansen (bullet train), all are easy to navigate. Most train stations even have platform signage in English and Japanese, as well as symbols denoting regular or bullet trains. When in doubt, consult a staff member – if they don’t speak English, they can point you to someone who does. Alternatively, get familiar with a maps app before your trip; many provide detailed transport information, right down to the platform trains will depart from.
Investing in a JR Pass will enable you to catch many Japanese trains (excluding the Nozomi and Mizuho trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and
Handy TIPS
PLUGS: Predominantly type A (two straight prongs), occasionally type B (two straight prongs, one round)
PUBLIC TOILETS: In larger cities, they’re ubiquitous, but in rural areas, you’ll need to use facilities at restaurants, hotels, train stations etc.
MONEY: Currency is the yen – most chains and hotels will accept card, but Japan is still predominantly a cash economy. Convenience stores are the best places to withdraw cash.
TIPPING: Similar to Australia and New Zealand, tipping isn’t required or expected. If you leave change at a restaurant, don’t be surprised if someone chases after you to return the money, thinking it was a mistake.
TOP: Tokyo's beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden; CENTRE: Kanji sign which means toilet; BOTTOM: Yoyogi Park in Shibuya is popular for Cherry Blossom viewing and picnics; OPPOSITE
TOP: Popular snack food, mochi; LEFT: Temple lanterns; RIGHT: Geisha in Kyoto; BOTTOM: Kaiseki set dinner at a ryokan.
Let's explore... CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
Visitors flock to Japan every spring for sakura (cherry blossom) season, when the landscape is drenched in pink and white petals. Widely fêted all over the country, the annual blooming is a sacred occurrence that has been celebrated for over 1,000 years.
The exact dates vary from year to year but the cherry blossom front starts in the southern islands near the beginning of the year and creeps north. Typically these trees flower in Kyoto and Tokyo in the last week of March and the first two of April.
Hanami (flower watching), usually with a picnic, is a chance to celebrate the joy of spring and the fleeting beauty of sakura. You’ll find lively viewing spots in Tokyo’s numerous parks, like Ueno Park, the city’s largest green space. In Kyoto, Maruyama Park is the oldest park in this ancient city, with about 700 trees.
Kyushu Shinkansen lines). If underground train travel is your preferred way to get around, avoid purchasing individual train tickets and buy a prepaid IC Card at the start of your journey. Simply tap the card as you enter the station, and recharge as needed at a ticket machine. While many different IC cards exist across Japan, they can all be used throughout the country, no matter which city it was bought in.
TRY ALL THE FOOD
When travelling somewhere unfamiliar, it can be tempting to gravitate towards familiar western fare. But Japanese food is hugely diverse, with flavours to suit every palate – avoiding local dishes would be doing yourself a disservice. Ease into the cuisine with gyoza (dumplings), or assorted tempura with a side of rice and nukazuke pickles (fermented in rice bran). Then, graduate to steaming bowls of noodle soup, from tonkotsu ramen (pork bone broth) and chashu (braised) pork, to hoto (udon noodles in miso soup). If you’re feeling brave, opt for natto (fermented soy beans) or fugu (puffer fish).
A great way to sample different delicacies is with a kaiseki (multi-course) dinner, featuring finely prepared veg and proteins.
THE TOILETS ARE A HI-TECH DREAM
Japanese toilets are one of a kind. Unlike other parts of the world, where standards tend to slip outside of hotels or restaurants, the loos across Japan are remarkably advanced and well maintained. Far from the regular single or dual flush, Japanese toilets are a hi-tech affair.
INSPIRED TO VISIT JAPAN? Check out our tours here
Most are equipped with a control panel that allows you to change everything from seat temperature to the water pressure of the built-in bidet. Some public toilets even have speakers that make noise when someone sits down, to conceal any sound. If there’s one thing you don’t need to worry about in Japan, it’s the facilities.
CONVENIENCE STORES ARE YOUR FRIEND
Western convenience stores have nothing on the Japanese equivalent. Far from basic corner shops peddling overpriced junk food, Japanese convenience stores sell everything from packaged snacks to wacky KitKats, hot fried chicken and even bento boxes. They’re also the best places to withdraw cash, as almost every store is fitted with an ATM that accepts foreign cards. There are over 20,000 7-Eleven stores across the country, in addition to chains like Lawsons and Family Mart. No matter which you visit, do yourself a favour and try the quintessential convenience store snack, an onigiri rice ball.
SWAP COFFEE FOR TEA AND WAGASHI
These days, it’s not hard to find a good cup of coffee in Japan; trendy cafes are popping up all over the country. But if you can go without, swap your regular cup of joe for tea and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). It’s believed that ceremonial tea drinking originated in ancient China and was first practised in Japan by Zen monks during the 12th century. Over the years, its purpose has evolved beyond spiritual, but the old rituals around its preparation and consumption are still cherished.
Today, Japan is home to some of the finest green tea in the world and tea rooms across the country still prepare it according to the traditional choreography, served alongside wagashi like mochi (glutinous rice balls), or manjū (small cakes typically filled with red bean paste).
EMBRACE THE WACKY
Japan is known for its eccentricity. Head deep into Tokyo’s Akihabara neighbourhood, or Osaka’s downtown Shinsekai district and you’ll be bombarded with colour, neon signage and anime paraphernalia. But unlike other countries, this quirkiness isn’t a gimmick, nor is it reserved for nerds; it’s an important fabric of Japanese culture that anyone and everyone can enjoy. Many of the wildest restaurants serve delicious food, while the strangest activities attract crowds young and old.
To immerse yourself in this side of Japan, visit one of the many themed restaurants, from Harajuku’s Kawaii Monster Cafe, to the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku.
INSPIRED TO VISIT VICTORIA?
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QA &
Meet Simon ‘Yon’ Hall, one leg of comedy trio, Tripod
NAME YON
OCCUPATION
MEMBER OF COMEDY TRIO, TRIPOD COUNTRY AUSTRALIA
Q 2021 marks your 25-year anniversary and Tripod’s comedic genius is still fresh – what’s your secret?
First of all, thanks for saying that our comedy’s still fresh. Not only does it imply that it’s fresh now, but it implies that it was fresh before. We do still write new songs. We also throw out songs that have dated, you know like when you clean out your fridge every six months? Yes – the miso paste is still fine, but that tandoori paste from two years back has to go (why is everything in my fridge a paste?).
Q Who are your top three favourite musical comedy acts?
The Doug Anthony Allstars had such a unique punk aesthetic; Flight of the Conchords, for their beautiful New Zealandy gentle understatement; and Weird Al Yankovic – some people might think parody’s easy, but I challenge anyone to write parody as well as he does.
Q If you could have anyone in the world appear on your (very funny) Perfectly Good Podcast, who would it be?
Maybe a scientist and we could ask them lots of questions. I enjoy annoying scientists. I’m not sure why.
Q What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF)?
Getting to actually do it! We’re playing the same venue, [the newly renovated] Brunswick Ballroom that we had to cancel gigs at when Corona got going.
Q Which MICF acts will you see this year? I really want to see Anne Edmonds.
Q What’s next for Tripod?
We are working on a video game and I’m confident in saying no-one has ever done what we’re trying before.
Q What’s your favourite city to perform in?
Well, Edinburgh, the Fringe there is kind of an intense nightmare but there’s an energy in the audiences which is very exciting - they’re unruly connoisseurs. And there’s so much great stuff to see, not just comedy.
Tripod will be performing at the Brunswick Ballroom as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival March 28; April 4, 11, 18. For a complete list of upcoming shows and tickets visit www.brunswickballroom.com.au
PHOTOS: JAMES PENLIDIS
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PHOTO: TAKEN IN PETRA, JORDAN, 2019.
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