BOB-FM’s own Krash just got back from Japan, and instead of gatekeeping, he’s giving you the ultimate Krash Kourse on how to do it right. Check out these photos from his vacation, alongside some tips in case you’re planning to visit!
The bamboo forest! It’s exactly as peaceful and unreal as it looks in pictures with super quiet, swaying towering green stalks everywhere that are said to sound very meditative. Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, with some types growing inches in a single day. Pro tip: go early, or you’ll be sharing that “peaceful moment” with about 200 other tourists.
Speaking of nature… Japan does not play around! Krash spotted a sign warning about bears and boars. Not exactly the average “watch for squirrels” situation. Bears are fairly common in the mountain regions, while wild boars are more common and can wander surprisingly close to towns.
Then there’s the temples. Krash even checked out a real gold-plated one called Kinkaku-ji. When visiting temples, it’s common courtesy to pause before you walk in. You’ll usually pass through a gate and people often slow down or bow slightly. At many entrances there is also a water basin for you to rinse your hands before entry. It’s a symbolic purification ritual.
Can you spot Krash…?
If you’ve ever seen photos of Japan covered in soft pink petals and thought there’s no way it looks like that in real life… Krash has proof that it does. Cherry blossom season in spring (called hanami, meaning flower viewing) is one of the biggest times to visit Japan. Blossoms usually peak for only about a week or two. If you visit, be careful to avoid shaking the trees and picking any blossoms!
The city can get packed, but you’ll be outed as a tourist immediately for eating on the go! Make sure to be seated before enjoying your food.
Krash might actually be taller than a geisha… or at least a geisha-in-training (called a maiko). She even laughed at the height difference. Fun fact: there are only about 150 practicing geisha left in Japan today. Most are found in Kyoto, and especially in historic districts like Gion.
Where should the next Krash Kourse take us? Let us know!
