When most travelers picture Japan, three places usually come to mind: the neon lights of Tokyo, the ancient temples of Kyoto, and the street food of Osaka. These cities are famous for good reason, but if you stick only to the top spots, you risk coming home with the same photos and stories as everyone else.
If you have ever wished your trip to Japan could feel more personal, more connected, and maybe even more meaningful, there is a place you will want to know about.
In the northern part of Hiroshima, a small community is finding new life through a project called Kirameki. It was started by Kira, a graduate of the University of Oregon (I’ll forgive her for not choosing Oregon State). After studying sustainability, she set her sights on Japan’s countryside, where population decline has left behind empty homes, shuttered schools, and traditions at risk of being forgotten.
Kirameki is her answer. It is a place where travelers can step beyond sightseeing and become part of a community. Guests do not just visit. They join in. You can learn to make miso or taste local sake, volunteer alongside farmers, try kendo or pottery with local teachers, and celebrate at festivals that rarely appear in guidebooks. It is the kind of travel that leaves you not only with great photos but with friendships and stories you will carry home.
For many first-time visitors, the pull of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is strong. Yet if you are ready to go deeper, Kirameki offers something the big cities cannot. It gives you the chance to make a lasting contribution while creating memories that matter.
I haven’t made it to Kirameki yet, but I have been following Kira’s work for a couple of months and cannot wait to experience it myself. If this sounds like the kind of trip you want, let me know. I would love to gather a small group of us to visit Kirameki together and share in the kind of meaningful travel that changes how we remember Japan.
Japanese Language Tip
This week, let’s learn an important Japanese word that is relevant to this newsletter.
The Japanese word inaka (田舎) simply means “countryside” or “rural area.”
It often carries a nostalgic or emotional connotation, representing a place away from the bustling cities, known for its connection to nature, traditional Japanese culture, and a slower pace of life. People often use it to refer to their hometown if it’s not in a major city, or to describe any area that isn’t highly urbanized.