[More Addictive Than I Thought!? ] Find unexpected passions in "Tokaido The Fifty-Three Journeys"

Masako Okamoto (left)

A unique staff member who graduated from a music university and continues to perform as a vocalist on stage. Leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience, she now also works as a tour guide.

Ai Kanai (right)

She studied sports science at university and still loves physical activity. In her free time, she enjoys exploring cities and trying different foods. As the leader of the team that produces the travel series, she is a reliable presence who guides her members.

Kanai

Today, I would like to focus on Tokaido within the Club Tourism section of 'Walking the Highway.'

Okamoto

This is a long series of trips spanning about two and a half years, covering 30 trips in total, walking from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Kanai

Ms. Okamoto is also active as a navigator, that is, a guide accompanying the customers on this travel series, right? That's amazing!

Okamoto

Oh no, not really... but I do have some (laughs).

Kanai

Well, I'm a little unsure if I have enough knowledge to talk about it with customers. Did you study history quite a bit?

Okamoto

Of course I've studied, but I'm often surprised by unexpected questions from customers. And I frequently find myself nodding along to what those history-loving customers have to say (laughs).

Kanai

Those who are knowledgeable are truly knowledgeable. That's why I feel I need to have a tremendous amount of history knowledge myself, so I don't fall behind. I also wonder if some customers might be worried, thinking, "I'm not that knowledgeable about history, will that be okay?"

Okamoto

While there's certainly enjoyment in traveling with knowledge, there's also the enjoyment of "imagining things you can't see."

Kanai

What is that?! I'm really curious!

Okamoto

Right?! Mr. Kanai, do you know what an Ichirizuka is?

Kanai

Those are the old markers that were erected every ri (about 4 km), right?

Okamoto

Exactly. So, do you know exactly where the starting point of Tokaido, the first milestone from Nihonbashi, is located?

Kanai

Um, the first one is the milestone at Kanasugibashi, right...? But I've never seen a sign for it, and even if you ask me for the specific location... (Tick-tock... 1 minute passes)

Okamoto

Time's up! The correct answer is "I don't know."

Kanai

Hey! That's not fair! (lol)

Okamoto

Actually, the exact location of the first milestone from Nihonbashi in Tokaido, the 'Kanasugibashi Ichirizuka,' is unknown.

Kanai

Nowadays, office buildings line the streets, and you can't Image Warm where the ichirizuka is.

Okamoto

That's right. So I compare old maps with modern maps and explain, "The milestone was probably around here," as we walk through the office district. I'm letting the customers "imagine" the place.

Kanai

method.

Okamoto

There are so many discoveries along these old roads that aren't found in books or maps. Though invisible, they allow you to contemplate and imagine the connections between the past and present. You feel in your heart, "Ah, this place is connected to history."

Kanai

It requires imagination, so it's a kind of brain training, isn't it? If you keep at it, your mind will probably get sharper! If it's that kind of fun, I could do it too... This ukiyo-e print and this photograph are of the same place, can you tell where it is? And the time limit is...

Okamoto

Ah, this is Nihonbashi from Tokyo!

Kanai

Immediate answer (lol) That's correct. I once accompanied a tour called 'Tokaido Walking,' and I was deeply moved when the navigator taught me!

Okamoto

I see. There are many landscapes along the old highways that still bear the ukiyo-e prints, so this is another way to enjoy them.

Kanai

It has the allure of a time machine, allowing you to travel between history and the present. Even if you don't know much about history, you can still enjoy it.

Kanai

Many of our customers are history buffs or enjoy walking for health reasons, but one of the charms of traveling along old highways is discovering new ways to enjoy the experience that you never knew existed.

Okamoto

Many of the guides who teach you how to enjoy it are also quite unique.

Kanai

Everyone's enthusiasm for conveying the charm of walking along historical routes and old towns is incredible.

Okamoto

Besides history, the guide will also share tips for healthy walking and stretching techniques. In my case, I talk about popular shops, local specialties, and famous people from the area.

Kanai

As expected of Mr. Okamoto (lol). The navigators entertain us with a variety of knowledge and interests beyond just history.

Okamoto

There was even a presenter who said, "Let's all sing together towards the sea."

Kanai

What do you mean? (lol)

Okamoto

In the Numazu-Hara area of Shizuoka Prefecture, there is a beautiful pine forest called Senbonmatsubara along the coast, where you can see the beautiful evergreen pines, the vast Pacific Ocean, and the majestic Mount Fuji—a truly picturesque view.

Kanai

Wow, this looks like it would be fun to walk around here!

Okamoto

When we arrived at this beach, the navigator casually pulled out a portable music player and began handing out lyric sheets, saying, "Okay everyone, let's sing together towards the sea!"

Kanai

I bet the customers were surprised by how sudden it was! (laughs)

Okamoto

I was surprised too! But the guests started singing along to the music and singing voice of the navigator... and their voices echoed against the sound of the waves crashing on the beautiful ocean in front of them and the sea breeze. It was a truly beautiful experience.

Kanai

That might feel good!

Okamoto

At first, you might think, "Huh?" but once you try it, it's fun. Experiences like that really grab your heart. It's unique and humorous, which is one of the major charms of Club Tourism 's "Historic Road Walking Tour."

Kanai

The tour consists of 30 sessions, and there are hidden delights at every turn, such as unexpected ways to enjoy history, unique instructors, and delicious food.

Okamoto

However, even though Kanai is good at sports, it's impossible to walk through Tokaido at first! Didn't you think that?

Kanai

It's impossible! Right? People in the past were amazing. Some of our customers also feel anxious about walking in unfamiliar places.

Okamoto

But the reason this road tour is surprisingly manageable to walk is probably because the distances are set to be just right.

Kanai

It may seem like a very long journey, but the distance is broken down into shorter segments of about 10km per day, so even beginners can easily complete it. If you are worried about your physical condition or stamina, you can also drop out of the tour at any time.

Okamoto

With a navigator and tour guide providing double support, we want you to feel at ease participating in our tours. If you're taking a bus, you can always board the chartered bus if you get tired. It's disappointing to give up halfway through, but it's reassuring to know that support is available!

Kanai

Also, personally, I think the distance between customers is just right.

Okamoto

That's right. When you've been together for 30 sessions, over two years, you naturally become familiar with each other. But it's not like everyone's constantly together, so there's also an atmosphere where people who want to be alone and fully enjoy history can do so at their own pace. Many people participate alone, and I think it's great that the participants seem to understand how to maintain a comfortable distance.

Kanai

Some people participate alone multiple times, while others join different tours with friends they've made, or become interested in other road tours because they like the same navigator.

Okamoto

I think a lot of people will become fans of the navigator! Oh, I meant to say this but I forgot! Check this out.

Kanai

Huh, what is it? (laughs)

Okamoto

This is the protective handprint from Shiba Daijingu Shrine, which we will visit on the first Nihonbashi to Tamachi course. Since we will be stopping by on this tour, be sure to get one at the shrine office! I also walk around wearing a protective handprint like this.

Kanai

Will it bring good fortune?

Okamoto

I feel like I'm being protected! Also, from the second time onward, there's a high chance customers will ask me later, "That's nice, where did you get it?" The first tour stops at Shiba Daijingu Shrine, so I recommend it to those who have decided to "continue Tokaido!"

Kanai

It's really popular, huh? (laughs) It's certainly made of wood, and Mr. Okamoto's guardian handprint has aged beautifully, giving it a lot of character.

Okamoto

Other Navigators' bags are so well-worn they have an antique feel to them. Mine is also gradually showing its age, and I've grown very attached to it as an item that protected me during my travels.

Kanai

I see, that sounds like it would be helpful for enjoying the tour while aiming to complete it. To all our newsletter readers, please enjoy yourselves and don't miss out on things you can only buy or eat at that time! (lol)