In this age of Covid-19 coronavirus, it can be hard to feel hopeful about the future, especially with overseas travel still restricted. If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Japan, but you just don’t see it happening any time soon, then we’ve got just the thing to feed your wanderlust.
The Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) has released a new promotional video reminding travellers to stay hopeful throughout the pandemic. At the start, the video reminds us that ‘beyond the clouds, there is always light’, before taking us on a journey through Japan, from what looks like the white sand beaches of Okinawa to a zen rock garden in Kyoto, and to the grand Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.
We get to witness Japan’s four seasons, each special in their own distinct way – snowboarding in the white powdered hills of Hokkaido, walking beneath a gentle shower of spring cherry blossom petals, diving into the watery depths off Japan's tropical islands, and seeing vermillion koyo (autumn foliage) in Kyoto. The video ends with the phrase ‘hope lights the way’, filling our hearts with a new longing to travel, experience new cultures and food, and live life.
This year, Japan was ranked the ninth most peaceful place in the world, and looking at this video, it’s hard to disagree. You might not be able to pack your bags for Japan just yet, but thanks to the JNTO, you can get a taste of what’s waiting for you when you next visit.
Watch the video (and get some tissues handy) on JNTO’s YouTube page.
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