Arigato Mr. Roboto

Nestled on a big brown leather couch in northern Japan. The wear and tear doesn’t make it any less of a perfect spot on a rainy afternoon. It matches the condition of the house. Worn down but heavily loved. For years, travelers from all over the world have occupied the 6 bedroom “Gaijin House” in the small town of Iwanai. Gaijin refers to most foreigners traveling Japan, in this case however, it usually just means white people. One of the lone Japanese terms I actually knew thanks to Fast and Furious.

This slow fishing village on the island of Hokkaido represents much of Japan outside the major cities. An aging population rooted in tradition. They’re considerably more interested in your manners than your money. A friendly smile goes a long way to overcome the language barrier, but if you stab at your food with chop sticks, you should expect scowling stares in return.

The natural beauty of their landscape is stunning. It is the winter season though when the island is at its best. Freezing Siberian winds pick up moisture over the Sea of Japan, producing huge storms of the freshest powder on earth. Hokkaido has become globally known as a mecca for deep fluffy snow. The nearby city of Niseko has been the big winner of this global popularity. The city’s reputation surged over the years and powder junkies from every corner of the earth have Japan on their bucket list. Winter tourism has the mountains and resorts overcrowded and real estate values skyrocketing. This is something the people of Iwanai have no interest in taking part of.

The mountain resort where I’ve been volunteering specializes in cat skiing. No lift tickets, just your group of friends loaded into what is similar to a big tractor and brought to every corner of the mountain. Deep and fluffy powder is the standard. You’ll also receive plenty of hot, homemade donuts on each ride back to the top. The day’s completed with some of the best sushi you’ll ever have and a long soak in the Onsen (hot springs). The resort is fully booked before a flurry of snow ever touches the ground. There’s a hefty price for the luxury of what is essentially a private mountain, but every year without fail, the demand far outweighs the supply.

The mountains owners embody the spirit of the town. They’re not looking to maximize profits or squeeze in as many tourists as possible. Their priority is to deliver an unparalleled product to a small subset of people who will respect the traditions of the town and remember the experience forever.

It’s currently summertime. The other gaijin and I are helping with renovations and setting the resort up for another successful winter. You better believe I’ll be back for some powder days. At least then, when I’m flailing through the air full speed, I’ll land in a big fluffy cloud of Japanese winter goodness. Even in summer, we get to enjoy the other greatest part of Iwanai. This little fishing haven is one of the major providers of fresh seafood to Tokyo. Before flying out the fish daily, the local restaurants and supermarkets get stocked with the greatest product you could ever imagine.

I must be such a funny sight for the locals. My jaw is on the floor as I stroll the deli section of the grocery store. Noticeably excited and goggling over the endless fresh sushi and prepared meals. I have little to no idea what most things are, which makes it all the more fun. For less than $10, you’ll eat better quality fish than any restaurant in NYC.

Other than the grocery store, the Onsen is my happy place. Japanese hot springs across the street from our mountain house with a cold plunge and sauna… How does it get better than that? Like most places here, there are unspoken rules that need to be followed in these communal facilities. People keep an eye on the lone gaijin to make sure I abide by the customs. I quietly check the boxes, occasionally attracting a curious local who engages me in conversation. We can never truly communicate, but the simple few words back and forth let me know I’m doing alright.

Japan has quickly become one of my favorite locations so far. After an unreal few months in Australia, I worked my way up southeast Asia and eventually to my current home. Along the way, unlimited Nasi Goreng (spicy fried rice) in Indonesia and picturesque beaches in Vietnam were two of the many highlights. Though the prevailing theme of my travels to date – it’s all about the people. Not a new idea, my Datasite family tried to tell me a hundred times. They’d be proud to know I’ve finally fully embraced the simple idea. A place is just another place – it’s all about the people.

I’ve been blessed to meet some amazing people throughout my journey. Even more blessed for those relationships I already had at home.

Much love to all