Throughout the streets of Japan’s busiest cities, the blending of the traditional and the modern is always on display. Centuries-old cherry blossom trees bloom among sky-high radio towers and high-end shopping districts. Kimono shops and tea houses are located near anime-themed restaurants, foot bath cafés, and hip coffee houses. Even the women merge old-style fashion influences with contemporary designs.
The land of the rising sun attracts tourists seeking both the simplicity of Zen gardens and top-dollar, trendy omakase, or chef-curated meals. Professional photographers are often on hand to capture families exploring the juxtaposition of Japan’s culture featuring old-world elements and modern comforts.
Krisha Chachra served eight years on the Blacksburg Town Council and has written for NRV Magazine for a decade. She is a member of The Mama Movement and a proud mom to a curious toddler. Krisha is a community advocate and connector and runs an event production organization that hosts Up on the Roof. Krisha has reported and hosted shows for public radio and television and has freelanced for USA Weekend Magazine, the Honolulu Advertiser and the Alexandria Gazette among others. Her book about returning to Blacksburg, Homecoming Journals, may be found online or in local bookstores.