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Today’s Winning Holiday Story: A Very Tasty Japanese Tradition

Thank you for your “Global Holiday” contest submissions. It was a tough call, but over the coming days I will announce our winners. Today’s winner gives us a peek into a very tasty Japanese Christmas tradition. Take it away, Todd Beck!

If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube .

Cold in Kyoto

Once upon a time, I was in Japan staying at a Kyoto ryokan in January. It was so c-c-c-cold I could see my breath. There was no central heating (as is often the case there). In the middle of the night, I needed to go down the hall to the toilet. I put on my kimono, which was about the size of a lady’s medium. It was comically tight. I slipped into my hallway slippers with the heels hanging over the edge. Dark and very cold. I shuffled on creaky floorboards down the hall and past balsa-wood-like walls. I didn’t want to wake anyone. It was really cold. When I reached the bathroom, I slipped out of hallway slippers and into the awaiting bathroom slippers. Just as small. Dreading the frigid toilet seat, I jockeyed my big body into position. I could still see my breath. Sat down gingerly. The toilet seat…was heated. I love the way different cultures can surprise us…whether in Europe or beyond. I’m heading off to Greece and Turkey tomorrow…anticipating lots of fun and, I hope, a few hot toilet seats. Anne and I will actually be on vacation (but I’m sneaking along my laptop). (By the way, I’ve enjoyed writing this blog far more than I imagined. I enjoy the community of travelers that is part of our conversation. I’m thankful we’re not all in agreement on things that I write about here. I try not to get involved in the back and forth, but I need to respond to some people on the last entry. Before you say that I favor children smoking pot, take a moment to understand my position, and the thinking behind it. When I try to inject European-style pragmatism into an issue we find controversial in our country, I do my best to share my thinking on my website. Simply go to the Social Activism corner and snoop around.)

Why Rick Steves Loves This Country's One-Of-A-Kind Toilets So Much

The unexpected information about toilets in Europe — the continent travel writer and TV host Rick Steves is a bona fide expert — confirms they aren't always the most pleasant. Some are tricky to flush, others don't include toilet paper, and often, you have to pay to use them. So imagine Steves' delight when he visited Japan and experienced the one-of-a-kind restrooms in the Land of the Rising Sun. Though the globe-trotter devotes most of his website to European travel tips and itineraries, he made an exception in one blog post to rave about Japanese toilets. Steves writes that he visited the East Asian country during winter many years ago and still distinctly remembers a middle-of-the-night trip to the restroom at his ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). 

"The rocks in the Zen garden were covered by snow. There was no central heating. I could see my breath," he recalls. Still, he braved the cold and walked to the communal restroom to find the toilet. Steves continues: "Pulling down my pants, I sat slowly...dreading the chill of the seat. It was heated — one of the most delightful surprises I've experienced over a lifetime of travels, the memory of which I still cherish. And before I made any noise, a playful trickle of water played a soundtrack designed to mask any noise I might make." Who knew something so mundane could be so luxurious?

Take a time-out in Japan's restrooms

Rick Steves may have discovered Japanese toilets several years ago, but today, restrooms in Japan continue to wow travelers from all over the world. In 2016, a couple visiting Nagoya from China even tried stealing the pricey toilet seat from their hotel room. We don't suggest committing theft but recommend getting acquainted with the high-tech toilets — this is an essential travel hack when visiting Japan . After all, they're free to use and easy to find in most train stations, shopping centers, and convenience stores (though the latter may be the least clean and might require you to make a purchase first).

Steves noted that Japanese toilet seats are typically heated, particularly in winter. If you're wary of sitting directly on the seat due to hygiene concerns, look for a sanitizer dispenser on the wall next to the toilet. Spritz the sanitizer on some toilet paper and wipe the seat before sitting down. Once seated, you might hear the sound of flushing coming from a nearby speaker. As Steves explained, this is meant to mask any embarrassing noises, offering a sense of privacy.

You'll likely find buttons for several other features, such as bidet functions and a deodorizer. Note that Japanese toilet panels don't always come with English labels, so follow the picture icons or use your phone to translate. And whatever you do, don't accidentally press the emergency button.

Some restrooms double as artwork

Futuristic toilets are available across Japan, but some lead the pack with artistic designs and extra special facilities. There's perhaps no better place to explore the country's unique restrooms than in Shibuya, Tokyo (Coincidentally,  Shibuya is the ideal spot for traveling with kids in Tokyo ). That's where you'll find over a dozen public toilet structures artistically redesigned as part of the Tokyo Toilet project. Among the most fascinating are the designs at Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park and Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park. You'll find a tri-colored, transparent glass building at each site that turns opaque once a visitor locks the door.

Outside of Tokyo are countless other creative toilets and restrooms. For instance, the toilet stalls at Madarao Kogen ski resort in Nagano feature a 360-degree optical illusion of a ski jump. Meanwhile, Chiba's Itabu Station is home to the Toilet in Nature, a glass cubicle nestled right in the middle of a green pasture (note that the facility is only open to women).

Take some time to check out the toilets in popular restaurants and attractions. Often, the designs found in the main rooms extend into the restrooms. However, note that in older and more traditional establishments, you might discover old-school squat toilets (which are, essentially, a no-frills hole in the ground). While these might not offer the modern experience Rick Steves fell in love with, they're a part of quintessential Japanese culture.

The Best Ways To Avoid Being What Rick Steves Calls The 'Ugly Tourist'

T hey walk around with selfie sticks and travel to hotspots like Capri, Bali, and Santorini only to take pictures. They go to Hard Rock Cafes, McDonald's, and Starbucks in places like Barcelona, Berlin, and Bologna. They think that everyone is out to rip them off, that food prepared without gloves is poison, and that in-and-out day trips are the best way to see Venice — which, to them, is nothing but an amusement park. They lug around massive suitcases full of stuff for a one-week trip, and make shopping their top priority. They demand AC, they must have the English-language menu, and they love the safety and comfort of tour buses. They say "thank you" instead of learning "grazie," "merci," or "danke."

This is what travel expert Rick Steves calls the "ugly tourist," and you know one when you see one — unless you might be guilty of being one yourself. The "ugly tourist" phenomenon has nothing to do with looks and everything to do with inconsiderate behavior, ethnocentric perspectives, and a superficial travel style. These are the worst types of travelers , and whether intentionally or unintentionally, they ruin trips not only for themselves but for others. Not to mention the bad impressions and nuisance they impose on the locals! Steves explains that being an ugly tourist is a kind of disease. The only cure? A serious change in attitude. Here are some of the best ways to avoid being an ugly tourist so you can enjoy respectful and beautiful travels.

Read more: 10 Reasons Why A Hotel Might Kick You Out

Travel Like A Cultural Chameleon

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to show respect, suggests Rick Steves, is to learn a few essential words and phrases in the local language . Greetings, thank you, please, and sorry are simply indispensable. Even if your pronunciation isn't perfect, the attempt itself is appreciated. You can talk the talk, but you also have to walk the walk, and that includes adhering to local dress codes. Some destinations are more relaxed, while others have specific guidelines, especially concerning religious sites or conservative cultures. For example, in many European churches, covering your shoulders and knees is expected, and  in certain Asian countries like Malaysia, modesty is important . Researching appropriate attire before you pack can help you blend in and show respect.

Ultimately, every culture has its own customs that might differ significantly from what you're used to. Whether it's tipping practices, dining manners, or social norms, taking the time to learn and follow these can make a big difference. For instance, in Japan and China, it's considered rude to tip, while in America, tipping around 20% is customary. Embrace the differences and view them as part of the adventure — even if travel can sometimes be frustrating due to language barriers, different ways of doing things, and unexpected challenges. Maintaining patience and an open mind is crucial. Rick Steves recommends becoming a "cultural chameleon" and a "temporary local." Challenge yourself with the Italian-language menu, join the late-dinner culture in Spain, and bargain respectfully in Thailand.

Little Things Go A Long Way

Being a responsible traveler also means being mindful of your environmental impact. This includes not littering, respecting wildlife, and being conscious of your footprint. Many destinations, like Venice and Dubrovnik, are struggling with overtourism, which puts a strain on their natural resources. This responsibility extends to man-made monuments as well, as many famous landmarks have been left damaged or disturbed over the years  — from one couple who inscribed their initials in the Colosseum, to a tourist who drove a Maserati down the Spanish Steps. Locals are sick and tired of boorish tourists and are revolting with anti-tourist protests in places like the Canary Islands.

This recent peak in ugly tourism may be due to the influence of social media, where bad-behavior content and selfie-stick narcissism get maximal engagement. Rick Steves advises compulsive photo-takers to put down their cameras and engage with the culture and destination they came to see directly, not through a viewfinder. Photos are great souvenirs, but you just might miss the moment or ruin it altogether while trying so hard to capture it. Speaking of souvenirs, one of the best ways to positively impact the places you visit is by supporting local shops, restaurants, and markets instead of international chains — plus, you'll get a more authentic travel experience. Steves also warns against falling prey to the allure of the tourist shop. Better yet, forgo compulsive shopping altogether and focus your travel energy on immersion, respect, connection, and beauty — no "ugly" necessary. 

Read the original article on Explore .

The best souvenirs are home decor

How to shop smartly while you travel.

Journeying to a new place lets you try on what living in another culture feels and looks like, whether you’re exploring the adobe house-filled streets of Santa Fe or the lantern-lit alleys of an ancient Moroccan city. Many travelers, dazzled by the rug sellers of Istanbul or the pottery workshops of Oaxaca, return with worldly housewares or art to decorate their homes.

“A textile, a clay bowl or an object you pick up at a flea market connects you to a time that you’ve enjoyed, a memory of a place,” says Hilary Robertson , a Brooklyn prop stylist and author of “Nomad at Home: Designing the Home More Traveled .” “If you can’t move to Marrakesh or Kyoto, you can at least recreate something of the feeling.”

But snapping up the best items for your particular home requires a bit of strategy and advance planning. Here’s how to shop smartly, how to get your treasures back in one piece, and what to do with them upon your return.

Do your homework

You usually won’t turn up Indigenous handicrafts or interesting local art at an airport store or the hotel gift shop. “So do research before you go, looking up artisan networks, finding out which days flea markets operate, and figuring out what you might even be able to buy in a given place,” says Rachna Sachasinh, owner of Tikkiwallah , an online shop selling fair-trade Thai and Laotian pillow covers, blankets and other textiles.

Seek tips on what to buy and where to shop from your hotel concierge (or short-term rental owner), and via the websites and social media accounts of official tourism boards. You can also flip through old-school guidebooks (Lonely Planet, Rick Steves), which tend to concentrate on local retailers, rather than the location of every West Elm in Mexico City. TikTok and Instagram also offer potential shopping info, but be wary of paid brand placements.

While cool art and vintage home decor are available at most destinations, “you’ll find more handmade items like textiles, rugs and baskets if you travel to places like Morocco, India and Mexico, which still have living crafts cultures,” says Sachasinh.

Consider hiring a shopping pro

To get straight to the treasure hunting, you could hire a tour guide who specializes in shopping for a few hours. Look for market- or retail-specific experiences in your destination on travel booking sites such as Tripadvisor and Tours by Locals ; using the name of a specific place (“Istanbul Grand Bazaar” or “Oaxaca pottery workshops”) can further winnow your search.

You can also try a simple online search to turn up market-savvy private guides such as Buenos Aires Shop Hop (guided jaunts to leather workshops and vintage markets in Argentina) or Maryam Montague , the proprietor of Peacock Pavilions hotel in Marrakesh, who takes travelers on day-long expeditions through the city’s souks looking for fuzzy tribal rugs, bright pottery and leather poufs.

Or go on a crafts- or shopping-focused trip. Tour companies such as Ace Camps and Thread Caravan host week-long trips to meet artisans and make things alongside them in destinations such as Perú (try weaving in the Sacred Valley near Machu Picchu) or Japan (learn how to use shibori indigo dyes or make pottery ).

Luxury trip-planning company Indagare offers frequent style-centric small group tours to Mallorca, Rajasthan and Paris with dinners in designers’ homes, market excursions and meetups with artists. Grant K. Gibson , an interior designer, leads small groups to destinations such as Jaipur, India, and Oaxaca, Mexico, where they visit showrooms, learn about block printing and woodworking techniques, and usually come back with suitcases full of merchandise.

“Design touches on so many passion points — art, history and culture, food and wine — that trips like these are a great linchpin for learning, exploration and meeting fellow design enthusiasts,” says Indagare founder and chief executive Melissa Bradley.

Know what to look for

To support local artisans, look for fair-trade crafts stores, which pay creators fairly for their products and tend to stock goods representative of a destination. Other top bets: flea markets focused on handmade or antique goods, museum shops, and government-sponsored artisan boutiques or networks. For instance, Artesanías de Colombia shops in Bogotá and Cartagena hawk rope hammocks and palm fiber baskets produced by Indigenous weavers.

“And visiting an artisan workshop might give the deepest connection to something handmade, since you get talk to the crafter or even make something beside them,” says Sachasinh, who recommends the weaving workshops and the blanket- and table runner-stuffed store at Ock Pop Tok in Luang Prabang, Laos. At the Seattle Glass Blowing Studio , artists create the delicate bowls and glasses the Pacific Northwest city is known for — and teach beginners how to make their own.

Think about how you’ll get it home

Serendipity and impulse inspire many souvenir purchases. But if you want a Turkish rug for your living room or a vintage Parisian painting to match your bathroom tile, be sure to travel with photos and measurements of the space you have in mind. “I always bring a measuring tape and swatches of any fabric I want to match, too,” says Montague.

Planning on carrying a lot of items home on the plane? Stash a collapsible duffel (Paravel makes a clever zip-down one ) in your luggage, or, for larger purchases, pack an extra, empty hard-sided suitcase. “It’s usually cheaper to pay for an extra checked bag than to ship a lot of things home,” says Montague. Know that oil paintings can be taken off their stretchers and rolled up, and that you can purchase a throw pillow cover that takes up little luggage space and buy the bulky insert when you arrive home.

“I’m wary of checking a bag with breakables, though,” says Bradley, who has ferried glass and pottery back from Cambodia and South Africa in a hard-sided carry-on.

And whether you are two hours away by car or five time zones away by plane, retailers that sell bulky items can generally guide you toward a shipper, even though it’s often not cheap. “I had this great farmhouse dining table shipped from the Paris flea market, and I’ve had people on my trips to India send home inlaid dressers,” says Gibson.

Get creative

Many housewares bought on your travels can be repurposed, and even ordinary goods found in other countries can seem special or elevated compared to what you’d get at home. “I go to Mexican hardware stores, because even basic items like door hooks or storage bins can be so colorful and fun,” says Robertson.

A Navajo rug can serve as a tablecloth; a beaded Maasai collar morphs into a sculpture when displayed on a wire stand. Even the simplest souvenirs — a vintage postcard of Yellowstone National Park, a scrap of fabric — look terrific when nicely framed.

Grouping disparate travel finds on a gallery wall can make them seem cohesive. “I have the most random ... stuff hung on the wall of the staircase at my house — a painting from India, a brass bowl I got in Turkey,” says San Francisco interior designer Chelsea Sachs . “It’s like a chronicle of my life, and these things remind me of special moments when I get back home.” Indagare’s Bradley arranges Iranian tiles, Burmese boxes and Peruvian ceramics amid the novels and art books on her shelves.

Fabrics, buttons and other easy-to-transport materials you snap up on the road can turn into home accents, even if you aren’t especially crafty. Bring home a couple pieces of washi — a Japanese mulberry paper so storied it’s recognized by UNESCO — to hot-glue onto a lampshade or inside a wooden tray. A basket or other object can be turned into a light fixture. “I carried a huge antique rattan birdcage home on a ferry from Provincetown once, and now it’s a chandelier,” says Robertson.

And almost any textile — a striped Peruvian blanket, a vintage quilt from a flea market — can be fashioned into a throw pillow or shower curtain by your drycleaner or used to reupholster a chair seat. “Sometimes stuff has to hang around for a while before you know what you’ll do with it,” says Sachs.

You might not want to amass a cabinet full of souvenir teacups, spoons or snow globes like your great grandparents did. But the concept of picking up one small object everywhere you travel still has some validity; it might save you from overbuying, and even kitschy trinkets can summon memories. Think about scoring a holiday tree ornament or small flower vase every time you go on a trip, or save a few coins from each foreign country you visit to pile into a bowl on your coffee table. “Pieces from different places become integral to your home and allow you to reconnect with a destination and its aesthetic,” says Bradley.

Jennifer Barger writes the Substack “The Souvenirist,” which explores where to travel and what to buy when you get there. She’s on Instagram at @dcjnell.

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