Malaysian tour guide is in awe of Japan's spirit of craftsmanship

At the Arashiyama Bamboo Garden in Kyoto, you could ride in a rickshaw just like in the old days. Japan is known for its ancient traditions and quality craftsmanship. — Photos: Apple Vacations

MY good friend Takao Nakagawa invited me to his son’s wedding reception in Kyoto, Japan recently. Takao is the fourth-generation owner of Misugi Onsen Resort in Mie Prefecture in the Kansai region, where Kyoto is.

Because of the wedding reception, I had the very rare opportunity to stay the night at the Furuyasho, a double-storey Japanese-style wooden inn located along Shichijo-dori in Kyoto, that’s more than 100 years old. I asked myself whether such a dilapidated old house was still liveable. What if a major earthquake strikes? Would I be safe? The Kansai region has experienced numerous earthquakes over the years but this building still stands erect.