For Those Seeking Unpredictable Journeys: Following in the Footsteps of Popular Show How do you like wednesday?

After their initial airing, edited versions of the Return series, the Classic series and the Premier series are repeatedly broadcast nationwide, and they are also available for streaming on hod (HTB’s on-demand service) and Netflix. Additionally, many segments are compiled into DVD and Blu-ray sets. The packaged versions often include more footage than the broadcast versions, and the bonus audio commentary features detailed explanations and casual conversations by the two cast members and the directors’ team, providing fans with an even richer experience of the show.

There are several ways to travel all around Japan in a “How do you like wednesday?” fashion. Regardless of the method you choose, maintaining a positive and resilient attitude is key to making your journey enjoyable.

One of the charms of Tohoku is its advantageous location, where you can leisurely prepare for cherry blossom viewing after hearing the cherry blossom news starting from the south. Taking advantage of this, you can enjoy the elegance of patiently waiting for the slowly advancing Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and pinpointing the beautiful yet fleeting forefront of their blooming. In which town and in which prefecture will you capture the northernmost blooming this year?

There was once a tour where a large number of people followed the route of the Sakura Front Capture Operation. The tour featured various arrangements prepared by the hosts to entertain the guests. While it’s not possible to experience the exact same arrangements as back then, it’s still possible to embark on a journey following the trail of the tour. You can enjoy it even when the cherry blossoms are not in bloom.

To pass an entrance exam and get accepted to the school of your choice, it’s crucial to develop a solid foundation that allows you to tackle any subject by studying comprehensively. However, it’s also been a long-standing strategy to zero in on specific areas to unleash the greatest breakthrough power when it comes to taking exams. How about revisiting Ishikawa and Toyama, the two prefectures known for being “zeroed in on,” as a part of your journey for active learning?
If you happen to face any shortcomings after showcasing the knowledge gained from your on-site experiences, there’s always the option to embark on a journey to Shikoku for further exploration. Whether you smoothly return home from Ishikawa or extend your trip to Shikoku, it all depends on what you gain from your journey through Hokuriku.

To travel around Kanto, Yamanashi, Nagano and Tohoku in the style of the show, there are broadly two methods. The first method is making use of the Category 1 motorized bicycles (50cc) as demonstrated in the fourth option of “Travel across Japan.” The motorized bicycles you acquire in Tokyo will undoubtedly come in handy for future adventures. You want to be accustomed to riding them regularly, but when embarking on long distances, be sure to familiarize yourself with gear changes and throttle control when starting off, so you won’t panic when the time comes.

And another option is to rely on your own feet to make your way. Once you land at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, start walking right away. Enjoy the picturesque scenery along the Tamagawa River, observe the transformation from pastoral landscapes to the towering skyscrapers of the city center, and walk your way from the downtown area through the traditional neighborhoods to the newly developed residential districts. Walking this route on your own will undoubtedly bring a sense of accomplishment, albeit perhaps accompanied by a few complaints along the way.

When traveling around Kansai, Chugoku, San-in and Kyushu in the “How do you like wednesday?” style, a reliable option is once again the Category 1 motorized bicycle (50cc). Starting from Kyoto City, you can smoothly navigate the narrow national and prefectural roads that now serve as old routes toward the Japan Sea side. While it may struggle on slopes, its reliable cargo-carrying capacity and maneuverability make it a trustworthy companion. When crossing from Honshu to Kyushu, you can conveniently pass through the tunnel dug under the Kanmon Straits by pushing your motorized bicycle.

It’s also a good idea to revisit the places that helped you during your travels. In western Japan, consider visiting the small workshop of “Hime Daruma (doll)” in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu. When you have a clear purpose, be sure to inquire about the operating days and hours beforehand.

What makes Shikoku particularly notable as a travel destination is that even when you don’t plan to go there, you often find yourself there somehow. If you end up in Shikoku by chance anyway, you might want to visit the place with a proactive attitude.
When it comes to thoroughly exploring the four prefectures of Shikoku, embarking on the Shikoku Pilgrimage is the most suitable and purpose-driven option. The pilgrimage involves visiting the holy eighty-eight temples that are the training traces of Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai or Odaishi-sama), who is said to have been born in Sanuki. Traveling clockwise from Tokushima through Kochi, Ehime and Kagawa, you’ll often encounter magnificent views from mountain tops and gradually find yourself feeling more serene. Another appealing aspect of the pilgrimage is the option to travel counterclockwise from Kagawa (called gyaku-uchi), adding variety to the journey.

However, when there are time constraints such as a set return flight, the latter half of the pilgrimage tends to become a challenging journey. To pilgrimage with composure and ensure that your serene expression doesn’t turn stern, you should allocate a longer schedule. Additionally, depending on the season, there may be situations like cable cars not operating or roads being closed due to snow, so if you plan to complete the entire pilgrimage, be sure to carefully plan your journey in advance.
Of course, while it’s unnecessary to vocalize plans on where to eat udon, it’s best to decide on this aspect beforehand and prioritize its execution above all else.

Taking frequent overnight buses on the fly, traveling with a Category 1 motorized bicycle (50cc), or being on the road for long distances with short schedules can lead to accumulating fatigue. It’s a good idea to occasionally insert a healing journey to take care of your body.
By making the resort hotel itself the destination, you can enjoy a stay-focused trip where you can relax within the hotel grounds. The ample facilities, luxurious room amenities, and numerous activities offered will keep you interested and entertained without needing to venture outside the resort.
The only concern is the length of stay. To fully enjoy the facilities and activities, you’ll need a decent amount of time. In short trips, if you try to do everything and end up running around the grounds, you might ironically get tired and return home exhausted, which defeats the purpose. When attempting this type of journey, take plenty of time off.

There may be occasions when you end up on a remote island during a journey across the country relying on chance, but often the short duration of stay prevents you from fully enjoying the place. Therefore, to thoroughly enjoy the experience, make a remote island your destination from the start.
Walking around a small island, engaging in fishing at various water spots, spending the night fishing until dawn as you lay down in a casual jogging suit, or exploring hidden gems of the island with the guidance of locals with unique personalities—all these options are worthwhile.
Remote islands with warm climates are often susceptible to the impact of typhoons, so choose the right season when visiting to avoid getting stranded. However, if you do get stranded, maintaining a positive attitude and actively enjoying the experience can make the journey entertaining.

Have you decided on the direction of your journey?
Where to go, what your purpose will be—those still undecided might consider entrusting their fate to some dice. When it's time to set off, always approach it with the spirit of a first venture, and aim to return safely and enriched from your travels. The essence of delightful travel lies in not being too rigid about your destination or schedule. Don’t fret, travelers!