I visited lesser-known parts of Japan. The trip taught me to say ‘yes’ more.

Tracy Block traveled to Japan for the first time and visited lesser-known parts of the country.

Provided by Tracy Block Tracy Block traveled to Japan for the first time, visiting the lesser-known Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures.

She tried local foods, stayed in a traditional inn, and learned from artisans preserving centuries-old Japanese crafts.

The trip pushed her to say "yes" to experiences outside her comfort zone.

Some days, life goes your way.

Other days, AI steals another client from your content marketing roster while your French bulldog is undergoing a $2,500 corneal ulcer treatment, and rent is due on the first.

So when times are tough, I've found that saying "no" rolls off the tongue quite smoothly — to fancy dinners, concert tickets, and most disappointingly, international travel.

That was, until an offer to visit Japan for the first time fell in my lap.

So, against my better judgment, I said "yes" and joined a group of American women invited to learn about two lesser-known regions in Japan: Toyama and Ishikawa prefectures.

Embracing the local culture After spending eight days traveling and eating my way through Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, I hopped on a high-speed train to Toyama Prefecture, about 120 miles northeast of Kyoto.

Off the bat, Toyama reminded me of the lush and scenic Pacific Northwest.

And much like the PNW, there's a strong local culture surrounding food, imbibing, and the arts — in fact, at a glass museum, I unexpectedly discovered an exhibit by renowned Washington-based glass artist Dale Chihuly.

During my three days in Toyama, food was a major part of the experience.

My first omakase lunch included endless rounds of sushi courses with fresh seafood from Toyama Bay — I squeamishly devoured a head-to-tail deep-fried ayu sweetfish.