Zatsu Tabi Episode 4 champions the sentiment that getting sloshed in a place with stunning views is one of life’s greatest joys. I’m highly fond of traveling to check out microbreweries and distilleries, so an episode on visiting sake-oriented destinations spoke to me.
Now that we’re a third of the way through Zatsu Tabi: That’s Journey, it’s easy to see which parts of the show are entertaining and which fall flat.
Zatsu Tabi Episode 4 — From Shrine to Sea
With the area around Kyoto taking center stage, we’re once more treated to the cultural sights of Japan. The main deviation from the previous episode is that with this new destination came two new characters, Riri Tenkuubashi (VA Youko Hikasa) and Fuyune Koujiya (Satomi Satou). But even with the introduction of new characters and destinations, the story remains the same.
The episode can be summed up as “kawaii waifu travels, checks out the sights, eats some good food, then takes a bath.” It’s definitely comfy, but there’s little to write about.
Random Thoughts
Without a doubt, this show is meant to inspire anime fans to travel to the places it’s highlighting. And while Zatsu Tabi: That’s Journey has been responsible for 7 personal trips so far, it still can’t get me interested in cultural sites. If I ever visit Japan, I’d probably hit up a shrine or two just to say I’ve been to a shrine in Japan. But when it comes to historical and cultural travel, there’s no FOMO there.
However, the other side of that spectrum exists. Anyone interested in Japanese history and lesser-known destinations would love this show. Nature lovers like me might find themselves checking out some cool spots if they’re thinking about visiting Japan.
The girl’s visit to Amanohashidate was the personal highlight of this episode, though judging by the pictures … I’m not sure about calling this one of “Japan’s three most scenic views.” As a superfan of Laid Back Camp and Yama no Susume, I’ve spent plenty of time looking at the destinations in those shows, and they look way more appealing.
Production-wise, Zatsu Tabi: That Journey has been steady, though I question how Fuyune was animated. One moment her eye is visible through her hair, the other it’s hidden. Only God and Studio Makaria can tell you if that’s a mistake or if they were aiming for moeness.
Drunk Tourists Are a Pain
I’m an advocate for public drinking. Hell, I’d go a step further — if you’re on a trip with someone just shy of the legal drinking age, give them a beer (talking to you Zatsu Tabi Episode 4). Trust me, the crap we eat does more damage to someone in their late teens than a beer with dinner, but for God’s sake, behave. No one wants rowdy drunk tourists in their town. Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, and various other EU countries are starting to clamp down on tourism.
If you’re not happy on an adventure unless you leave some bodily fluid on the ground, go to Obscene Extreme. Those shows have at least 8 different kinds of bodily fluids in their pits.
Screenshots via Crunchyroll
©Kenta Ishizaka 2023/KADOKAWA/”Zatsu Tabi” Production Committee
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