SAEDNEWS: Kotaro Takada, who traveled through scenic regions of Turkey on the back of a donkey, said that people who saw him reacted in different ways. He explained that many assumed he was an Afghan shepherd. When he told them he was Japanese, they refused to believe him.
According to Saed News, citing Fararu, while tourists from different countries visit Turkey’s famous attractions, the unique way Kotaro Takada, a Japanese tourist, explored the country surprised many people.
Kotaro, 30, who had previously traveled to several countries, chose to travel across Turkey on a donkey. His journey began at sunrise and took him through rural roads and around tourist areas in Cappadocia.
He sometimes stayed in hotels and other times accepted invitations to stay in people’s homes. Takada said the idea of traveling by donkey came to him during a trip to Morocco five years ago, and he believes Turkey is a safe country for such travel.
He noted that people had different reactions when they saw him. Some thought he was an Afghan shepherd and were surprised when he said he was Japanese. Others asked him, “You come from the land of technology—why a donkey?” He explained that he is not in a hurry and prefers slow travel. He enjoys walking and believes donkeys are emotional animals similar to humans.
Takada said the donkey initially tried to escape twice but eventually got used to him. Expressing his admiration for the plateaus he visited, he added that they spent some of their best moments in the plateau area they visited in Sparta. He described the environment as peaceful, with clean air and a heavenly landscape.
He also stated that he will leave the donkey at a farm in the Torbalı region and continue his journey in European countries with another donkey.
