2018/2/23 - Southern Odyssey - Taketomi

For my last post in the Southern Odyssey Series, I visited the traditional Island of Taketomi in the Yaeyama Islands... read all

2018/2/23 - Southern Odyssey - Ishigaki City

For my second last day in Okinawa, I decided to see what Ishigaki City had to offer. For those who do not know, Ishigaki City is the most southern major city in Japan... read all

2018/2/22 - Southern Odyssey - Ishigaki Island

For my second last day in Japan, I decided to hire a car and drive around Ishigaki to see what the island had to offer... read all

2018/2/21 - Southern Odyssey - Iriomote

After catching the Nakama River Cruise earlier in the day, I decided to drive around the rest of Iriomote in the Yaeyama Islands... read all

2018/2/20 - Southern Odyssey - Okinawa to Iriomote

For today, I am traveling from Okinawa to Iriomote in the Yaeyama Islands which requires quite a bit of travel... read all

2018/2/19 - Southern Odyssey - Okinawa WW2 Sites

For my last day in Okinawa, I visited some of the main sites in south which are based around the American invasion in 1945... read all

2018/2/19 - Southern Odyssey - Okinawa Day 5 Southern Attractions

For my last two days on Okinawa, I decided to visit some of the major and minor attractions found in Southern Okinawa... read all

2018/2/18 - Southern Odyssey - Okinawa Day 4 Naha

For my fourth day in Okinawa, I decided to visit most of the main sites around the capital of Naha... read all

2018/2/17 - Southern Odyssey - Okinawa Day 3

For my third day on Okinawa Main Island I decided to go up North and complete quite a few walks... read all

2018/2/16 - Southern Odyssey - Ocean Expo Park

For the afternoon on my second full day on Okinawa, I decided to visit Ocean Expo Park which is considered the main attraction on the island... read all

2018/2/16 - Southern Odyssey - Ie Island

Ie Island is located around a 25 minute ferry ride from Motobu Port in the North West Coast of Okinawa's main island and feels as though it's a world away... read all

2018/2/15 - Southern Odyssey - Okinawa Hanami Report

When I decided to visit Okinawa in the middle of winter - the last thing I expected to find was one of the most unique Hanami spots in the whole of Japan... read all

2018/2/15 - Southern Odyssey - Okinawa Day 1

The history of Okinawa is quite interesting and is not as black and white as that of the mainland... read all

2018/2/14 - Southern Odyssey - Amami to Okinawa

For my last day on Amami Oshima, I visited a couple of beaches, made my way to Okinawa and went to a couple of attractions located close to my hotel... read all

2018/2/13 - Southern Odyssey - Amami Day 3

For my third day on Amami Oshima, I decided to drive along the sparsely populated West Coast. The roads are windy and narrow but often offer spectacular views... read all

2018/2/12 - Southern Odyssey - Amami Day 2

For my second day in Amami Oshima, I drove from Naze to Setouchi and visited many of the major attractions found around the island... read all

2018/2/11 - Southern Odyssey - Amami Day 1

After catching a 2 hour plane from Osaka Itami Airport, I picked up my car (the best way to get around the island) and visited the following locations... read all

2017/7/4 - Shikotsu Lake to Noboribetsu - Hokkaido

For my last full day in Japan for this trip, I made my way from Shikotsu Lake to Noboribetsu via Lake Toyako... read all

2017/7/3 - Otaru to Shikotsu - Hokkaido

For my second last full day in Japan, I drove between Otaru and Skikotsu Lake which is located south of Sapporo... read all

2017/7/2 - Otaru - Hokkaido

After visiting Yoichi earlier in the morning, I finally made my way to the touristy port town of Otaru... read all

2017/7/2 - Yoichi - Hokkaido

After staying at Sapporo last night, I decided to take a side trip to Yoichi on my way to Otaru read all

2017/7/1 - Biei to Sapporo - Hokkaido

For today, I drove from Biei to Sapporo via Furano, which is also known for it's flower fields... read all

2017/6/30 - Sounkyo Onsen to Biei - Hokkaido

After a good soak (onsen) and good feed (kaiseki) last night, my job for the day was to make my way to Biei... read all

2017/6/29 - Shibetsu to Sounkyu Onsen - Hokkaido

After completing a lot of driving yesterday, I was traveling a much shorter distance between Shibetsu to Sounkyu Gorge/Onsen in the Daisetsuzan National Park... read all

2017/6/28 - Hokkaido: Wakkanai to Shibetsu

Early this morning, I caught a 2 hour ferry from Rebun Island to Wakkanai. I then picked up my car a little before lunch... read all

2017/6/27 - Rebun Island - Lake Kushu & Kafuka

For my last day on Rebun Island, I decided to take an easy walk around Lake Kushu along with visiting some small sites found in Kafuka... read all

2017/6/26 - Rebun Island - Momoiwa Course

After two drizzly days in Hokkaido, it was great to see the weather clear up as I made my way to Rebun Island... read all

2017/6/25 - Rishiri Island - Hokkaido

After spending a few days sweltering in the Kansai Region, I was a little shocked to get off the plane at Rishiri Island to find that the temperature at 2PM in Summer was a chilly 11 C... read all

2017/6/23 - Imaicho - Nara Prefecture

For my last day in Nara prefecture, I decided to visit Imaicho before hopping on a plane to Hokkaido... read all

2017/6/22 - Asuka & Sakurai - Nara Prefecture

For today's post, I visited some of the local attractions which can be found around Asuka and Sakurai. As this location is known as the cradle of Japanese civilization... read all

2017/6/22 - Nara Yamoto 4 Temple Pilgrimage

Since Nara Prefecture is known for being the cradle of Japanese civilization, it should come as no surprise that it's also home to some of the oldest temples found in Japan... read all

2017/6/21 - Yoshino - Nara Prefecture

After spending my last day in Osaka Prefecture, I picked up my car from Kansai Airport and drive 90 km's to Yoshino which is based in Nara Prefecture... read all

2017/6/20 - Sakai - Osaka Prefecture

When most people visit Osaka Prefecture, they visit Osaka City but do not visit any of the rural or secondary cities... read all

2017/6/19 - Osaka - Namba Area

When many Japanese think of Osaka, they often remember the Glico Running Man which can be found in Dotonbori... read all

2017/6/19 - Western Osaka

For my second day in Japan, I decided to visit some of the western attractions found around Osaka City... read all

2017/6/18 - Kansai & Hokkaido Trip Intro & Central Osaka

Over the next three days, I will be exploring the general Osaka and Sakai area. The main areas visited today were based around the Osaka Castle Area and the Tennoji Area... read all

2017/2/6 - Closed Kurume - Fukuoka

For my last day in Kyushu, I drove from to Kurume City which is located rather close to Fukuoka City... read all

2017/2/5 - Miyazaki to Kobayashi

For my last full day in Miyazaki, I made by way from Miyazaki city to the gateway city of Kobayashi which is not really known for anything in particular... read all

2017/2/4 - Obi Castle Town - Miyazaki

Obi Castle Town is a highly impressive preserved samurai district located roughly 1 hours drive from downtown Miyazaki City... read all

2017/2/4 - Nichinan Coast - Miyazaki

For my third full day in Miyazaki, I made my way down south along the Nichinan Coast... read all

2017/2/3 - Gardens & Museums of Miyazaki City

After an early breakfast in Takachiho, I decided to drive the 130 km to Miyazaki City to see what this laid back city has to offer... read all

2017/2/2 - Shrines of Takachiko - Miyazaki

For my first day in Miyazaki, I decided to visit Takachiho which is known for a famous story where the sun goddess hid in a cave... read all

2017/2/1 - Usuki City - Oita

For my last day in Oita, I visited the main sites in Usuki City along with a few sites a little outside of the city centre... read all

2017/1/31 - Hita & Surrounds - Oita

As I had a free day today, I decided to take a drive to Hita which is located roughly 50 km's from Yufuin... read all

2017/1/31 - Yufuin Onsen - Oita

After visiting Beppu in the morning, I made my way to Yufuin which is known for both it's onsens and spectacular scenery... read all

2017/1/30 - Hells of Beppu

As Beppu Town is not as picturesque as many other onsen towns due to sheer over development, I decided to focus on the main reason why the onsen water is in this town... read all

2017/1/30 - Oita City - Oita

For my second post today, I quickly visited the main sites that the capital of Oita Prefecture had to offer... read all

2017/1/29 - Kitsuki Castle Town - Oita

Kitsuki Castle Town is a large and high quality traditional town which is roughly 30 kilometers from Oita City... read all

2017/1/28 - Hiji Castle Town - Oita

Hiji is located around a 15 minute drive from Beppu and is known as the little brother to the more impressive and larger Kitsuki... read all

2017/1/28 - Templing in Kunisaki Hanto

After a good soak in an onsen at the aptly named Yamaga Onsen, I decided to spend my second full day in Oita... read all

2017/1/27 - Nakatsu to Yamaga Onsen

For the second half of my first day, I continued to drive East towards the base of the Kunisaki Peninsula... read all

2017/1/27 - Eastern Kyushu Trip Info & Nakatsu

Over 12 nights in chilly January and February 2017, I will be driving through Oita, Miyazaki and Fukuoka prefectures to see what these slightly less visited locations have to offer... read all

2016/8/2 - Ohori Park - Fukuoka

After two enjoyable but hot weeks in North Western Kyushu my last post will cover the large and sprawling Ohori Park found in Fukuoka City... read all

2016/8/1 - Fukuoka's Gion Temple Cluster

For my second last day in Japan after travelling all the way from Mt Unzen in Nagasaki Prefecture was a temple and shrine cluster found near Gion Station in Fukuoka... read all

2016/7/31 - Unzen Onsen - Nagasaki Prefecture

For my second last night in Japan - I decided to head out to Unzen Onsen along the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki Prefecture... read all

2016/7/31 - Shimabara - Nagasaki Prefecture

Shimabara is a sleepy town located in the South East of Nagasaki prefecture and is known for the historically important Shimabara rebellion... read all

2016/7/30 - Nagasaki City - Northern City Attractions

For my second day in Nagasaki, I visited quite a few temples along with a few of the main sites found in the northern section of the city... read all

2016/7/29 - Nagasaki City - Southern Attractions

At present, I have travelled to many parts of Japan but Nagasaki is probably close to my favourite major city in Japan... read all

2016/7/29 - Hashima - Nagasaki Prefecture

Hashima Island or Gunkanjima is a small but previously heavily populated island located around 50 minutes from Nagasaki by fast speed boat.... read all

2016/7/28 - Huis Ten Bosch Day 2 (Day)

For my second day at Huis Ten Bosch - I decided to visit the remaining attractions I did not visit last night... read all

2016/7/26 - Hirado Part 2 - Nagasaki

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2016/7/26 - Hirado Part 1 - Nagasaki

For today, I decided to visit Hirado which is a rather rural island found off the North Western coast of Nagasaski prefecture... read all

2016/7/25 - Gardens of Takeo - Saga Prefecture

Takeo is a easily accessible onsen town with good transport links to both Nagasaki and Fukuoka... read all

2016/7/24 - Yutoku Inari Shrine

Yutoku Inari Shrine is located roughly 50 minutes by bus from Ureshima (920 yen one way) or 10 minutes from Kashima Bus Station... read all

2016/7/24 - Ureshino - Saga

Ureshino is a small onsen town in Saga prefecture located around 40 minutes by bus from Takeo Onsen which has it's own train station... read all

2016/7/23 - Yoshinogari Park - Saga

Yoshinogari Park is an impressive archaeological site which looks at the Yayoi Period (around time of Christ)... read all

2016/7/23 - Saga City - Saga Prefecture

When you normally visit the prefectural capital it's normally a hive of commerce and activity... read all

2016/7/27 - Huis Ten Bosch Day 1 (Night)

Huis Ten Bosch is a rather unique theme park based on European Canal towns located around 18 minutes by train from Sasebo... read all

2016/7/22 - Yobuko - Saga Prefecture

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2016/7/21 - Karatsu City - Saga

For my first day in Saga, I decided to visit the quiet seaside castle town of Karatsu which is also known for it's pottery. The town can be reached from Hakata (Fukuoka)... read all

2016/7/20 - Mojiko - Fukuoka

Mojiko is a pretty little town located near Kokura (Kitakyushu) and is known for it's proximity to Honshu... read all

2016/7/20 - Kokura - Fukuoka

After visiting some of the sites located around Fukuoka city - I decided to jump on the Shinkansen for 16 minutes in Hakata and travel to Kokura... read all

2016/7/19 - Dazaifu - Fukuoka

For my third day in NW Kyushu, I decided to visit the shrine town of Dazaifu which is located relatively close to Fukuoka city... read all

2016/7/18 - Nokonoshima Island - Fukuoka

For my second full day in Fukuoka City, I decided to visit Nokonoshima Island which is located relatively close to the city centre... read all

2016/7/17 - NW Kyushu Trip Info & Yanagawa

As I visited on a Sunday in summer, there were quite a few people on the train who had also purchased the same ticket as I did... read all

2016/3/2 - Shikoku Highlights

For my last post of this series, I've decided to put together my personal Best of Shikoku List... read all

2016/2/20 - Okayama Museum Cluster - Okayama Prefecture

After spending a highly enjoyable 2 weeks travelling around Shikoku, I decided to make a quick stop over in Okayama city... read all

2016/2/19 - Marugame & Kotohira - Kagawa Prefecture

For my last full day in Shikoku, I decided to drive from Matsuyama to Marugame and Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture. After around 125 km's and 25 tunnels, I finally made my way back to almost where I started - that being 30 km's from Takamatsu read all

2016/2/18 - Matsuyama - Ehime Prefecture

After travelling by car or public transport to get to most of my locations visited, it was a nice breath of fresh air to wake up... read all

2016/2/17 - Uchihiko - Ehime

After visiting Ozu earlier in the day, I decided to also stop by Uchiko on my way to Matsuyama... read all

2016/2/17 - Ozu - Ehime Prefecture

For this morning, I decided to continue my visit around the old castle town of Ozu. This town has good English signage and is relatively compact... read all

2016/2/16 - Seiyo

After visiting Uwajima earlier in the day than expected, I noticed that I was around 20 minutes from a little town called Seiyo... read all

2016/2/15 - Kochi to Otsuki

For today, I was driving more than half the length of Kochi prefecture from Kochi to Otuski which is much slower and further than it looks... read all

2016/2/14 - Kochi - Kochi - Kochi

After a very wet Saturday, I explored the main sites in Kochi city under much better weather which was refreshing... read all

2016/2/16 - Uwajima - Ehime Prefecture

As I started the day in Otsuki and finished in Ozu, I have decided to post two user reports for today... read all

2016/2/21 - Hadaka Matsuri: Saidaji Temple Okayama

or the past 500 or so years on the 3rd Saturday in February, the Saidaiji Temple near Okayama city has celebrated the Hadaka Matsuri... read all

2016/2/13 - Toyo to Yasu via Aki

On a very rainy Saturday - I drove from Toyo to Yase which is located relatively close to Kochi... read all

2016/2/12 - Naruto to Toya

For today, I started the day in Naruto which is known mainly for it's whirlpools caused by deep water and high water inflow through the Seto sea... read all

2016/2/11 - Takamatsu to Naruto

After visiting Yashima-ji and Shikoku Mura earlier in the day - I started my first large drive in Shikoku today by driving between Takamatsu and Naruto... read all

2016/2/10 - Takamatsu - Kagawa Prefecture

Takamatsu is one of the largest cities in Shikoku and is also the capital of Kagawa prefecture... read all

2016/2/11 - Artsy Naoshima: Honmura Art Project

fter exploring most of the major sites on Naoshima yesterday, I decided to walk from my accommodation near the Benesse House... read all

2016/2/11 - Artsy Naoshima: Tsutsuji-so to Miyanoura Port

Two decades ago, Naoshima along with many of the Seto Islands seemed to be dying a slow death... read all

2016/2/10 - Shikoku Trip Info & Artsy Teshima

My name is Mathew Fedley and I teach Science & Math in Suzhou, China. Apart from teaching/tormenting Grade 7 students in my spare time, I also have a passion for travel... read all

2015/7/19 - Accommodation in Japan - Last Post

If there is one thing Japan has in abundance - it's different types of accommodation. There are minshuku's, ryokan's, business hotels, love hotels, normal hotels, shukubo's and even pensions just to name a few... read all

2015/7/19 - Food in Japan

For most people who have travelled Japan, they know that the food can be amazing if you know where to look... read all

2015/7/15 - Hongu Taisha - Wakayama

For my last full day of touring in Japan before I made my way back to Narita, I decided to drive 60 minutes from Shingu to the last of the three main Kumuno shrines... read all

2015/7/14 - Shingu & Ogi Matsuri - Wakayama

For today I travelled a whole 15 minutes by train from Kii-Katsuura to my next location of Shingu which is mainly known for the Hayatama Taishia Grand Shrine... read all

2015/7/13 - Nachi Taisha & Kii-Katsuura - Wakayama

For today, I continued my trip along the Kunamo Kodo in Wakayama prefecture by visiting Nachi Taisha which is one of the three main shrines along the Kumano pilgrimage route... read all

2015/7/12 - Kii-Tanabe & Kumano Kodo - Wakayama

After spending two nights in Wakayama city I made the 70 minute train journey to the gateway of the Kumano Kodo... read all

2015/7/10 - Wacky Wakayama City - Wakayama

Wakayama is a sprawling city which is only 1 hour from Shin-Osaka station by aptly hourly express trains... read all

2015/7/8 - Tottori City - Tottori Prefecture

Tottori city is easily over 6 hours from Tokyo via express train and Shinkansen and life is much slower here than the major cities in Kanto and Kansai... read all

2015/7/6 - Izushi - Hyogo

When I was in Kinosaki Onsen, I went on a small half day trip to the old castle town of Izushi... read all

2015/7/5 - Kinosaki Onsen - Hyogo

After spending a night at Yamanaka Onsen, I'm making my way down to Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture... read all

2015/7/4 - Yamanaka Onsen - Ishikawa

For today, I visited Yamanaka Onsen which is one of the four onsen towns based around Kaga Station... read all

2015/7/3 - Wajima to Wakura - Ishikawa

After driving around the east coast of the Noto Peninsula yesterday, I decided to check out what Wajima had to offer along with travelling down to Wakura Onsen... read all

2015/7/2 - Eastern Noto Peninsula Drive - Ishikawa

Well after a drizzly day, I was happy to see that the weather had improved... read all

2015/7/1 - Kanazawa to Wajima - Ishikawa

For my travels today, I first took the Shinkansen from Itoigawa to Kanazawa (little under an hour) and then drove from Kanazawa to the sleepy fishing village of Wajima... read all

2015/6/30 - Itoigawa Salt Road - Niigata

Yesterday I travelled along the ocean to see what Itoigawa had to offer and today I headed inland along the old Salt Road to Matsumoto... read all

2015/6/29 - Coastal Itoigawa - Niigata

Itoigawa is located in the Southern tip of Niigata prefecture and can be reached by the new Hokuriku Shinkansen in around 2 hours... read all

2015/6/28 - Kurobe Dam Railway - Toyama

For today, I left the sleepy town of Iiyama for the Kurobe Dam Railway in Toyama. The one stark difference I have noticed is that there are now lots of tourists -albeit of the Japanese variety... read all

2015/6/27 - Iiyama City & Madarao Kogen - Nagano

For my last post, I showed you some of the more rural sites of Iiyama. However, I decided to spend most of today in Iiyama town along with visiting Madarao Kogen... read all

2015/6/26 - Rural Iiyama & Nozawa Onsen - Nagano

Iiyama is roughly 2 hours from Tokyo on the new Hokuriku Shinkansen and is home to beautiful scenery which Nagano prefecture is famous for... read all

2015/6/24 - Manza Onsen - Gunma Prefecture

Manza Onsen is a rural onsen town in Gunma Prefecture which is famous for it's highly acidic waters along with large chain hotels... read all

2015/6/23 - Kusatsu Onsen - Gunma

Kusatsu onsen in Gunma Prefecture is widely known as one of the best places in the Kanto region for high quality hot springs... read all

2015/6/21 - Dewa Sanzan - Yamagata

Dewa Sanzan consists of three shrines found at the top of three different mountains (Haguro-san, Gas-san & Yudono-san)... read all

2015/6/20 - Tsuruoka to Dewa Sanzan - Yamagata

or today, I hired a car to travel around the general Tsuruoka area which saves a lot of time compared to catching sparse public transport... read all

2015/6/19 - Tsuruoka Town - Yamagata

Tsuruoka is located in the South West of Yamagata prefecture and is known as the main gateway town for the Dewa Sanzan shrines... read all

2015/6/18 - Haruna Jinja - Gunma

When most people visit Gunma, they head straight to the onsens of Kusatsu and Manza... read all

2015/6/17 - Japan Trip Intro, JR Pass & Yokohama

My name is Mathew Fedley and I am an international math/science teacher who will be exploring... read all

2014/10/25 - Koyo In Japan - A Collection of Photos

For me, Koyo is probably the most amazing time to travel around Japan. There can be large crowds but most of the time you can be absolutely blessed in viewing... read all

2014/6/22 - Narita & Sawara - My Last Post!

Three years ago, I moved to Japan for a job having visiting little of my previous host country (Taiwan). As such, I decided to travel Japan as extensively as possible with the time... read all

2014/6/14 - Yahiko - Niigata

Yahiko is located a little over 60 minutes from Niigata via the Echigo and Yahiko line(760 yen) with a change at Yoshida... read all

2014/6/7 - Ajiro Onsen

Ajiro Onsen is located around 80-90 minutes from Tokyo via the Odoriko Express train. This small town is located quite close to Atami on the Izu Peninsula... read all

2014/5/17 - Gifu City

Gifu city is located a little over 2 hours from Tokyo via Shinkansen and JR train from Nagoya. It�fs mainly known for it�fs Cormorant fishing... read all

2014/5/17 - Cormorant Fishing - Gifu City

Gifu City is one of the locations in Japan where you can view the 1300 year old tradition of Cormorant fishing... read all

2014/5/11 - Shorin-zan Daruma-ji Temple

Getting to the temple is reasonably easy, albeit there are not as many connections via public transport as I would like... read all

2014/5/10 - Gunma Flower Park

Gunma Flower Park is located near Maebashi in a rural setting close to Mt Akagi... read all

2014/4/27 - Obuse - Cherry Blossom Report

Obuse is a pretty little town around 35 minutes from Nagano Station via the train on the Nagaden line... read all

2014/4/26 - Togakushi & Nagano

Togakushi is around 65 minutes from Nagano station and is known for the 3 Tohakushi Shrines. It costs 1350 Yen to travel by bus to the Upper Shrine... read all

2014/4/13 - Toyokawa & Toyohashi

Today, I visited Toyokawa & Toyohashi which are a little bit off the Western tourist trail. Toyokawa is around 90 minutes from Tokyo via Hikari Shinkansen... read all

2014/4/12 - Futagawa - Cherry Blossom Report

Futagawa is around 6 minutes by train from Toyohashi on the Toyoko Line. It's not well known in Japan, but is quite well known locally for being home to the huge Nonhoi Park... read all

2014/2/9 - Ono - Fukui Prefecture

Ono is a small town located in Fukui prefecture which is located roughly 50 minutes from the prefectural capital... read all

2014/2/8 - Eiheiji & Fukui City

Up in the North West corner of Chubu is the prefecture of Fukui. Apart from being home to a large number of Nuclear Power stations... read all

2014/1/19 - Nokogiri-Yama - Chiba

The Boso peninsula is not too far from Tokyo, but feels a world away as it's not very densely populated... read all

2014/1/3 - Izumo Taisha & Adachi Museum of Art

Izumo Taisha is known as the second most important shrine in Japan after Ise in Mie Prefecture... read all

2014/1/2 - Matsue - Shimane Prefecture

Matsue is around 4 hours by local train from Hagi and is home to one of Japan's largest original castles... read all

2014/1/1 - Hagi - Yamaguchi Prefecture

Hagi is around 80 minutes by bus from Shin-Yamaguchi Station (4 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo) and is one of the most enjoyable places I have been in Japan... read all

2013/12/31 - Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is a little over 4 hours via Shinkansen to Shin-Yamaguchi station, where it is another 23 minutes to Yamaguchi town by local train... read all

2013/12/30 - Akiyoshido Cave - Yamaguchi Prefecture

Akiyoshido Caves is around 40 minutes from Shin-Yamaguchi station by bus and is one of Japan's premier cave systems... read all

2013/12/29 - Miyajima - Hiroshima Prefecture

Miyajima is one of the most visited locations in the Chugoku region and this is for good reason... read all

2013/12/28 - Hiroshima

Hiroshima is roughly 4 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo and is mainly known as the detonation site for the first nuclear explosion on a residential area on earth... read all

2013/12/27 - Onomichi - Hiroshima Prefecture

Onomichi is located around 60 minutes from Kurashiki via local train and is known as a point where you can ride your bike to Shikoku... read all

2013/12/26 - Kurashiki

Kurashiki is located a little under 20 minutes from Okayama via local train. Once you come out of the train station, it feels very similar to many towns... read all

2013/12/25 - Bitsu-Takahashi: Okayama Prefecture

Bitchu-Takahashi is a beautiful little town that can be reached from Kurashiki by train in 25 minutes (1300) on an express train of 40 minutes by local train... read all

2013/12/24 - Kibi Plain - Okayama Prefecture

The Kibi Plain is an area near Okayama which is quite nice to ride a bike for a couple of hours. Bikes can be hired from Bizen Ichinomiya Station for 1000 Yen... read all

2013/12/23 - Inujima Art Park - Okayama Prefecture

Inujima Art Park is located roughly 90-120 minutes from Okayama and requires you to catch a train, bus and ferry... read all

2013/12/22 - Okayama

Okayama is 90KM's, 21 tunnels or 20 minutes from Himeji via the Nozomi (Express) Shinkansen. The town itself is mainly known Korakuen Gardens... read all

2013/12/22 - Himeji Castle & Kokoen Gardens

Himeji is around 180 minutes from Tokyo via the Nozomi (Express) Shinkansen and is often seen as an obligatory stop due to Himeji Castle... read all

2013/12/21 - Shoshazan Engyogi Temple Walk - Himeji

Engyogi Temple has a history of over 1000 years, but is more known as one of the sets from The Last Samurai... read all

2013/12/16 - Tsumago to Magome - Spring & Winter

Both Tsumago and Magome are old postal towns in the Kiso valley that followed the Nakasendo Road between Kyoto and Tokyo... read all

2013/12/8 - Ito - Through The Seasons

Ito is around 2 hours from Tokyo via Odoriko Express train and can be described as being a world away from central Tokyo. As I can easily reach here within 90 minutes from Yokohama, I've visited this small but amazing town almost countless read all

2013/11/26 - Kyoto Autumn Report - Central Kyoto to Higashiyama

As I was staying opposite the Imperial Palace and got back late to my hotel on Saturday night, I decided to complete a smaller walk on Sunday... read all

2013/11/26 - Kyoto Autumn Report - Arashiyama Part 2

Yesterday, I posted the first section of my walk through Arashiyama which is 17 minutes from Kyoto station on the San-In line... read all

2013/11/25 - Kyoto Autumn Report - Arashiyama Part 1

Arashiyama is in the North Western mountains of Kyoto and is well known for it's autumn colours. It's 17 minutes between Kyoto Station and Saga-Arashiyama station on the San-In line... read all

2013/11/24 - Kyoto Autumn Report - Tofukuji & Night Illuminations

After a very busy day visiting Arashiyama earlier in the day, I decided to visit Tofukuji, Choin-in & Shoren-in temple in the late afternoon and evening... read all

2013/11/17 - Showa Kinen Koen

Showa Memorial Park is located a little over 30 minutes by train from Shinjuku station. As the park is so large - there are a number of stations to choose from... read all

2013/11/10 - Kofu City - Autumn Report

Kofu is around 90 minutes from Shinjuku station in Tokyo and is the capital of Yamanashi prefecture. It seems as though this town is off the grid for Western tourists... read all

2013/11/9 - Shosenkyo Gorge - Autumn Report

Shosenkyo Gorge is located around 30-50 minutes by bus from Kofu City (570-870 Yen) and is often labelled as the most beautiful gorge in Japan. After viewing this gorge close to the peak of Autumn leaf season, I now see why... read all

2013/10/26 - Hirosaki - Apples & Temples

Hirosaki is located around 40 minutes from Aomori. As mentioned in my previous post - Hirosaki is known for it's castle and apples... read all

2013/10/25 - Hirosaki Castle Park & Surrounds - Autumn

Hirosaki is located around 40 minutes by train from Aomori. Apart from apples, Hirosaki is known as being a previous castle... read all

2013/10/24 - Oirase Stream - Autumn Report

Oirase Stream is located in Aomori prefecture and is known as one of the most famous Koyo or Autumn color locations in all of Japan. Altogether, you can walk 13.5 KM along the stream from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama... read all

2013/10/23 - Lake Towada & Yasumiya - Autumn Report

Lake Towada is located in Aomori Prefecture and is a little tricky to get to. First, you need to catch a Shinkansen to either Shin-Aomori or Hachinohe and then catch a bus which takes between 120 to 150 minutes... read all

2013/10/22 - Rural Tono - Autumn Report

Tono is located in Iwate Prefecture. You can reach Tono by catching a Shinkansen to Shin-Hanamaki (3hrs 20 mins) and then catch another train to Tono... read all

2013/10/21 - Tono - Shrine Cluster

Tono is one beautiful town - specifically the countryside. As such - I've broken today into two posts. One of country Tono (next post) and the Shrine Cluster shown below... read all

2013/10/20 - Central Tono - Iwate

Tono is found in Iwate prefecture and is known as the folklore capital of Japan. To reach Tono, you need to catch a Shinkansen to Shin-Hanamaki from Tokyo (3 hours). Then - you need to catch another trail to Tono... read all

2013/10/19 - Urabandai - Autumn Report

Urabandai is known in Japan for being one of the better areas to view Koyo (autumn leaves) in the Tohoku Region... read all

2013/10/2 - Kamikochi - Autumn Report

Kamikouchi is a highly beautiful and very popular national park found in Nagano Prefecture. Even though it is a beautiful place to travel to, it is quite annoying to get there... read all

2013/9/29 - Mito - Ibaraki Prefecture

Mito is roughly 70 minutes by express train from Ueno Station in Tokyo. The town is famous for Kairakuen Gardens which is home to 3000 or so Plum/Apricot trees... read all

2013/9/28 - Rural Fukuroda & Ibaraki Flower Park

After living in Japan for over two years, I am now at a stage where I have exhausted most guidebooks along with JG for weekends away from Tokyo... read all

2013/9/14 - Atami - Shizuoka Prefecture

Atami is around 50 minutes from Tokyo via Shinkansen or 2 hours via the Toyoko Line. Apart from being the gateway for the Izu Peninsula, Atami is also known as a heavily developed Onsen resort... read all

2013/8/16 - Noboribetsu - Summer & Autumn

Noboribetsu is around 70-80 by train from Sapporo and has what I see as the best onsen water in all of Japan... read all

2013/8/12 - Mt Asahidake - Daisetsuzan National Park

Mt Asahidate is roughly 90 minutes by bus from Asahikawa (1320 yen one way) or 60 minutes by car. There are 3 buses a day in the summer months... read all

2013/8/11 - Asahiyama Zoo - Asahikawa

Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido is known as being one of the best zoos in the country. It's mainly known for it's arctic animals along with unusual ways to view the animals... read all

2013/8/10 - Sapporo - Summer & Autumn

It's sometimes strange how you end up at a specific destination. For me - I was meant to be in Abashiri but ended up in Sapporo because of a cancelled train yesterday... read all

2013/8/8 - Lake Toya - Hokkaido

Lake Toya is what I would call a normal Ryokan town experience in Hokkaido. Most people stay at a hotel or Ryokan which includes an onsen, kaiseki dinner and there is a nice view... read all

2013/8/7 - Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

The Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is one of three main Tohoku festivals. It occurs between August 2nd - 7th with a large firework display occurring on the last night... read all

2013/8/6 - Osorezan - Shimokita Peninsula

The Shimokita Peninsula is quite remote for Japan. It's roughly 2 hours to Shimokita station from Aomori if the trains connect... read all

2013/8/4 - Akita Kanto Matsuri

Tohoku is famous for three festivals or Matsuri's. Today, I visted the Akita Kanto Matsuri which is located a little over 4 hours from Tokyo via Shinkansen... read all

2013/8/3 - Yumoto Onsen to Chuzenji Lake Walk

Yumoto Onsen is found in the Nikko National Park and can be reached by Tobu bus in around 80 minutes from JR Nikko... read all

2013/7/11 - Kyoto - Daigo-ji Temple

Daigo-ji is roughly 30 minutes from Kyoto station travelleving via the Karasuma Subway (6 minutes) and Tozai Subway Line (24 minutes)... read all

2013/7/10 - Kyoto - Mt Hieizan

Mt Hieizan (aka - Enryakuji Temple) is found in the Northern foothills of Kyoto. You can reach here via bus from Kyoto station - or the easiest way is to catch the the Karasuma Subway line... read all

2013/7/9 - Kyoto - Ohara

Ohara can be found in the Northern mountains and can reaches by either bus directly from Kyoto Station (1 hour) or train to Kokusaikaikan Station and bus to Ohara... read all

2013/7/7 - Kyoto - Koryuji Area

Today, I visited 4 times in the Koryuji area of Kyoto. All of these temples can be described as being a little bit off the beaten track (Koryuji Temple, Hongkongo-ji Temple, Myoshin-ji Temple & Ninnai-ji Temple) along with not always being read all

2013/7/6 - Uji - Summer

Uji is located between Nara and Kyoto and can be reaching via train on the Nara line in between 15-25 minutes. The town itself has quite a few noticeable temples and shrines (including two which are world heritage listed) along with other a read all

2013/7/5 - Hikone

There are four castles in Japan which are considered national treasures - which are found in Matsumoto, Inuyama, Himeji and Hikone... read all

2013/7/4 - Kyoto Station & Surroundings Attractions

Over the next few day's I'll be making some reports from the Kansai region. As I'm based in Kyoto... read all

2013/6/1 - Tokyo Parks & Gardens - Part 2

Today, I visited Kyu Shiba Garden, Hama-Rikyu Garden and Shiba Park near Hamamatsucho Station. All are within a 20 minute walk of the other... read all

2013/5/26 - Tokyo Parks & Gardens - Part 1

Tokyo is famous for it's hustle and bustle, but scratch the surface and there are many different parks and gardens to explore and relax in... read all

2013/5/19 - Ouchijuku (Fukushima)

Ouchijuku is an old postal town around 30 KM from Aizu Wakamatsu. The main way to get there is by catch the train from Aizu Wakamatsu to Yunokami Onsen... read all

2013/5/18 - Aizu Wakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture)

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2013/5/13 - Geibi-kei Gorge & Ichinoseki

Geibi-kei gorge is 35 minutes from Ichinoseki via train. There are some attractions in the area, but it is mainly known for it's 90 minute boat rides which involves floating down a river whilst a man or women steers the boat with a stick... read all

2013/5/11 - A Rainy Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi is a small town in Tohuku that has some big attractions. It takes roughly 140 minutes to reach Ichinoseki, then another 10 minutes on another line to get to Hiraizumi... read all

2013/5/7 - Matsusaka Walk

Like many places in Japan, Matsusaka used to be a castle town. Today, it is mainly known for it's high quality beef and as a transport hub for Mie Prefecture... read all

2013/5/6 - Nara - Horyuji Temple & Koriyama Area

On Sunday, I visited two different areas in Nara. This is the second half day trip that can be taken in the South West... read all

2013/5/5 - South West Nara Temple Trail (Golden Week)

Most people who come to Nara visit Nara park and then leave. Today, I visited the South West part of Nara and will make 2 posts of two different areas... read all

2013/5/4 - Ise Naiku & Geku Shrines (Golden Week)

Golden Week is known for a couple of things - large crowds, long waits and booked out accommodation... read all

2013/4/29 - Western & South Eastern Kamakura Bike Ride

Even though Kamakura is not as large as Kyoto, it still can take a couple of days to visit all of the major sites... read all

2013/4/28 - Yamadera Mountain Temple - Spring

Yamadera (or Mountain Temple in Japanese) is located 20 minutes by Train from Yamagata or 60 minutes by train from Sendai... read all

2013/4/27 - Yamagata Cherry Blossom Report

Yamagata is around 170 minutes from Tokyo via Shinkansen. There are numerous places in the city to view cherry blossoms - but Kajo Park is the main place... read all

2013/4/27 - Yonezawa Cherry Blossom Report

Yonezawa is around 40 minutes from Yamagata via Shinkansen and is mainly famous for it's beef and it's Matsuri that occurs during the first weekend in May... read all

2013/4/20 - Nikko - Gardens & History Walk

Nikko is mainly famous for its temples, but there is plenty to do here apart from visiting the temples... read all

2013/4/20 - Nikko's Main Temples & Shrines

If there is one place near Tokyo that sends shivers down the spine of Japanese tourists during Golden Week - it is the possible crowds before Golden Week at Nikko... read all

2013/4/14 - Meiji Mura Park - Inuyama

The Meiji Era in my opinion is what makes Japan different from all other Asian countries. Japan was the only country in Asia that industrialized... read all

2013/4/13 - Inuyama Town & Castle

Inuyama is around 40 minutes by local train from Nagoya on the Mitetsu line. It is also home to one of four Japanese castles which has been registered as a treasure of Japan... read all

2013/4/5 - Koyasan - Okunoin Temple & Temple Stay

I've been to many places in Japan, but Koyasan seems to be one of my favorite. I'm also not a religious person, but this area does feel spiritual... read all

2013/4/4 - Koyasan Bike Ride: From Daimon to Karukayado

Koyasan is often described as the heart of Buddhism in Japan. On Thursday, I went for a short bike ride that covered most of the major sites... read all

2013/4/3 - Nara Park Cherry Blossom Report

Nara Park is situated around 20 minutes walk from Nara Station or 5 minutes from Kintensu Nara station... read all

2013/4/2 - Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report - Philosophers Trail

The Philosopher's trail area can be quite busy - but has plenty to see and do in the general area... read all

2013/4/2 - Kyoto Cherry Blossom Report - Kiyomuzi & Nanzen-ji

Sakura season in Kyoto can be interesting. One area has the petals starting to fall, while another area just up the road is no-where near it's peak... read all

2013/4/1 - Kyoto Report - Temples, Shrines & Geisha

Well, it's Sakura season and I can promise you that there are big crowds out at the big temples... read all

2013/3/30 - Furukawa - Takayama's Impressive Little Brother

Furukawa is roughly 15-20 minutes north of Takayama by train. Just like Takayama, it is famous for its traditional buildings and carpenters... read all

2013/3/27 - Hakone Day Tour Loop

For many people who have limited time in Tokyo they may complete a day trip to Nikko or spend a night in Hakone... read all

2013/3/26 - Cherry Blossom Report - Odawara Castle

Odawara is a small town near the Izu Peninsula on the Tokaido Shinkansen (40 minutes) or Tokaido line (90 minutes) from central Tokyo... read all

2013/3/23 - Cherry Blossom Report - Yokohama @ Honmoku

Today I visited Sankeien Gardens & Honmoku Sancho Park. Both are located a 5-10 bike ride from where I live which sometimes have me questioning why I try and get away as many weekends as possible... read all

2013/3/16 - Kamakura - North Western Bike Ride

Just like a smaller version of Kyoto - spending one day in Kamakura does not do justice to how much there is to see in this small town... read all

2013/3/9 - Kawazu Cherry Blossom Matsuri & Kawazu Falls

Kawazu is located roughly 20 minutes by train from Shimoda and is mainly known for it's Sakura Matsuri along with the Kawazu falls... read all

2013/3/11 - Shimoda & Irozaki Coast

Even though Shimoda is only around 150 km's from central Tokyo, the town has a much different feel to many other coastal towns in the general vicinity... read all

2013/3/9 - Minami-Izu Cherry Blossom Festival

This weekend, I made my way down to the Izu Peninsula for the Kawazu & Minami-Izu Cherry Blossom Festivals... read all

2013/3/8 - Kamakura - Hase Area Walk

This weekend, I visited Kamakura on my way to the Izu Peninsula. This individual travel report covers the general area around Hase... read all

2013/3/3 - Kawaguchiko - Fuji Five Lakes

This weekend, I went to Fuji Five Lakes and visited some places both on and a little bit off the tourist trail... read all

2013/2/24 - Kawasaki - On & Off The Beaten Track

For today, I visited the Kawasaki Daishi temple, Daishi-koken Chinese Garden, Nihon Minkaen Open Air Museum & the Kawasaki Forest Park... read all

2013/2/17 - Yamagata - An Unexpected Day Trip

On Sunday, I was on my way back to Tokyo when I noticed that the city I was staying at had some attractions within walking distance of the train station... read all

2013/2/16 - Half of Yamadera & Zao Snow Monsters

On the same day as Sean, I went to Yamadera & Zao Onsen. Both can be easily covered in the same day dependent on weather conditions... read all

2013/2/15 - Sendai - Winter

On a wet winter afternoon, I decided to just on the Sendai Loople bus and visited the following... read all

2013/2/14 - Matsushima - Winter

Matsushima is roughly 30 minutes by train from Sendai. It's famous for it's 200 or so islets along with temples... read all

2013/2/9 - Yamanouchi Snow Monkeys & Nagano Zenkoji Temple

When I remember looking in travel brouchures of Japan before moving here a couple of years ago, it always used to include the Snow Monkeys of Yamanouchi... read all

2013/2/6 - Shizuoka - Temples & Plum Blossoms

Shizuoka is roughly 90 minutes via Shinkansen from Tokyo heading towards Nagoya. The picture above entrance to the Kunozan Toshugu Shrine... read all