Abukumado Caves are in Fukushima prefecture near to a town called Tamura. The limestone caves were discovered in late 1960’s and have been developed as a tourist attraction. They stretch for a few hundred meters inside the mountain and a pathway has been created to walk through and view the lights illuminating the stalactites and… Read More Abukumado Caves
Iriomote Jima is one of the islands of Okinawa. Its a jungle island surrounded by mangrove. Very tropical and largely undeveloped for international tourists, it still has lots to offer. The island is known for its snorkeling, diving, kayaking as well as hiking and walking. there are many jungle trails and river cruises available. Getting… Read More Iriomote Jima
The city of Mito is famous for its park, which is one of the top three Japanese gardens. The park, called Kairakuen is known specifically for its more than three thousand plum trees. The high interest in Plum is that it signals the end of winter and the beginning or Cherry Blossom season.… Read More Iberaki & Plum Blossoms
Ouchijuku is a small thatched roofed village that was a post town during the Edo period, on the road linking Edo (Tokyo) & Sendai. Established in 1600’s as a post town it was important during the Edo period because the Daimyo had to travel regularly between the city of Edo and their domains, as a requirement of… Read More Ouchi Juku, Fukuhima prefecture
To No Hetsuri literally means cliffs shaped like towers. The popular sightseeing spot near Shimogo in Fukushima prefecture is a naturally created valley, where the erosion from wind, rain and water have shaped the rocks along the Ōkawa river. The rocks or “towers” have been assigned names like Eagle Tower, Hawk Tower, Lion Tower, House Tower,… Read More To No Hetsuri
City is situated in the North West coast of Japan, the capital city of Akita Prefecture. The coastal scenery on one side and the mountains on the other make it a very beautiful regions, with many hot springs in the region. The city of Akita is well known for its festivals especially the Kanto Matsuri,… Read More Akita
Zao Onsen Ski Resort is about a 3 hour drive north of Nasu in Yamagata Prefecture actually on the Yamagata-Miyagi prefecture border, centered on the Zao Mountain range of the same name. The area is well known for its huge crater lake and amazing hiking trails and mountain plants, as well as stunning views of the region.… Read More Zao – Skiing, Onsen & Snow Monsters
Foundation day in Japan is the 11th February and each year the nearby town of Shirakawa holds a Daruma Festival on that day. A Daruma is round doll that is usually made of papier-mâché and is hollow inside, but weighted at the bottom. So if they fall over they in general “get up” again. The… Read More Daruma Festival Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture
The name translates to ‘small peak’ castle and it is considered one of the three most important castles in the Tohoku region. This lovely castle just north of where I live was severely damaged in the March 2011 earthquake. When I last visited in 2012 it was closed and not much sign of activity, but… Read More Komine Castle, Shirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture
The Oya-ji Temple, is close to the Oya stone museum and cavern (separate post) and so also a bit north of Utsunomiya, in Tochigi Prefecture. The Temple dates back to 810 and is famous for a number of things, firstly that it is carved into the rock face as part of a natural cave, the… Read More Oya ji Temple, Utsunomiya, Tochigi prefecture
Just Life in Japan 