Originally from Britain I’ve now been based in Japan for at least 20 years; living in Okinawa, Kagoshima, Hiroshima, Kochi, Yakushima and Kumamoto twice. I haven’t always been a guide though. I became involved in tourism by chance when I moved to the World Heritage island of Yakushima in 2012. Living on the island surrounded […]
Hassaku Festival creations If you are interested in art and traditional crafts in Japan then while you are in Kyushu definitely make time to visit Yamato town to see the Hassaku Festival creations. These amazing objects, made entirely of natural materials, are created each year and paraded through town during the Hassaku Festival. Once the
Unique Hassaku Festival creations of Yamato town Read More »
Cosmos コスモス Flower Viewing When you think of autumn in Japan the image that first comes to mind is probably bright red maple leaves not a sea of pink and white flowers. But for many Japanese the cheerful blooms of the Cosmos flower are one of the country’s most typical autumnal scenes. The Japanese love
Cosmos Flower viewing Read More »
Higanbana 彼岸花 Spider Lily viewing After a long, hot summer the arrival of the spider lillies in mid September heralds the beginning of autumn. The tall stalks and dramatic bright red blooms seem to shoot up out of nowhere appearing around paddy fields, embankments and verges. The flowering season is short lasting only 2 or
Higanbana 彼岸花 Spider Lily Viewing Read More »
In a kink in the Shirakawa river next to an electricity plant there is a very curious shrine. Driving home from the city the other day I realise I have time to explore somewhere new before it gets dark. I’ve been to all the main shrines in Kumamoto but have been thinking I should use
Summers in Japan are hot and humid so heading to a river to splash around or take a swim is one of the best ways to cool down and stay sane. Unfortunately, though there are plenty of rivers around it can be really difficult to find a safe swimming spot with clean water, parking and
Senjoukawara swimming spot 千畳河原 Read More »
Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine If you only have time to visit one shrine in the Aso area, visit the one with the longest name. Kamishikimi Kumano-imasu Shrine is definitely worth the journey even if you’re not a huge fan of shrines. Situated a few kilometres from Takamori Town in Minami Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, this once little
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine 上色見熊野座神社 Read More »
Meototaki Falls 夫婦滝 – Oguni Meototaki 夫婦滝 or Meoto Falls situated nearby the village of Kurokawa Onsen is not one waterfall but two. Meoto translates as ‘male and female’ and the waterfall comprises two adjacent waterfalls; a male and a female one that meet together and blend to form one river … therefore symbolising true love.
Meoto Falls 夫婦滝 – a splash of romance Read More »
If you are travelling with kids, particularly older ones, sometimes you have to have a break from the shrines and temples and do something that will make their holiday special. Forest Adventure Misato definately does that, you not only get to experience the beauty of Japan’s forests and nature but you also get some excercise, thrills
Forest Adventure Misato フォレストアドベンチャー・美里 Read More »
