Japan

Japan is ultra-modern, but strangely backward at the same time. It is a country that accepts foreign people, products and ideas, but molds and shapes them to fit traditional values and cultural standards. I get the sense that Japan tolerates foreigners, but remains un-impressed; that if all foreign influence disappeared from Japan, they would hardly notice. As seasoned travelers, Japan is one of the few places that still feels authentic and is full of surprises! Below are posts highlighting some of the more special places we’ve been or experiences we have had in Japan over the years, including a 5 day hut-to-hut hike in Japan’s Northern Alps, a winter roadtrip across Kyushu, unparalleled baseball game in Tokyo, historic Gassho houses, and more… Enjoy!

Off the Beaten Path in Japan: Kyushu, Hida-Takayama, Gassho Villages

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Winter in Kyushu, Japan: 17 Day Roadtrip
Winter in Kyushu, Japan: 17 Day Roadtrip

We spent 17 days road tripping around Kyushu in February, hiking in national parks and pampering ourselves with leisurely kaiseki meals and hot spring pools...

The Hellish Unzen Jigoku Hot Springs, Kyushu, Japan
The Hellish Unzen Jigoku Hot Springs, Kyushu, Japan

“Jigoku” means “hell” and the geothermal hot spring fields in Unzen do create a surreal inferno-like landscape. From hot springs to castles to buried houses, there is so much to do in Unzen National Park!

Japanese "Love Motel" in Fukuoka, Kyushu
Japanese "Love Motel" in Fukuoka, Kyushu

We stayed at a Japanese "love motel" in Fukuoka, an over-the-top experience. Of course, we didn't just go there for the kitschy accommodations...

A Message of Love from Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan
A Message of Love from Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan

When we visited Nagasaki, I was prepared for a solemn day of dark tourism and reflection. What I did not expect was the inspiring message of love and hope that we also received from Takashi Nagai...

Hiking, Kaiseki, and Hot Springs in Yufuin and Beppu, Kyushu
Hiking, Kaiseki, and Hot Springs in Yufuin and Beppu, Kyushu

Our winter roadtrip around Kyushu, Japan, included several days of hiking, hot springs, and gluttonous kaiseki in Yufuin and Beppu in Kyushu’s Oito Prefecture…

Thrilling Active Volcano Hike: Mount Aso in Kyushu, Japan
Thrilling Active Volcano Hike: Mount Aso in Kyushu, Japan

Witnessing the enormous power of planet earth’s most primordial act of creative destruction is an unforgettable thrill! We hiked Mount Aso in Kyushu, Japan...

Hida-Takayama: Living History and Rural Charm in Japan
Hida-Takayama: Living History and Rural Charm in Japan

Hida-Takayama is one of those rare destination gems that reward the intrepid traveler. Its commitment to cultural and historical preservation educates and inspires. Surrounded by mountains, it’s also a gateway to the natural, untainted beauty of Japan.

UNESCO Gassho Farm Houses in Shirakawa and Gokayama, Japan
UNESCO Gassho Farm Houses in Shirakawa and Gokayama, Japan

Japan’s unique Gassho villages are an excellent example of emergent adaptation to natural environment, isolation, and economic necessity — earning them the status and protection of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Far more than just Instagram-worthy, they offer an experiential snippet of living history…

Hiking in Japan: Northern Alps

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Japan North Alps: Budget and Logistics
Japan North Alps: Budget and Logistics

Japan Alps: This post provides cost, budget and logistical details for our 5-day hut-to-hut trek in the Japanese Northern Alps.

Stage 1: Murodo to Goshiki-ga-hara Hut
Stage 1: Murodo to Goshiki-ga-hara Hut

Day 1 of our five day Japan Alps Trek started at 8,000+ feet above sea level, with no acclimatization. It was up-and-down over steep, rocky terrain for the next several hours, with swirling mist, rugged ridge tops, and juniper-covered Alpine meadows…

Stage 2: Goshiki-ga-hara Hut to Yakushi-dake
Stage 2: Goshiki-ga-hara Hut to Yakushi-dake

Day 2 of the Japan Alps Trek was the longest and most strenuous section, with several rock scramble peaks, steep descents, and a final ridge-back climb to Mt. Yakushi, one of Japan’s “100 Most Famous Mountains”…

Stage 3: Yakushi-dake to Kurobegoro-dake
Stage 3: Yakushi-dake to Kurobegoro-dake

Day 3 of the Japan Alps Trek was the highlight of our trek, traversing broad highland meadows with magnificent views. A long descent into the cirque of Mt. Kurobegoro was brilliant with the first blazes of the Fall foliage. Lots of photos in this stage…

Stage 4: Kurobegoro Hut to Sugoroku-goya Hut
Stage 4: Kurobegoro Hut to Sugoroku-goya Hut

Day 4 of the Japan Alps Trek was short and wild as we hiked through gale force winds in a whiteout! Sugoroku-goya Hut offered a festive, safe shelter to weather the storm…

Stage 5: Sugoroku-goya Hut to Shin-Hotaka Onsen
Stage 5: Sugoroku-goya Hut to Shin-Hotaka Onsen

Day 5 of the Japan Alps Trek was a descent to Shin Hotaka hot springs resort area, with a fantastic cloud show and a peak at Yari-ga-dake…

Kamikochi in Chubu-Sangaku National Park
Kamikochi in Chubu-Sangaku National Park

Kamikochi in Chubu Sangaku National Park is the most iconic tourist destination in the region. We spent our last day in the Japan Alps walking a forest path, soaking in the sights, and planning our return trip…

Tokyo

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Baseball at the Tokyo Dome
Baseball at the Tokyo Dome

Absolutely no country in the world does baseball better than Japan. The energy and excitement are palpable and contagious!

Asakusa Temple, Tokyo
Asakusa Temple, Tokyo

A piece of advice before visiting Japan’s temples and shrines: spend a few minutes educating yourself so that you can better appreciate the experience.

Running at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo
Running at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo

I spoke with the Japanese Emperor on the phone. Ok, maybe it was his assistant. But desperate times call for desperate measures and yes, I called the Imperial Palace (Google it! The number pops right up!).

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

Meet Hachiko the Akita, arguably history’s most loyal dog.

Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Shinto is Japan's faith. It is not a religion or a philosophy; it does not have a scripture or the concept of an after-life. It co-exists and intermingles with Buddhism.

Tokyo Street Scenes
Tokyo Street Scenes

Life in Tokyo

Explore Japanese Food

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Hearty Kagawa-style Udon at Norabow, Tokyo Station, Japan
Hearty Kagawa-style Udon at Norabow, Tokyo Station, Japan

Noodles! A piping hot bowl of thick kagawa-style sanuki noodles in a light broth is a popular lunch in fast-paced Tokyo.

Okonomiyaki, Tokyo, Japan
Okonomiyaki, Tokyo, Japan

A food named "grilled how you like it" can't help but intrigue and inspire - oh the endless variations! Okonomiyaki is essentially a Japanese pancake made from wheat flour, whipped eggs, and shredded cabbage. These ingredients form a light, fluffy batter to which is added meat, seafood, vegetables - any combo you like!

Kaiseki at Gonpachi, Tokyo, Japan
Kaiseki at Gonpachi, Tokyo, Japan

Kaiseki is a multi-course dining experience, with seasonal ingredients and artful plating. The courses vary, but typically consist of small portions: an appetizer, sashimi, sushi, a simmered dish, a grilled dish, a steamed dish, soup, and dessert.