We are explorers, wanderers, travelers, nomads. We strive to project the authenticity of places we visit through honest words and visuals. Enjoy!
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.
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.
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…
This post series details our 5-day high altitude hut-to-hut trek in the Japan Northern Alps in late September 2023. Our trek started at Murodo and ended at Shin-Hotaka in Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, covering 40 miles and loads of ascent and descent…
Japan Alps: This post provides cost, budget and logistical details for our 5-day hut-to-hut trek in the Japanese Northern Alps.
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…
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”…
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…
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…
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 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…
Absolutely no country in the world does baseball better than Japan. The energy and excitement are palpable and contagious!
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.
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!).
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.
Noodles! A piping hot bowl of thick kagawa-style sanuki noodles in a light broth is a popular lunch in fast-paced Tokyo.
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 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.