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
“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 Shimabara and Unzen National Park!
Evening Kagura and Takachio's Gorgeous River Gorge
Takachiho’s legends — and the beautiful Gokase River gorge — have captured the imagination of curious travelers and manga lovers worldwide. The highlight is Takachiho’s Evening Kagura, a ritualistic performance with costumes, masks, and music…
Yakushima: Communing with the Giants
Yakushima’s semi-tropical forests, white sandy beaches, lazy monkeys, and memorable sunsets calmed our minds and renewed our spirits! The Yakusugi Old Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage site…
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
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...
Steamy Kirishima Kinkowan National Park in Kyushu
Our final stop during our 17 day winter roadtrip in Kyushu, Japan. The highlight of this steamy landscape was Shankara Lodge…
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
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...
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
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…
5 Day Trek in the Japanese Alps
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 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
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
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
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
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
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 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…
Day Trip from Seoul to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
North and South Korea are, technically, still at war. To appreciate Korea's recent history and internalize the tense relationship with North Korea, a trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and Panmunjeom is essential. Organized tours provide a one day trip from Seoul…