femalesolotravel
I share a common dilemma with many globe-trotters: wanting to travel everywhere but not always having someone to travel with me. I used to think that if I couldn’t get a buddy to come along on my adventures, then there were no adventures to be had. It turns out that couldn’t be further from the truth. Since moving to Japan, I quickly learned that there are unique and incredible experiences that one may only be able to have while traveling solo. Here’s my story of how one lonesome but relaxing weekend at an onsen (hot spring) town was unexpectedly eventful. Finding my destinationThe first step ...
GaijinPot
Around 70% of Japan is covered by mountains. The country is also home to 34 national parks, hosting dozens of hiking trails offering diverse scenery. In Hokkaido, you will find true wilderness, whereas central Japan, particularly Nagano, features some of the highest peaks in Japan and offers alpine-style hiking and climbing experience. Among all the hiking regions in Japan, Kyushu—the land of fire— is the one that always stood out for me. Home to dozens of volcanoes, including Japan’s largest active volcano—Mount Aso—the relatively easy hiking trails of Kyushu always guarantees mesmerizing sce...
GaijinPot
In 1569, a port was established in Nagasaki to harbor Portuguese merchant ships, which brought not only trade but Christianity to Japan. Catholic influence grew so strong that Nagasaki was referred to as “Little Rome.” However, once Christianity was banned in 1614, the threat of persecution led Japanese followers to practice their faith in secret and form Kakure Kirishitan, the hidden Christians of Japan. In 2018, twelve sites linked to the Kakure Kirishitan culture were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, bringing this dark, enthralling part of Japan’s history into the light. It’s taken ...
GaijinPot
While the rest of the northern hemisphere is usually still in winter, the excitement of spring hits earlier in Japan, and around mid-to-late February, the excitement for sakura (cherry blossoms) seasons starts. The seasonal mood change has me trade my plans of snowy winter onsen for cool, coastal towns where the flowers eagerly begin to bloom. Thus, I set out on a three-day trip to the south of Tokyo along the coasts of Kanagawa and Shizuoka prefectures with hopes of uninterrupted sunshine—ideal for early hanami (flower viewing). Kawazu: The land of early sakuraI started my trip with a direct ...
GaijinPot
For many of us familiar with the charm of rural Japan, there is a strong sense of missed opportunity. Despite the ongoing depopulation crisis and its economic impact, Japan’s countryside communities still have much to offer, however, especially to travelers not fixated on any “must-see” lists repeated online. It turns out that many individuals strongly share this sense of missed opportunity and remain optimistic about the tourism opportunities in their rural towns. People who took a chance on small-town life and built—with their hostels, dorms and affordable backpacker accommodations—a bridge ...
GaijinPot
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