Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine is probably the most popular destination in all of Yakushima. The park is known for it’s hiking trails through the deep and dark mountain forests, covered in moss and ferns, and home to the gigantic Yakushima cedar trees – some so large that the trail actually, physically, passes through the trees. The …
Jomon Sugi
Jōmon Sugi (縄文杉), an enormous and several thousand years old cedar tree, is one of the main attractions on Yakushima. The tree, which is located deep in the mountain forest of Yakushima, is considered to be the oldest tree in Japan, and one of the oldest in the world. The actual age is unknown, but …
Oko-no-taki Waterfall
Oko-no-taki Waterfall (大川の滝) on the south-western side of Yakushima, is the tallest waterfall on the island. It is a spectacularly beautiful fall and has been included in the list of the 100 most beautiful waterfalls of Japan. Yakushima is home to more waterfalls than you can count, and at least a handful of really tall …
Mount Misen Hiking Trails (Miyajima)
Mount Misen on Miyajima has for centuries attracted humans. The mountain has been considered sacred since at least the 9th century, and today remains a very important mountain for the shrines and temples in the area. There are multiple hiking trails, of different difficulties, on and around Mount Misen. Mount Misen isn’t a very high …
Mount Misen Observatory
The highest point of the sacred island of Miyajima is Mount Misen (弥山) at 535 meters (1755 ft.). At the very top of the mountain is an observatory, called Mount Misen Observatory, with a stunning view over Hiroshima Bay. Mount Misen has been a sacred location for centuries. It is said that the Buddhist monk …
Cape Maeda, Okinawa
Cape Maeda in Okinawa is a stunning view point, and a very popular spot for snorkeling and diving tours. The exceptionally clear water, and the unique blue cave under the cliff, makes this the number one diving spot for tourists among all the amazing dive sites on the island. Book Blue Cave Snorkeling and Scuba …
Tojinbo Cliffs
Tojinbo Cliffs (東尋坊) is a 1km stretch of rocky coastline, found just north of Fukui City in Fukui Prefecture. The rock formations here are famous for their odd hexagonal shapes, making them appear almost man made (in fact they are natural). Tojinbo also has a commercial area aimed at tourists, including an observation tower, several …
Beaches of Miyakojima
One of the main reasons visitors come to Okinawa is to enjoy the picture-perfect beaches. Miyakojima probably has the most beautiful beaches in all of Okinawa and yet remains nearly undiscovered by non-Japanese tourists. No matter what kind of beach-goer you are, Miyakojima has something for you. If you prefer a sunbed and a beautiful …
Beach safety in Okinawa
Going to the beach is enjoyable and fun – and probably a huge part of why you want to go to Okinawa in the first place. While you shouldn’t be scared to go to the beach in Okinawa, it is necessary to be aware of some dangers associated with the beach and sea, hence this …
Kurobe Gorge
Kurobe Gorge is a highly scenic, and nearly uninhabited, gorge in the the Toyama Prefecture in Chūbu. The gorge (a canyon with a river flowing in it), which was formed by the Kurobe river, has mesmerizing steep sides, covered in wild forrest, which is especially scenic during the fall time when the leaves turn red. …