Kuronagi Onsen is a secluded Ryokan and onsen located remotely in the forests of the Kurobe Gorge, in Toyama prefecture, Chubu. It sits on a riverbank, cozily nestled between tall trees, and with a view of the steep, foresty mountainside across the river. This classic, but basic, Ryokan is isolated in a small side valley …
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. …
Higashi-Hennazaki Cape (Miyakojima)
Higashi-hennazaki is a narrow, 2km long (1.24mi) long cape which extends out of the eastern side of Miyako island (Okinawa). The cape has the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the East China Sea on the other. Along the coast line of the cape are large rocks, scattered in the mesmerizing blue water. At the …
Bridges of Miyakojima
Miyakojima is a group of islands, most of which are connected by some magnificent bridges. The three large bridges, Ikema Bridge, Irabu Bridge and Kurima Bridge are famed for their beauty and elegant design. It is common, when visiting Miyakojima, to make a “bridge tour” where you see and cross all three majestic bridges in …
Ueno German Culture Village
Ueno German Culture Village is a German theme park located on Miyako Island. The main attraction in the park is the large replica of Marksburg Castle, along with two sections of the Berlin Wall which is housed in the castles museum. “Deutsches Kulturdorf Ueno” as this place would be called in German, is your typical …
Hotel Hibiscus (Miyakojima)
Hotel Hibiscus is a small guest house, located on the relaxed Kurima island in the Miyakojima island group. Located away from resorts and tourists, Hibiscus is the perfect place to live if you plan to explore the local side of Miyakojima. Hotel Hibiscus Reservations The guest house, which is surrounded by beautiful flowers, is run …
Miyakojima Botanical Garden
Miyakojima City Botanical garden is located east of Hirara city, Miyakojima. The garden, which covers 120’000m², is dedicated to tropical plants. There are walking paths criss-crossing the well kept garden, and mapped walking courses which even extend outside the garden area. Inside the botanical garden, the Miyakojima traditional crafts village (Miyakojima Taiken Craft Village) is …
Kyoto 3-day itinerary
With around 1.5 million citizens, Kyoto is only ranked as the approximately 8th largest city in Japan. However this historic city, which was the capital of Japan for over a 1000 years, is probably the most visited in the country. With an incredibly rich history, uncountable ancient buildings and more than 1600 temples, Kyoto was spared during the …
Shimajiri Mangrove
Shimajiri Mangrove forest is a unique mangrove eco-system in Miyakojima. The area is rich on plant and animal life. From the installed walkways it is possible to see birds, crabs, mudskippers and much more. It is a great place for nature lovers and children. About mangroves: A mangrove is technically a type of tree which …