Hitoyoshi Cherry Blossoms
On the first weekend of April, Austin and I were out hiking in the north of Nobeoka when all of a sudden it began to snow. Snow! In April! I…
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The “Little Kyoto” of Kumamoto
This article is available offline on GPSmyCity. Download the app for GPS-assisted directions to all the attractions featured. “Please visit Miyazaki again,” a sign reads at the entrance to the…
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A Quick Guide to Yufuin Onsen Town
This article is available offline on GPSmyCity. Download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to all the attractions featured. In Japan, you’d be hard-pressed to find a city or town…
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Road Trippin’ Solo, Part 5: Harajiri Falls
The rain had cleared up by the time I got back from the cave into Bungoono proper, so I took myself off to see the Harajiri Falls, nicknamed the “Niagara…
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Volcanic Island Sakurajima
I have never seen an active volcano in real life before, so when John reminded me that there was one just a 15-minute ferry ride away from where we would be…
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Christmas Lights in Miyazaki
For a country that doesn’t really celebrate Christmas, Japan sure knows how to do Christmas lights. They are the romantic backdrop for Christmas Eve – a night celebrated like Valentines Day,…
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Nyutabaru Air Festival
I’ve barely left my apartment these past two weekends—a last-ditch effort to tighten the purse strings before my big trip to New York later this month (12 days and counting!).…
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Exploring Aya Town
On the fourth day of Matthew’s visit—and the last day we would be able to sightsee together—we decided to visit Aya. An hour or so west of Takanabe, the town is…
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Takanabe Lantern Festival
On any given weekend in Japan, there is at least one festival on somewhere to be enjoyed. Of all the ones I have been to, Takanabe‘s Lantern Festival is one of my…
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Takachiho Gorge: Where the Gods Landed
On a long weekend in July, I made the 106 km (67 mi) trek up north by car to Takachiho Gorge. Since the holiday was Marine Day, it seemed fitting to spend it…