• Forest Therapy in the Inohae Valley

    In the mountains of Kitago, Nichinan, there is a hidden ravine that has the ability to relieve its visitors of their ailments. It’s not local lore or legend – spending…

    March 23, 2017

  • Udo-jingū: A Most Unusual Shrine

    During the Age of the Gods, the daughter of the Japanese sea King Ryujin, Toyotama, lived with her father in the underwater palace of Ryugu-jo. One day, the dragon goddess…

    November 22, 2016

  • The Cape Toi Fire Festival

    “I don’t see anything.” “Just wait for the next wave. Ok, now go! Move your hand around!” A tiny spec of blue suddenly appeared under the water. “Woah! I see…

    September 8, 2016

  • Inside One of Japan’s Abandoned Hotels

    In Out of the Silent Planet, C.S. Lewis wrote, “The love of knowledge is a kind of madness.” I must be kind of mad, then, because everyone who knows me…

    February 17, 2016

  • A Walking Tour of Obi Castle Town

    This article is available on GPSmyCity. Download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to all the attractions featured. After Naked Man Festival, we decided to drive the hour south to see…

    February 7, 2015