Finding connection to culture, nature, people, and community when stepping off the beaten track in Japan leaves a lasting impression. Discovering the essence of Japanese Buddhist culture There are many temples in Japan but one in Mount Minobu in the Yamanashi Prefecture is special. As one of the three most sacred mountains in Japanese … [Read more...]
From backpacking to cruising how my travel style changed with the passage of time
Childhood travel memories My parents used to 'drag' my two brothers and I around various parts of Australia in the car. Road trips were a big part of my childhood. In those days (mid 1970's) there wasn't any air conditioning in the cars. I recall after being on the road for too many hours, boredom set in (pre ipads or video devices) my brothers … [Read more...]
Why I think Japan is so special
IT IS THE PEOPLE Beyond Japan's incredible scenery and cultural experiences, my enduring memories come from interactions with its people. Unfailingly polite, nothing is ever too much trouble for the Japanese people I have encountered on my visits. Being helpful seems to be in their DNA. Should they see you struggling with directions (whether … [Read more...]
Stay in the world’s oldest inn where samurai warriors once bathed
Japan’s culture is based on history, tradition and hospitality. The perfect combination of these three are found deep within the mountains of the Yamanashi Prefecture inside the walls of the world’s oldest inn I'm asked my name then directed to a pair of slippers with a tag printed: "Jennifer." As I remove my shoes and change into my … [Read more...]
Breaking down Tokyo one neighbourhood at a time
I was commissioned to write a story about a few of Tokyo's neighbourhoods for an airline magazine in anticipation of the 2020 Summer Olympics (also known as Tokyo 2020.) I filed the story exactly 12 months ago. Sadly, since Coronavirus curtailed international travel, the airline is no longer publishing a magazine. So I’ve decided to publish my … [Read more...]
A comfortable home away from home in Kyoto – Mimaru Nishinotoin Takatsuji
Creature comforts and space in Kyoto One aspect about Japan travellers regularly comment on, is that hotel rooms are often on the smaller side. And I get it. Space comes at a premium price in this island country, home to 126.8 million people. But with a little research, you can find exceptions to the 'small hotel room' syndrome without costing a … [Read more...]
Winter is coming in Nozawa Japan
Ski season in Japan is about to open! I've just received the email, the first snow has fallen in Nozawa Onsen - a ski village four hours north of Tokyo. Thought it might be a good time to share my story Published on AWOL - Junkee and maybe consider this traditional village for your next snow holiday. … [Read more...]
Breaking your leg overseas, the lessons I’ve learned
There have been a few blog posts about my "incident" in Japan. I took the opportunity to write about it and here is my story published last year in Australia's WellBeing Magazine #170 in their "Real Life Experience" column. Its now just over 12 months since the fall - and the scar has healed amazingly (was a little concerned about … [Read more...]
An expensive Japanese taxi ride
About that long taxi ride in Japan …… The Shinkansens are a superb way to travel around Japan. These lightning-fast bullet trains are the epitome of efficiency – punctual down to the millisecond. They’re what we used to travel from Tokyo to the ski fields of Nozawa, in the Nagano prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. And it wasn't because of the … [Read more...]
Naked communion – a divine Japanese onsen experience
My first onsen experience took place in Nozawa Onsen Japan is a hierarchical society based on formal rituals and traditions. It’s suggested the naked communion experience the onsen provides, is a way of helping to break down those traditional barriers. Stripped of our clothing, we are all the same. Walking carefully along the snow-covered village … [Read more...]