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...]
Naked communion – a divine onsen experience
My first onsen experience Trudging along the snow-covered village streets, I’m unable to look up and take in my new surroundings. The snow on the ground is thick and crunches underfoot. Discreet patches of ice wait for the unwary. I’m doing my best not to slip and fall. Usually, I’m a curious observer, but today I’m cautiously following my … [Read more...]
When travelling Japan with teenagers be prepared for anything
Expect the unexpected when travelling with teenagers The Japanese Shinkansen is fast. They traverse across the Japanese countryside at lightning speed! One of my boys clocked it at 220km/hour using an app on his phone. And they run to a clockwork tight schedule. They pull up at the station, passengers alight and the Shinkansens move off with … [Read more...]
Japan Ohayo Gozaimasu
Finally Japan! My first visit to the land of the rising sun is imminent. Japan has been on my travel radar since my high school days when I studied Japanese in Year 8! As this was quite a few decades ago, why has it taken so long for me to visit? Truthfully – I’ve no idea. I’d say too many other countries in between. But a couple of factors … [Read more...]