Tag Archives: Japan Travel

The Sweet Volcanic Breezes of Mount Aso

JR Station in Kumamoto City Enough with castles for now and the cramped living style of the business hotel. Many parts of Kumamoto City are attractive enough for a short visit. The beauty and the history of the city can be seen in a few hours. Most of the major attractions are located in theContinue reading “The Sweet Volcanic Breezes of Mount Aso”

Quick stop in Kyoto and on to Kagoshima in Kyushu

Our stay in Kyoto was only a few days but we’re without regrets and are looking forward to what’s ahead. Our plans on where we are going in the weeks ahead are still pretty undefined. They mostly will be dependent on the weather, if we can find an apartment in Tokyo for the month ofContinue reading “Quick stop in Kyoto and on to Kagoshima in Kyushu”

Return to the Land of the Rising Sun

We said good-bye to Shanghai on Friday as we boarded our taxi in the surprisingly sleepy Jing’an District. The ride to Pudong seemed like more a demonstration on how our taxi driver could get us to the airport faster than his nemesis the speedy Maglev.  Of course, there are no working seat belts in thisContinue reading “Return to the Land of the Rising Sun”

Takayama: A great day trip from Tokyo or Kyoto

Takayama has the looks of what “old” Japan used to look like.  Located in the mountains in the northern Gifu prefecture,  Takayama has been protected from modernization.  Well…to some degree.  The snowy winters,  fertile land for rice fields and mountain spring water make it a a perfect place for sake brewing. The snow can cutContinue reading “Takayama: A great day trip from Tokyo or Kyoto”

What to see outside of Tokyo: Kamakura..shrines, the Giant Daibutsu and a great bar!

If there is one place to visit outside of Tokyo Kamakura is it.  The city itself can’t be fully seen in one day so see what you can and try to get back in the future.  Here’s a great online guide to Kamakura Shrines.  The city has many transportation options if needed but it is aContinue reading “What to see outside of Tokyo: Kamakura..shrines, the Giant Daibutsu and a great bar!”

Where to go other than Tokyo or Kyoto: Beppu

It’s 7:15am on a monday morning (weekend after spring-back daylight savings to boot) and I’m be-gowned and getting conveyed into the  tomb or otherwise known as an MRI machine.  I know, what does a MRI have to do with any trip to the spa to relax?  I guess it was a combination of what IContinue reading “Where to go other than Tokyo or Kyoto: Beppu”

Best Budget Spa Trip in Japan: Beppu Sand Spa

It’s 7:15am on a monday morning (weekend after spring-back daylight savings to boot) and I’m be-gowned and getting conveyed into the  tomb or otherwise known as an MRI machine.  I know, what does a MRI have to do with any trip to the spa to relax?  I guess it was a combination of what IContinue reading “Best Budget Spa Trip in Japan: Beppu Sand Spa”