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Japan

Japan’s tropical Okinawa Islands

November 1, 2018

Known in Japan as Okinawa Shotō, Okinawa consists of no less than two dozen islands scattered around the main island, referred to as Okinawa Honto.  Located far south of Honshu, Japan’s main island, Okinawa together with the more southern Miyako and Yaeyama Islands form the Prefecture of Okinawa. Okinawa is part of a chain of Japanese islands that stretches north all the way from Kyushu, the third largest island of Japan, to Taiwan to the south. Known as the Ryukyu Islands, of which Okinawa is the largest and most populous, they were ruled by the independent Ryukyu Kingdom from the 15th [MORE...]

Japanese Festivals (Photo Essay)

December 14, 2015

The Japanese sure know how to do great festivals. Here are photos from the 2015 festivals in the Tohoku Region on northern Honshu Island. Included are 1) the Kanto Matsuri festival in Akita, 2) the Nebuta Festival in Aomori, 3) the Neputa Festival in Hirosaki, 4) and the Tachineputa Matsuri festival in Goshogawara. Which one is the best? They are al totally incredible, though I did like the Kanto Matsuri in Akita most! [MORE...]

Winter Wonderland of Northern Japan

October 20, 2015

Tancho Cranes and Whooper (or Hooper) Swans annually migrate from upper Siberia in Russia to the relatively less harsh winters of eastern Hokkaido Island of northern Japan. Watch as these cranes do their love dances in the snow and feel free to join the swans in the thermal spring waters of the lake. When bird spotting in the deep freeze gets too tiring, soak in one of the many romantic outdoor natural thermal springs while your surroundings get covered in snow. End the day with Japanese cuisine around the fireplace, and sleep on your tatami mat after sipping on a cup of green tea. Sounds good? It is! Lets go JAPAN! [MORE...]