Studio Ghibli is an animation studio located in Tokyo. Often referred as “the Disney of Japan”, Ghibli is an National icon in Japan. This studio’s work is visionary and deserves its own recognition. Studio Ghibli offers a number of unique and whimsical stories. Their films draw you into a fantasy world that delicately balances...Read More
Takachiho, located in the northern central area of Miyazaki Prefecture on the southern island, is steeped in Japanese mythology. It is known as a “power spot”, a place of profound religious importance and natural beauty, which radiates spiritual energy. It is the disputed landing place of the gods who were sent down from heaven to establish the lineage of...Read More
By: Mike Robers, Owner As previously printed in March 2017 newsletter. There are many things different and unique about travel in Japan. Of these, there is one thing that I have come to really enjoy: Japanese baths. Everywhere you go in Japan, there is hot mineral water either gushing out of the ground or...Read More
After a few train rides and a long flight, we are back in Colorado. Corina and I spent our Jet lagged nights (3am texts when sleep just won’t come) talking about...Read More
Miyajima Island may be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in Japan. Even the ferry ride from Hiroshima to the island is quite something. Seeing Miyajima Island from a distance as you slowly ferry towards the port gives you a glimpse into all of its splendor. When we arrived on the...Read More
The Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) plays an important part of the mythology of Hongu Taisha. The first is a statue is on a post office box on the Hongu Taisha grounds, and the second is a banner at the main gate of Hongu Taisha. It is said the Yatagarasu is a messenger of the Shinto...Read More
This has been an incredibly fast paced and adventurous trip for us. There is so much to see in Japan, and we have only seen a small bit of it. After trekking from Magome to Tsumago, we went to Takayama. Takayama is in the Japanese Alps and is filled with beautiful scenery and delicious...Read More
Traveling to Japan is truly like stepping back in time with the traditions, history and majestic culture that fills the air, and staying in a ryokan really does offer the sense of time travel that many foreigners seek while traveling in Japan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn that are locally run. Travelers are welcomed...Read More
There is something magical or even slightly mythical about hiking in Japan. The history of this country is never ending and so well documented. There are two small villages in the Japanese Alps called Magome and Tsumago. They were created to be post towns along the Nakasendo highway. During the Edo period Feudal Lords were...Read More
Like most independent tours we spent our first couple of days in Tokyo. The streets were filled with hundreds of well-dressed people, all eager to get to their destination. Amidst the skyscrapers and city lights of Tokyo you can still sense the respect that Japanese culture holds for quality and hospitality. Even the crowded Starbucks...Read More
