Easy walk
Among the Groves of Takayama
I had the chance to live in Takayama for three weeks. So, of course, I can share my experience with you.
Some hiking
Rebun: The Flowered Floating Island
Frantically I put my foot down, driving along the incredible Route 106 (the last stretch of road to the north of Hokkaido) through a storm where the sky and the ocean are as one.
Some hiking
Aogashima: Double Volcano Island
Aogashima is a very mysterious island. Online, always the same photos taken from a helicopter, sometimes photoshopped. But what’s really hidden behind these lava walls?
Hard hike
Oshima and its Black Desert
Oshima is the largest island in the Izu peninsula. It has an active volcano surrounded by black desert... the only desert in Japan!
Lively
Oarai Shrine: Ocean Gateway
Oarai Shrine is also known as Kamiiso no Torii, the Gateway of the Sea God. It was established in 856 but rebuilt in 1690.
Haunting
Best Abandoned Places in Japan (2017–2018)
"Jordy, did you give up the haikyo?" Here’s my answer, distilled into a new Best Of covering the past two years.
Easy walk
Motonosumi Inari Shrine
Motonosumi Inari Shrine is located in western Japan, far from the rest of the world. The nearest city, 80 kilometres away, is Yamaguchi. Never heard of it?
Haunting
Kumamoto: Greenery and Limpid Water
Suizen-ji, Kumamoto Castle after the 2016 earthquake, limpid rivers and green valleys: a tour of Kumamoto Prefecture by car, train, boat and on foot, beyond the famous Laputa Road.
Easy walk
Nomizo Falls: The Heart of Light
6.30am and Nomizo is quick to reveal itself. Little by little, a streak of light is emerging. Pretty impressive.
Some hiking
Taikodani Inari Shrine: Vermilion Night Dive
263 steps, nearly 1000 torii, and a red that stays in your eyes. Taikodani Inari Shrine leaves an imprint; its vermilion arches align as a visual protective charm.
Some hiking
Ukiha Inari Shrine
Discover Ukiha Inari Shrine in Fukuoka, an enchanting place known for its vermilion torii, its quiet calm, and its panoramic views.
Some hiking
Jinjo-ji: Ancient Shrine Lost in the Mountains
Deep in the Japanese countryside, you sometimes stumble on places that seem frozen in time. Jinjo-ji temple, in Shimonoseki, is clearly one of them.
Easy walk
Takayama Inari Shrine
Follow the Senbon-Torii path through the red gates to meet the foxes and the goddess Inari ...
Some hiking
The Incredible Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine
At the foot of Mount Aso stands a small shrine with a mystical atmosphere, lost in the middle of a cedar forest. Take the path with stone lanterns and discover this timeless place.
Easy walk
Natadera Temple
Natadera Temple, in the suburb of Komatsu (Ishikawa prefecture) a few kilometres from Kanazawa city, belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect.
Some hiking
Shishijima: Island of the Goat (or of the 19 Residents)
It’s early. I call on my host: couldn’t you recommend an island around here for my morning constitutional? Of course, he told me. So join my mate on his boat down there. He’ll take you to his place! On Goat Island! You’ve a deal there, I miaow readily, whiskers quivering with excitement.
