Japan

Japan

Aogashima: Japans Majestic Volcanic Island Haven Some hiking
Izu Islands

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?

Quiet
Full day minimum on Aogashima; realistically 1–2 days including weather/transport buffer (ferry/heli disruptions).
Enchanting Zao Snow Monsters, Twisted Winter Wonderland Haunting
Winter

The Snow Monsters of Mount Zao

It’s not an easy encounter. I’d already visited a few years ago, but a gathering storm made it impossible for me to approach these monsters and stroke their silken fur.

Snow Monsters
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Marvelous Naruto Strait: Akashi Bridge Whirlpools - A stunning natural wonder in Japan. Dynamic
Spring

Naruto Whirlpools

Find yourself in the middle of the Naruto Strait where the tidal currents slosh against each other.

Tidal Whirlpool Peak
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Unexpected Encounter: Moai statues from Easter Island in Hokkaido, Japan, creating a captivating contrast. Easy walk
Autumn

Makomanai Takino Cemetery

One day, or maybe one night, near a cemetery, I fell asleep ...

Some crowds
2–3 hours (half-day if you also want to see the Buddha head/Stonehenge replica and take photos leisurely)
Abandoned Wagakawa Hydro Plant in Japan: A Stunning Autumn Oasis. Off the map
Autumn

The Abandoned Wakagawa Power Plant

Let's go discover this very special haikyo with a man who is equally special, or maybe not.

Difficulty
Risk
Eerie abandoned Japanese amusement park, haunting urban decay. Off the map
Japan

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.

Difficulty
Risk
Discover Super-Kamiokande: Neutrino Observatory Marvel in Kamioka. Off the map
Gifu

Super-Kamiokande: The Neutrino Detector

Located in the cool depths of a mine, in the heartlands of central Japan, the design of this neutrino detector is mind-boggling.

Difficulty
Risk
Nishinoshima (Oki Islands) Some hiking
Interview

Oki Islands: Nishinoshima

Quiet
Overnight (1 night) recommended; can be a long day trip if connections line up
Replica of Satsuki and Meis house from My Neighbor Totoro at Worlds Fair in Nagoya. Easy walk
Aichi

Totoro, Totoro! Satsuki and Mei’s house

Welcome to Satsuki and Mei's house, in Aichi. This is the only reconstitution based on My Neighbor Totoro.

Busy
About 30 minutes inside the house (timed entry); plan 2–3 hours total including park walking and transit within the park area