Summer

Summer

Chasing salt air and cicadas, we slip off the map; lava islands, rice-paddy terraces, and sunlit shrines.

Stone arch in Japans tranquil landscape Easy walk
Japan

Okinawa: From Naha To Nago

How can you spend so much time in Japan without ever touching ground in the Ryukyu archipelago? You can’t! This first part is set on the main Okinawa island.

Some crowds
Half day to 1 day (often used mainly as an arrival/base city)
Watermill in lush Japanese wasabi farm, reflecting in clear stream Easy walk
Chubu

The Azumino Wasabi Farm

The spot is marvellous: the birds, the sound of the water and the squealing mills... and from time to time, a damn mosquito.

Some crowds
2–3 hours (half-day if you also linger at the watermills/stream and try food stalls)
Pathway lined with colorful flowers on Taketomi Island, Okinawa, Japan Easy walk
Japan

Taketomi: The Bougainvilleas Island

It's early morning in Okinawa and the sky is already ocean blue. Without any hesitation, we jump right away in the first boat direction the paradise: the Taketomi Island!

Some crowds
Half day to full day (easy as a day trip from Ishigaki)
View of Okinawas lush bay with turquoise waters and rugged islands Easy walk
Japan

Zamami, Aka & Love in Between

After visiting the urban side of Okinawa with Naha and Nago, here we are now in the ferry, on the way to Kerama Islands, more precisely Zamami and Aka Islands.

Some crowds
Overnight trip recommended (about 2 days / 1 night); avoid doing a same-day round trip due to time and cost.
Beauty of Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden in Tokyo Easy walk
Bunkyo

The Gardens of Koishikawa Korakuen

Koishikawa Korakuen is a garden of the Edo period and therefore, it is one of Tokyo’s oldest garden.

Some crowds
2–3 hours (half day if you want a slow stroll and photos)
Coastal beauty with lone tree, sandy beach, turquoise waters Some hiking
Chubu

One Day in Izu Peninsula

In summer, the Izu Peninsula is ideal to spend a refreshing week-end. Located a hundred kilometers away from Tokyo, I strongly suggest to rent a car to enjoy the fabulous seaside.

Busy
Full day for a highlights loop (beach + waterfalls + Shaboten Park/Mt. Omuro). A half day works if you pick just one area (e.g., Shimoda/Shirahama only or Kawazu waterfalls only).
The Majestic Kurobe Dam in Japan: A Symbol of Engineering Marvel. Some hiking
Chubu

The Highest Dam of Japan: Kurobe

Kurobe Dam is considered a big success in Japan. It is by far the tallest dam in Japan, with a very impressively beautiful artificial lake.

Busy
Half day to full day (full day if you include the Alpine Route transit and lake cruise/photo stops)
Red arch bridge reflecting on calm forest lake in Gunma, Japan Nostalgic
Gunma

The Usui Pass and the Meganebashi

The contrast of the red and the green surrounding created a perfect balance, peaceful and romantic. In my vision, some girl from the countryside is likely to appear on the bridge on a old fashioned bike...

Difficulty
Risk
Impressive RX-78-2 Gundam statue in urban setting with bustling crowd and modern buildings. Easy walk
Japan

Gundam Odaiba 2012

I have persuaded Gundam to come back to Tokyo, landing in Odaiba once more.

Busy
1–2 hours (allow extra time if you want to wait for the animation/show cycle and take lots of photos)
249+ Adventures to explore
Dorogawa Onsen Kansai Soho Odaiba Tokyo atrium with multi-level concrete walkways and rainbow wall panels Tokyo Restful intimacy in cluttered bedroom with sleeping couple Nagano Miniature Tilt-Shift Urban Street Scene in Tobu World Square Tochigi Playful pink lighthouse island paradise Kochi Browse All → Every adventure in one place