Aged 22 from Northern Ireland, I spent some time in Nagoya before moving to Tokyo. Currently working as an English teacher for a private company and traveling/ writing in my spare time. I'm most looking forward to (hopefully) climbing Mt Fuji in the summer.
For those in Gifu Prefecture who are seeking a day-out that is architecturally unique, filled with natural wonder and equal parts baffling and fun: look no further than the 'Site of Reversible Destiny' located within Yoro Park. A truly unique experience.
The summer may be the best time to hike in the area and the autumn may be its' most famed time for viewing, but winter in Oku-Nikko has a special feel to it – and the total lack of tourists makes that even better.
Home to an active volcano, stunning black sand beaches and a mystical volcanic ash field, Oshima is an unforgettable destination. Compared to the urban maze of people that is Tokyo, this island is almost alien in its indifference. Briefly known as 'Suicide Island' in the 1940s because of the high number of couples who took their lives by jumping into the volcanic crater below, Oshima has a strange reputation in popular culture.
With 10 games played in the 2016 Super Rugby competition, the Sunwolves have somehow managed a season that is both better than expected, and much worse.
The world-famous PIXAR Exhibition is in town and there's a little over one week left to go see it. Originating at the New York Museum of Modern Art in 2005 (to celebrate the 20th anniversary), this exhibit has toured the world since to rapturous reviews. Here in Tokyo it will mark PIXAR's 30th year and therefore features some never-before-seen pieces. Currently being held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOT) in Kita-ku, the legendary exhibit is in its final days here in Tokyo so go now before it's too late.
Japan has its fair share of temples. In 2013, the Agency for Cultural Affairs had approximately 80,000 temples registered across the country and the same is true for shrines, with a similar number believed to be in operation. Amongst these 80,000 temples, there lurks a great number with hidden secrets and attractions. The best example of this is Tamagawa Daishi or the Gyokushin Mitsuin temple.
Sumo is a very different affair. With an elite number of wrestlers, Sumo has long been a closed sport, accepting only limited foreign entrants and has minimal outside interference. Traditionally, the only opportunity to see this ancient sport in action is at a 'Grand Tournament'. However, these grand tournaments are held only once every two months, alternating between the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo and another venue elsewhere in Japan.
With a full squad and enough coaches to allow them to use the word 'staff' for the first time, the Sunwolves' problems appeared to be over. The only hitch? The team is yet to begin training.
Located within the larger Joshin'etsu National Park, inside of Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani Yaen-koen is seen by many as one of the must-see locations of Japan itself. 'Hell's Valley Wild Monkey Park' as it is translated, is so called because of the steep cliffs and hot water springs that erupt in the area.
