Originally written for Voyapon @ http://voyapon.com/swords-samurai-kumamoto/ Sponsored by Northern Kumamoto Administrative Headquarters “Strike while the irons hot.” I always knew what this meant, though never witnessed it in its complete, literal meaning. That is, until one a stormy day, while the furnace roars and hammers clang, as Mr. Matsunaga of Arao, Kumamoto leads us into …
Day 3: Takachiho Gorge Our last day in Miyazaki starts early. There's a place I've wanted to visit since looking into our travels in Miyazaki. Takachiho Gorge is famous for its gorgeous ravines. There are turquoise blue boats you can rent for a unique perspective of the gorge. The previous night, we learn on the …
It's day two, and the sun feels prickly on the back of our necks. It suddenly feels like summer, and I am overly dressed with pants and a long sleeve shirt. Our first stop is Udo-jingū, a brightly painted shrine set within a cave on cliffs facing the Open Pacific. With brilliant red paint set …
From the 29th of April to early May, a string of consecutive holidays called Golden Week (GW) takes place every year in Japan. This year's abdication of the Emperor and the subsequent succession meant that this Golden Week would be extended to the first ever ten consecutive days off around the country. It was always my …
Continue reading Miyazaki Day 1: Aoshima Island and Obi Town
If anyone is looking for a Rastafarian inspired Japanese restaurant, look no further than Satta Yard in Nakatsu. About a 40 minute drive from the city and into the quiet hills of Nakatsu will bring you to some of the healthiest (and tastiest) curries around. It might feel like a bit of a trek, but …
Continue reading Into the Mountains of Nakatsu, Oita for Vegan Curry and Coffee
It's almost the end of my fourth month working as an English teacher. In the beginning of May, I started three weeks of "Parent Observations" (P.O.s), where parents observe lessons delivered to their children by yours truly. It's an opportunity for parents to see how their investments have been utilized, and I can't help but …
Continue reading Parent Observations and Roasting Yams with Neighbours
There seems to be what feels like a sudden change in the air here in Usa city. With the warmer temperatures come blossoms and flowers of all shapes and colours, and the rice fields that were laid bare during the winter is now lush with thick, green waves of wheat. So, I believe it's high …
The change of weather into hotter days has given more opportunities to explore areas of Oita prefecture haven't yet visited. That's exactly what I did on a beautiful 22 degree Sunday. A 20 minute drive takes me to Bungotakada, where Showa no Machi (Showa-era Village) is. The popular shopping district preserves many nostalgic shops of …
