Greencaviar Travel

Kagoshima: From Springtime Sakura to Summer Discoveries My first trip to Kagoshima was in early spring of 2023, when my sole focus was chasing sakura blossoms. While I had seen them in several cities, it wasn’t until we reached Chiran — a small town in Kagoshima Prefecture famous for its preserved Samurai houses — that I witnessed cherry blossoms in their full, breathtaking splendor. Chiran’s streets, framed with delicate pink blooms against traditional architecture, felt like stepping into a painting. Fast forward to my recent visit, this time in the height of summer, I decided to explore Kagoshima beyond its springtime beauty. The city, tucked at the southern tip of Kyushu, is a paradise for nature lovers like me. The first thing to greet me was Sakurajima, the city’s iconic volcano rising dramatically from the bay. I had planned to take the ferry over and hike its trails, but the sweltering heatwave had other plans. Instead, I opted for shaded streets and indoor discoveries, ...

Sakaiminato, Japan — A Day in the Whimsical World of Yokai On my first visit to Sakaiminato, I didn’t actually explore the city itself. Instead, I headed out on excursions into the surrounding countryside — visiting beautiful nature gardens and enjoying the unforgettable sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom. I also spent time in museums like the Adachi Museum of Art (which I wrote about in a previous post). That first trip gave me a taste of the area’s beauty, but not much insight into Sakaiminato itself. So on my recent visit, I decided to change that. A City with a Manga Legacy If you’re not familiar with it, manga is the Japanese art form of storytelling through comics — covering genres from action and romance to history and fantasy. It’s not just for kids; manga is a major part of Japanese culture and is enjoyed by all ages. Sakaiminato is especially proud to be the birthplace of Mizuki Shigeru, one of Japan’s most famous manga creators. He’s best known for GeGeGe no Kitaro...

  Onward to Toyama via Fushiki After immersing myself in Kakunodate’s past, I boarded the bullet train back to Akita and journeyed west to Toyama Prefecture, passing through Fushiki, a coastal port town with a long history of trade. This leg of the trip was quieter and less touristic—but deeply satisfying in its simplicity. A Summer Visit to Shirakawa-go: Heatwaves, History, and Heavenly Views From the small port town of Fushiki, I boarded a bus for an almost two-hour ride into the mountains. My destination: Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to shed heavy snow. The journey itself was beautiful — winding roads through serene mountain landscapes, lush greenery in every shade imaginable. I visited in the height of summer, under a heatwave warning. The local advice was simple but essential: drink plenty of water. Once in the village, I wandered through narrow paths and op...

A Cultural Tapestry in Tsuruga: Shrines, Festivals, and Floating History My recent visit to Tsuruga, a port city on the Sea of Japan, turned into an unexpectedly rich dive into the cultural heart of Fukui Prefecture. Though I arrived a bit ahead of the annual Tsuruga Festival, held each September, I still caught a vivid glimpse of its spirit—thanks to some serendipitous timing and a well-curated museum trail. A Sacred Welcome at Kehi Jingu Shrine I began my journey at Kehi Jingu Shrine, the spiritual heart of Tsuruga and one of the most historically significant shrines in the Hokuriku region. Established in the early 8th century, this Shinto shrine is best known for its grand torii gate, one of the three largest wooden torii in Japan. It stands tall and stately, a vermilion gateway between the earthly and the divine. During my visit, I was lucky enough to witness a kagura performance—a sacred Shinto dance that blends music, mythology, and ritual. Performed within the shrine itself...

🚅 From Yokohama to the Samurai Spirit of Northern Japan My recent journey through northern Japan took me from the bustling port city of Yokohama to the tranquil, history-soaked landscapes of Akita and Toyama—with a powerful stop in Kakunodate, Japan’s famous Samurai village. Each destination revealed a different layer of Japan’s spirit, from modern vitality to centuries-old tradition. Strolling Through Yokohama Despite the sweltering summer heat, I was determined to walk the city and soak in its character—and I’m glad I did. Yokohama offers a lot for a traveler willing to brave the sun. I started with a peaceful escape to Yamashita Park, a green space that stretches along the harbor. The breeze off the water helped offset the rising temperatures, and the views of the bay dotted with ships made for a calming pause in the middle of the city. From there, I wandered into Yokohama’s Chinatown—one of the largest in the world. The streets were alive with colorful signs, steam rising from ...