Rowing Takachiho and Yamamizuki Ryokan in Kurokawa

Breakfast Our Ryokan provided a complimentary breakfast and we headed down early so we could beat the rush for rowboats. Upon arrival in the breakfast area we were each given this large tray with an assortment of different food items. I was really impressed with the variety that this "free" breakfast offered! For me I really enjoyed the tamago and the grilled fish, they were especially yummy!...

Hiking around Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho gorge It was time to leave Miyazaki and make our way to Takachiho Gorge. We left early because we wanted to arrive at the gorge before other tourists. Our AirBNB host had warned us that it was a holiday in Japan and that it may be busy at the Gorge. It was a two hour drive from Miyazaki to Takachiho through a beautiful mountainous area. We had hoped to arrive before it got too busy so...

Last day in Tokyo

We had a very full day planned for our last full day in Tokyo. So aided by a bit of jet lag, we got to start early. Tsuta Reservations One of the things that was highly recommended to us by a number of our friends was to visit a ramen restaurant called Tsuta. Tsuta is the first ramen restaurant to be awarded a Michelin Star and we were eager to see what the hype was about. However, in order to...

Exploring Tokyo

Explore Shinjuku Due to jet lag Salmonella and I woke up pretty early. There were a few things that we had on our list today. Our friend Funkycat would be flying in today so we needed to meet up with him. I'd also be meeting up with a familiar travel friend later in the day and we'd be Mario Karting all over Tokyo. But first Salmonella and I needed to get a Tokyo Subway Metro ticket so we can...

Travel & First Day in Japan

JAL Flight to Japan Time to go to Japan! Salmonella and I arrived early at YVR and spent an hour or two in the Plaza Premium Lounge in the international departures lounge. We had a chance to grab some refreshments and relax before the 10 hour flight. The flight itself was uneventful and smooth. I have to give props to JAL on such a great in flight experience. I've had the chance to fly on some...

Planning for Japan!

In about a weeks time I'll be on the road again. This time I'll be heading East to Japan! I hadn't planned to visit Japan this year. But when I learned that my friend (who had lived in Japan for a little under a year) was planning to visit, I tagged along! It's not everyday you get to travel with someone who's already familiar with the culture and can speak the language. In addition, He wanted to...