Sakura season 🌸 in Japan is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit, but it is also one of the most touristy times as well. Sakura season or cherry blossom season begins in the southern Ryukyu island of Okinawa around mid January to early February. The season begins to unfold on mainland Japan around the end of March to early April. The further north you go the later the cherry blossoms bloom, so Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season starts around the end of April and lasts until early May. During Sakura season, visitors can expect to see cherry blossoms in full bloom dotting the landscape with beautiful shades…

If you are interested in seeing the Japanese Macaques but don’t have the time to wander around the wilderness looking for them, then I’d recommend visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Kyoto. Everyone is familiar with the famous snow monkeys soaking it up in the hot springs in Nagano Prefecture. But visiting the snow monkeys there can be time consuming and you have to be there during the appropriate season. Arashiyama Monkey Park is open all year long and is easily accessible, especially if visitors are already in Kyoto. From Arashiyama Station, it’s a quick walk to the park. Visitors can then hike to the top of the mountain and be…

This year, Earth Day is on Thursday, April 22nd. Since Earth Day lies on a Thursday this year and we have been experiencing a lot of heavy rain and high winds due to Typhoon Surigae, we will be celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 24th. Those that know me probably know that I really enjoy picking up trash whether it be along the beach or a city trail. Now that I live in Okinawa, it only makes sense to go to various beaches near Okinawa City to help with beach clean up. Jill and I bought some trash tongs from Daiso (Local 100 Yen Shop) or as we call it…