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Hiking Shoushan National Nature Park: Tips & Recommendations
If you love hiking, being in nature, wildlife, exercise, and gorgeous views, then visiting Shoushan National Nature Park is a must! This nature park is easy to get to from anywhere in Kaohsiung City and offers an incredible experience. If you are like me and the site of wild monkeys gets you excited, you’ll love this nature park. Shoushan National Nature Park has many trail networks and for the most part they were well maintained and somewhat easy. I highly recommend adding Shoushan National Nature Park to your Kaohsiung itinerary. In this post, you can find information on the nature park, learn about the wildlife, and I’ve included tips and…
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Taroko National Park Day Tour: Hiking, Culture, and Natural Beauty
This is post 7 of 9 in the series “Traveling Taiwan” Traveling Taiwan is a series post on my adventures around Taiwan. As of now it consists of travel in and around Taipei to include day trips from Taipei. 3 Days in Taipei – Attractions, Food, Day Trips, and Nature Escapes The Purrfect Day Trip To Houtong Cat Village from Taipei Visiting Yehliu Geopark from Taipei by Bus Our Guide to Night Markets in Taipei Day Trip to Jiufen, Taiwan 13 Things to do in Taipei: Must-Do Attractions and Experiences Taroko National Park Day Tour: Hiking, Culture, and Natural Beauty Things to do in Hualien: From Taroko Gorge to Night…
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Hiking to Risshaku-ji: Yamagata’s Yamadera Temple
Risshaku-ji, more commonly known as Yamadera Temple or Japan’s “Mountain Temple,” is a scenic Buddhist temple located in the the beautiful mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. With a history dating back over a thousand years, Yamadera Temple remains a popular destination for pilgrims and is quite popular among tourists due to the breathtaking views, scenic hike, and ancient temples. With more then 1,000 stone steps to reach Risshaku-ji, hiking to Yamadera Temple is no easy task but the reward is worth every step, trust me the views are worth it! **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be…
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Beyond the Summit: 9 Things to do Around Mt. Fuji
The iconic Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan that has captivated travelers from all around the world. Mt. Fuji is known for its symmetrical cone shape, a mountain that truly stands out from the rest. Every year, between the summer months of July through September, hikers attempt to reach the summit of Mt. Fuji. Lets be honest, Mt. Fuji looks better from afar then it does close up and not everyone is up for the challenge to reach the summit. Or if you are like me, you’ve already hiked Mt. Fuji in the past and want to explore more of what is around Mt. Fuji. From haunted forests and…
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Aokigahara Forest: The Reality of Japan’s “Suicide Forest”
Aokigahara Forest, located just northwest of Mt. Fuji’s base has long been the speculation of mystery and has an eerie reputation. Known as the “Sea of Trees” or unfortunately, more famously known as “The Suicide Forest,” Aokigahara Forest has captured the attention from people around the world. Japan’s Suicide Forest has been the the subject in horror movies, folklore, and dark tourism. But is Aokigahara Forest really shrouded in mystery and unfortunate events or is simply a peaceful forest, rich in natural beauty? In this post, I’ll dive into my recent trip to Aokigahara Forest and explore what makes this forest so captivating to so many people and recommend some…
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8 Recommended Hiking Trails Near Iwakuni
This is post 4 of 5 in the series “Guide to Iwakuni, Japan” Iwakuni is not on everyone’s radar when visiting Japan. After all, it’s far from the typical places tourists visit like Kyoto and Tokyo. But Iwakuni is easily accessible from Hiroshima and deserves a visit. Iwakuni has one of Japan’s prettiest historical bridges at the foot of the mountain where Iwakuni Castle sits upon. For a city of its size, Iwakuni has a lot to offer. Check out the Kintai Bridge, learn about the famous White Snakes, and try some local cuisine. Iwakuni’s location makes it a popular outdoor destination. Surrounded by both mountains and oceans, there are…
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Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa
This is post 9 of 18 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Zamami Island, Okinawa Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves Okinawa Night Hike,…
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Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa
This is post 5 of 18 in the series “Discover Okinawa” Discover Okinawa is a series of posts that has everything to do with all things Okinawa. Join us on our journey as we bike around islands, explore Okinawa’s wildlife, eat amazing food, and everything in between! Visiting Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: From Coral Reefs to Whale Sharks Okinawa Battle Sites Tour Day Trip To Cape Hedo, Okinawa Zamami Island, Okinawa Hiji Falls Hike, Okinawa Tsuken Island Okinawa, aka “Carrot Island” Iriomote Island, Japan – Beaches, Jungles, and Wild Cats Okinawa World Heritage Sites Indiana Jones Trail, Okinawa Exploring Ie Shima, Okinawa Tunnel Rats, Exploring Okinawa’s WWII Caves Okinawa Night Hike,…
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Hiking Mt. Fuji – Yoshida Trail
Hiking Mt. Fuji in Japan is a dream for many travelers and a spiritual journey for local residents. Mt. Fuji is a symbol of Japan, as it is Japan’s highest and most well known mountain. Every year (non-Covid) hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists flock to the Mt. Fuji area to hopefully get a glimpse of the mountain from afar or hike the trails that lead to the summit. Jill and I, both have wanted to hike Fuji for a while but travel restrictions have hindered us from doing so. Since we both got vaccinated and Japan loosened restrictions, we were able to book our flights and hike the…
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Guide to Miyajima Island, Japan
Miyajima Island, Japan is considered to be in the Top 3 most scenic sites in all of Japan and home to the Floating Shrine a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is no wonder why this island receives over four million visitors annually. Itsukushima is the proper name of the island but everyone knows it as Miyajima Island meaning “Shrine Island” or as I like to call it, “Deer Island” since the island is home to a small species of deer that roam around and are not afraid of humans. Miyajima is a holy place full of shrines and temples. Strict measures have been in place here to keep Miyajima authentic…
