Travel Highlights 2010
by Francois, staff writer of japan-guide.com
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2010/12/31 - Travel Highlights 2010
Once again, the last 12 months offered a wide variety of travel opportunities while researching and reporting for japan-guide. Below are my top 10 travel highlights for 2010.
Number 10: Hiking in Kirishima
Although a planned hike across the Nakadake, Shinmoedake and Karakuni mountain peaks had to be shortened because of recent eruptions of Shinmoedkae, hiking in the Kirishima mountains made for a great day this autumn. I especially like hiking in the area when visibility is good enough that the far off Sakurajima can be clearly seen in Kagoshima Bay.
Number 9: Bathing in Beppu
For onsen aficionados, Beppu is one of Japan's must visit destinations. The city has the largest output of hot spring water of all the hot spring resorts in Japan. However, more than the quantity, what I enjoyed most about my visit was the variety of Beppu's hot spring baths, including mud baths, steam baths, sand baths, and an outdoor bath at the Suginoi Hotel that provides a commanding view of the city and bay.
Number 8: Kabuki in Tokyo
Before it began extensive renovations and reconstruction in April, I was able to enjoy an afternoon of Kabuki performances at Ginza's Kabukiza Theater. An English pamphlet and audio device allowed me to follow the plot, while the costumes, characters and various aspects of the stage design provided much entertainment.
Number 7: Nara's Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival
Taking place every year on the fourth Saturday of January, the Wakakusa Yamayaki Festival involves the burning of the hillside grass on Wakakusayama mountain. Although fireworks and some small activities also accompany the festivities, the actual burning of the mountain is far and away the day's most impressive event. The burning mountain can be seen throughout the city and gives spectators a vivid impression of a raging fire's tremendous destructive power.
Number 6: Autumn colors in Arashiyama
Last year when I visited the Arashiyama area for the November 19, 2009 Autumn Color Report, the attractiveness of the maple trees of Jojakkoji Temple was a real revelation. This year I had a similar experience in the area when I saw the colors at Nisonin Temple for the November 24, 2010 Autumn Color Report. The small temples of Arashiyama have become some of my favorite fall color destinations.
Number 5: Kurokawa's Rotemburo Meguri
Another hot spring bath related entry, Kurokawa Onsen is also located on Kyushu, about a two and a half hour bus ride inland from Beppu. Whereas Beppu has a wide variety of baths, Kurokawa does one thing but does it very well. The small, attractive onsen town allows guests to try the rotemburo ("outdoor baths") of its many ryokan ("Japanese style inns"). The baths are designed and maintained to a very high standard, and the natural forest setting is ideal for a relaxing soak.
Number 4: The Yamadera mountain temple
Like Hasedera Temple, which I selected as one my 2009 travel highlights, the Yamadera Temple has a unique atmosphere that comes from its location among the mountains. Yamadera has an even more remote feeling, as some of its buildings are located right on the edge of dramatic precipices. Walking between the temple buildings, visitors can sometimes feel as if they have stumbled upon the setting of a legendary fable or folktale.
Number 3: Cherry Blossoms on Mount Yoshino
Yoshino is one of my favourite cherry blossom spots in Japan. A mountainside covered with 30,000 cherry trees provides an interesting contrast to the parks and riversides that usually serve as the setting for the season's hanami parties. Because the cherry trees are spread out over different elevations, Yoshino has one of the longest periods when it is possible to find flowers at full bloom. This year I was able to catch the cherry blossom peak in the lower Shimo Senbon area on the April 6, 2010 Cherry Blossom Report.
Number 2: Izakaya in Okinawa with live music
For its unique history and subtropical climate, Okinawa is one of the most interesting regions of Japan. One of the most enjoyable ways of experiencing some of the island's distinct culture is by eating at one of the many izakaya restaurants that provide live music for its patrons. During a visit to the islands in June I visited a number of such establishments on both the Main Island and Kumejima, and had a great time at each place. Okinawan food and Okinawan music are two of the most compelling reasons for a visit to the islands.
Number 1: The year's first snowfall in the Kuju mountains
This year's number one highlight came when Schauwecker and I headed to the Kuju mountains in Kyushu to check out the area for the October 27, 2010 Autumn Color Report. Starting the day the sky was foggy and the weather was quite cold, and as we progressed further into the park the conditions worsened and there was even frost and snow on the ground. Though there were quite a few hikers at the park's entrance, further into the interior we saw almost no one. We reached the summit of Mount Kuju and sat down for a bite to eat and suddenly the fog began to clear up. All of a sudden we went from being able to see only a few feet in front of us to having almost our entire hike laid out in front of us. The view from the peak of the mountain was fantastic, making for an unforgettable experience.
Bonus Selection: Climbing Mount Fuji
Although I did not go on japan-guide related reporting or research, I thought I would be remiss to not include a late August hike up Mount Fuji among my year's highlights. Climbing through the night to watch a spectacular daybreak from an elevation of 3776 meters is one of the ultimate Japan travel experiences, particularly valuable for the sense of accomplishment one feels at the top. This year we were also able to get some nice pictures of the mountain, which serve as a nice way to bring this list to a conclusion.
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