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    • Spring
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.

        Solace and Giant Salamanders in Akiota

        Just beyond Hiroshima City is a tranquil outdoor destination home to some of Japan's last remaining oosanshouo, the elusive giant salamander.
        Kyoto Oni Trail Outdoor Japanvideo

        The Oni Trail: Hiking Coastal Kyoto

        The mystical oni is prevalent in Japanese children’s stories, usually as a way to scare kids straight. Adventure Travel Kyoto is shedding a new light on this folklore and developing a new hiking route in the countryside of Kyoto.
    • Summer
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        mead brewing in japan

        The Sweet Secrets of Brewing Mead

        Wander into the world of mead brewing and find yourself immersed in a fascinating journey spanning centuries and continents.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
        sea to table yamagata

        Sea to Table in Yamagata

        An unforgettable way to intimately explore the Shonai Region in Yamagata is a culinary experience bringing bounty of the sea straight to your table.
    • Autumn
      • Pow Bar Founder Megumi Scott

        Beyond the Brand: Pow Bar

        An interview with Megumi Scott, the founder of Niseko brand Pow Bar.
        Churamura Okinawa Sea Turtle Marine Conservation

        Churamura: Footprints in the Sand

        Churamura, an NPO in Okinawa, work to conserve marine life and protect endangered sea turtles in Japan's southernmost prefecture.
        Kawazu

        Fall in Love with Kawazu

        Enjoy waterfall hikes and hot springs, beautiful beaches and delicious seafood in Kawazu on the western coast of Izu Peninsula.
    • Winter
    • Near Tokyo
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Near Kyoto
      • video

        Finding the Flow from Kansai to Kochi

        Shikoku’s many mountains, valleys and proximity to the ocean has made it a hidden gem for rafting, kayaking and canyoning enthusiasts willing to take a step or two further from the Golden Route of Kyoto and Osaka.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • River and Lake
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Mountain and Land
    • Sky
      • getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
    • Snow and Ice
      • climbing mt. fuji off season

        Mt. Fuji: The Path Less Traveled

        Fuji-san is the most climbed mountain in the world. If you are in good shape, there is a way to avoid the traffic for a more peaceful Mt. Fuji experience during the off-season.
    • Travel
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
        maota sustainable fashion

        Weaving Stories with Maota

        Maota is a small-scale clothing line working with local craftsmen in the countryside of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. While their focus is on small, local and “slow” fashion, they are moving fast toward some big goals.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
    • Food and Drinks
      • the nomad pasche family

        The World is Our Playground

        The Pasche family has been cycling and living out of a tent in remote corners of the planet for the past 13 years on four continents spanning 50 countries.
        adventure travel world summit in hokkaido

        Adventure Travel World Summit in Hokkaido

        The ATTA will host their first Adventure Travel World Summit in Asia in Hokkaido, Japan. We caught up with ATTA Director Shannon Stowell to find out more about the adventure travel industry and how it continues to grow and evolve.
        getting dirty in japan

        Getting Dirty in Japan

        “Getting Dirty in Japan” is about getting out of your comfort zone and into some exciting outdoor adventures and destinations in Japan.
        maota sustainable fashion

        Weaving Stories with Maota

        Maota is a small-scale clothing line working with local craftsmen in the countryside of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. While their focus is on small, local and “slow” fashion, they are moving fast toward some big goals.
        the knights in white lycra

        The Knights in White Lycra

        Each year a group of cyclists head to the deep north towards Tohoku’s vast rice fields and coastal trails to help transform the lives of neglected children.
    • Races and Events
      • fuji rock japan

        2023 Summer Music Festivals

        Get into the groove this green season while enjoying the great outdoors with family and friends.
        Summer Events Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        2023 Fireworks Festivals in Japan

        Enjoy these fireworks festivals held throughout Japan this summer and autumn.

Canadian ‘Piano Man’ Daniel Powter

Putting the screws to Daniel Powter, one of music’s brightest new stars, and getting the skinny on his home country, Canada.

Although known as Canada’s newest “piano man,” Daniel Powter has fashioned himself as a top-notch singer-songwriter. His single, “Bad Day,” rose to No. 1 on the Billboard charts and was blasting from speakers and flying off record store shelves all over Japan this spring.

Since he hails from the Vancouver area, Daniel’s first travel recommendation was the West Coast.

“Vancouver is great, but there’s this island called Queen Charlotte—it’s the best.” He carried on, “Just going for a drive can take nine hours, but there’s so much nature still around. It’s famous for whale-watching and having a ton of fishing spots. Because there’s not a lot of tourist traffic, it’s nothing but peace and quiet.”

Queen Charlotte’s coastline is covered with your typical fiords creating silent channels completely separate from the crashing waves of the Pacific—a true “inside passage.”

This is the land where the native tribes of the Haida created many totem poles. The beauty of these forests was impressive enough to make repeat tourists out of famous photographers such as the late Michio Hoshino.

“Also, there’s the West Coast Trail. That’s a really amazing area, but in the name of nature conservation, you can’t just drop by for a hike. It’s all reservation-based now. But, even so, it’s well worth making it over there,” Daniel continued.

The West Coast Trail he speaks of runs 75 kms. along the length of the enormous Vancouver Island. With forest paths, coastal trails and hikes across rivers, there’s more than enough to please even the seasoned hiker. This normally week-long trek along Vancouver’s sacred ground is worth the trouble, particularly considering there aren’t many places like it in the world.

Daniel then shifted gears, saying, “That’s enough about the West Coast. If you’re heading east, Nova Scotia and Halifax in Newfoundland are great stops. The islands and peninsulas are beautiful and worth checking out. There are a lot of tourists in the area, but the place is just so gorgeous!”

I begin to wonder which way he’s headed—east or west. Which direction will he finally turn?

“If I had to choose, I’d say the East Coast, around Newfoundland. It’s just so beautiful!” Powter replied, “However, actually…I’ve never been. I suppose it’s bad form to recommend some place to which you’ve never been, right? But these are places even I really want to get to.”

Pick some time when you know he’s not touring and head to eastern Canada. You never know; you might just bump into Daniel in the middle of his own vacation.

Daniel Powter’s debut album and other selected piano releases…

Jamie Cullum
「Catching Tales」(Universal)

Jazz pianist and singer who broke out with the leading track from the movie, “Bridget Jones’ Diary.” The mix of hip-hop and rock is a refreshing twist to the pop music scene.

Jack’s Mannequin
「Everything In Transit」(Warner)

Hailing from California, Jack’s Mannequin is noted for the piano licks throughout their album, and their tunes show the true versatility of piano in the rock world.

Daniel Powter
「Daniel Powter」(Warner)
His debut wax hit Japan stores in March, and the harmony of clear piano sounds and his husky voice ensured this would be a hit.

Bent Fabric
「Jukebox」(Universal)
The combination of an 81-year-old pianist from Denmark and seven young vocalists turned out to be a quick sell with catchy rhythms and a pop feel.

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