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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
    • 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
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    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.

The Charlatans head for the Scottish Port of ‘E’

Sixteen years after its debut, the English band is still rocking and rolling strong. Now they tell you where to roll…

Fifteen years have passed since the term “Madchester” was coined and the “Manchester movement” spread from England, taking the world by storm with its unique groove and new-rock feel. Blasting out the best thing since punk, this style still influences many musicians today.

However, most of the bands of that era have disappeared without a trace, branched off into new projects, gone solo or got back together for reunion tours. However, it wouldn’t appear that any of these groups have made it through intact.

The exception is The Charlatans, still alive and kicking and continuing to impress with their top-notch musicianship and popularity. In fact, their new album is set for release next spring.

“I was born in Salford, next to Manchester, and there’re plenty of interesting places to visit in the area, but when I travel I actually prefer to head farther north to Scotland. If you drop by Lake Ness you might run into Nessie,” laughs front man Tim Burgess.

Once again, Nessie rears her head into the conversation and reminds me of the interview (OJ, December, 2006) with the Basement Jaxx. Even though the “Nessie” photographer himself has admitted he forged the pictures, this place still seems to be high on the list of spots people recommend.

Tim continues, “Ha ha…no, but seriously, if you follow along the coastline near Lake Ness, you can catch a ton of crab. They are the best in England without a doubt. There’s also a great port, but I can’t remember the name of the city…I’m sure it started with an E…”

According to Tim, “You can get there by train” and the town’s name “sounds like Eckster.” Unfortunately, after thoroughly searching a map following the interview, I found nothing even close to that description.

“Basically, the whole of Scotland is beautiful,” he carries on. “Edinburgh is chock full of historic buildings, and you can take it easy there. The countryside is full of quiet, little towns and folks live there peacefully. Then there are crazier places such as Glasgow.”

Apparently most of Scotland is quite relaxed, but Glasgow takes on a different edge. A live show there by The Charlatans is never dull and usually ends up getting a bit unruly. However, that doesn’t seem to be a bad thing for a musician, right?

“Well…,” admits Tim, “You know the metal detectors they have in airports? They’ve got those at the front door to these live shows. Otherwise, folks would roll in with knives and pistols. There are a lot of tattoos and things can get a bit too crazy.”

I wonder why the English always seem to naturally mix tales of peace and tranquility with violent stories. I guess this will remain a mystery surrounding the country which gave us both the National Trust movement and the term “hooligan.”

travelers tune

Ian Brown
The Greatest
(Universal)

The Stone Roses had incredible success and influence, and so it’s no surprise that vocalist Ian Brown is following up a Greatest Hits album by returning to the scene with a solo career.

travelers tune

The Charlatans
Simpatico
(BMG JAPAN)
Their eighth release since debuting keeps them squarely seated on the throne of UK rock, but Tim’s current residence in the States gives the tracks a bit more hip-hop and blues feel.

travelers tune

Morrissey
Ringleader of the Tormentors
(BMG JAPAN)
After leaving The Smiths, the charismatic band which helped developed the Manchester sound, front man Morrissey has become the voice of a nation. This album defines 2006.

travelers tune

Bez’s Madchester Anthems
Sorted Tunes from Back in the Day
(WEA)
Bez made his mark and achieved iconic status as the dancer for the band Happy Mondays and he brings the music to the forefront with this Greatest Hits album featuring Manchester music.

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