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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
    • 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
    • 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.
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Traveling Without Sound

Like most people, I love traveling. However, I explore a soundless world—as I was born deaf. Although I can’t hear, I understand now, my other senses, such as smell and sight, have grown extremely sharp. For some time I thought this was normal, but as I encountered new people, and had new experiences during my travels, I came to realize that my perception was a bit different from others; something special. When I was cycling in Shima, Mie prefecture, I found a really nice beach and decided to pitch my tent there. As the sun was going down over the horizon I thought, “Wow, this is a breathtaking view!”

Later I found there were dozens of loud, screaming trucks passing behind me. Most people would have been annoyed by the noise, but I didn’t even notice it—I was too busy enjoying the stunning sunset.

Living without sound allows me to plunge myself into the scenery around me. I feel it’s a privilege, enabling me take more pleasure in places I like, where I can simply sit back, enjoy a cold beer and absorb the sights and smells around me.

Troll was born in Shimizu, Shizuoka. Despite having a hearing disability, she is an active traveler who enjoys following the endless horizon while mountain biking, telemarking, skiing and kayaking.

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