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    • Spring
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        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.
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        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
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        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.
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        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.
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        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.
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        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.
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        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
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        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
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        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
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        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
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        Heritage Hunting in Hokkaido

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
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        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
    • Near Tokyo
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        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
      • Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Protecting the Sacred Trees of Koya-san

        Within the misty mountains of Japan's Kii Peninsula, Koya-san (Mt. Koya), stands as a sacred realm of tranquility, history, and spiritual significance. This awe-inspiring mountain has been revered for centuries and is home to a unique collection of trees known as the rokuboku, or The Six Trees of Koya-san.
    • All Regions
    • Article Map
    • Ocean and Beach
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        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
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        Heritage Hunting in Hokka...

        Travelers venturing beyond Hokkaido's popular winter resorts will discover a land with a rich cultural and natural history, a proud indigenous people and a community striving to preserve their heritage.
        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
      • camp3 clubhouse madarao keith stubbs outdoor japanvideo

        CAMP3 Clubhouse in Madarao

        Keith Stubbs, a veteran in the snowboard industry, transitioned from rider to coach and instructor trainer for Snowboard Instruction New Zealand. After coaching in various Japanese resorts, he has established a permanent base in Madarao, outlining his plans for the area and future snowboard endeavors.
        shiretoko hokkaido outdoor japan

        New Horizons in Shiretoko

        During another epic powder season, two seasoned winter sports enthusiasts traded their snowboard bags for camera bags and traveled to Eastern Hokkaido to explore the frozen landscape and broaden their winter horizons.
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        Silent Resilience

        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.
        shizukuishi skiing snowboarding outdoor japan

        Shizukuishi

        Northern Honshu’s Iwate Prefecture, known for heavy snowfall, features Shizukuishi—a powder-rich resort area with views of Mt. Iwate. Snow enthusiasts seeking lesser-known gems can enjoy exceptional snow quality and uncrowded resorts, including Shizukuishi Ski Resort, Amihari Onsen Ski Resort, and Iwate Kogen Snow Park, offering affordability and traditional hospitality.
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        Northern Shinshu’s Secret Stash

        A weak yen, revenge travel, and excellent ski conditions have led to high demand, booking out popular resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen this year. Fortunately, lesser-known gems like Togari Onsen, near Nozawa Onsen and Madarao, offer charming alternatives for powder seekers.
    • Travel
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        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

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        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

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        Dan Buettner’s bestseller, “Blue Zones,” which was also adapted into a hit series on Netflix, identifies five regions with a high number of centenarians. One of these zones is Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa Island. A rich cultural and natural heritage remain in this region, holding the secret to the longevity of the communities living there.

        Kumano’s Path Less Traveled

        A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

        Okinawa Forest Adventure

        Holiday-goers lounging on Onna’s white sand beaches are no doubt unaware of what’s going on high in the jungle as creatures climb above the forest canopy and zip or swing from tower to tower. Curious travelers will discover a new side of Okinawa’s tropical paradise if they take the leap into a Forest Adventure.

        Ryukyu’s Mountain Turtles – Interview wi...

        Okinawa attracts hordes of travelers to its sandy beaches and warm, clear water with divers and snorkelers often posting images of the majestic local sea turtles. The interior forest and rivers, however, are home to another Okinawa turtle also in need of protection—the small, reclusive, but equally beautiful, yamagame.
    • Races and Events
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        Curling athlete Sayuri Matsuhashi’s journey to the top of her sport is an inspiration to deaf athletes and women juggling their roles as mothers while also pursuing their professional dreams.

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My Ultimate Rock Festival

Two of OJ’s music junkies dream up their ultimate rock festival. Some artists on the list are actually scheduled to make a stop in Japan this year, while others would have to make the trip. Here’s to all who made the final cut!

Rock, My Way
By Shotaro Takahashi

Although I’m from Sendai, I’ve yet to see a rock festival in northern Japan – strange considering my younger brother worked at a record company and was in charge of digging up talent from the Tohoku Region. His favorites are Sendai’s Arabaki Rock Festival, which already took place this year, and the Aomori Rock Festival.

It looks like I’ll only be able to make Fuji Rock this year. The event always gets me thinking about putting together my “ultimate festival.”

First, I’d keep the festival in Naeba. Arriving early, I’d find a flat spot to pitch my tent, then head to the stage where Ash would be kicking off the show. Waiting in the wings would be newcomers such as Mika, The View, Keith and The Feeling, warming up the crowd for the reappearance of Billy Corrigan (Smashing Pumpkins) playing with New Order like back in 2001. It would be great to once again see the summer sun shining off his bald head? Ocean Colour Scene would then stop up with “Travelers Tune,” followed by the Manic Street Preachers, who’d let me pick their set list. A bit over the top? Before the main act Kula Shaker would bring their Indian-flavored “drama rock,” perfect for a summer festival. And the main dish…The Red Hot Chili Peppers. It would be storming like the first time they played Fuji Rock with a deluge of rain and lightening. You can’t forget your rain gear!

KULA SHAKER
(1)K
(2)Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts
(3)Freedom Lovin’ People
Reunited just last year, their last summer’s Fuji Rock performance was filled to the brim with great tunes. Just hearing “Hey Dude” live would do the trick for me. This year’s show will follow the release of their new album and should feature some new tracks.

ASH
(4)1977
(5)Free All Angels
(6)You Can’t Have It All
“Shining Light,” a single from their 2001 release, still makes the rounds on my iPod. This bittersweet song ranks in my top ten and brings a smile to my face whenever I hear it. Ash puts out so many good songs; I’d imagine their Fuji Rock performance would go into overtime.

MANIC STREET PREACHERS
(7)Generation Terrorist
(8)This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours
(9)Send Away the Tigers
For a group whose albums tend to be hit or miss, “Send Away the Tiger” is a bull’s eye. Everyone at last year’s festival performance was hoping for the famous old tracks, this year’s Summer Sonic crowd will be screaming for more of the new.

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE
(10)The Day We Caught The Train
(11)Marchin’ already
(12)Travelers tune
(13)On the Leyline
OJ’s Traveler’s Tune column takes its title from this B-side track that found new life with some rearrangement. This is one tune to be on the look out for at this year’s shows.

Mellow Old
By Taro Muraishi

My picks for festivals this summer would start with the Earth Celebration on Sado, although I have to admit I’ve yet to go myself. Everyone who’s been seems to be enamored with the place. This year I plan on biking around Sado Island before the concerts. Natural High (www.naturalhigh.jp) in May is another must-see. The relaxed camping environment is a great for families.

Tama Rock (ameblo.jp/tama-rock) is another festival to put on your calendar. Taking place along the Tama River in Fuchu, it has a “down-home” feel to it. Last year’s inaugural event will be followed up with the much anticipated second show this summer.

Most of the bands I want to see this year, however, are gathering at Fuji Rock. It seems everyone on my “wish list” is a seasoned veteran. Perhaps this says something about my graying hair? I’m particularly looking forward to seeing Jonathan Richman, Iggy & The Stooges, The Beastie Boys and Ocean Colour Scene. The beauty of the outdoor festival is you have ample opportunity to sample new artists. Last year I was turned on to Fields, and this year Sandi Thorn looks like a good bet. If there was a way to bring together all my favorites at one Fuji Rock, the stage would be filled with the likes of Primal Scream, Ian Brown, Beck, Neil Young, Patti Smith, The White Stripes, Ben Harper, Lou Reed and The String Cheese Incident. The Cheese rank among my all-time favorites; I imagine more great memories kicking back in the woods with a beer and the sweet sounds rolling in from the stage.

JONATHAN RICHMAN
(14)Rock`n`Roll With The Modern Lovers
(15)Jonathan Richman & The Modern Lovers
(16) Modern Lovers 88
Ten years ago I saw Jonathan play Shibuya’s Club Quattro with just him and an acoustic guitar. His relaxed musical stylings and his musical genius always put a smile on my face. My favorite album is #14, which sounds like a one-off recording in his bathroom.

IGGY & THE STOOGES
(17)The Stooges
(18)Fun House
(19)Lust For Life/Iggy Pop
The “Godfather of Punk” linked back up with The Stooges for their first new release in 34 years. The result was less than impressive, but to hear them “bring it” live to the fans would be a real treat.

BEASTIE BOYS
(20)Ill Communication
(21)Hello Nasty
(22)The Sounds of Science
The Beasties worked up cover hits with Run D.M.C. and Aerosmith, inspiring a whole generation of Far Eastern youth. Back in the day, the meaning was lost in the beat, but as I listen now I begin to understand how deep some of those lyrics run. Pick up #22 if you still dig the “Fight For Your Right” anthem.

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A forgotten pilgrimage trail, ancient power spots and authentic rural communities are waiting to be explored this hiking season on the Iseji Trail. Stretch your legs and tickle your spirit to welcome the green season on one of the Kumano Kodo’s finest routes, minus the crowds.

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