I spent an afternoon high up in the branches of an absolutely huge tree. I wasn’t dreaming, nor was I channeling the three-eyed raven. I was having a lesson in tree-climbing (in Japanese, of course) in Tamura City, Fukushima. Kubo san’s Tree Climbing Vision I wrote earlier this year about Miyakoji, in Tamura –Continue reading Tree Climbing in Japan
Every year in late June, bright yellow Nikko Kisuge Lilies light up Oguni Marshlands. I’ve seen many photos of these beautiful flowers since coming to Fukushima, so I was determined to go and see them for myself. Oguninuma (the name of the marshland area) is in Urabandai area, and is part of the stunning nationalContinue reading A Hike to the Yellow Lilies of the Oguni Marshlands
As the long, hot summer days continue, I thought I’d write about a spring time hike I went on this year to Handayama, to the north of Fukushima! In the springtime, the picturesque heart-shaped lake at Handayama bursts into shades of pink and pastel. Bordered with stunning sakura in the spring, Handa Pond (Handa Numa)Continue reading Handayama’s Heart Lake
I had an amazing time trying out kayaking on Lake Sohara, Urabandai! Lake Sohara is one of many gorgeous areas in Urabandai included in Bandai Asahi National Park. Urabandai is a great area of Fukushima for trying out water sports in the summer, and is also ideal for both hikers and cyclists in the spring,Continue reading Kayaking in Urabandai
Summer is the perfect time to take a hike around the incredible Goshiki-numa, Urabandai. The range of colours which can be seen in the water of the picturesque lakes and ponds of this area has given it the name ‘Goshiki-numa’, meaning ‘Five Coloured Marshes’. The area is most well-known for its bright blue ponds, whichContinue reading Goshiki-numa’s Breathtaking Blue Lakes
Important News: Access to the Bandai-Azuma Skyline Sightseeing Road has been restricted following the Volcanic Warning Level for Azumaya being raised from Level 1 (“Potential for Increased Activity”) to Level 2 (“Do Not Approach the Crater”). A restricted access zone has now been put into effect around within 1.5 k of the crater, meaning thatContinue reading Azuma Kofuji’s Short & Scenic Hiking Route
The Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture gets a huge amount of snowfall every year, making it a great region for skiiers, snowboarders, and anyone who enjoys winter sports! Last week I tried out snowshoe trekking in Urabandai. In areas with deep snow, walking in normal footwear becomes extremely difficult, so for hundreds of years JapaneseContinue reading First Time Snowshoe Trekking in Fukushima
