mich.dee

Sept 26, 2019. Tyler’s struggle every time we had to repack. 

Sept 25-26, 2019. Last few days in Tokyo. The weather was finally cooling, sitting around 27°C which gave us the opportunity to walk around some neighbourhoods and explore, something we couldn’t do much of during our first week here because it was too hot.

Just like our last trip to Japan, we splurged on a night at an onsen/ryokan. This spot in Atami was particularly beautiful, tucked on the side of a mountain with a view of the town and ocean below. The experience here was worth every penny.

After a quick stroll along the beach, we sought reprieve from the wind and sand battering our faces at a small shrine next door. 

From Enoshima, we made our way a little further south to Shirahama beach in the Izu Peninsula. Sadly, our hopes of having a relaxing beach vacation went out the window. A typhoon was about to hit that afternoon so the waves were rough and the winds were anything but gentle. The beach was littered with tons of debris and garbage from the previous storm. We spent most of our time just relaxing in our hotel room and streaming shows.  

Sept 20, 2019. Enoshima Island (Part 3)

Patiently waited for the owners to plop this little guy into the basket before I asked for a portrait. They even snapped their fingers and called out his name so he’d look into my camera! 

Sept 19, 2019. Enoshima (Part 1). Arrived in Enoshima late in the afternoon. Felt haggard from all the travelling but we managed to muster the energy to walk down to the beach to enjoy the sunset and watch some locals surf the waves. Day ended with a surprisingly delicious dinner featuring hamburg-steaks at Denny’s. The hotel we stayed at was one of my favourites, featuring an insuite spa/jacuzzi, delicious breakfasts, and a planeterium system we enjoyed turning on every night before going to bed.

We returned to the town of Yamaguchi late that afternoon. As eager as we were to explore the town, we also knew we were short on time and needed to rest. Tomorrow morning, our adventure in Kyushu would end and we’d be flying back to Tokyo. 

Inside the limestone cave we took an elevator (yes, an elevator) that brought us up to a grassy field known as Akiyoshidai Plateau. 

Approaching the cave entrance, you’re greeted by streams and mossy covered rocks (much to my delight since we missed out on hiking Yakushima Island), and lots of vegetation. Words can’t explain how beautiful and serene it was.

From Kumamoto, we travelled further north to Yamaguchi in hopes of visiting Akiyoshido Cave, Japan’s largest cave system. We were not disappointed.

Sept 17, 2019. After the gorge, we walked back to the small town of Takachiho to wait for our bus ride back to Kumamoto.

Sept 17, 2019. Exploring Takachiho Gorge (Part 2).

Sept 17, 2019. Exploring Takachiho Gorge (Part 1).

Sept 17, 2019. On our second day in Kumamoto, we took a 3 hour bus ride to visit Takachiho Gorge. Was mesmerized by the beautiful landscape en route.

Sept 16, 2019. Tyler’s favourite Japanese mascot, Kumamon.