Best Trip
Daisetsuzan National Park - Hiking Guide
If you're traveling or backpacking through Hokkaido you'll be on the doorstep of one of the best hiking spots in all of Japan.
If you've got the stamina and want to do a heroic 6 hour hike through the Daisetsu-zan National Park that takes in some monumentally epic views, then all you have to do is follow my simple step by step guide.
Necessary things to take on your hike
- Two large bottles of water
- suncream
- Something for lunch (ie a couple of rice balls)
- Two bits of cardboard with '十勝 岳 望岳 台' and '美瑛' written in large letters! The first set of kanji is the name where you're hitching to, and the last set of kanji means 'Biei' (the place I advise you to spend the night). However, if you're not staying in Biei change the last set of kanji accordingly. For more information about Biei - click here.
- A pair of walking boots - Even though climbing in Crocs was a laugh (check out my 2 movies… here and here), it wasn't really that funny when I was sliding down the mountain and trudging through the snow!
Optional things to take
A hiking trail map - if you want to plan your own route through the Daisetsu-zan National Park it's probably best to plan it in advance. The only way to do that is to buy a local hiking map with all the trails on it.You've now bought all your 'equipment' and you're keen to start your hike, in the Daisetsu-zan National Park. Well… you can't go wrong with the below itinerary.
Phase 1
Leave Biei (or Wherever you're staying) around 6: 30-45am to ensure you get a lift to the start of the trail via hitchhiking. That way you'll definitely get to the slopes of Mt Tokachi before 8:30 am. You'll want to get an early start to avoid the mid day heat whilst you're climbing. Because, trust me when I say it get's pretty hot up there! The car park where you'll begin your epic hike is called -十勝 岳 望岳 台.
Phase 2
On reaching台 岳 望岳 台take the path That everyone else is on. You're aiming for the tallest mountain in front of you - Mount Tokachi (The one that looks like Mount Doom - from the Lord of the Rings). If you're still confused about which way to go just follow the path that's marked by rocks with yellow paint on them.
Phase 3
On reaching the summit of岳 岳- behold all of Hokkaido! The views are absolutely unreal! The Japanese even have a word to describe the view you get from a mountaintop when the clouds below you look like an ocean -雲海- unkai (cloud, sea). If I had my time again, I would have taken about an hour to absorb the view. And don't worry about time, you've got plenty of it!
Phase 4
You'll then want to start hiking to your right (as you're coming up the mountain) towards Mount Kamihorokame. In the distance you will see a mountain covered in green that looks like something out of 'Avatar' the movie. By all means Trek to that one too… However, when I did it I couldn't figure out an easy way to get home from there.
Phase 5
After reaching the summit of Mount Kamihorokame there'll be a path to the right that leads you down the mountain to an onsen called -十勝 岳 温泉. If there's snow on the mountain I highly recommend going back on yourself just a little, and sledging down the slopes to a mountain hut. For a sledge you can use your first hitchhiking sign, seeing as you don't need it anymore. When you are full to the brim of 'childlike enjoyment' you can simply take the path down the mountain. My only advice is to take this part quite slowly, as before you know it, your trek will be over.
The walk down the mountain is gorgeous… and the landscape is Spectacular. It changes with every step you take - from lush Tropical landscapes to barren Wastelands.
Phase 6
After arriving into the十勝岳温泉car-park, you may be tempted to take a dip in the Onsen there.
But I wouldn't…
This is hand's down the worst Onsen I have ever been to. Save yourself the ¥ 800 cover charge and buy yourself and icecream instead.
Finally ...
It's time to whip out the other hitchhiking cardboard sign that you've been carrying around all day. You'll be amazed (well, seeing how it is a carpark) how quickly you get offered a lift back home.
And that's it - just remember to take your time and absorb every single moment. The hike only takes around 5-6 hours, so you have tons and tons of time before it gets dark to enjoy the view AND get a lift back home.
Conclusions
If I had my time again, I would have taken a sleeping bag and camped the night on the mountain in one of the shelters. I would then have continued walking across the spine of the mountain range until 4pm the next day and only then hitchhiked home. I really cannot describe how amazing it was. It really did feel like a once in a lifetime hike.Greek Island Adventure Hopping
Everyone has a different idea of what makes the perfect holiday. Some prefer to stay still - the beach and a good book are all they need. Others require a bit more action. For the Adventure seekers among us, a day of relaxing on the beach isn't just boring, it's impossible. The Lure of the open ocean or the promise of mountaintop views is just too tempting.
Fortunately for those of us who love to stay on the move holidays to Greece provide as much entertainment and excitement as the more obvious backpacker destinations. Below is a quick run-down of three of the best island adventures you can take this summer.
Cycling Through Evia
This sleepy, sun-drenched island is a cyclist's paradise. With plenty of winding, rural roads and very little traffic, cycling across Evia is as idyllic as it gets. Zip past rugged coastline and lush Vineyards. Climb up challenging mountain hills and past Charming seaside villages. Best of all? Take in the jaw-dropping views of the turquoise sea as you cycle across the stunning Chalkida suspension bridge.
Greece's second largest island after Crete, Evia is a popular holiday spot for Greeks, but you won't find too many foreign tourists here. As a result, the island is dotted with Fantastic, Authentic Greek restaurants - perfect for refueling during your cycle tour of the island. Enjoy fresh seafood in the fishing village of Limni and order your steaks by the kilo in the mountain town of Steni-Dirfhis.
Diving Off the Shores of Milos
With more beaches than any other Cycladic island and a coastline covered in colorful volcanic rock, Milos is the ideal Greek island for scuba diving. Head to the island's Diving Center and have the experts guide you to the best dive spots.
During your dive, you'll encounter plenty of colorful aquatic wildlife, from deep-sea fish to dolphins and monk seals. Though it's tempting to spend your entire holiday in Milos in the water or on the beach, the island has plenty of land attractions too. Learn about Milos' long history of Mineral Extraction at the Mining Museum in Adamas, walk through the Catacombs of Trypiti and check out the impressive Ancient Filakopi Theater.
Sailing the Dodecanese Archipelago
Why just pick one beautiful Greek island, when you could explore several in the course of one holiday? A chartered sailboat is a great option for meandering through the tranquil waters of the Dodecanese Archipelago.
Hop off at Kos and enjoy lunch in Charming Kos Town before hopping back in the boat and setting course for the beautiful island of Leros. Go windsurfing on Alinda Beach, get a history lesson in the fascinating Leros War Museum and feast on a fresh fish dinner at Fishtavern Restaurant on Gourna Beach. In the morning, head to the tiny island of Patmos for some breakfast on the beautiful Meloi Beach.Count Numbers On Your Hand - In Different Countries
After watching Inglorious Bastards and the 'finger-counting scene' in the bar - I was intrigued to find out if different nationalities really do count numbers differently on their hands.
If you don't know the scene I mean here you go:
So after some 'Intensive investigating' at one of the few places in Tokyo that foreigners congregate - I was genuinely Shocked by how different we all are!
Here's what I found:
North America and UK
Hand Signal:
When someone from North America or the UK count numbers on their hand it starts with the extension of the index finger (number 1) and continues to the little finger (number 4). The 'number 5' is then represented by extending all the fingers and thumb. The exact same process is repeated on the other hand if you want to count up to 10.
For example:
If an English man wants 8 fish and chips he opens one palm entirely and on the other extends the index and two middle fingers.
Western Europe
(ie Germans, Italians, Spanish, French)
Hand Signal:
When Western Europeans count numbers on their hands the thumb represents the 'number 1' and the index finger is 'number 2' and so on and so Forth… with the little finger representing the 'number 5'. Fingers are generally extended while counting, beginning at the thumb and finishing at the little finger.
For example:
If a German wanted to order 3 Bratwurst she would use her thumb, index, middle finger.
china
Chinese count numbers in exactly the same as the UK and North America… but counting from 6 to 10 gets kind of funky!
Instead of explaining it's easier if I just show you…
And that's it for my 'extensive' research at my language school….
If you count differently in your country don't be shy to post a comment below and teach us all your freaky ways;)
Happy travels and good luck Exploring!Top 2 Dives in Australia
The SS Yongala
Dive the SS YONGALA Wreck which has been voted as one of the world's top dive sites. This famous wreck is located in the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It is located closest to Townsville in Queensland and takes 30 minutes from the shore after a fast and fun ride aboard a purpose built boat.
It is a ship wreck from a former steel passenger and freight steamer. It sank in 1911 during a Tropical cyclone with 124 passengers being on board. It was left unnoticed for over 50 years as it was only discovered in 1958 and is now a main tourist attraction in Australia.
The ship wreak itself is 100m long and has become home to an incredible range of marine life. Giant gropers, schools of Giant trevally, Cobia and sea snakes glide are regularly seen by Divers. Spot turtles, rays and thousands of other Creatures on the now coral-encrusted structure.
The North Horn
The North Horn dive site is located in the Coral Sea on a remote Atoll of the Great Barrier Reef called the Osprey Reef. North Horn is particularly famous for its shark Sightings as it features all the Sharks of the Great Barrier Reef such as Gray Sharks, Silvertip, Great Hammerhead Sharks and the rare Tiger Shark. For those who like an adrenaline rush, this is a diving experience you won't forget.
Diving conditions are usually very good with excellent visibility of 40 meters like often on the Osprey Reef. If there is some current, it makes a great opportunity for drift diving on the Western Wall with superb Soft Coral and Gorgonians Sea Fans.
The Marine Life at North Horn is just Incredible. Although famous for its Sharks, it also homes pelagic fish too. You can see barracudas, giant trevallies, mackerel, rainbow runners, and big dogtooth Tunas!
To get to this diving spot, you need to go to Osprey Reef which is a remote atoll in the Coral Sea, North of Queensland, Australia. It is situated about 130 kilometers from the Great Barrier Reef and 320 kilometers from Port Douglas and 350 kilometers from Cairns. It is only accessible by Liveaboard trips Exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The main places to get the Liveaboards visiting the North Horn are at Cairns and Port Douglas. But it is truly worth the added trip to dive here, at one of Australia's best diving spots.5 Crazy Ways To Break The Law
There are some pretty crazy ways to break the law out there… now have probably never even crossed your mind - so here's five that you can thank me for telling you later;)
Smoking in Bhutan
If you're a smoker and want to visit Bhutan, it looks like you're either going to have to buy a shed load of Nicotine patches or simply give up! This tiny Himalayan country is notoriously harsh when if comes to smokers. You can't smoke nor can you bring them into the country. Smoking in public will lump you with a hefty fine and if you get caught selling Tobacco products you could get thrown into the slammer! Be warned.
Sleeping on the wings of Angels
This is a great one… In Buenos Aires - the Argentine government officially made featherbeds illegal because they believe that, “such an indulgence induces and encourages lascivious feelings” (according to the Argentina Independent). It appears that the government doesn't want its populace getting too comfy;)
Wearing high heels in Ancient Greece
If you're on holiday in Greece and want to mix a Heavenly dinner with a stroll through ancient times… you're going to have to leave the heels at home. In order In order to Preserve Greece's ancient sites the government has been all shoes that could damage these Spectacular sites. If you do rock up the Parthenon be prepared to have to walk around bare-footed in the blazing sun!
Going Commando in Thailand
This is a personal favorite that I can't believe is true because I have no idea how they enforce it! But apparently, in Thailand there is a law that prohibits you from leaving your house going Commando (ie without wearing any underwear). Not sure if you'd get away with saying you ran out of underwear… but I wouldn't want to be the sucker to find out!
Feeding the Birds in Venice
One of my pet hates is people who feed pigeons or seagulls. It drives me mental! So for this law I'm actually quite glad it exists. Lucky in Venice the traditional of turning yourself into a human bird feeder is no more. It's now illegal to feed the Birds. According to 'Europe Up Close', those who violate the rule can be fined up to $ 700.
There are also tons of household items that if you tried to bring into Japan, such as 3-methylmorphine (AKA - Codeine) and Vicks VapoRub Inhalers, could land you in the slammer! If you want to know more about the strange things you can't bring into Japan just click here.
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I recently wrote a post about how to travel around Japan on the cheap focusing on transport, accommodation and food - which you can find here.
While I was writing my previous article I came across some other very valuable ways of saving money and thought I would spread the love. So… below are my top 5 ways to save money whilst in Japan.
1. Cheap Train Tickets
There are 3 distinct periods of sale and validity when you can purchase and use a special train ticket called - the Seishun Juuhachi Kippu.
- Spring: 20th Feb - 31st Mar (valid for use between 1st Mar to 10th Apr)
- Summer: 1st Jul - 31st Aug (valid for use between 20th Jul - 10th Sep)
- Winter: 1th Dec - 10th Jan (valid for use between 10th Dec - 20th Jan)
Seishun Juuhachi Kippu literally means a 'Youth 18 Ticket' - but anyone of any age can buy and use it. It's an amazing alternative for traveling on the train networks without a JR Rail Pass.
Basically, for ¥ 11,500 you get five one day tickets valid for travel anywhere in Japan on the JR lines. The only catch is that you can't use them on the bullet Trains and each ticket must be used within 24 hrs. Even with that said, this special ticket reduces your travel costs to ¥ 2,300 per day - which compared to everything else is super cheap! I recently completed a 7-hour trip from Tokyo to Sendai and the trip in itself was actually quite fun! In order to get your exact travel planned (using local Trains only) go to this website and un-tick all the Shinkansen Trains.
2. Domestic Air Discounts
If you're thinking of heading to the far flung Corners of Japan and you have a little more money and a little less time you'll want to look into Purchasing some discounted air tickets such as the Star Alliance Japan Airpass offered by All Nippon Airways and the OneWorld Yokoso Visit Japan Fare by Japan Airlines. Each 'pass' offers Travelers discounted domestic air tickets to anywhere in Japan for the reduced cost of ¥ 10,500 Yen including tax per ticket. Using one of these tickets to get to the remote Corners of Japan is much faster and cheaper than traveling by train.
3. Lunch Specials
Lunch is the time of the day where you can eat some top quality grab for dirty cheap prices. I don't know why, but at lunch time some of the top restaurants serve lunch set menus at a fraction of the dinner cost. I'm not sure if it's targeted at office workers to attracted them to come back in the evening, but whatever reason - long may it continue!
4. Free Guiding Services
In most Japanese cities their Tourist Information Center - usually located near the main train station - offer free Volunteer tour guides. I'm not sure why they are free, but I've never been one to 'look a gift horse in the mouth'. The volunteers are usually really nice locals looking to meet foreigners and improve their English.
5. Cheap Gifts for Friends and Family
There's no reason to buy friends and family anything expensive from Japan. Some of the best and practical presents you'll find are at 100 Yen shops (Japanese equivalent of dollar stores). 100 Yen shops are packed full of excellent presents for friends and family… from tableware to clothing. No matter what you buy, your friends will love it. And let's be honest, will they really know the difference between a ¥ 100 and a ¥ 1000 pair of Chopsticks? I don't and I've been here for nearly a year !!!
And suffice to say… only plan to come to Japan in the off-peak season. There are 4 specific Peak seasons that you should avoid like the plague.
- Cherry blossom season (Early April)
- 'Autumn leaf color' changing season (mid-November)
- New Years holiday Season
- Golden Week (April 29 to May 5)
- Obon week (around mid-August)
If you do travel within any of these time periods expect to pay through the nose for transport and accommodation!
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Happy Travels!Top 3 Weird Japanese Sexual Fetishes
Japan is a very strange country indeed and so too are her people and their sexual fetishes. There are dozens of weird, creepy and perverse fetishes out there and if you thought the people from the land of the dirty panty dispensers couldn't not get any weirder - well… they have.
The Japanese have taken fetishes to another level whereby they almost reveal in their inventions. They even name each and every fetish and collect and swap its items with a Fever unknown in the western world!
Over in Japan fetishes range from sex toys to hair fetishes, but in my opinion the top 3 weird and wacky fetishes are as follows:
Face-farting
The Japanese are a very reserved and modest people. This is just a part of Japanese culture and a way of life. And women over here are brought up to NEVER, EVER fart in the presence of other people. And you wouldn't be wrong to think that is exactly why some people saw this as a 'Forbidden fruit' and turned it into a fetish! Some people believe that this is an offshoot of the 'Omorashi fetish' (what I mean about creating names for every fetish) which is the classic 'Golden Shower' fetish.
The fart-fetish guys not only enjoy the smell of girls farts but they actually enjoy being farted on in the face! The best combination for these fetishists are loud and stinky ones! It's nothing compared to 2 girls and 1 cup… but it's still pretty Gross…
Pillow Love
This is my personal favorite - this fetish in Essence is having a pajama party with some of your 20-30 year old mates and making love to your pillows. Not only have they taken pillow snuggling to a whole new level they've 'modified' their pillows to match the weirdness of this fetish.
Basically, awkward Japanese guys can now buy 'girlfriends' that double up as bed accessories - ie. pillows with their favorite comic Idols printed on them with anatomically correct body parts. And when I say anatomically correct body parts I mean that some of their “pillow lovers” are even equipped with a “hole”. And with practicality and aftercare at the Forefront of the designers Minds these 'holes' are both removable and washable. So if you have more than just snuggling on your mind one night …… .. (I'm sure you don't need me to spell out the rest)
Cat Slapping
The Japanese have taken the expression used in the West for two women fighting each other and turning it porno!
In a typical 'Cat Slapping' porn scene a women (aka. Actress), whilst casually walking in the street, is filmed hitting unsuspected women (aka. The other actress) in the face. And if you can believe it, in Japan, this sort of thing is actually considered pornographic! Another version of Japanese Cat Slapping is similar to the UK dating game show 'Streetmate', whereby a camera crew will go up random women in the street and ask them to slap each other in the face. Bizarre but true…
I've said it before and I'll say it again Japan is like an Adult Disney Land. If you can think it up… it probably already exists!
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Matsushima is an amazing place to visit for the day.
You can get everything ticked off in a few hours so there's no need to wake up at the crack of dawn. Matsushima and its bay have over 250 pine-covered islands that have been shaped by the elements to extreme and truly speculator shapes. This collection of beautiful islands is one of Japan's Three Great sites (Nihon Sankei).
The other two are:
- The floating Tori Gates of Miyajima Island
- The sand spit at Amanohashidate
The only downside with Matsushima being one of Japan's Three Great sites is the amount of tourists.
Nowhere that has a Reputation of being an area of natural beauty will be free of tourists and Matsuyama is no exception. But even though it's pretty touristy you can't deny that it's a picturesque and charming place. If you want to avoid the crowds, avoid going there on the weekends.
Below is a list of things that you really shouldn't miss out on:
Zuigan-ji
Cost: ¥ 700
Description: At the moment you can only see a fraction of the temple complex because it's currently under major reconstruction until 2016! Even if you can only see this half the site, it's well worth the trip especially to this amazing joinery work that holds up the roof to the kitchen! I've never seen anything quite like it before! Even the walk up to the temple, through an avenue lined with tall cedars and weathered Buddha's hiding in the Caves, is beautiful!
Boat Trip Around Matsushima Bay
Cost: ¥ 1,400 for a 50minute cruise
Description: Even if it's rammed full of tourists, that shouldn't stop you from going. The tiny islands that make up this bay are stunning and the cruise to see them is well worth the time and money. If you want a really good view - just stay outside and try not to get too pissed off with everyone feeding the seagulls.
Tea and Cake
Cost: ¥ 600
Description: After the boat trip, there's nothing better than an iced coffee and a traditional Japanese cake set. When I was there the most relaxing and Delicious place I found for an afternoon cake set was this place.
If you find somewhere else - equal as Delicious and laid back, please leave a message in the comments section. I'd love to know more!
Fukuura-jima
Cost: ¥ 200
Description: This tiny island is an idyllic place to stroll around. There are some picturesque views along the way and if you bring your swimming trunks you can even go for a quick dip through one of the many beaches. The island is connected to the Mainland by a 252m long red wooden bridge and it makes a lovely way to end your day in Matsushima.
After you've done these 4 things there isn't much else to see in Matsushma. But if you do want to see some more nature, the best thing to do is to go to Miyato Island. The only problem, because of the Great Japanese Earthquake in 2012, is that the railway line is shut. So, in order to get to Miyato Island you'll need to get a car.
Happy travels and enjoy Matsushima!