2025- YTD

Hello All,

Just thought I would give you an update on how everything has been progressing this year. The team (Dion, Jon, Elisa and myself) have been extremely busy over the last 6 months and as we speak are generally fully booked for the whole of November and most of December. Obviously we are currently in one of the peak seasons in Japan as a result of the amazing cool weather and subsequent Autumn foliage.  This respite from the draining summer heat is more than welcome and its nice not to be drenched in sweat after a 10 minute stop at a local attraction.

My daughter Elisa, has slowly but surely started building up her clients in the Tokyo, Yokohama and Shimizu regions.  I am careful not to give her too much part time work as she still needs to focus on her studies and bring home the good grades. She might not LOVE working for me (I can be a hard boss and father when necessary) but the flexibility that touring offers and the fact that she is a strong communicator and effective translator has really allowed her to showcase her skills.

Here are a few photos of her in action.

I am sure you will appreciate her efforts and passion to promote Japan to the world.

In Nagasaki at the Hario Radio Towers

Ready to explore at the Akiyoshido Caves

Meeting the clients at a Tokyo hotel

Yatai food carts in Fukuoka

Having a bite to eat on her walking tours in Tokyo

Kokura Castle: Kokura City, Fukuoka Prefecture

Kokura Castle was built in 1602 at the beginning of the Edo Period The Castle was destroyed by fire in 1866, and the current castle tower is a ferro-concrete reconstruction from 1959. The castle's traditional architecture provides an interesting visual contrast to the neighboring modern shopping and entertainment center.

The castle grounds are now known as Katsuyama Park and are a popular cherry blossom spot but in reality that structure and its surround offers remarkable foliage and nature spots all year long,  The castle keep seems to have four floors from the outside, but actually has five on the inside. The modern interior introduces the local history with displays, an interactive zone and a small theater where visitors can get a hands-on and visual experience of past castle life. The castle's top floor offers panoramic views over the city and has a great cafe to get a drink and a snack in a relaxing atmosphere

A small Japanese garden with pond was opened in 1998 on the castle grounds. The garden can be viewed from a traditional building with multiple Tatami rooms whereby a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony can be experienced. The walk around the Castle is also a great and a nearby Shrine can be visited for a quick blessing and prayer and to cap it all off a Gift shop is also present for those who wish to grab that one very special gift or keep sake from your amazing Japanese traditional experience.

Please check out the Kokura Castle below on the map:

Please click on these photos below to enlarge:

Please click on these videos below to see more about the Kokura Castle.

Kunimigaoka Observatory: Takachiho Town, Miyazaki Prefecture

Kunimigaoka Is an observatory point in Miyazaki prefecture located close to Takachiho town and stands at an altitude of approximately 500 m above sea level. At the viewing platform, you pretty much have a 360° panoramic view of amazing scenery for as far as the I can see. On a clear day, you can see Mount Aso to the west and the Takachiho basin to the east and it really is one of those amazing places that will leave you spellbound and wondering why you’ve never heard of this place before. 

Legend has it that the grandson of Emperor Jimmu, the first Shinto god that left heaven to take his place on Earth, viewed this area of Takachiho from this exact spot and hence there are commemorative stones and statues to remember this very important part of Japanese mythology. 

All I can say is that it is an incredible place and as long as the weather gods are in our favor, it’s an amazing start to the day.  It's just the beginning, the views and scenery will just keep getting better and better and better

This is absolutely God’s country.

Come and see the Kunimigaoka Observatory below on a map:

Click on the pictures below to enlarge:

A view for the ages

Non stop beauty

Well signposted

This is truly God's country

A rough translation

The famous swing 

Protectors of the land

A place to say your blessings

Please check these videos below to see more of the Kunimigaoka Observatory: