Japan is home to countless seasonal events throughout the year. Among them, however, New Year holidays, called “Oshogatsu,” are still the most important.
On a Monday morning in late September, I hit the road and headed north. With the end of Japan’s State of Emergency being in sight, it was finally starting to feel okay to enjoy some outdoor activities.
Because I didn’t know what my options were until I arrived, I set aside the afternoon of my anime sightseeing day trip to Nanjo City for whatever locally spoke to me.
Thanks to the volcanic activity of the Palaeozoic and Mesozoic eras, the many islands that makeup Okinawa Prefecture share an interesting topography.
In search for some nature and the wonderful view I’d heard others mention, I took to Mt. Katsuu, or Katsuu-dake, for a nice day of hiking.
Because I didn’t know what my options were until I arrived, I set aside the afternoon of my anime sightseeing day trip to Nanjo City for whatever locally spoke to me.
We made a day trip to Iejima and were instantly in love. The ferry ride from the Okinawa main island was an easy 30 minutes, and once you’re on the island, it is like a breath of fresh air (literally.) Iejima one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the Ryukyu Islands chain.
New Year’s is Japan’s biggest and longest holiday. People take Dec. 29 through Jan. 3 off from work to celebrate the first three days of the year praying at temples and shrines for the coming year.
When you’re short on time or just exhausted, say after traveling around two different countries in two weeks, a tour provides the opportunity to escape some of the planning part and get right to the adventure. It’s even better if you end up in a small group.
For adventurous minds on the island of Okinawa, Tataki Waterfall in Ogimi Village is worth a visit.
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