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Tag: Japan travel

  • Volcanic Wonder at Mount Aso, Japan

    Japan has a reputation as the world’s technological center. But many tourists to the Asian nation are just as impressed with the country’s natural wonders. One of the most magnificent is the caldera of Mount Aso.

    Caldera of Mount Aso
    The caldera of Mount Aso at Kyshu, Japan

    You’ll find this active volcano at the heart of the island of Kyushu. Its caldera is one of the largest in the world, measuring 25 kilometers across. In fact, the caldera contains the town of Aso and several more volcanic peaks. These include Nakadake, an awe-inspiring active crater. Tourists are warned that the crater’s gases can be intense, so people with respiratory complaints including asthma shouldn’t visit. At some times the crater may be closed to the public altogether due to these poisonous fumes.

    But that shouldn’t discourage tourists, as there is plenty more to see. The grassy plains of Kusasenri-ga-hama are not far from Nakadake.


    You can enjoy this rural setting on horseback, with riding tours running from early March to mid December. Kusasenri-ga-hama is also home to the Aso Volcano Museum which details the area’s history.

    Komezuka is a small volcanic cone on the northern side of Nakadake. There are easy walking trails, although none take you right to the summit’s apex. Most visitors will be happy with the views they get from the top of the paths though.

    The Nakadake Crater is a 30 to 40 minute bus ride from JR Aso train station. Buses run regularly every, with one leaving every one or two hours. The buses travel to Asosan Nishi Station, where travelers can connect with a ropeway for a short ride. If you’d rather stretch your legs, it takes 30 minutes to walk from the station to the crater. The crater is also accessible by car, although drivers will need to pay a toll as they near Nakadake. A parking lot is located conveniently beside the site.

  • Customs and Etiquette for Visiting Japanese Temples and Shrines

    japanshrineAs a tourist traveling to Japan, you should be mindful of local customs and etiquette, especially when visiting the nation’s temples and shrines.

    When visiting these religious sites behave calmly and respectfully. You may show your respect at a temple by tossing a coin into the offering box and saying a short prayer.

    Shrines also have offering boxes, but the practice here is slightly different. After donating you should take two deep bows, clap twice, take another bow, and say a quick prayer. If the shrine has a gong, strike it before praying to get the attention of the kami, or Shinto gods.

    It may seem strange to Western audiences, but it is important to appear pure when visiting a shrine.


    The Japanese consider guests tainted if they are unwell, have an open wound, or are mourning the loss of a loved one.

    To ensure cleanliness, guests engage in a purification ritual. A purification fountain is typically located at the shrine’s entrance. Fill one of the ladles provided with fresh water and rinse both hands. Then move some water into a cupped hand and rinse your mouth. Once your mouth is cleansed of impurities, spit the water out next to the fountain. It’s impolite to drink directly from the ladle and swallow the water.

    Cleanliness is also important at temples. You may need to remove your shoes before entering. Some temples have shelves at the entrance for footwear. Otherwise you should carry your shoes in a plastic bag. Remember to wear good socks in case it’s necessary to remove your shoes.

    Photography is usually permitted on temple grounds and at shrines. Many temples however forbid photography indoors.  In any case, you should look for signs stating the rules before taking out your camera.

  • Climb Mount Fuji, the Tallest Mountain in Japan

    mountfujiIn the mountainous nation of Japan one summit stands tall above the rest. At an imposing 3776 meters tall, Mount Fuji isn’t just Japan’s highest peak. The dormant volcano is also a site of great cultural and spiritual significance. It is located in Fuji-Hakona-Izu National Park, 80 kilometers west of Tokyo.

    You can see Mount Fuji from Tokyo and Yokohama on a clear day, but you’ll be lucky to strike one.


    Japan often experiences low clouds and high levels of air pollution, which can obscure the view. Visibility is best during cold weather, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.

    While it can be admired from afar, Mount Fuji’s power is best experienced up close. Unlike many spiritual sites, such as Australia’s Uluru, tourists are encouraged to climb the mountain using one of four trails. However, Japanese tradition suggests the feat should not be repeated. A local proverb reads “He who climbs Mount Fuji once is a wise man. He who climbs it twice is a fool.”

    The summit can be scaled all year round, but the official climbing season is in July and August. That’s when the journey is easiest as the mountain is completely free from snow, the weather is mild, and the huts are open. Food and drinks are available from these huts on the side of the mount, but beware. You’ll pay more for refreshments the higher you climb, so it’s advantageous to stock up early.

    As the summit is so tall, only the most committed hikers make the journey from the bottom to the top. Amateurs tend to start their journey at the fifth station, which is accessible by car. It should take between four and five hours to reach the apex from the fifth station, compared to six or eight hours if you start from the base.

    While travelers can explore Mount Fuji at their own pace, a guided tour is a great way to learn about the summit’s history and cultural significance. JGA Walking Tours and Japanican both run regular tours of Mount Fuji.