One of the main draws of participating in the JET Program is the opportunity to travel through Asia. I have quite the list of places to visit while I'm living in Japan (and an even longer list of places outside of Japan that I can knock out while abroad). My travel interests tend to lean toward the historical end of the spectrum, with a folksy twist on occasion. These first five locations are near and dear to my heart, having been on my 'to see' list for quite some time.
1.
Yonaguni Monument, Yonaguni Island
Yonaguni is an intriguing and mysterious location. Resting off the coast of Yonaguni Island, it consists of what some say are natural formations, and others say are man made structures. While this site can only be reached by scuba diving, it is not an easy undertaking. With strong currents and hammerhead sharks, it is suggested that beginning divers steer clear or hire a guide. The breathtaking underwater vistas, however, are well worth the price of a guide to many, though. The magnificent diving opportunities aren't the only reason to visit the remote island. Yonaguni Island is also well known for its cliffs, caves, and interesting rock formations. The island also happens to be the southern most point of Japan. For people who enjoy a good boozing, visiting Yonaguni provides the chance to try Hanazake, a type of Awamori only brewed on the Yonaguni. While this island's mysteries may be hotly debated for years to come, one thing remains certain - it is a unique sightseeing opportunity.
2.
Aokigahara Forest, Honshu
Aokigahara is a forest located at the western base of Mount Fuji. Another name for the forest is the Sea of Trees, owing to the tall, densely growing giants who grow so close together in some places that they nearly block out the sun. The forests other nickname, of course, is Japan's Suicide Forest. Ominous, yes? Well, there's good reason. Roughly eighty people each year travel to Aokigahara to take their lives. Morbid, I know. However, there are other reasons to visit Aokigahara besides the chance to satisfy one's fascination for creepy locales, specifically the forest's natural beauty. There are caves, gorgeous forest paths, and even a waterfall. Of course, the fact that there might be dead bodies lying around deters some from visiting. And suicide isn't the only grisly aspect of the forest's history. Aokigahara was also a popular spot for the practice of ubasute, or basically the abandonment of the old and infirm in the wilderness to an eventual death by exposure. Yes, this forest has a creepy past, and if anywhere on Earth is haunted, it's probably here. You are well within your rights to think I'm crazy to want to visit, I won't hold it against you.
3.
Tokyo Disney, Tokyo
Not much explanation needed here. I'm a California girl, born and raised, and a huge part of my childhood revolved around annual visits to Disneyland. Since I've grown up, I've also made it to Disney World, and hope to make it to every Disney park before I die. Yes, I know they are pretty much identical, but childhood dreams don't have to make sense.
After all, I still very much plan on being an astronaut firefighter cowgirl.
4.
Nine Hells of Beppu, Beppu
Now, I'm still a little wary about the whole idea of skintimacy and Onsen culture. Will I try it? Of course. Am I super excited for a bunch of strangers to see my jiggly bits? Not so much. Given that disclaimer, though, I do love a good dip, and Beppu seems like a prime spot for some onsen hopping. With almost 2,800 hot springs (and we're talking
hot springs, here!) there is no shortage of places to do a little self-boiling. It also has it's fair share of beautiful sights, my favorite being the "Sea Hell", as pictured on the left. Unfortunately, there's also a pool filled with nine crocodiles. As anyone who knows me can attest, I have no love for crocodiles, even the ones behind plexiglass and fences. Inevitably I end up imaging horrible situations where I accidentally fall over the fences, or through the glass and into the crocodile enclosures, and am then torn apart. So...might be skipping the crocodile hell. All the rest, though, sign me up!
5.
Jigokudani Park, Nagano
You know how I just said that I love hot springs/hot tubs? Well, you know what else I love? Monkeys that love hot springs/hot tubs. Located in the Japanese Alps, specifically in Jigokudani (Hell's Valley), the park is home to a group of macaques that took over an onsen in 1963 and have been bathing in the warm water ever since. On top of the adorable spectacle that the macaques make, the area is also quite lovely, and boasts a nice little walk (about 30 minutes) through the forest to reach the onsen. The nearby town of Shibu has some visit worthy features as well, including a 700 year old street chock full of onsens, restaurants, and ryokan hotels. With gorgeous nature, a historical town, and monkeys acting like people, Jigokundani Park is a must see on my list.
Annnd, those are my current top five on a long, long list. I'll give a full report after the completion of each one, but for now, all I can do is research and plan.
