Chris Cooper

@chris.cooper

I moved to Japan in 2010 to become an English teacher. I came with little knowledge or preconceptions about Japan and thought I would just see what it was like. I found out I love it here, the job, the people, the culture, the life, I want to spread the word about what a great country Japan is to visit. Come to Japan, you won't regret it!

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Culture

Yakushima - Jomon Sugi

Yakushima is an island south of Kyushu that can be reached within a couple of hours by boat from Kagoshima. The star of the island, the main draw, is undoubtedly Jomon Sugi. Jomon Sugi is Japan's oldest cedar. With age estimates anywhere betw..

Kagoshima

Culture

Takachiho

It's an old saying, but you know they say sometimes travel is not about the destination but the journey? My Takachiho experience was a bit like that. Takachiho is in the middle of Kyushu and, as such, looking at the map, it seems there is no ob..

Miyazaki 3

Culture

Yakushima - Shiratani Unsuikyo

So, the reason people flock to Yakushima is Jomon Sugi, the oldest tree in Japan. However, I prefer Shiratani Unsuikyo. Apparently the forests in famous anime film Princess Mononoke are based on the forest here. The luscious green mossy boulders an..

Kagoshima 4

Beauty & Spa

Ibusuki

I visited Ibusuki after a few tiring, busy days and it was exactly what I needed. About an hour and a half drive south of Kagoshima City, Ibusuki is famous for sand baths, so I decided to head to Ibusuki Tennen Sunamushi Onsen to see what all the fus..

Kagoshima 2

Culture

Fagiano Okayama

Coming from England I have always enjoyed the beautiful game, football. I like to have a kick around with friends or watch from the stands cheering on my favorite team. In my case, the team in question has always been Barnsley, languishing almost e..

Okayama

Accommodation

Garappa to Kenkichi Minshuku

If you're looking for a basic, reasonably priced place to stay on Yakushima, check out Garappa to Kenkichi Minshuku. The main reason I would recommend this minshuku is the staff. They were very friendly and helpful and there is a great atmosphere..

Kagoshima 1

Activity

Iwaidaki Waterfall, Tsuyama

Iwaidaki (岩井滝) is around 40 minutes North of Tsuyama City by car. It's very close to Onbara Ski Resort and is in an area with several hot springs dotted about. I stopped on the way back to dip my feet in a foot spa next to the river at Okutsu Onsen..

Okayama 1

Culture

Takahashi City Summer Festival

If you visit Japan in the summer and get the chance, you have to check out a summer festival. I did just that at Takahashi City's Matsuyama Jo Odori Matsuri – the local castle's dancing festival, which is actually near the station. Ta..

Okayama

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