islands

Chikura no Iwaya: Secret beach cave only appears for two hours a day, and here’s how to see it

Created completely by nature, this is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss during your Japan travels.

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Three amazing things about Yonaguni Island, the westernmost point of Japan

There are a lot of surprises in store for our city-dwelling, Honshu-native Japanese reporter. 

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A trip to hell on Japan’s ‘vomit ship’: Is it as bad as everyone says it is?

Exploring the not-so-glamorous side of island-hopping.

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We visit the “Naples of Japan”, a secret destination tourists don’t know about yet

Enjoy the charm of a Mediterannean-style port town without leaving Japan

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Airbnb listing in Japan reveals travel destination with exclusive use of huge private island

Sleep in a traditional Japanese house while surrounded by rice paddies, beaches, tree-houses, zip lines and a lighthouse on your very own private island.

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Can’t afford to buy an island but want to chill on an empty beach? Rent one for about $600 a day!

Need a background for your Katy Perry “Roar” cosplay photo shoot? Sarushima may be the perfect destination!

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Don’t judge a cat by its back, it’ll catch you unaware and send you into a giggling fit!

When we were young, most of our parents or teachers probably taught us not to judge a book by its cover. Well, here’s the continuation that we didn’t see coming. Don’t judge a cat by its back.

The HOTAC (Heart of Taiwan Animal Care) recently chanced upon a really unique cat that made their staff burst out in laughter. Are you curious to find out why? Photos of the funny feline after the jump!

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Inconsistent with Current Claim, Chinese Diplomatic Document from 1950 Clearly States Senkaku Islands Are Part of Okinawa


In an interview with well-informed sources on December 28, Japanese newspaper Sankei Shimbun discovered Chinese diplomatic papers created in 1950 used the Japanese name Senkaku to identify the Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea. The same document also contained language recognizing the Senkakus as a part of Okinawa.

Currently China claims the islands are its territory as “a part of Taiwan.” Recognition by China in 1950 that the islands are a part of Okinawa is contradictory to its current claim and weakens the foundation of its present position.
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A well-known Chinese writer with some controversial views on education got into dire straits in September after attempting to climb Mount Fuji with his children.  The purpose of the climb was a combination of a strict education regiment and as a way to promote Chinese patriotism.

Unaware that the climbing season ended at the end of August, they were turned back short of the summit, but not before being given extra clothing by a Japanese first aid officer.

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