{"id":7408,"date":"2015-01-19T07:00:55","date_gmt":"2015-01-19T07:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/insidejapanblog.com\/?p=7408"},"modified":"2015-10-09T15:45:49","modified_gmt":"2015-10-09T14:45:49","slug":"1-country-2-worlds-a-winter-and-sun-adventure-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2015\/01\/19\/1-country-2-worlds-a-winter-and-sun-adventure-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"A Winter snow and sun adventure in Japan: One world, two contrasts"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>What is there to do in the <a title=\"Winter in Japan\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2014\/10\/24\/11-reasons-to-visit-japan-in-the-winter\/\">winter in Japan<\/a>?<\/p>\n<p>Surely it&#8217;s out of season, there are no cherry blossoms, so come on?<\/p>\n<p>Who would bother? Here&#8217;s a little something to provoke a little thought&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>As a Tour Leader with IJT, I have been on a bit of a winter break. Given the low bookings, that is normal for this time of the year, however instead, my parents decided that they would come and endure my tour leadership for a couple of weeks. And what a 2 weeks it has been. Certainly, like all tourists, my folks have their amusing foibles &#8211; inevitably emphasized as always in the flight of travel, but their decision to leave the wet, grey of the UK to experience something a little different, and extremely varied, left me once again in awe of this great country.<\/p>\n<p>In 14 days we enjoyed the crisp, <strong>blue skies of Tokyo<\/strong> &#8211; perfect for a photography addict like my dad; bussed just an hour and a half out of Tokyo to enjoy <strong>rural walks with constant clear views of Mt Fuji<\/strong>; <strong>walked (alone) on the snowy Nakasendo highway<\/strong> in the central Nagano region; <strong>hung out with the famous Macaque Monkeys<\/strong> in Jigoku Valley; visited the gloriously maintained castle town of <strong>Matsumoto<\/strong>; <strong>dipped in outdoor baths in Hirayu Onsen&#8217;s snow world<\/strong>; marveled at the <strong>frozen Otaki waterfall<\/strong>; rode the Shin-Hotaka cable car to enjoy the <strong>best views possible of the Northern Alps<\/strong>; and walked trails cut into 3m of snow, before heading back to the capital. The only way to really show how extraordinary this all was is of course with a photo blog&#8230;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7410\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7410\" style=\"width: 508px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2079.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7410 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2079.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2079\" width=\"508\" height=\"381\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7410\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sumida River Cruiser the &#8220;Himiko&#8221; glides by Tokyo&#8217;s 634m Skytree and Asahi Beer Brewery with its unique &#8220;La Flamme D&#8217;Or&#8221;.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7411\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7411\" style=\"width: 509px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2102.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7411 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2102.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2102\" width=\"509\" height=\"382\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7411\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tokyo&#8217;s Hamarikyu Gardens in reflective mood, late afternoon.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7412\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7412\" style=\"width: 513px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2154.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7412 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2154.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2154\" width=\"513\" height=\"384\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7412\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Even before the neon is switched on, wild and whacky Shinjuku shines bright in the Tokyo winter sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7413\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7413\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05503.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7413 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05503.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"510\" height=\"340\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7413\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cable car ride above Kawaguchiko Lake, just an hour and a half from the capital!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7414\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7414\" style=\"width: 507px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05514.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7414 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05514.jpg?w=200\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"507\" height=\"763\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7414\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fuji basks in late afternoon sun.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7415\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7415\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7415 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05515-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7415\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kawaguchiko Town at sunset.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7416\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7416\" style=\"width: 507px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7416 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"507\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05534-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7416\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Into snow country &#8211; Magome town, the centuries&#8217; old post town on the Nakasendo Highway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7417\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7417\" style=\"width: 507px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05541.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7417 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05541.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"507\" height=\"338\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7417\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dad has no problems avoiding cables or other tourists in his quest for the perfect shot in Magome &#8211; we passed just 5 people in the entire village!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7418\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7418\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7418 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05554-780x519.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7418\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mum realizes that we still have a long way to go until Tsumago Village, across the Prefectural border in Nagano.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7419\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7419\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7419 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"504\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05568-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7419\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Happy snow hikers on the Nakasendo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7420\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7420\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7420 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"504\" height=\"336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05608-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7420\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A sole local wanders through Tsumago Village early morning.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7421\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7421\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05610.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7421 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05610.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"504\" height=\"336\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7421\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Deep snow of Nagano<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7422\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7422\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7422 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05659-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7422\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This young monkey enjoys a little attention from mum and the tourist visitors to the monkey reserve in Jigoku Valley, Nagano.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7435\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7435\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7435 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2257\" width=\"504\" height=\"672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2257-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7435\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Parents and monkeys with a sprinkling of snow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7423\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7423\" style=\"width: 505px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7423 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_9199\" width=\"505\" height=\"379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_9199-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7423\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The perfect Matsumoto Castle. Renovated a tad since its completion in the early 1500s, however still a perfect example of Japanese castle architecture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7424\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7424\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05752.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7424 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05752.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"503\" height=\"335\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7424\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking north on the Hotaka Cable Car towards Hotaka Dake Peak and the spearhead peak of Mt Yari, Nagano prefecture.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7425\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7425\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05765.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7425 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05765.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7425\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Snow clings to the resilient pines.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7426\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7426\" style=\"width: 505px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05777.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7426 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05777.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"505\" height=\"337\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7426\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The breathtaking Hotaka Ridgline.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7427\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7427\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05792.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7427 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05792.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"504\" height=\"336\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7427\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Why not one more?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7428\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7428\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05812.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7428 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05812.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7428\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mum finds herself dwarfed by the deep Nagano snow.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7439\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7439\" style=\"width: 505px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7439 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171.jpg?w=200\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"505\" height=\"760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171.jpg 1997w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171-1200x1803.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171-900x1352.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171-720x1082.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171-1440x2164.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171-390x586.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc058171-780x1172.jpg 780w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7439\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">More snow-coated flora<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7430\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7430\" style=\"width: 505px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05820.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7430 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05820.jpg?w=200\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"505\" height=\"760\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7430\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hotaka&#8217;s unique double decker cable car.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7443\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7443\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7443 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2377\" width=\"506\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-1024x634.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-1200x743.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-900x558.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-720x446.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-1440x892.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-390x242.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-780x483.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_23772-510x316.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7443\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hirayu Onsen&#8217;s little gem &#8211; the Otaki Falls which completely freeze in the deep winter months. Of course, we had the whole valley to ourselves again!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7431\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7431\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7431\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05862.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7431\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">How many photos of a waterfall? Glad I won&#8217;t be around to see all 200 at the next family barbecue:)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7433\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7433\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05880.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7433 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05880.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7433\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The hospitable Hirayu No Mori Japanese Inn. A warm escape from the freezing conditions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7436\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7436\" style=\"width: 505px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7436 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2306\" width=\"505\" height=\"286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-300x170.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-1024x581.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-1200x681.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-900x511.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-720x408.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-1440x817.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-390x221.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-780x442.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2306-510x289.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7436\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Time for an outdoor hot spring bath in the snow. It may be minus 15 outside but who cares when you can relax in 42 degree water and take in the views!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7437\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7437\" style=\"width: 510px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7437 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2336\" width=\"510\" height=\"680\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2336-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7437\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A little traditional &#8220;Hida Gasshozukkuri&#8221; architecture in Hirayu Onsen. Deep snow requires steep thatched roofs!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7434\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7434\" style=\"width: 509px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_1925.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7434 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_1925.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_1925\" width=\"509\" height=\"382\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7434\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Time for a little snowboarding of course, Hirayu Onsen. And yes, I had the resort literally to myself!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Oh, did you think that was the end of the trip?<\/p>\n<p>Not quite. After a brief repose in my Koenji home in West Tokyo, we then stepped on a plane in the wonderfully designed and smoothly functioning Haneda Airport for a 3 hour flight down to the Yaeyama Island chain of Okinawa Prefecture, namely to stay on Ishigaki Island. Here was a quite different experience I might add: <strong>guitars on the beach<\/strong> (private no less by default); <strong>snorkeling<\/strong> in cobalt shores &#8211; observing <strong>sea turtles<\/strong>, sea snakes and the rare blue coral; <strong>walking rocky coastlines<\/strong>; marveling at the <strong>tropical flora and fauna<\/strong>; touring the easily-navigable island by car; oh and at night enjoying the seafood hospitality and Karaoke talents of some retired Ishigaki gentlemen, including exclusive shamisen (3-stringed lute) performance &#8211; friends for life! \u00a0In contrast to all the previous week, Ishigaki\u00a0looked something like this:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7444\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7444\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7444 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2463\" width=\"503\" height=\"671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2463-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7444\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Our traditional little Okinawan home for the week!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7445\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7445\" style=\"width: 507px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7445 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2472\" width=\"507\" height=\"380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2472-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7445\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ishigaki mangrove and shoreline<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7446\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7446\" style=\"width: 508px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7446 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2507\" width=\"508\" height=\"678\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2507-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7446\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The snow melted here about 10,000 years ago. Time for shorts and sunglasses in the jungle!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7447\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7447\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7447 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2527\" width=\"506\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2527-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7447\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of the many varieties of Hibiscus flowering on Ishigaki in January.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7448\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7448\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7448 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2532\" width=\"504\" height=\"672\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2532-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7448\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Room with a view.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7451\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7451\" style=\"width: 500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7451 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2551\" width=\"500\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2551-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7451\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Even my guitar enjoyed a little basking in the sun!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7450\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7450\" style=\"width: 507px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7450 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2538\" width=\"507\" height=\"380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2538-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7450\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My mum hogs the whole beach to herself &#8211; not a soul in sight until&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7452\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7452\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7452 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2543\" width=\"503\" height=\"671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2543-900x1200.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7452\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">&#8230;2 locals turn up, a little chilled in their &#8220;deep of winter&#8221; &#8211; it was only 24 degrees, after all! What do they expect if they don&#8217;t wear a scarf and gloves!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7475\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7475\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7475 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2605\" width=\"506\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2605-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7475\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">However, even during the winter &#8220;chill&#8221; in Okinawa, the smiles are as warm as ever. Famed for their long life expectancy, elderly Okinawan women are renowned for their seemingly eternal energy. This young lady in her early 80s is testament to that &#8211; oh and, yes, she drank me under the table!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7477\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7477\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7477 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2618\" width=\"506\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2618-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7477\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Toujin Tombs &#8211; in memory of 128 Chinese seafarers who lost their lives off the coast of Ishigaki, shipwrecked enroute to America in 1852.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7454\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7454\" style=\"width: 507px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7454 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2621\" width=\"507\" height=\"380\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2621-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7454\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sugar cane is cultivated on the island &#8211; producing molasses, syrups and fueling the islands popular confectionary industry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7455\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7455\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7455 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05926-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7455\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Getting around by car is very easy in January &#8211; for just 60 pounds for 2 days (including fuel), we were able to take in the whole island.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7456\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7456\" style=\"width: 509px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7456 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"509\" height=\"339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05914-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7456\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Looking out from the observatory at Banna Park, just outside Ishigaki town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7457\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7457\" style=\"width: 508px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7457 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"508\" height=\"339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05937-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 508px) 100vw, 508px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7457\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rugged Sakieda Bay in NW Ishigaki.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7478\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7478\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7478 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2721_2\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2721_2-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7478\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kabira Bay &#8211; a place to marvel at the white sands and clear waters, then take a glass bottomed boat to view the coral and the teeming sea life.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7460\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7460\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7460 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"503\" height=\"335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc05991-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7460\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rare blue tipped Coral.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7461\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7461\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06000.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7461 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06000.jpg?w=200\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"504\" height=\"759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06000-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06000-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06000-390x586.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7461\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fishes and coral of Kabira Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7463\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7463\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06009.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7463 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06009.jpg?w=200\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"762\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06009-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06009-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06009-390x586.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7463\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A lone visitor takes in the colour and tranquility of Kabira Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7480\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7480\" style=\"width: 504px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7480 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2736_2\" width=\"504\" height=\"504\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-720x720.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-1440x1440.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-390x390.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-780x780.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2736_21-510x510.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7480\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">One more beach for the day &#8211; Ibaruma Bay. And, yes, yawn, we had it all to ourselves!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7481\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7481\" style=\"width: 509px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7481 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2768\" width=\"509\" height=\"679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2768-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 509px) 100vw, 509px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7481\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cave view, Ibaruma Bay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7482\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7482\" style=\"width: 502px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-7482\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06097.jpg?w=200\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"502\" height=\"756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06097-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06097-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06097-390x586.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 502px) 100vw, 502px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7482\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A new day, a new island. A 15 minute boat ride took us out to the tiny island of Taketomi.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7467\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7467\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7467 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"503\" height=\"335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06077-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7467\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Traditional drystone walls and housing on Taketomi Island.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7464\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7464\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7464 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06044-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7464\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Local Wildlife on the tiny island of Taketomi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7465\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7465\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7465 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06047-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7465\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Taketomi&#8217;s west pier &#8211; famed for its breathtaking sunsets. Its a shabby place in the daytime as you can see:)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7466\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7466\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7466 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"503\" height=\"335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06061-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7466\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Glorious sea views from Kondoi Beach, Taketomi Island.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7468\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7468\" style=\"width: 506px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7468 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"506\" height=\"337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06096-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7468\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A friendly local takes the salt from my sweaty hand.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7474\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7474\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7474 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2581\" width=\"503\" height=\"377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2581-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7474\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Talking of friendly locals &#8211; these folks are enjoying a sip or 2 of the local firewater, Awaomori. 42% ABV of head splitting, mind bending hooch. I suggest stick to a local Orion beer or something a little less potent! Ichiriki bar in Ishigaki Town has been run by its owner for 40years and is a great place to meet older local folk&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7472\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7472\" style=\"width: 505px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7472 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"IMG_2637\" width=\"505\" height=\"379\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2637-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7472\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">\u2026who you may find yourself eating with as guest of honor the following night &#8211; I was lucky to be able to take dad along for a seafood barbecue.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7471\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7471\" style=\"width: 503px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7471 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638.jpg?w=225\" alt=\"IMG_2638\" width=\"503\" height=\"671\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638.jpg 2250w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-1200x1600.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-900x1200.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-720x960.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-1440x1920.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-390x520.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-780x1040.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/img_2638-510x680.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 503px) 100vw, 503px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7471\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wonderful &#8220;Otonashi&#8221; (warm Japanese hospitality), especially important to the folks of Ishigaki.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_7469\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-7469\" style=\"width: 507px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-7469 \" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101.jpg?w=300\" alt=\"SONY DSC\" width=\"507\" height=\"338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101.jpg 2400w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-1200x799.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-900x599.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-1440x958.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/01\/dsc06101-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 507px) 100vw, 507px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-7469\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The sun sets on an amazing stay on Ishigaki. I will be back, hopefully my parents will consider the idea, too!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>So there you have it &#8211; 2 weeks, a wealth of experiences, hot and cold, sunny and snowy. Don&#8217;t wait for the spring to arrive with the masses, get out here during the winter and REALLY experience something a little different &#8211; you&#8217;ll feel like you have Japan all to yourself!<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F7408\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Like this post? Help us by sharing it! What is there to do in the winter in Japan? Surely it&#8217;s out of season, there are no cherry blossoms, so come on? Who would bother? Here&#8217;s a little something to provoke a little thought&#8230; As a Tour Leader with IJT, I have been on a bit [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2361],"tags":[1665,1694,2143,2318,2319],"class_list":["post-7408","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-when-to-go-to-japan","tag-ishigaki","tag-japan-in-winter","tag-subtropics","tag-winter","tag-winter-and-sun"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7408","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7408"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7408\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8354,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7408\/revisions\/8354"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7408"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7408"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7408"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}