Miyakoji is rich with lush and beautiful woods and forests. In fact, forest area makes up 80% of the town’s area, and forestry has long played an integral role in the town’s identity and economy. The area was particularly known for its cultivation of shiitake mushrooms, which were sold nationwide, as well as its timberContinue reading Miyakoji’s Long Road to Reconstruction
The Sakura Tunnel, made up of 400 cherry blossom trees that line Tomioka’s Yo no Mori district, made the area a well-known hanami (flower-viewing) spot. However, following 3.11, the fantastic cherry trees could no longer be enjoyed in the springtime. That all changed this April. This April, for the first time in 7 years, visitors haveContinue reading Hanami & Hope in Tomioka
Tucked away in the mountains, by the coast, or overlooking stunning lakes, there are over 130 hot spring establishments in Fukushima Prefecture for onsen lovers to choose from. Regardless of whether you want to visit a hot spring for its health benefits, or just to relax, and whether you want to chat with the locals,Continue reading Onsen for Horses
Yamatsumi-jinja (Yamatsumi Shrine), stands in Iitate, an area evacuated after the nuclear disaster, which former residents are able to return to from today, March 31st 2017. Even before the reopening of the town, there were lots of people working in the village during the day, and a few ponies hanging about too, as I foundContinue reading The Wolf Shrine Brought Back from the Ashes
Three of the most well-known things about Fukushima Prefecture are its samurai history, its onsen and its fruit. In particular, its peaches are extremely famous. Fukushima Prefecture is the second biggest producer of peaches in the whole of Japan. In 2015, 21.8% of Japan’s peaches were grown in Fukushima! In Fukushima City, thereContinue reading Challenges Overcome by Anzai Orchard Post 3.11
Japanese junior high school students in Japan are hard-working, loyal and incredibly busy. Their personalities are as varied as in any country; every class has its jokers, sweet, shy kids, quiet brainy ones, bullies… I got used to junior high school students during my time working at schools in Japan, so it might seem oddContinue reading Fukushima School Children Have a Lot to Teach
Odaka Town was evacuated after the nuclear accident in Fukushima Prefecture in 2011, but this year residents have been allowed to return and rebuild their townContinue reading Loss, Acceptance & Rediscovery: Odaka
I was able to spend the day with some local elementary children. I got to find out what they like about their hometown Otamamura, whilst picking sweet potatoes in the school’s plot. Otamamura is a small town near Dake Onsen and Nihonmatsu. Most families here are involved in the farming industry, and many own theirContinue reading Otamamura – Japan’s Machu Picchu
During my time in Iwaki Yumoto Onsen I was able to meet a number of local workers. It’s no understatement to describe my meeting with Mr Morita as one of the highlights of my trip to Iwaki. Mr Morita Mr Morita is an 82 year old woodworker and potter who has been carving and creating inContinue reading Meeting Locals from Iwaki, Fukushima
