Uncharted Japan

Exploring places most visitors never see

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Why Uncharted Japan

I’m John Haynes and my wife, Josephine is the fourth generation in her family to have been born in Japan with her great, great-grandparents having arrived in September 1861 from New York only a few years after Japan opened to the west. Her ancestors served as missionaries there when Ronin (former Samurai) still roamed the countryside.  It was very much unlike today’s Japan.  Therefore her family has a very long history retaining many contacts and the family still keeps the family home there north of Nagano.  No one of whom I’m aware in the Japan travel community online or on Youtube has such a background.  We both love Japan and enjoy sharing our experience with others.  Read on to learn more.

From The Blog

Trademarked!

After a good bit of effort and having been denied more than once, we finally received our trademark from the United States Patent and Trademark Office! Obtaining a trademark for one's business is an important step in protecting intellectual property rights.  I was...

Driving the Kiso Valley

We recently published a video of our trip through the Kiso Valley from Nagoya to Matsumoto.  It was a spectacular trip as we followed the Kiso River through the valley making an overnight stop in Agematsu. We started the trip (after a short train ride from Nagoya to...

Godzilla Or Hello Kitty!

We enjoyed a day trip to Awaji Island also known by many as "Godzilla Island" because Awaji Island is where the legend of Godzilla was born in 1954.  Its here where the giant lizard arose from the depths to terrorize Japan and the world ever since. The "Godzilla...
Izushi, A Little Known Castle Town

Izushi, A Little Known Castle Town

To get a sense of the real Japan, one needs to get off the beaten path which requires a little effort, but given the excellent rail network of Japan, this is not as hard as it sounds, provided you are okay renting a car.  Don’t be dissuaded about driving, especially...

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Making Traditional Japanese Sweets In Yokohama

Making Traditional Japanese Sweets In Yokohama

While in Japan, there are numerous experiences one can enjoy as a way to gain a deeper appreciation for the unique things you’ll see and do in Japan.  Japanese wagashi is a luxury item that is typically part of ceremonial tea services.  Wagashi is a soft sugary dough...

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See Tokyo From The Water

See Tokyo From The Water

Many folks don’t realize that Tokyo grew up on the water of Tokyo Bay.  Long before it became the world’s largest metropolis, it was a port city, and remains so today.  However, its lost its look and character as such because so many manmade islands have been created...

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