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

OSAKA EXPO 2025 CONCERT IDEA

Today, we received a comment from the guys of "Roast Apple" a German based Indie-Pop band letting us know they will be performing two nightly concerts at the German Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025 the nights from April 22nd to April 26th.  Not being familiar with them,...

A $19 Strawberry??!!

Its all over social media these days.......the $19 Japanese strawberry being sold at upscale grocer Erewhon in Los Angeles.  Japan is no stranger to high priced fruits.  When we are traveling throughout the country, we often seen $10, $20 and $30 melons and such.  I...

Formula One In Japan!

In early April, Nagoya will host the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit.  This is the only Formula 1 event in Japan and happens once a year.  We just posted a new video on the event along with some of the many other amazing things to do while in Nagoya other...
Izushi:  Soba Capital of Japan?

Izushi: Soba Capital of Japan?

The soba noodle is a major staple food of Japan.  Typically made from buckwheat and very often served cold, its a dish we have always enjoyed.  The town of Izushi is one of the best known places in Japan for excellent soba.  Depending with whom you speak, Izushi is...

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How To Travel Japan Without Knowing The Language

How To Travel Japan Without Knowing The Language

One reason some have not yet visited Japan that wish to do so is a lack of understanding the language.  Don't let that hold you back!  Yes, for those of us from Western countries, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, languages, etc. are very odd looking and strange sounding. ...

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A Taste of the Caribbean in Japan

A Taste of the Caribbean in Japan

Renting a car provides you with so much freedom while touring Japan, and with that often comes pleasant surprises.  Although we typically carefully plan out our schedules in order to be most efficient with our time, now and then we stumble upon something that stops us...

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