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

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...

A Fast Tour of Seven Amazing Places!

Uploaded a short, fast paced video yesterday featuring seven of our favorite cities with things to do in them.  Most of them are little known places in these areas, while a couple are very popular spots.  Nice thing about most of these is that they are not overrun...

A walk through a Japanese Post Town

After several months, I've uploaded another video.  This time I'm documenting our visit to the historic post town of Ouchijuku.   A "post town" in Japan refers to a town that during the Edo Period from the mid 1600's to the late 1800's served as a stopping point along...
JR Rail Pass Giveaway Winner!

JR Rail Pass Giveaway Winner!

This week we had the privilege of showcasing Uncharted Japan at the Southeastern US/Japan Conference.  This is an annual conference in which seven southern states come together to foster business relationships with their Japanese counterparts.  Included in the list of...

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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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