Vikingess Voyages

Monday, April 25, 2016

Hiking in Yamanashi: The view of Mt. Fuji from Mt. Iwadonosan to Chigo-Otoshi

Anette 4:00:00 PM

In my previous post I wrote about sakura viewing at Maruyama Kouen (丸山公園), a park located on Mt. Iwadonosan where you find what is said to be Japan's best view of Mt. Fuji. For people who would like to do some more hiking than just the 20 minutes long walk to the castle it is possible to continue by...

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Yamanashi Prefecture

Mt. Fuji & Sakura Viewing: Maruyama Kouen (丸山公園) and Iwadono Castle (岩殿城)

Anette 4:11:00 PM

From the Ootsuki Tourism Association If you're visiting Japan during spring you’re probably keen to get a good look at the sakura, Japan's unofficial national flower. While the spots where you can view cherry blossoms in Tokyo usually are extremely crowded you can find many equally or more beautifully...

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Tsubame Sakura Matsuri

The Tsubame Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom PR & Last Minute Preparations

Anette 12:31:00 AM

It is only 2 days left until the Tsubame Sakura Matsuri festival (つばめ桜まつり) in Bunsui, Niigata, and we have had a last round of practice for the big day. The 17th is the day of the Oiran Dochu where I'll be one of four girls getting dressed up as an Oiran - a courtesan lady from the Edo period....

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Tokyo

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots: Nakameguro's Meguro River (目黒川)

Anette 3:30:00 PM

In Japan, the biggest sign that spring is on its way is the blooming of the cherry blossom, sakura. This is without a doubt Japan's most popular flower, and if you're in Japan you'll find yourself surrounded by products with cherry blossom design or even flavor (in most cases it's just...

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Kanagawa

Unique Japanese Festivals: A visit to the Kanamaru Matsuri Penis Festival

Anette 9:41:00 PM

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Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Random

The Rebound Phenomenon, or how rural Japan was saved by tourists

Anette 11:02:00 PM

An estimated 19,730,000 foreigners visited Japan in 2015 according to Inbound Navi The number of tourists visiting Japan has been increasing rapidly during the last couple of years as Japan is experiencing a weaker yen, low-cost carriers providing cheaper flights, combined with a softening...

Sunday, April 3, 2016

Tsubame Sakura Matsuri

Geisha vs. Oiran: The Characteristics of the Japanese Courtesans

Anette 10:48:00 AM

The Tsubame Sakura festival in Bunsui. From the Tsubame Tourism Assoication Japan is a country of some very distinct traditions, and one thing that might come to mind when thinking about this far-east country is the graceful Japanese courtesan ladies. That is especially the case for the...

About Me

A modern-day shield-maiden who loves to explore the unbeaten paths of the world. From her base in Tokyo, Anette takes on both rural and urban challenges, and on her path, she has overcome anything from natural wilderness and cultural barriers to commuting in overcrowded Tokyo trains.

Life is too short to be stuck on one page, and this mindset reflects the diversity of Anette’s blog.
Besides being a career woman she is also a globetrotter, with 39 countries and counting.
No challenge too big, no adventure too small!

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