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Adventure is out there
  • Andrea and Luke French
  • Luke French
  • Andrea and Luke French
  • Luke French

Adventure is out there

Our travels, to see where the world takes us Read more
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  • Adventure is out there

    Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima, Japan

    May 29, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Interesting castle to visit as it has obviously been rebuilt, but looked just as magnificent as the other castles we have seen. We wandered around the free entrance parts, one being the main gate which had interesting guides to how the build was completed.

    We stopped for a rest and drink in the park grounds, overhearing a tour guide with excellent English but a Essex accent which was odd!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Inland Sea Ferry Crossing from Hiroshima

    May 30, 2024, Inland Sea ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    A fantastically scenic ferry across the inland sea. This is on the edge of a national park too, with islands further east which can be driven through.

    The views were amazing, and we got great seats right at the front in the poshest ferry I've been on. Also managed to get hot food, for both of us, while travelling which was a treat.Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Matsuyama Castle, Matsuyama, Japan

    May 31, 2024 in Japan ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    Wow what a view from Matsuyama Castle! This one seems built for combat much more than the previous castles we have visited. We decided to pay to enter too as it was relatively quiet and a bit rainy outside. The inside was beautifully built, with lots of information on how the castle was built as well. The views from the top were stunning, and can definitely see why it would have been a perfect place for a stronghold.

    We decided to walk up the first time we visited, taking us past a shrine and then quite a steep climb. The next day we had some spare time before the bus so we went up on the ropeway instead (not the chairlift!) as there was better weather so we wanted to enjoy the views again and chill out.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Dogo Park, Matsuyama, Japan

    May 31, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    This was such a cool park! There was a musuem to visit first, and we got shown a video (in English thankfully) about the area. It was the site of the former castle, and there was pottery etc which had been excavated from the area.

    As you walked around the park there were buildings to show daily life in the past, like a samurai residence (having a poem party!), and also other interesting aspects like how the castle would have been built.

    We walked around and then ascended up to the view point which had a lovely vista. You could see up the castle high above too!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Botchan Karakuri Clock, Matsuyama, Japan

    May 31, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    This was such a cute little unexpected area of Matsuyama that we came across! The main draw is the clock tower, performing a special trick every hour, but the surrounding area was fun to see as we had some spare time before the performance.

    There's an art installation at the top of the arcade which is stunning, lots of colourful ribbon hanging down which sways in the wind. It seems so simple to achieve but makes a massive difference to the space. The shops were adorable too; we bought a few bottles of sake from one, and a orange flavoured ice cream from another for me. Not a usual flavour I would choose, but the city is famous for their oranges so I had to try it. Very different from the sharp orange taste I'm used to, this seemed more subtle but tasty.

    Once it came time for the clock I think we were both surprised by what happened, as figurines came from all sides. Unusually to us there was no noise during the performace though!

    The video I recorded is corrupt though, so I can't download it from my camera 🙁    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama, Japan

    May 31, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    One of the main things that Matsuyama is known for is this onsen building, the oldest in Japan. It was beautiful to see, with exquisite wooden details. It is listed as one of the inspirations for the onsen building in Spirited Away, so naturally I was intruiged to see it! Photos don't seem to do it justice as it's beautifully made in real life when you can see the quality of the workmanship and wood.

    As its still a working public onsen still we decided not to visit, although there was a skywalk allowing for better views a short walk away - with a free public floorspa! We enjoyed quite a few minutes relaxing our tired feet in the spa, looking over the city of matsuyama and the onsen.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Isaniwa Shrine, Matsuyama, Japan

    May 31, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Matsuyama is on a pilgrimage trail, so it's not surprising to see lots of temples and shrines scattered around the city! Unfortunately we were too tired to trek out to the most famous temple just outside the city, and we weren't lucky with public transport timings so we decided to stop by this shrine instead.

    The entrance up, with a steep stone staircase, is probably the most impressive part but it was nice to see anyway. There was a walk way all around, giving you chance to see the inner courtyard and some paintings hung around the walkway too.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there
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    Ozu River, Ozu, Japan

    June 1, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Our favourite place to sit and relax in Ozu, this riverside area was idyllic. To the left the castle tops the hill, shrouded in trees. In front, the expansive river and then mountains in the distance. To the right a bridge, with a slow trickle of cars passing by, or stopped for the crossing with the iconic bird noise beeps. Golden eagles circle the area, and storks hunt along the river edge.

    It was a popular place with the locals too, as a nice dog walking spot, for children to play, or just somewhere to sit and relax. We came back to the area quite a few times, even eating lunch there.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Firework display, Ozu, Japan

    June 1, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    As we checked into our ryokan the owner told us that there was fireworks by the castle that evening, which immediately peaked our interest.

    Unfortunately that was the end of the information we managed to find out about them. Why were they happening? Is it a frequent thing? Is it done mostly for tourists? We have no clue!

    We had to get a later dinner slot than we wanted so had to rush to get a good view at 8 when it was supposed to start, but then we ended up standing by and waiting. There was a small trickle of boats coming down the river, accompanied by a drumming sound, that we assume were connected to the fireworks so we watched as they came by. There was a lit lantern hanging from one of the smaller boats, and as it past by us the fireworks started. Slowly at first but building to a rather impressive crescendo, it was fun to see the sky around the castle light up and we still aren't sure if we got extremely lucky, or if its a weekly occurance kinda thing but we still enjoyed it!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Ozu, Japan

    Jun 1–3, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Lovely little Ozu town is out of the western tourist route usually, so although we did see some other westerners there (to Luke's disdain) we still got some odd looks and double takes.

    It was beautifully serene though and perfect for a couple nights stop over; we enjoyed exploring the area a little bit, chilling by the river, and I had fantastic meat filled dinner's at the local teppanyaki place that our ryokans owner kindly booked us into. Luke managed to get a few grilled vegetables and cheeses too, although delicious the restaurant wasn't too veggie friendly.

    The ryokan has to be one of the oddest places we've stayed, with 8 cats wandering around and being adored by the clientele. They could even go into your room if you didn't close the cat flap door! The 70s style building really added to the odd experience too.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Ozu Castle, Ozu, Japan

    June 2, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    A fun castle to explore, and our main activity for the day in the relaxed Ozu! It had been rebuilt only around 20 years ago, but it had been excellently done. The craftsmanship was superb, and it felt like it could have been the original (although obviously in better condition and with better stairs!). There was insight into the building of the castle inside, and wonderful views from the windows.

    We must have been earlier than most people as we had the castle to ourselves for a few minutes, before other tourists entered. Afterward we exited we relaxed outside for a few minutes too, enjoying the eagles soaring so close by!

    The town also renovated various properties around the town as hotels to boost tourism, which we would have loved to stay in but were out of our price range. And after all, we had a cat ryokan instead so it's not all bad!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Oniishi Bozu Jigoku, Beppu, Japan

    June 4, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Our first 'hell' of the day and we started with an odd one! It was mud hot springs, which had got a nickname related to looking like a monks head.

    It was very odd to see the clay reacting to the hot springs, just quietly bubbling away. There was a very eggy smell the further you went in too, thankfully the foot bath was close to the front so we both enjoyed a soak before moving on.Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Umi Jigoku, Beppu, Japan

    June 4, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    After reading a blog comparing the different 'hells' this one was described as the most visually appealing which I can agree with!

    It had a bit of everything; lotus pond, blue coloured hot spring, torii gates, shrine, greenhouse, small red coloured hot spring. We spent a while here wandering around, and then enjoyed our homemade sandwiches perched on a bench looking over the area (far enough away from the eggy smell!).

    We both agreed that this was the best value hell of the day, and you could possibly only see this one if you had limited time.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Chinoike Jigoku, Beppu, Japan

    June 4, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Possibly the most intimidating of the hot springs, this one is a large red pool with stream slowly rising from it.

    According to the stats it was around 50ft deep, although could go deeper. I don't think I'd want to find out either!

    Luke found information online that suggested the pool had been previously used for torturing and killing people, adding more atmosphere to the area!

    I enjoyed a second footpath of the day, luke abstaining as this one was a lot hotter!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Beppu, Japan

    Jun 4–7, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Compared to the rest of the places we've visited in Japan, Beppu centre didn't have too much for us to enjoy. Our hostel was a god send though as we could use the kitchen to make sandwiches, so we enjoyed shopping from the local supermarket. There was a beautiful seaside port that we enjoyed sitting by, spotting eagles soaring above us, and smaller birds hunting in the grass. We also had a beautiful ramen from a local restaurant, as well as some amazing tacos from our hostels cafe. A great place as a base to enjoy the area!Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Usuki Stone Buddhas

    June 5, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    These thousand year old Buddha statues are national treasures in Japan, and yet we were wandering around them by ourselves most of the time!

    They were spread over a few different areas, but not hard to walk in between, each as amazing as the next. Such good condition for their age, although some restoration work had to be done in the early 90s which included building wooden roofs to shelter them.

    When we finished looking around the Buddhas we headed to see some other sights in the area, stopping to investigate a giant iridescent worm on the steps down (not seen anything like that before!). Around us there were locals carrying on daily life, working the fields and gardening while we enjoyed the serene atmosphere. We also found possible the cutest temple in Japan, it looked like it had just come out of a Studio Ghibli movie - I was in love! ❤️    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Usuki, Japan

    June 5, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    When we originally looked into visiting the stone Buddha statues as a day trip I discounted the idea of staying around Osuki, as there wasn't much information online about things to do.

    We made a mistake buying our train tickets though, and boy am I glad - this was the cutest little town. Oddly there was a busy port here too, but the old town area was serenely quiet with stunningly made temples that we had to ourselves. It was so quiet that I was convinced somehow my camera shutter sound had got louder.

    We wandered the streets joyfully, ate our remade sandwiches close to the old castle ruins, and enjoyed seeing a shrine with lots of torii gates. A lovely last afternoon exploring in Japan.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Shōfuku-ji Temple, Fukuoka, Japan

    June 6, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    When we made plans to stop in Fukuoka we were originally going to stay a couple of nights, but ferry prices got in the way so we decided the best option would be to spend one night, and enjoy Fukuoka as much as we could on the day.

    When we arrived and checked into our hostel we rushed off to explore the city, our closest thing to see was Japan's First Tea Tree - a direct descendant of the tree that introduced tea to Japan. The surrounding area and temple was beautifully manicured too, so we took a few minutes to enjoy our last full day in Japan.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Tomb of the Wet Kimono, Fukuoka, Japan

    June 6, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    A more unusual shrine built on the side of the road, there is a legend surrounding a Japanese idiom, "wet clothes" meaning "false accusations", which is said to have started here.

    The kinda oddness we have come to expect from Japan though, made all the weirder by being in-between a busy road and the river!Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka, Japan

    June 6, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    We somehow stumbled upon this shrine that, although it was close to our hostel and pretty big, we hadn't seen wandering around before. It was a lovely area, quite busy with tourists though and Luke was photographer for an hawaiian couple who complimented him on his skills!

    We believe we found Nandi again, so made sure to give him a pat on the head, and after enjoying the area for a few minutes the insects descended so we carried on exploring the city.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Fukuoka, Japan

    June 6, 2024 in Japan ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    The 7th biggest city in Japan, mostly due to the port I believe, it was fun to explore albeit a bit rainy. We enjoyed a final Japanese meal at a large izakaya, it was busy with locals and had a fun atmosphere while we chowed down on tempura. We had a bit of an explore in the evening, being able to see the city come alive in the night and see just how big it was. We found a weird shopping mall, built around canals, that we were hoping to see an godzilla video or water fountain light show at - instead we think we found a band playing their new music video and having a Q&A afterwards! We obviously didn't know what was going on, so headed back to the hostel for a sleep.Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Haedong Yonggungsa, Busan, South Korea

    June 9, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Labelled as the prettiest temple in South Korea I was looking forward to seeing this temple built on the side of the sea. We took a while to get there though, getting on the wrong bus, and when we finally got there we sat and ate our subway sandwiches for lunch surrounded by zodiac statues. We got a few weird looks from the other tourists (and some jealous ones!), while we looked at them strangely when they crowded a frog walking across the path!

    We made our way down to the temple but it was very busy with other tourists, mainly Chinese tour groups from what we could understand. Being so used to the peaceful serenity that Japanese temples usually have, this was quite an abrupt change and reintroduction for us. The temple itself was pretty, the location fantastic, but the crowds were too much for us. We found a peaceful moment watching the waves wash up against some stones before we made our exit.    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Jaseongdae Park, Busan, South Korea

    June 10, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    This park has ruins of old Japanese fortresses, rebuilt in more recent times, that are fun to wander around. The park itself is nice, and popular with locals for exercising.

    We got a nice view of the skyline being so high up, and managed to see a few of the buildings before we decided to head for some lunch at a vegan restaurant.Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Haeparang-gil Coastal Walk, Busan

    June 11, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    An absolutely stunning walk along the coast of Busan. We decided to start at the 'skywalk' which was a glass bottom platform you could walk out and over the sea on. Views were incredible!

    We then started the walk with a steep hike up and up the path, when I was starting to regret the decision to do the walk it levelled out and we had a shade covered path to wander along (with no breeze unfortunately at this point!). We stopped to eat our subway sandwiches at a viewing area which was still a bit shaded, and spotted many people passing from the opposite direction out of breath. When we started walking down that way we found out why, as there was a mountain of stairs! Thankfully we were going down instead, and this was the first time we realised we may have picked the better direction to walk in.

    We saw lots of locals along the route, from a group of older male friends who stopped for snacks frequently, or a picnicking bunch who offered Luke some food while I was busy photographing!

    There were still many stairs up and down along the route, although our chosen direction was definitely better! The views were incredible along the way, as we worked our way closer to the city. The sea was a gorgeous blue-green against the sunny, almost cloudless sky.

    We managed the whole walk in around 3.5 hours, and got our 10,000 steps in easily. Knackered, we ran for the bus back to the hostel so we could rest for a bit!    Read more

  • Adventure is out there

    Gyeongju, South Korea

    Jun 12–17, 2024 in South Korea ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Gyeongju was a fantastic city to explore, we really enjoyed it as it was so walkable. If it wasn't so hot we would have done a lot more steps instead of using the buses!

    The city is known as an open air musuem, which it truly was. The historical areas had been manicured into beautiful spots to enjoy both the history and the surroundings; during the day you could enjoy the flowers and stunning views, and in the evenings they were lit up atmospherically for everyone to enjoy. Friday evenings we believe there is also live music performed in various areas, as we came across a small show near the bridge but there was a far bigger concert happening close to our hostel. Not sure if this was a weekly occurrence or not as they seemed to be building the stage for a couple of days!Read more

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