The answer is very simple: it depends! If you are a „classical“ thru-hiker who has done trails like the PCT or AT etc. You will be disappointed. Though there are some stretches where you have no infrastructure and some wilderness, it is very different. The Michinoku is very new (it only opened in 2019) and … More Michinoku to hike or not to hike…
Let’s start with the bad news: Japan suffers a tourist invasion and will charge more money from foreigners for specific sightseeing spots. Also taking pictures of Geisha and Maiko in Kyoto is becoming illegal and will cost you a fine. I have to say, that I am very sorry, that it has come to this. … More My top tips when travelling in Japan
There are quite a few people who are of the opinion, that I have a somewhat large personality. Whether that is true or not is obviously depending on who you ask. But unfortunately that specific attribute does not extent to my legs. They are, by any definition you want to use, short. Period. Over the … More The Short Leg Conundrum
Before I left I wrote a book review on the book “The Phone Box at the Edge of the World”. I also mentioned that on my hike I would actually come by Bell Gardia. Little did I know what would happen… Part of the hike to the little village Namiitakaigan yesterday was, let’s say, challenging. … More Saying Goodbye is a Chance
The Michinoku Trail and I are not clicking. It is as simple and as difficult as that. Sitting here, trying to decide what to do, I ask myself whether it is him or me? Or is it just both of us not being in sync. I try to figure out what it is that puts … More Relationship Status: It’s Difficult
Lush, bountiful are words that come to mind when you hike in rural Japan. Once you are off the tarmac you will see green in all shades and forms. But not only that, even now in late summer, nearly autumn pops of colour grab your attention. The blossoms are delicate, nevertheless, visited by a few … More Nature Rules
I have been in Japan for nearly two weeks now and it is time for a little recap. First things first. It always surprises me how fast I adapt to Japanese culture and despite the fact, that I have not been to Japan for six years and practically spoke hardly any Japanese during that time, … More Zero Day
It might be coincidence, that I finish writing this blog post in a hotel instead of my tent with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Today I had to change my plans all over. I was supposed to make my way to the Natori Trail Centre by foot and partially train as I wanted to … More You never know…
On my 41st birthday, I decided to have a big party. I wasn’t able to celebrate my 40th, so I just postponed it for a year to have friends come over to enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate getting older. I had set up the table for 14 people, stood in the kitchen for hours … More The Phone Box at the Edge of the World- a book review
It has been too long! More than six years to be exact and I cannot wait to step out of the plane and reconnect with what I call “my Japanese self”. May 1st, 1993. This is the date my never-ending love affair with Japan started. I arrived in Tokyo and had to take a train … More On my way… to Japan
One Year - Five Continents 
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