Summer Holidays

Next week, I will take a short break on Izu-Oshima island. Have you ever been there? It's my favourite place in Japan. I always stay in an old wooden house, go to the beach or hot spring and eat fantastic seafood. I think Oshima is really untrendy among Tokyoites. I don't understand why- maybe because it's too close to Tokyo. You can get there in under two hours on a "jetfoil" boat. The beach isn't so amazing- the sand is volcanic so it is really black and unbearably hot if you step on it barefooted. The nightlife is non-existent but if you just want a good hot spring with views of Mount Fuji and the other islands or if you want good food in a relaxing atmosphere, then I really recommend going there for at least a weekend.


I have had many adventures there in the past. I had to kill a snake because it was in my host's garden and she was very worried. I also ate the most disgusting food ever there. Do you know kusaiya? It's a kind of dried fish which smells like...well, it smells like a very bad public toilet. I couldn't eat it. If someone is cooking it, I recommend leaving the house for several hours until the smell disappears. Also, don't kiss anyone who has ever eaten it- you will regret it.


Despite that, I really think Oshima is a great place to visit, but don't tell too many people. If everybody suddenly goes there, it will start to lose its charm. I love visiting places in Japan but most of them are so crowded. For example, at the well-known temples of Kyoto it is difficult to absorb the atmosphere when there are about five million other visitors. I am a big fan of Nara, though. Everything is much more spread out there so the crowds aren't so bad. If you hire a bicycle you can really enjoy sightseeing around there and go to see ancient burial mounds as well as the more famous places.


Is there any place you recommend I should visit? Feel free to come and tell me anytime...or offer me free bullet train tickets or hotel discounts!


Have a great summer!


Anthony


▼▽▼▼【講師】Anthony先生のバックナンバー━━━━━━━━
・【Improve Your Reading】2009.07.24 (Fri)

ブログランキングに参加しています。
下記の3つをクリックして、応援していただけると嬉しいです。
▼Please help us increase our blog ranking by clicking below!▼

We thank you for your continued support!