Travel

Streets lined with traditional clay-walled warehouses, a three-tiered bell tower, a majestic castle and numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples make Kawagoe a highlight of eastern Japan. The historic town can be reached in only a couple of hours by car or train from any of the U.S.

A popular tourist destination in Kyoto, Arashiyama District is known for its famous bamboo grove.

Beppu, one of the best hot spring cities in the world, is also known for its “hells” (in Japanese “jigoku”). Seven photogenic hot springs which will definitely stimulate your senses.

Before COVID hit, I was part of a running group that was part of the hospital. The group did regular runs across the island, running from around the hospital to Cape Hedo, then all the way to Cape Kyan.

Take a drive and meet spring again about 40-minutes away from Yokosuka Naval Base. Kawazusakura blossoms are an early-blooming variety of Japan’s favorite flower and Komatsugaike Pond in Muira Peninsula is a great place to get a fresh breath of spring air and a close up look at the signs of the season.

In Miura Peninsula, around Komatsugaike Pond nearby Keikyu Miurakaigan Station, Kawazu Sazkura, an early blooming type of cherry blossoms are at the full bloom, hearalding the arrival of long-awaited spring.