Izumi is one of Kagoshima Prefecture’s–and Japan’s, for that matter–little gems. This little town in the heart of what was the Choshu domain that would usher Japan into the modern world from the latter half of the 19th century now markets itself largely around the tens of thousands of cranes that migrate there during the colder months. But Izumi also has plenty of history, including a district of samurai houses, and wonderful natural surrounds. Enough of the tourist stuff, though, because Izumi is the start of the Tour de Kagoshima-Kyoto run by the indefatigable Japan Biking and Pedal Pedal Bicycle Tours.…
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Dogo Onsen is a famous hot spring in Matsuyama, the largest city on the smallest of Japan’s main islands, Shikoku (an island that many Japanese say is shaped like Australia). Dogo Onsen’s traditional bath was said to have been the inspiration for the bathhouse that is the main setting for Japan’s most successful movie, Spirited Away. Related posts: A Little-Known, Bizarre Australia-Japan Christmas Story ‘Single Men Only?’ – Early Japanese Migration to Oz 日本人の豪州への初期移民は「独身男性限定」? Aussies Exposed to Radiation in Japan – 65 Years Ago Sexism Sells…Aussie Princes and Arresting the Great Japanese Tourist Decline AFL – Modern Australia’s Religion and…