Vanessa Hofmann

Heda Beach After we had checked into our lovely guesthouse we drove the short distance to Heda port where our host had suggested it was good to swim. At the entrance to the town we could see the beach on a narrow

Saying Goodbye to Shimoda
Our days in Shimoda, a port town on the eastern side of the Izu Peninsular ended way too fast. While we had enjoyed some time on the beaches, the aquarium and the seven waterfalls we had

Breakfast at Cafe Mellow
After our visit of the Kawazu waterfalls inland, we wanted to spend our last day in the area on one of the nicer nearby beaches. Driving towards the south of Shimoda we first needed to

Driving along Route 414
Having spent the day prior at the Floating Aquarium and a little cove near Shimoda we had decided to explore the beauty of the Izu Peninsular a bit further away from the coast. The Kawazu

Snorkelling off the Rocky Coastline After our visit to the floating aquarium we rode our bikes west along the coastal path that followed just above the waterline. The seashore was lined with rocks and ragged

Snorkelling off the Rocky Coastline After our visit to the floating aquarium we rode our bikes west along the coastal path that followed just above the waterline. The seashore was lined with rocks and ragged

Breakfast at a Kooky Cafe
After a good sleep at our ryokan in Randaij we unloaded our bikes from the hire car, checked them over and set off on a cycle ride along the back streets into Shimoda. seeking breakfast.

The Izu Peninsular
The beaches on the east coast of the Izu peninsular are a favourite destination for Tokyoites in the summer thanks to its proximity to the capital. The stations on the east side are easily

How to get there
The Tama River is a popular spot for Tokyoites to spend their weekends or days off, away from the busy city. It is a refreshing oasis with lush green river banks among the otherwise concrete

How to get there
The Tama River is a popular spot for Tokyoites to spend their weekends or days off, away from the busy city. It is a refreshing oasis with lush green river banks among the otherwise concrete

Cycling in Tokyo, especially with kids, might not cross your mind as a holiday activity during your stay in the buzzy metropolis. However, we have explored the city many times on two wheels and consider it one of

Cycling in Tokyo, especially with kids, might not cross your mind as a holiday activity during your stay in the buzzy metropolis. However, we have explored the city many times on two wheels and consider it one of

Trains in Japan Japan is a paradise for train lovers and railway aficionados. The country is famous for the sleek highspeed trains, called Shinkansen, as well as cool local and sightseeing trains. In comparison

Trains in Japan Japan is a paradise for train lovers and railway aficionados. The country is famous for the sleek highspeed trains, called Shinkansen, as well as cool local and sightseeing trains. In comparison

Our Stay near Fujisan The five lakes around Mount Fuji are mainly famous for the views of the mystic mountain that can be seen from their shores on a clear day. Besides the incredible views of Fujisan they also

Information on the Tokai Nature Trail With climbing Fujisan on our plans for following days and in order to be well prepared for the strenuous climb we decided to hike part of the Tokai Nature Trail to loosen our

Views of Hakone and Lake Ashi Before our stay at the bottom of Fuji-san we had spent two weeks exploring the Izu peninsular. Our last stop there had been near the sleepy seaside town of Heda. For our drive to

On Top of Mount Fuji Missed out on the first part of our hike up Fuji-San, then read here. The clouds had cleared and we could see lake Yamanaka in the distance. Even the sun showed its happy face but barely

Planning the Climb of Fuji-San
Ever since our first trip to Japan, Fuji-san seemed to have cast a spell on me. Even Jerome had become fascinated by the mystic volcano having seen it on several occasions from

Meeting our Local Guddy Guide
Sometimes we should all explore the amazing places that we have outside our front door rather than venture abroad to foreign countries. By luck I received a guided tour to Crystal