What began as a practical scarecrow creation for the family plot has transformed into a whimsical display of memories in the remote village of Nagoro, Japan. When someone passes on or moves away, Ayano Tsukimi, an elderly crafts hobbyist, makes life-sized scarecrows to remember their presence. These ubiquitous cotton-stuffed dolls are ten times more than the human residents in the village and have become a major attraction for visitors from around the globe.
The forests of the Jigokudani valley in Japan are surrounded by imposing cliffs and fountains of steaming hot water. It’s a breathtaking contrast to see the steam of the springs against the starkness of the snowy landscape. Locals refer to Jigokudani as “Hell Valley,” both for its appearance of “smoke” and its harsh climate.
About 110 miles (180 kilometers) south of Tokyo, Japan, in an area of the Pacific Ocean known as the “Devil’s Sea,” you will find a small island with a big story to tell. Miyake-jima is part of the volcanic Izu Islands, and host to Mount Oyama, an active volcano that sits at the very heart of the island. Because it emits poisonous sulfuric gas with very little warning, the 3,000 residents (as well as any visitors) are required to carry gas masks with them at all times.
The “MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: teamLab Borderless” is a brand new 100,000 square meter gallery space that will open its doors to the public for the first time on Thursday, June 21st, 2018, in Odaiba, Tokyo, featuring approximately 50 impressive digital artworks.
For more than 40 years, some drivers in Japan have been spending hundreds of thousands of dollars turning their trucks into flamboyantly decorated vehicles, called “Dekotora.”
If you are looking to deviate from the norm and wake up your inner explorer, we offer you one of the most unusual travel destinations on earth that could as well belong to another planet. Check out these five awe-inspiring natural wonders and otherworldly landscapes and let’s get you started planning your next vacation getaway.
