Had it been dawn on any other day, the streets of Chigasaki would have been quiet. However, this particular morning was different. As I cycled closer to the coast, the morning silence slowly transformed. A whisper emerged, distant at first, but grew more distinctive with each pedal stroke. Upon my arrival at Southern Beach, I was greeted by the festive energy of locals. I could hear the familiar chants that have filled the streets of Nango-dori every July for over 180 years.

There’s an interesting point in life when you find yourself somewhere, doing an activity you never imagined possible. It's an existential...

Formerly walked by Japan’s emperors themselves, the ancient pilgrimage routes of the Kumano Kodo have long been on the list of those...

Living in the city has its perks, but with it comes the overstimulation of modern urban life. As much as I enjoy living in such a convenient area, sometimes I need to escape the hustle and bustle. With countless activities, endless natural beauty, and locally sourced food, I knew I was in for a luxury getaway unlike any other the moment our boat docked at Cova Kakuda. However, nothing could have prepared me for the unlocking of long-dormant memories from my childhood. A Refre