by MV&R
Happy New Year!! Tibetan New year that is… The year of the Ox We took some extra time off at the beginning of 2021 to finish settling in Italy and get our residence paperwork in order. Now, we’re ready to resume our virtual travels. Otari Forest, the chosen site for our next retreat Continuing with our adventure in Japan, our next destination is Minami-Otari, … Read More Virtual Japan – Day 5 – Otari Forest
by MV&R
This iconic structure is indeed a must see. Extraordinarily rich with Japanese history and heritage, you can touch and feel the past due to the impeccable state of preservation of this “fortress”, both inside and out. You can almost hear the noises of battle and the Samurai warriors frantically defending it. The original Keep (main tower) and inner walls survived since their building began … Read More Virtual Japan – Day 4 – Matsumoto Castle
by MV&R
Agematsu Town arrival I am getting so close to visiting the birth place of the practice of Shinrin Yoku, the dream is becoming a reality but little did I know I was going to be blown away by the reality that was awaiting. I had arranged this visit months ago. I contacted the Agematsu Town Tourism Association and Ms. Kazue Matsubara arranged everything for … Read More Virtual Japan – Day 3 – Part 2 – The birthplace of Shinrin-Yoku
by MV&R
We’re back! Sorry for the extended hiatus. We were finishing up our move to Italy and it took more time and focus than expected due to Covid-19 implications. We were fortunate though, as we were well prepared, had Covid tests done before we left and all the paper work we may have needed. In the end, nobody stopped us during the two trips we … Read More Virtual Japan – Day 3 – Part 1 – The birthplace of Shinrin-Yoku
by MV&R
Breakfast Hotdog anyone? Every day offers a new discovery in such a unique culture as Japan’s, and I love the amazing opportunity to get to know more about what the locals do and what their regular day looks like. The first surprise was the breakfast menu at the Hotel Henn-na, “The Hotdog Morning Plate”, with toppings that included Sauerkraut and relish. It was … Read More Virtual Japan – Day 2 – Glimpses of Tokyo
by MV&R
Don’t touch the robots! I stayed in Tokyo for a night before continuing on to Nagano Prefecture. I don’t think I was prepared for the kind of reception I got at the hotel. Play the video below to see and hear for yourself… The “Don’t touch the robots” phrase, as it turned out, came up a few times while in Japan, especially in Tokyo. … Read More Virtual Japan – Day 1 – Part 2 – Tokyo Hotel & Dining
by MV&R
Who’s flying to Japan?! Meeeeee !!!!! The flight was very pleasant. Service was superb and thank the caring and quiet ways of the crew I slept most of it until the gradually increasing cabin lights simulating sunrise came on (another amazing feature of the Boeing 787) Because of this, not many pictures were taken during the flight 😉 Introduction Ok, this is how I … Read More Virtual Japan – Day 1 – Part 1 – Arrival
by MV&R
As many of you may know, we and a group of 10 lucky people would be in Japan right now, enjoying our scheduled “Mindfulness in Nature & Forest Therapy Retreat” in Nagano, Japan. The birthplace of Shinrin-yoku. Obviously, due to the current situation we were forced to reschedule our retreat for next year (more info here) We thought that it would be fun to … Read More Virtual trip to Japan, taking off right now
