Don Kennedy, Author at VOYAPON

Don Kennedy

Hi! My name is Don Kennedy and I am a Tokyo-based freelance camera nerd. Having grown up in a sleepy town in rural Australia, in 2005 I moved to the world's largest metropolis and have been loving living here ever since. I’m based on the east side of the city, near Ueno, and really enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, the warmth of the locals, and the history of the area. As Tokyo is such an incredibly walkable city, you might see me wandering around with a camera in hand during the day, or making the most of the amazing food options in an izakaya or restaurant at night.

14 articles

Articles by Don Kennedy

Tokyo and Yamanashi: Where Technology Meets Tranquility

December 25, 2024 1 Week, First Time in Japan, Kanto, Luxury Accommodation, Mount Fuji, Museums & Galleries, Nature & Outdoors, Near Tokyo, Ramen, Sponsored, Theme Parks, Tokyo, Tokyo, Yakiniku, Yamanashi

For those coming to Japan for the first time, a visit to Tokyo and Mount Fuji are essential, and Yamanashi Prefecture — nestled in the shadow of this iconic mountain — serves as the perfect gateway to experiencing Japan's natural...

From Sakaemachi to Koza: Exploring the Local Charm and Modern Culture of Okinawa’s Arcades

March 14, 2023 Culture, First Time in Japan, Nightlife, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Sponsored

Whether you’re a foodie, a photographer, or simply looking for an authentic cultural experience, the arcades of Okinawa should not be missed.

A Tale of Two Towns: A 3-Day Itinerary of Shikoku’s Ozu and Uwajima Towns

March 11, 2022 2 Weeks, Castles, Ehime, Historic Sites, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Luxury Accommodation, Shikoku, Sponsored, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Deep in the heart of Ehime Prefecture, a leisurely drive south of Matsuyama City, away from the throngs of tourists taking photos of Dogo Onsen, the hot spring that inspired Spirited Away, lie two towns whose richness now lies in...

Journey Back to the Edo Era Part 3: The Shogun Legacy of Nikko

March 9, 2022 Mountains, National Parks, Nikko, Onsen & Sento, Rail Passes, Ryokan, Shinkansen, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines, Tochigi

After his death in 1617, the first leader of the Tokugawa shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu, was enshrined in a mausoleum in Nikko. Later, his grandson, Iemitsu, expanded the shrine complex to the majestic size it is today. No expense was spared...

Journey Back to the Edo Era Part 2: The Last Samurai Stronghold of Aizu-Wakamatsu

March 9, 2022 Fukushima, Highway Buses, Historic Sites, Museums & Galleries, Shinkansen, Skiing & Snowboarding, Sponsored, Tochigi, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo, Winter

Aizu-Wakamatsu, in Fukushima Prefecture, was the last stronghold of the Tokugawa family after they gave up power under pressure from the Imperial military forces in 1868. The last shogun had resigned and escaped from the castle in Tokyo, but the...

Journey Back to the Edo Era Part 1: 250 Years of Peace in Tokyo

March 9, 2022 Culture, First Time in Japan, Sponsored, Sweets, Temples & Shrines, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

For Tokyoites born during the Edo Period, all they knew was peace. The warring period of competing samurai clans had come to an end generations before, and the all-powerful Tokugawa shogunate ruled Japan for over 250 years of peace during...

The Best Backcountry Powder and Ski Hills in Towada-Hachimantai National Park

March 2, 2022 Akita, Aomori, Highway Buses, Iwate, Mountains, National Parks, Rail Passes, Ryokan, Skiing & Snowboarding, Sponsored, Winter

If there is one thing skiing in Japan is known for, it is the incredibly light and dry powder snow that falls in the winter months. From the Asahikawa region in the north of Hokkaido to the Japan Alps in...

Trekking out a spiritual journey through the Kii Mountain Range

February 25, 2022 Culture, Hiking, Historic Sites, Kyoto, Kyoto, Kyoto, Mountains, Nara, Nara, Osaka, Osaka, Osaka, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines, Wakayama

In ancient times, the Kii Peninsula, south of Osaka and Kyoto, was known as the land of the gods, and to this day is considered the spiritual home of Japan. This wild area of Japan has been home to pilgrimages...

The Matagi traverse streams looking for edible wild vegetation

A Forest Tour with a Traditional Matagi Winter Hunter in Shirakami-Sanchi

December 28, 2021 Aomori, Culture, Hiking, Kanagawa, Mountains, National Parks, Sponsored, Tohoku

Shirakami-Sanchi tour guide, Yukio Koike, moved to Aomori Prefecture 33 years ago to study Environmental Science at Hirosaki University. The Kanagawa native’s intention for traveling so far north was initially to go skiing during his time off. But, unbeknownst to...