Hazel Taylor, Author at VOYAPON

Hazel Taylor

A lover of nature, food and dangerous heights. Originally from a small seaside town in Essex, England, I am making the most of exploring all the curves and colours of Japan. My one aim is to raise the profile of the most extroadinary places in Japan, so that you too may explore the depth and breath of this wonderous place.

75 articles

Articles by Hazel Taylor

Omiya Park – Saitama’s Secret Cherry Blossom Spot

June 17, 2020 Cherry Blossoms, Gardens & Parks, Saitama, Spring, Temples & Shrines, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

The beauty and elegance of the cherry blossoms (Sakura さくら•桜） in Japan are well known across the globe, drawing crowds of tourists and locals alike every year. Most people will view the soft pink and white petals in the well-known...

The Secrets of Japanese Coffee Culture

May 26, 2020 Culture, Tea 1 Comment

When you think of world-renowned coffee destinations, Japan might not be the first place you’d think of. You’d more likely associate coffee with the espressos of Italy or the lattes of Australia. But to miss out on the vibrant, imaginative,...

Tips and Tricks for easy access to Shizuoka’s Ecopa Stadium for the Rugby World Cup 2019

February 2, 2019 Historic Sites, Mount Fuji, Rail Passes, Shinkansen, Shizuoka, Souvenirs, Sponsored, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Sponsored by Kakegawa City The last thing you need when trying to enjoy your Rugby World Cup experience is the stress of getting lost. But, not to fear! Getting to Shizuoka’s Ecopa stadium is a breeze, using the most direct,...

Come for the Rugby, stay for exquisite meals, Onsens and authentic Japanese experiences in Kakegawa

February 1, 2019 Language, Luxury Accommodation, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Safety, Shizuoka, Sponsored

Sponsored by Kakegawa City No single Japanese word brings more tingling warmth to my heart and soul than "onsen". Match not one, but three private onsens, as well as a public bath and rotenburo (outdoor bath) with gorgeous countryside views,...

Kakegawa City: An Old Post Town, a Castle and the Rugby World Cup

January 31, 2019 Castles, Culture, Historic Sites, Shizuoka, Sponsored

Sponsored by Kakegawa City If you’re in town for the Rugby World Cup matches at Ecopa Stadium in Shizuoka Prefecture, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the hidden, historical gems scattered around the wonderfully peaceful city of Kakegawa. Kakegawa Castle...

gyoda old town in Saitama prefecture, close to Tokyo, Japan.

Enjoy the RWC with Jelly Fries, Unique Souvenirs and Tabi Culture in Gyoda, Saitama

November 15, 2018 Castles, Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Saitama, Sponsored, Summer Festivals, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Sponsored by Gyoda City and Council for the promotion of Tambo Art. Gyoda City is a delightful little old town famous for tabi (traditional Japanese two-toed socks), a pond shaped like a massive lock and of course Guinness World Record holding...

Rice Field Art Worthy of a Guiness World Record in Gyoda, Saitama

November 13, 2018 Aomori, Culture, Rice, Saitama, Sponsored, Summer Festivals

Sponsored by Gyoda City and Council for the promotion of Tambo Art. The people of Japan can turn almost anything into a beautifully crafted work of art. From the larger than life ice sculptures of Sapporo’s Snow Festival to the...

Historical Musuem Tsurumaru-jo Kagoshima Castle ruins in Kyushu Island, Japan

Tsurumaru-jo: Kagoshima’s Creepy Castle Ruins

July 10, 2018 Castles, Culture, Historic Sites, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Museums & Galleries

I was entering the grounds of what was supposed to be a magical journey to a castle I knew very little about, when a uniformed Japanese man stopped me. As is natural, I assumed there would be some problem with...

Oyamachi Utsunomiya Oya Stone Haiwa Kannon Statue Tochigi Prefecture Japan

Utsunomiya: Check out a 27-Meter-Tall Stone Haiwa Kannon Statue

June 29, 2018 Historic Sites, Temples & Shrines, Tochigi

Haiwa Kannon is one the best statues in Japan; inviting the same giddy, overwhelming "woah-ness" as the first one I ever saw—the giant, hollow Buddha in Kamakura. Since I’ve never really been a fan of statues, the ability for this...

Okinawa Ishigaki Island Vacation Beach Ocean Tropical Stargazing Kayaking Festival Hostel Japan

Okinawa’s Ishigaki Island: A Friendly Hostel, Stargazing and Tropical Fish

May 5, 2018 Beaches & Islands, Diving & Snorkeling, Fishing, Hostels, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Summer Festivals 2 Comments

Visiting Ishigaki Island has got to be the absolute highlight of my time spent in Okinawa and possibly one of the most truly and thoroughly enjoyable adventures I’ve ever had in Japan, or indeed in my life. Every day held a...

Monkey Park Ishigaki Yaima Village Okinawa Japan Mangrove Animals Nature

Fun with Monkeys at Ishigaki Yaima Village, Okinawa

April 12, 2018 Beaches & Islands, National Parks, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa

It seems a little sad to say but despite all of the wonders Ishigaki Island has to offer, one of the biggest deciding factors when I was choosing which island to explore were these monkeys. The adorable look on their...

Exploring Old Town Uki by the Sea in Kumamoto

March 20, 2018 Airports, Beaches & Islands, Car Rentals, Historic Sites, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines

Sponsored by Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation Old town Uki is a petite, scenic wonderland just an hour drive from Aso Kumamoto airport, filled with the kind of island-dotted, sea bay landscapes you could only find in a high-end calendar. Explore the...

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in South Aso, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan.

Power Spots, Money Luck and 400 Year Old Nature in South Aso, Kumamoto

March 19, 2018 Car Rentals, Culture, Historic Sites, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Mountains, Sponsored, Teishoku, Temples & Shrines

Sponsored by Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation If you get the chance to rent a car, do not hesitate to hop in and cruise around the glorious mountainous landscape in South Aso. Pass gorgeous Japanese style bridges, clear lakes and random shrines...

Comfort and a Sea View Dining Experience at Amakusa Shimoda Onsen in Kumamoto

March 18, 2018 Kaiseki, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Luxury Accommodation, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Sashimi, Sponsored, Tea

Sponsored by Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation Amakusa Shimoda Onsen Boyokaku is the height of exquisite fine dining, relaxation and pampering along the East Shina sea in Amakusa, Kumamoto. The Ise-ebi shrimp, the warmth of the onsen, the famous Japanese hospitality and...

Beautiful Views, Small Islands and the Unique, Hidden Faith in Historical Amakusa, in Kumamoto

March 17, 2018 Beaches & Islands, Car Rentals, Historic Sites, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines

Sponsored by Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation Cruising down palm tree bordered roads, with the sea on one side, tiered mountains on the other and the prospect of seeing another vibrant, Japanese style bridge in the near distance makes for one amazing...

The historical Hitoroshi castle town, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Japan.

Castle Ruins, Cultural Heritage and Shochu in the Heart of Historical Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto

March 15, 2018 Culture, Historic Sites, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines

Sponsored by Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation Hitoyoshi, located in the southern region of Kumamoto, is home to age old traditions, well-preserved National treasures and amazing viewpoints that, piece by piece, come together to tell the story of this beautiful and historical...

A Farm Stay in a 200 Year Old House in Kumamoto

March 10, 2018 Culture, First Time in Japan, Kumamoto, Kyushu, Minshuku, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Sponsored, Tea

Sponsored by Kumamoto Prefecture Tourism Federation Before I get into the delights that befell us in this adorable and comfortable Farmer’s stay, I first have to try to describe to you the atmosphere that greeted us as we were transported from...

Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture is known as summer retreat, with many things to do!

Karuizawa Highlights: Easy Access to Historical Relaxation

February 17, 2018 Autumn Leaves, Historic Sites, Kyoto, Kyoto, Nagano, Rail Passes, Ryokan, Shinkansen, Sponsored, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo

Sponsored by Karuizawa Tourist Association Spectacular art, exquisite nature and strong historical vibes; Karuizawa has it all. You’d be hard pressed to find a destination as unique and as close to Tokyo as this. And, with the interesting local...

the historical town, Mino city in Gifu prefecture, Japan.

Untouched History in the Heart of Mino

December 11, 2017 Autumn Leaves, Cycling, Gifu, Historic Sites, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines

Sponsored by Mino City Mino City, home to the famous Mino Washi paper, Mino Washi Akari Exhibition and of course archaic Udatsu town, is like a capsule frozen in time. The artistic beauty of its Udatsu housing and the simplicity...

Mino Washi listed UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage is in a league of its own.

The streets are Alight with the 1,300 Year Old Tradition of Mino Washi Paper

December 6, 2017 Culture, Gifu, Historic Sites, Hostels, Ryokan, Sponsored

Sponsored by Mino City When it comes to Japanese paper, Mino Washi listed UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage is in a league of its own. Not only is the 1,300 year old tradition still alive and kicking, but now, every mid October,...

To Mino City and the Land of Washi Paper!

December 4, 2017 Gifu, Mount Fuji, Nagoya, Rail Passes, Shinkansen, Sponsored

Sponsored by Mino City I know what you're thinking. Surely paper can be found everywhere, on any budget, with only size, shape, colour, thickness and whether you're going to opt for lines being the only variables, but Mino City does...

Discover Sakurajima Island by Long Island Bus Tour

November 22, 2017 1 Week, Beaches & Islands, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Local Buses, Volcanoes 1 Comment

To discover Sakurajima, the Sakurajima Island View Bus turned out to be a really good investment. The island may take only one hour to skirt around by car, but walking is a good 9 hours and that is only if...

Beautiful Views at Kabira Lagoon in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa

October 12, 2017 Beaches & Islands, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Summer

Kabira Lagoon is one of those places that is one hundred percent the paradise you see in all the pictures. No, you have not been fooled by some impressive editing trickery. It actually looks like that! The water is so...

Yakushima's green forest, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan.

Don’t leave Kagoshima without it! – Travel tricks and tips for your adventures in Yakushima!

October 1, 2017 Anime & Manga, Essentials, Ferries, Hiking, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Money, Mountains, National Parks, Sponsored

Sponsored by AEON Yakushima boasts some of the best and most bizarrely unique nature in the whole of Japan. Surrounding yourself in it’s wildly eccentric forestry is like entering a dream land in which, suddenly, all those Ghibli movies you’ve...

A hiking trail in Yakushima, Kagoshima, Japan.

The 9 Hour Hike to Wilson Stump and The Great Jomon Sugi at Yakuhisma

August 6, 2017 Essentials, Hiking, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Local Buses, Mountains, National Parks

The journey for a glimpse of Jomon Sugi is a long and arduous 9 hours hike through mossy forest, questionably wonky bridges and unknown random pathways. It’s incredibly easy to lose your path if, like me, you lack a proper...

Exploring Taketomi by Water Buffalo Cart at Taketomi island, Okinawa

Traveling Back in Time on Taketomi Island, Okinawa

June 19, 2017 Beaches & Islands, Culture, Cycling, Ferries, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Okinawa, Ryokan, Temples & Shrines

Taketomi Island (Okinawa Prefecture) is a tiny yet amazing land, transporting you back to older and simpler times in a traditional Ryukyu village. Thanks to preservation efforts, we can now witness and interact with a whole island that is almost entirely...

Utsunomiya’s Ōya-ji Temple of Stone

May 10, 2017 Culture, Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Kanto, Temples & Shrines, Tochigi

Ōya-ji, A Buddhist Temple Established by Kobo Daishi The very moment I saw a picture of Oya-ji temple’s peculiar surrounding rock formations, I was determined to go. It’s not often you have the opportunity to see a temple situated under...

Kuni district: This is what adventures are made of !

January 9, 2017 Culture, First Time in Japan, Gunma, Historic Sites, Mountains, Sponsored

Sponsored by Nakanojo Tourism Association I have been to many small towns and villages across Japan but Kuni district might top them all as being quite possibly the quietest and most remote. The people were scarce but absolutely memorable, there...

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Articles by Hazel Taylor

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