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.

74 articles

Articles by Hazel Taylor

Yakushima Anbo Port, Water sports and the wonders of the Bento Lunchbox

July 8, 2016 Beaches & Islands, Diving & Snorkeling, Hiking, Hostels, Kagoshima

Anbo port is the hub of the island, containing the only commercial shop I could find on the whole of Yakushima

Kagoshima, aquarium, Yakushima, dolphin, dolphins, port

Dolphin Port, a free and spectacular show in Kagoshima

May 8, 2016 Kagoshima, Kyushu

Visitors to Dolphin Port in Kagoshima can catch a spectacular dolphin show for free outside the Kagoshima Aquarium, if their timing is good.

statue,rock,concert,sakurajima,music,monument

Sakurajima’s All Night Concert – Portrait of a Scream!

May 8, 2016 Beaches & Islands, Gardens & Parks, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Museums & Galleries, Summer Festivals

A monument to Sakurajima’s greatest rock concert, the Portrait of a Scream is a statue dedicated to that fateful night.

Sakurajima Visitor Center: More Than You Might Expect!

May 7, 2016 Historic Sites, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Museums & Galleries, Souvenirs, Volcanoes

Explore the rich history of Sakurajima and its volcano at the Sakurajima visitor center, in Kagoshima prefecture.

Kagoshima – Slightly Steamy Sakurajima Beach

May 6, 2016 Beaches & Islands, Ferries, Kagoshima, Volcanoes

The volcanic ash covered beach of Sakurajima is unsurprisingly the only beach on Sakurajima, Kagoshima prefecture.

volcano,mountain,observatory,sakurajima,view

Get close to the volcano at Sakurajima Yunohira Observatory

May 5, 2016 Kagoshima, Local Buses, Mountains, National Parks, Safety, Souvenirs, Volcanoes

At the Sakurajima Yunohira Observatory you’ll find one of the best views for the volcano and a place where you can indulge in its history.

The Great Lava Road of Sakurajima

May 4, 2016 Hiking, Kagoshima, Local Buses, National Parks, Volcanoes

The lava roads of Arimura Lava Observatory allows one to view the amazing devastation of a volcanic natural disaster at the same time as its recovery.

shrine,creepy,kagoshima,yakushima,shinto

How Creepy is This Shrine in Yakushima?

May 3, 2016 Beaches & Islands, Hiking, Kagoshima, Mountains, Temples & Shrines

Within Kagoshima there exists a very interesting shrine, one that you might even call creepy.

orange,noodle,jelly,rest,stop,vending machine,mikan,daikon,radish

Sakurajima’s Hinoshima Megumi-kan Rest Stop: Orange Noodles?!

May 2, 2016 Culture, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Language, Souvenirs, Tempura

On the island of Sakurajima is a rest stop that is home to a restaurant with some very interesting orange noodles. That’s right, orange noodles.

Dip your weary feet in a free foot spa in Sakurajima!

April 21, 2016 Gardens & Parks, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Mountains, Onsen & Sento, Volcanoes

The Yogan Nagisa park and foot spa in Kagoshima offers splendid views and a relaxing atmosphere for the weary traveller. It won’t cost you a penny either!

Sakurajima Onsen view out into the ocean near the hot springs.

Rainbow Sakurajima Magma Hot Springs: just a bit magical!

April 20, 2016 Etiquette, Kagoshima, Mountains, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan

Rainbow Sakurajima Magma Hot Springs (Onsen) in Kagoshima prefecture is not really as magical as its name suggests, but it may be worth going if you like the idea of an electric pool!

Goryo Shrine, a place for peaceful reflection in Kamakura

April 18, 2016 Culture, First Time in Japan, Kamakura, Kanagawa, Temples & Shrines

Goryo Shrine is a five-minute walk from its more famous neighbor, Hasedera Temple. If you are looking for a more authentic and less commercialized spiritual experience, then perhaps this smaller, more archaic-looking shrine is the place for you.

Hase-dera temple flower petals from a nearby tree

Why is Hasedera Temple a Kamakura cultural delight?

April 16, 2016 First Time in Japan, Gardens & Parks, Kamakura, Souvenirs, Temples & Shrines

Hasedera Temple in Kamakura has something for everyone looking to indulge in a little Japanese culture. This temple boasts stunning sakura trees, shimmering koi fishponds, tiny waterfalls and ominous underground caves.With an entrance fee of only ¥300 for adults and ¥100 for children, Hasedera Temple is an enriching...