Marion Pont, Author at VOYAPON

Marion Pont

If my origins are rooted in France, my mind is inclined to wanderlust. Baking cookies or growing seeds, deep into a book or a yoga posture, what I enjoy above all is exploring the world with my camera as travel partner. After discovering the delights of traveling and the excitement of living abroad (The Netherlands), I was embarking on a one-year journey to Japan in March 2018. From the little known corners of Tokyo - where I unpacked my suitcase - to the majestic sand dunes of Tottori, the mysterious Iya Valley or the captivating Sado Island, I am sharing here the most beautiful discoveries I made throughout that unforgettable year.

45 articles

Articles by Marion Pont

View of Senko-Ji Temple and cityscape of Onomichibelow

Stopover in Setouchi: An Afternoon Stroll Through Onomichi

October 7, 2020 Beaches & Islands, Cycling, Ferries, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Historic Sites, Temples & Shrines

From popular tourist spots to small picturesque villages, travelling by bike or by ferry to the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海) area is a great place to stay in any season. Most itineraries of the Setouchi region (瀬戸内地方, Setouchi Chihō) would...

rails of vintage clothing in a thrift store

Shimokitazawa: The Bohemian Shopping District for Bargain Hunting in Tokyo

August 31, 2020 Fashion, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo, Vintage Shopping

Located just one stop from Shibuya station and two from Shinjuku station, lies the Koenji Underground District of Shimokitazawa (下北沢). It’s a charming area of south-west Tokyo and considered a paradise for fans of vintage goods. There’s everything from secondhand fashion, furniture from the 70s and tons of vinyl records –...

Celebrate the Arrival of Autumn at Hitachi Seaside Park

August 28, 2020 1 Week, Autumn, Autumn Leaves, Gardens & Parks, Highway Buses, Ibaraki, Local Buses, Shinkansen 2 Comments

All across the world, landscapes change with the seasons. But few countries get as excited about these changes in nature as Japan does. From the pale pink cherry blossom, vibrant azaleas, plump hydrangeas and hearty lotus flowers, these distinct seasons draw visitors...

A Visit to Kosanji: A One-of-a-Kind Temple in Setouchi

August 25, 2020 Ferries, Gardens & Parks, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Historic Sites, Kyushu, Museums & Galleries, Shikoku, Temples & Shrines

Spiritual, contemplative places are abundant in Japan. With tiny sanctuaries just around the corner and gorgeous UNESCO world heritage sites waiting to be explored, there are several you can come across while traveling in Japan. Suppose you’re planning a trip...

Discover the fascinating traditional crafts of Shikoku

May 11, 2019 Culture, Historic Sites, Kagawa, Shikoku, Tokushima

Today's Japan is conveniently connected from end to end with high speed trains, underwater tunnels and frequent local flights, but in Old Japan, it was much more difficult to travel. Culinary specialties based on local foods, local traditions, and even...

Everything You Need To Know About Shikoku’s Oboke Gorge

May 4, 2019 Ferries, Mountains, National Parks, Tokushima 2 Comments

While driving on the steep curves of highway 32 in Tokushima Prefecture, you might spot some spectacular rock formations, rising dramatically from both banks of the Yoshino River below. Just around the corner from the Iya Valley, you have arrived at...

An onsen next to the Iya River in Japabn

Discovering Shikoku: where to stay near the Iya Valley

April 27, 2019 Kaiseki, Luxury Accommodation, Mountains, National Parks, Onsen & Sento, Ryokan, Shikoku, Sponsored, Tokushima

Visiting Shikoku, specifically Tokushima Prefecture's remote Iya Valley, is a commitment. Hundreds of miles from the big metropolises of Japan, you came to Eastern Shikoku to be immersed in its untamed natural beauty and experience a side of Japan that...

How To Spend a Day in Tokushima’s Historic Udatsu District

April 20, 2019 Culture, Historic Sites, Shikoku, Tokushima

Located on Japan's Shikoku Island, Tokushima Prefecture is mostly known for its incredible natural landscapes: rugged mountains with remote villages and steep gorges carved by ancient rivers. But historically, Tokushima was also an important hub of trade, and traces of...

Uncover the Mysteries of Tokushima’s Iya Valley

April 13, 2019 Autumn, Historic Sites, Mountains, Shikoku, Tokushima

Deep in the heart of Tokushima Prefecture lies one of the most remote places in Japan, a wild and mysterious place that can only be reached through narrow winding mountain roads. For the discerning traveler who wants to experience a...

Chiwataya bakery: organic bread and curated goods in Higashisonogi

February 24, 2019 Kumamoto, Saga, Sponsored, Sweets, Tea, Vegetarian & Vegan

Sponsored by Higashisonogi Town. Higashisonogi is mostly known as a destination to taste one of the best teas in Japan and explore the beautiful natural scenery surrounding the town. Well let me add one more thing to do during your...

discover both the seaside and countryside in Minamisatsuma by bike, in Kyushu.

Cycling and picking up fresh vegetables in the countryside of Minamisatsuma

February 23, 2019 Beaches & Islands, Cycling, Kyushu, National Parks, Sponsored

Sponsored by the Minamisatsuma Tourism Board. With a gentle climate year round and some of the most untouched natural landscapes in Japan, Minamisatsuma is the ideal destination to go on long cycling rides. Safe from car traffic, you will discover...

Discover Chiwata’s Newest Small Businesses

February 22, 2019 Kyushu, Local Buses, Nagasaki, Rail Passes, Shinkansen, Sponsored, Tea

Sponsored by Higashisonogi Town. Higashisonogi is a beautiful seaside town overlooking Omura Bay close to Nagasaki. It might best be known for its high quality green tea and breathtaking natural landscapes. But for a few years now, a couple of hipster...

Kasasa Ebisu, a stylish accommodation in Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan.

Staying in Minamisatsuma: where to spend the night and eat

February 21, 2019 Kagoshima, Kaiseki, Kyushu, Rice, Ryokan, Sashimi, Sponsored, Tempura

Sponsored by the Minamisatsuma Tourism Board. Though Minamisatsuma can be reached in only an hour or so by car from Kagoshima, spending at least a night there will not only allow you to spend some extra time in the beautiful natural...

From waterfalls to art museum : Discover the hidden nature of Higashisonogi

February 20, 2019 Hiking, Kyushu, Mountains, Museums & Galleries, Ryokan, Sponsored

With views of the deep blue sea of Omura bay and the lush green of the terraced tea plantations, Higashisonogi offers one of the most beautiful and unique natural landscapes on Kyushu island. But there is more if you keep looking!...

Minamisatsuma has the old historical town - Bonotsu and Ooatari, in the Kyushu island, Japan.

Traveling back in time in Minamisatsuma’s historical villages

February 19, 2019 Fishing, Historic Sites, Kyushu, Sponsored

Sponsored by the Minamisatsuma Tourism Board. Minamisatsuma, a town located at the south western tip of Kyushu Island, is mostly a destination for outdoor sports enthusiasts, yet it is also filled with cultural and authentic historical treasures ready to be...

Embarking on a Scenic Train Ride Along the Nagasaki Coastline

February 18, 2019 Kyushu, Local Buses, Nagasaki, Rail Passes, Shinkansen, Sponsored

Sponsored by Higashisonogi Town. Sitting in a comfortable seat, watching the landscape whizzing by at high speed, all the while getting from point A to point B... Taking the train is definitely my favorite means of transportation. This is especially...

Mars Tsunuki distillery, Japanese whiskey distillery in Minamisatsuma, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Japan.

Visit a Whisky Distillery in Minamisatsuma, Kyushu

February 17, 2019 Culture, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Sake & Alcohol, Sponsored

Sponsored by the Minamisatsuma Tourism Board. If Japan is mainly known for sake, made from rice, or shochu, a sweet potato liquor, the country is also getting more and more renowned across the globe for its whisky. Follow us to...

Staying with a family of tea farmers in Higashisonogi

February 16, 2019 Culture, First Time in Japan, Kyushu, Nagasaki, Ryokan, Sponsored, Tea

As you drive along the narrow countryside roads of Higashisonogi, among the terraced tea fields with the great blue sea visible in the distance, you cannot help but fall in love with this place. The breathtaking landscapes and delicious local...

Going paragliding from the heights of Minamisatsuma

February 15, 2019 Hiking, Kagoshima, Kyushu, Mountains, National Parks, Sponsored

Sponsored by the Minamisatsuma Tourism Board. A breathtaking view of Akime’s steep coastline, soaring heights, an incredible sensation of freedom...this is what awaits you on a tandem paraglider flight from Mt. Kamegaoka in Minamisatsuma. Such a unique way to discover...

Green tea tourism in Higashisonogi, Nagasaki

Discovering Green Tea Tourism in Higashisonogi

February 14, 2019 Culture, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Sponsored, Tea

Sponsored by Higashisonogi Town. Most of you have probably heard about green tourism. But have you ever heard of green tea tourism? If green tea is one of your favorite drinks and you would like to escape to the countryside...

A Shikoku guide: wild beauty and cultural wealth in the eastern part of the island

December 8, 2018 Autumn, Car Rentals, Hiking, Historic Sites, Kagawa, Mountains, Shikoku, Sponsored, Tokushima

Sponsored by Shikoku District Transport Bureau A trip to Shikoku - the smallest of the four Japanese archipelago islands - is a unique opportunity to discover some of Japan's most protected and preserved areas. In the Eastern part of the...

Spending the night in a shukubo (buddhist temple) on Mt Daisen

November 21, 2018 Culture, Mountains, Ryokan, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines, Tottori, Vegetarian & Vegan

Sponsored by Daisen Town. Rising up above the Sea of Japan in Tottori Prefecture, Mt Daisen is a sacred mountain that has been revered for centuries. A place of worship with a unique atmosphere, inviting you to meditate, rest and...

Bierhof Gambarius: local craft beers at the foot of Mt Daisen

Bierhof Gambarius: Japanese Local Craft Beer at the Foot of Mt. Daisen

November 20, 2018 Culture, Izakaya, Mountains, Sake & Alcohol, Sponsored, Tottori

Try one of Japan’s most renowned breweries at the Daisen G Beer Brewery serving craft beer and 100% local specialties in Tottori Prefecture.

Downhill cycling Mt. Daisen, Sea of Japan Beach, Tottori Prefecture Sanin Area

Downhill Cycling from Mt. Daisen to the Sea of Japan

November 19, 2018 Cycling, Mountains, National Parks, Sponsored, Summer, Tottori

Sponsored by Daisen Town. Known as the Mt. Fuji of West Japan, and considered one of the most sacred mountains in Japan, Mt. Daisen is a must-visit destination when traveling to Tottori Prefecture. Climbing to its summit on a hike that is immersed in...

Mt. Daisen Temple and Ogamiyama Shrine, Hiking Heritage Tottori Prefecture Sanin Area

Discover the Japan Heritage Site, Mt. Daisen in Tottori

November 17, 2018 Hiking, Historic Sites, Mountains, Ryokan, Sponsored, Temples & Shrines

Sponsored by Daisen Town. Mt. Daisen, a sacred volcano shaped like Mt Fuji, is a mountain with an important religious history and heritage. Daisen Town, which is nestled on the mountainside, used to be a major place of pilgrimage for...

Yumihama-gasuri: Discover the Traditional Crafts of Yonago

November 7, 2018 Culture, Souvenirs, Tottori 1 Comment

Each Japanese prefecture has its own traditions, culinary specialties, and crafts. Today, let’s head to Yonago, in the Tottori Prefecture, to meet a local artist and discover her unique craft: Yumihama-gasuri, a cotton fabric dyed with indigo and weaved by...

Wandering around Yonago, a peaceful town at the foot of Mt Daisen

November 5, 2018 Gardens & Parks, Historic Sites, Mountains, Temples & Shrines, Tottori

For many travelers visiting Tottori Prefecture, Yonago is only a transit point to Mt Daisen, this quiet town is actually worth visiting. Here is a quick overview of the things to do and to see there. [caption id="attachment_41881" align="aligncenter" width="500"]...

The fascinating sand dunes of Tottori

November 1, 2018 Beaches & Islands, Mountains, National Parks, Tottori

Immense wind swept dunes of sand, camel silhouettes detaching on the horizon, the sound of waves in the distance... We are not here in the Middle East nor in the Sahara desert, but in Japan! Let’s head to the Tottori...

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Articles by Marion Pont

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