One of the most enriching aspects of my journey thus far is meeting and learning the stories of folks I’ve encountered along the way. I will profile some of these fine folks as time allows. Meanwhile, here are a few snapshots of some of the lovely humans who have made my travels even more special and enjoyable. Click on photos to get to their websites (if they have them) and learn more.
who is an amazing hike finder and Kunisaki Peninsula enthusiast
who is helping to save local varieties of vegetables
who is a fifth generation hotel owner in the onsen resort town of Unzen and whose hotel was occupied by the US Army 1946-1950
who shares my brother’s name (and has my first surname) and knows a thing or two about Japanese history
who is leading his family’s fifth generation business with yuzu and sake kasu (sake lees) and part of the Saga Collective group of companies
who owns a super cute and delicious cafe called Momokusa on the Kunisaki Peninsula and makes incredible botanical products
who is a buddhist priest, soba master and chef
who runs a delightful inn called Fukinoto on the Kunisaki Pennisula
who makes amazing food, including soba from scratch, in a stunning setting
who is creating a magical place in Yufuin, Japan
At our favorite Izakaya in Ueroshino, Japan
who opened a restaurant at a sake distillery in Saga
from Singapore who became my favorite hiking buddy
who stopped his car when he saw us crossing a road while hiking and gave us treats (that were really good).
who makes amazing yuba (tofu skins) at his family’s eighth generation business
who, in addition to being a totally snazzy dresser, knows secret places
who is an amazing shiatsu healer
who is a very talented bartender in Kyoto
who makes miso with passion
who collects beautiful sake glasses and owns an incredible restaurant + inn outside of Kyoto
who is passionate about cooking food from his local Lake Biwa region, including soft shelled turtles
who is a fourth generation sake maker and rice farmer
who is a sake sommelier and food writer
