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Have you ever thought about surfing in Japan?!

Well…..why not check out the photos below and see if you are interested…

There is a place in Southern Japan, on the Island of Kyushu, called Miyazaki, or to the local foreigners who have ended up in this small paradise ‘The Zak’. Before the Gold Coast, Bali and Hawaii, this was once the honeymoon destination for Japanese newlyweds. While boasting beautiful scenery, it is also famous for ‘Chicken Nanban’ - Deep fried chicken, eighty dollar a pop mangoes and is one of the surfing meccas of Japan. It has even had the pleasure of welcoming pro surfer Kelly Slater!!

Like all great surf articles, I can not reveal where these photos were taken, but please enjoy the ride…… 

To be continued……..

You will have to take….what I like to call the ‘Hairy Monkey Drive’. This is an extremely narrow drive along the Western side of the island and a great place to see many monkeys behaving badly. The best way to get around the island is by renting a car. Even the lovely staff at the car rental place will warn you of this very winding cliff side drive.

The view however is spectacular!

There is also a beach 35 minutes drive from the Miyanoura Port called ‘Nagata Inaka-hama’ Beach or better know as ‘turtle beach’ to the foreigners. This is the one spot on the island where turtles come up onto land and lay their eggs.  Spawning season is from mid May to mid July.

About 5 minutes drive from the ‘Turtle Beach’ is Yakushima Light House. Like any good light house it had a very eerie feel about it.

There are also a large number of beautiful waterfalls on Yakusima Island. We counted approximately 30 waterfalls on our way up Mt. Miyanoura-dake. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of this one.

But, I do remember this one! This waterfall is called ‘Ono-no-taki’ or ‘Great River Falls’. According to my research this is the highest waterfall in Southern Kyushu with a drop of about 80 metres. This is by far the most breathe-taking waterfall on the island.

I had to leave the best picture till last. Check out this outdoor hot spring bath right on the ocean’s edge. And you have got to love the partition between the men and women! This may be a little confronting for some, but how’s the serenity!! Go back to your roots I say!

The end!

Morning activity entailed a walk along the Akan Lake, which sounds nice and relaxing but little did I realise that the day’s temperature was -2 degrees!

My warmest winter down jacket wasn’t enough, so the hotel was kind enough to lend me some of theirs.

Once all rugged up the crisp air was quite refreshing, your body feels so pure with all that oxygen going into your lungs.

I’m sure the walk is lovely when it’s a little warmer. I would love to come back around August to do some longer trekking.

Water around this part of the lake was warm. Apparently, it’s the hot spring coming through from underground. 

Here’s the view of our hotel from distance. A real prime location as you can see.

We were treated to a room with a view, a panorama of Akan Lake.