Offbeat Japan

Discover another side of Japan. Mysterious, beautiful places with fewer tourists :) By Jordy Meow (@TigrouMeow).

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

Well then, why not call yourself the land of the rising sun? ☀️

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

I love this decaying torii! By the way, would you say 'a torii', or 'one torii'?

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

This little Jizô has a big heart... Do you know what these little red-capped statues represent?

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A very original dwelling... what does it look like to you?

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Continuing on our journey around this beautiful coastline ... Hagi is renowned for its historic district with old Samurai houses, ceramics, beaches, and temples - obviously! In particular, this one which houses the remains of the leaders of the old clan of this city-castle.

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In this overwhelming heat, I thought I had come across a very well maintained beach... but no! It's not a beach, it's a mirage (actually a very neat garden in an art museum...) Oops, we continue on in search of a little refreshment!

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He's just popped in for a bit of a dip, with this heat I can't blame him!

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

30 minutes from the yesterday's shrine, here we are at this popular Insta-worthy spot. Watch out for cars while you're taking your selfie!

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1, 2, 3... 123 torii cross this inari sanctuary which is well worth the detour. Here, there are no crowds like the most famous torii on Kyoto, because it is off the beaten track, facing the sea of ​​Japan, with waves crashing against it's rocks. It's beautiful!

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While exploring an abandoned hotel, you find yourself face-to-face, The Shining-style, with a furious caretaker. In your desperation to escape, you come across this phone booth that seems to work. You only have time for one call, who do you call and what do you say??

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It looks almost like a green moon, but the holes are not because of meteor impacts (😅) it is rainwater gradually eroding the limestone rock.

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

Depending on the season, the landscape can be a bright summer green, or all black after the "Yamayaki" ceremonies where the grass is burnt (rest assured, new shoots appear not long after!)

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

A rather interesting rocky hillside: there are fossils here, remnants of 🦏 🐘: All the great familia of animals that lived in Japan when the sea level was still low enough for it to be connected with continental Asia 😲

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

An authentic restaurant in Yamaguchi, the garden is definitely worth a look! 👀

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

And the sunset is pretty good! What do you think? Are you like Edgar Allen Poe, or more of a Walt Whitman, Song at Sunset type person? 😆

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

"Filled with mingled cream and amber, I will drain that glass again." - Edgar Allen Poe. This old man certainly chose what looks to be a pretty spectacular spot for sunsets 😎

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Have you heard of the legend of cow with only one eye and one horn? What, no?!! Ahh, oh well, me neither 🤣 🤣 I discovered this mythical creature in a shrine at Ehime. I have some other photos on Facebook and Twitter if you would like to check it out!

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

Did you know that in Japan, the coastlines are a disaster, with uncontrolled dumping grounds in even the most remote country areas. How can Mr. and Mrs. Yamazaki create the serene atmosphere of a nice bonsai garden when this junk is rusting away next door! 😢

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This shrine has the same name as the world-famous Miyajima, but with nothing to see (This is in Yamaguchi!) PS: One of the lesser-known sacred Japanese arts is the placement of vending machines, even in this serene landscape there is one... Have you spotted it yet? 😫)

[Offbeat Japan @OffbeatJapan]

Sometimes we come across rather surprising colors in this country. One of my favorites is this brilliant turquoise. What is the color you could not do without? I think I would very much miss the fresh green of nature! 🌳