Yakul dashing through a lush ancient forest with Ashitaka on his back. Kodamas watch surreptitiously from mossy rocks as Moro approaches, with San, the Princess Mononoke, riding tall and ready to protect her forest. These images came easily to mind as my ferry, Yaku 2, pulled into Port Miyanoura one misty morning. I’d been dreaming…

Kyushu island in Japan is famous for some scenic Ghibli movie-like landscapes which you won’t find anywhere else in the country. The following are three extraordinary and magical forests which contain trees and ponds that look surreal and not from this world. Let’s see why you must visit these places at least once when you…

The island of Yakushima is undeniably one of the most beautiful places in Japan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its scenery has inspired the anime film Mononoke Hime. While it is a fairly small island, there are many things to do in Yakushima. You can go snorkeling or white water rafting, walk…