Since my hike last fall on Mount Myojin, I haven’t traveled anywhere because I am saving my energy and enthusiasm for my upcoming trip to the Philippines! We will visit Manila and then Cebu and come back to Manila after the New Year. It is an odd itinerary: if it is even considered an itinerary at all. I visited Manila solo back in 2019 and had a blast in that chaotic but lovely city. I can’t wait to revisit it soon!
I am looking forward to this trip because I love the Philippines so much and because it has been a long time since I traveled abroad. I’m sure you are familiar with the well-known anticipation that many have as the day of departure draws closer; I thought that if I wrote about the best parts of 2022 and expressed thanks, it would help soothe my nerves.
These trips were the highlights of 2022 for me:
What happens in Kyushu stays in Kyushu
I still enjoy reading my Kyushu saga—or should I say misadventures—and feel grateful for the opportunity to spend 8 days in Kyushu. It is an extraordinary island full of history, mystery, scenery, and delicious food. You can read the whole saga here. I also listed my favorite places in Kyushu in this post.
One day, two hikes: Soni Highlands and Akame 48 Waterfalls
I can’t help but wonder how on earth we managed to fit in not one, but two different hikes in the span of just one day. Mind you, Soni is a highland, while Akame is a valley consisting of 48 waterfalls! This blog post also happens to be rare since it is more humorous than others and mentions what a horrid ninja I am! Dive into it if you wonder about my advanced stealth tactics!
Shinjo Village: a journey to one of the most beautiful villages in Japan
There is a list of beautiful villages in Japan, and when I heard one of them was in Okayama, I took the opportunity and visited Shinjo Village last fall. The roads, which came alive with the harvest season’s approach and the rice terraces’ changing color, provided us with a picturesque journey. I also got to hike in a lovely coniferous forest.
A Trip to Toyama and Tateyama
I had one purpose when visiting Toyama: to do the Alpine Route. The journey itself was pretty straightforward but long. The trip takes at least eight hours, excluding hiking. If you want to hike Mount Tate (立山), you need to add more hours to your itinerary. You can read more about one of Japan’s most famous adventures here.
Coddiwompling my way through life in June
Biwako Valley is in Shiga—a prefecture well-known for Lake Biwa (琵琶湖 – Biwako). Shiga borders Fukui, Gifu, Kyoto, and Mie, but Lake Biwa is entirely in Shiga and makes up over 90% of the prefecture! I had been to Shiga before but visiting Biwako Valley and seeing Lake Biwa from the top was an ethereal experience.
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It has been 6 months since I started this blog. I had the opportunity to enhance my writing skills and learn more about blogging, and while doing so, I came across several amazing bloggers and the profound posts they had written. Although I haven’t been new to it, I feel I still have a long way to go! Thank you for showing interest in my posts and encouraging me to write more. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
What are the highlights of 2022 for you? What are you grateful for?
Bahanur is abroad! 
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