I met Brian and Eric via YouTube and was excited to learn that they were coming to Japan. I offered to give them a tour of Shizuoka and was delighted when they accepted my offer and we made arrangements to meet. We began the day with a visit to one of the more beautiful and famous Shinto shrines in our area followed by a brief tour of a bonsai tree nursery. We then left the city and headed for the hills where we enjoyed lunch and swimming at a lovely little river and hiking in the deep mountains. We explored several small villages and met some very nice locals who treated us kindly and shared about their life in the Japanese countryside. The day wound up with a dinner party at my in-laws home where my family was happy to meet and spend time with our new friends. It was a real pleasure to spend this day with Brian and Eric and my family and I hope they will return soon.

Video notes: The shrine at the start of this video is the Kunouzan Toushougu jinja located near Suruga Bay in Shizuoka city. The river is a tributary of the Abekawanakakochi river, and the village is called Kuchisenmata. This small community is located in the mountains between Shizuoka City and the town of Ikawa near the Japan Southern Alps. Its a very small community on a lonely little road which has little traffic or visitors. (KB)

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ”Exploring Shizuoka with Brian and Eric” is an episode of Softypapa Adventures that unfolds as a journey of discovery, friendship, and cultural exchange. Kurt, seizing an opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers Brian and Eric, whom he met through YouTube, orchestrates a comprehensive tour of Shizuoka, revealing the hidden gems and serene beauty of this region.

Embark on this adventure as Kurt leads his guests through an immersive exploration starting with the Kunouzan Toushougu jinja, a renowned Shinto shrine known for its historical significance and architectural beauty, nestled near Suruga Bay. The journey continues with a visit to a local bonsai tree nursery, offering a glimpse into the meticulous art of bonsai cultivation, a symbol of patience and meticulous care in Japanese culture.

The day’s expedition ventures beyond the city limits into the picturesque hills, where the trio enjoys a delightful lunch and a refreshing swim in a tranquil river, a tributary of the Abekawanakakochi river. Their hike through the deep mountains is punctuated by visits to several small villages, including the serene Kuchisenmata, where warm encounters with locals provide insights into the simple yet profound lifestyle in the Japanese countryside.

Concluding with a dinner party hosted by Kurt’s in-laws, the episode showcases the hospitality and warmth that define Japanese culture, making Brian and Eric’s visit an unforgettable experience. The camaraderie shared among the group reflects the joy of new friendships formed over shared experiences and mutual respect for cultural nuances.

“Exploring Shizuoka with Brian and Eric” is more than just a travelogue; it’s a testament to the power of connecting across cultures, the beauty of Japan’s natural and cultural landscapes, and the unforgettable memories created when people come together to explore and learn from one another. πŸƒπŸ£πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ

➑️ Journey further into the heart of Japan and its cultural treasures with Kurt. Secure your copy of his insightful books here (hardcover edition recommended): https://a.co/d/6SORY8N

🌐 Website: https://goingalone.org
πŸ“§ Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
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Be safe… But not too safe

#KurtBell #GoingAlone #CulturalExchange #ShizuokaAdventure πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅πŸŒΏπŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ

CREDITS:
“Japanese Falls” image: Lane Brown | View More: http://lanebrownart.blogspot.com/p/portfolio.html
“Song For Kurt” theme: Nowherians | Listen Here: http://nowherians.bandcamp.com/

Through “Exploring Shizuoka with Brian and Eric,” viewers are invited to see the world through the eyes of explorers united by a passion for discovery and a deep appreciation for the stories and landscapes that shape our world.

14 Comments

  1. *crying at the injustice of my current situation of not currently being able to get to Japan* I'll get there some day darn it!

  2. beautiful place to hike! If I make it up to Shizuoka, hope we can go for a hike together as well! I haven't had many chances to get out into the country, but when I do, I find it so fascinating πŸ™‚

  3. I think the best part of this video is the picture still of the two guys walking away leaving the viewer knowing they carried on their journey after a good feed πŸ™‚ nice touch.

  4. Kurt, you are a wonderful host. Looks to me like Brian and Eric had a most enjoyable day with you and your amazing family. Doug :o)

  5. I really like how he put that New York has some similar spots, but that they can't compare to the Japanese areas. And I loved the Bonsai trees. That lady's house was nice with a beautiful view. And I hate that you couldn't get into that photo at the table. You should have used the timer.

  6. How can i get to Japan and see these wonderful sights! I get so anxious to go more and more when i watch your videos :3 I love them so much. I know one way is to go through college and other sorts, I am looking to go to a college with foreign studies, Hopefully i can live out my wish to live in Japan someday! Id love to go hiking in those serene areas πŸ™‚

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