There’s no denying that a Japanese kimono is a thing of beauty. It’s elegant, traditional and more than just a little bit cool. But there’s one thing that a kimono is not. A kimono is absolutely not easy to put on, as I learned when I visited Kitsuki Castle Town in Japan’s Oita Prefecture. This …
Oita
In a small corner of Japan’s southwestern Kyushu Island, the little-known destination of Oita Prefecture awaits. It’s a region that boasts plenty of natural beauty – think hot springs, mountains and beaches – as well as a rich cultural and religious heritage. Oh, and mouthwatering food. I landed in the Prefecture’s capital, the city of Oita, just …
The first thing I noticed about my hotel room was that there was no bed. Curious, I looked in cupboards and searched for hidden panels in the wall where perhaps a Murphy bed could be hiding. Nothing. Then it dawned on me. My room search had revealed that another fairly important feature was missing from …