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Winner of Best in Sustainability 2021: Say hello to Wakayama

In the Kansai area just below Osaka, lies Wakayama, a prefecture famous for its magnificent mountains, connections to Japanese history, roaring waterfalls, and spiritual pilgrimage trails. Many think of it as the natural and spiritual capital of Japan, and this year Lonely Planet’s readers gave credit where credit is due as Wakayama was voted the best sustainable destination in 2021! With both mountains and sea, and a refreshing take on modern life, Wakayama is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Postcards from Japan: Accessible wilderness, Hokkaido how-to's and why Tohoku should be next, with Rob Thomson of The Hokkaido Wilds

Postcards from Japan: becoming the first foreign opening rider of a Shinto ritual, and Nikko's hidden gems with Michael No

When Michael No came to Japan on a farming holiday, his travels brought him to Nikko where his curiosity to learn yabusame, a shinto ritual of mounted archery, turned into a 7 year passion and a job at Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura. In 2019 he become the first foreigner to become the opening rider of a yabusame ritual in front of 25,000 people!

We talked to Michael about his journey, insider's tips for exploring Nikko an area famed for its natural beauty, and his expert food recommendations.

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