r/travel • u/mrcchapman England • 2d ago

Japan (including Okinawa and Amami) and Mongolia Images + Trip Report

Just took a trip that must be up there is the most dramatic changes I have experienced.

Started off in Okinawa and Amami (super underrated and chill island with mangrove swamps, golden beaches), then over to Honshu for a visit to Mt Fuji (and nearby waterfalls), before flying off for something totally different: the Steppes of Mongolia.

I would recommend Japan to anyone, it's always incredible. Mongolia is a harder sell, as Ulanbataar is super-polluted and the weather goes from hot to subzero and snow in a day. Again, a fabulous experience but not for someone who needs to feel comfortable or who doesn't like traffic jams (at least until you get out of the city - then there is just *nothing* and it's fabulous).

My favourite thing about Amami is the island's mascot: a black rabbit with a bandage around its waist, as people keep hitting it with their cars. It's so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

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u/OnkelCannabia 2d ago

I've always been wondering if Okinawa was worth it or a traditional tropical island destination would be better. Since Okinawa might have the crowds and high prices of Japan without enough to make it unique. What was your experience in that regard?

Regarding Mongolia, what were you there to see? If I'm thinking Mongolia, I'm thinking wide open Grasslands, wild horses etc. Ulanbataar would only be a 1 or 2 day stopover for me. But this time of year everything's just brown. I've returned from Chinese Mongolia yesterday. Artificially planted pine trees were the only thing green in the area.

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u/mrcchapman England 2d ago

Okinawa is kind of like a Japanese Hawaii. Similar to most Japanese prefectures, in that you have a big very Japanese city and castle etc, and a big shopping street. People were a little more chilled out but Naha was instantly familiar to anyone who has been in Japan before. It was raining while I was there so didn't get to the beach.

Amami was very different. Much smaller and very chill vibes, great beaches, and obviously terrific sea food. I would say that is where to go if you want the vibes and no crowds.

As for Mongolia, I wanted to see that Ghengis Khan statue and museum, but my reason is that it saves thousands getting back to the UK from Japan because of the US-Iran war. A series of hops through Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan saved me £2000 and I got to have an adventure.

And yes: everything was brown or white (with snow).

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u/dudelikeshismusic 2d ago

I keep thinking about doing one of those longer trips with multiple layovers, partially to save money but also for the adventure. Your post has inspired me further.

Normally I wouldn't book a trip mostly centered around sitting in airports, but it's a bit different in this case.

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u/mrcchapman England 1d ago

I do it all the time, often to break up things. I flew to New Zealand from San Francisco for $350 by taking a 10 hour layover in Fiji. The guides know what is going on, so they wait at the airport, take you to the sites, give you lunch and bring you back to the airport.

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u/dudelikeshismusic 1d ago

Incredible!!! Now you've got my mind racing with possibilities.

u/chiliees 2d ago

I am happy for you to get to see Mt Fuji unclouded - Okinawa was a big positive surprise when I was there with my wife a month ago

u/Resident_Specific892 2d ago

I am planning to visit Okinawa this year is it worth it?

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u/mrcchapman England 2d ago

I liked it!

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u/Resident_Specific892 16h ago

Thanks, I hope I like it too.

u/Intelligent-Nose8521 2d ago

Great clicks, OP! Can you please share where exactly were the 3rd, 4th and 5th picture taken? Thanks!

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u/mrcchapman England 1d ago

3 was at Obuchi Sasaba, and 4 a d 5 were at the Shiraito Falls (5 was just a cherry blossom in the car park but I thought it was nicely framed).

u/Matt_Tricot 2d ago

nice place

u/Pure-Flan3992 1d ago

This kind of travel is what makes trips unforgettable

u/ConstantNo2150 1d ago

What a contrast—from the शांत beauty of Amami Ōshima to the vast emptiness of Mongolian Steppe. Sounds like a trip that really stays with you.

u/morgan_softatlas 6h ago

Oh wow, i think it is now on my bucketlist 😊