We go on a tour of Gassho Zukuri Villages of Shirakawa-go and Ainokura.

I hike to the incredible cliff-diving Nachi Waterfall to witness its wild beauty. The Sanjūdō Pagoda in front of the falls creates one of the most beautiful scenes in Japan. The tall waterfall boasts the longest drop in Japan. One can drink the flowing spring water, supposed to have healing abilities, from the falls at the Shrine directly below.

Engetsu Island is a sandstone rock in the midst of the sea, popular for its remarkable sunset view. The almost perfect circle in the center of the island is enchanting to see as the sun passes from inside the circular arch.

I head to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan for a special encounter with the incredible sea creatures. The aquarium is home to some 580 species from the Pacific Rim and nearby areas. The colorful sea creatures swimming around soothe the soul. The delightful jellyfish leave me awestruck.

The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge is world’s longest suspension bridge, which links the city of Kobe on the Japanese mainland of Honshu to Iwaya on Awaji Island.

On my walks, I came across several shops selling cute little owl figurines. The Japanese owl or “Fukuro” represents lucky charms for both fortune and protection. Many houses in Nara share this veneration of owls and have them placed near the entrance to ward off suffering.

We ride into the misty mountains of Mie, to visit Iga Ueno, the birthplace of Ninjas. At the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, dedicated to the history of the shadow warriors, we discover the awesome escape routes, hidden doors, traps and fake hallways of a Ninja dwelling.

Weekend!! Mani is finally free from classes. We catch a train to Kyoto to visit some of the historical monuments of this ancient yet modern city.