Dear Diary Series: Southern Japan - Island Vibes, Empty Hotels, and Protective Locals
In this episode, Take and Joey reflect on their journeys around southern Japan, including Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Yakushima. Between nearly missing a ferry ride and getting accosted in a seaside onsen, they also saw some of the most stunning landscapes in the country and secured their fifth akiya purchase. With a greater understanding of the state of Japan outside the major cities, they give their thoughts on the opportunity—or lack thereof—in the countryside. 00:00 Introduction 01:29 An empty hotel on Yakushima island 02:32 Buying a 5th Akiya + Our plans for the property 07:33 Thoughts on Nagasaki… and Champon 09:38 Nearly missing a ferry ride 13:01 Yakushima - The inspiration for "Princess Mononoke" 13:58 An awkward onsen experience 16:56 Protective locals, difficult banks, and other struggles to buy as a foreigner 19:03 Can foreigners revitalize abandoned businesses? 20:29 Akiya Mondai ("The Akiya Problem") - Causes and local opinions