This time's traveller: AYUMI
A pioneer among travel Instagrammers with 74,000 followers (as of June 2023). With the motto "You only live once," she practices a travel-centered lifestyle. She is one of the influencers who has attracted attention from travel lovers with her wonderful photos and compositions that make you want to visit the place at a glance.
Instagram: @ooooooayumioooooo
AYUMI's "I want to go back again!" That place
I would like to go to Yonaguni Island in Okinawa Prefecture again!
AYUMI says that she often travels in search of places with spectacular views and abundant nature. When she visited Ishigaki Island in the past, she fell in love with remote islands, and Yonaguni Island, located further west, had always been on her mind. And in October 2022, she finally made her first visit!
AYUMI doesn't often go to the same place, so what is it that draws her so much to this place...?
Editorial Department: What was the most memorable spot on Yonaguni Island?
This is a photogenic spot at "Dannu Beach" on Yonaguni Island!
...It's a restroom!
When you take a photo with the building's round arches, it looks like a picture frame.
The cats that live here are very friendly and cute. I was able to take a miraculous photo!
The sight of you facing the cat with the sea in front of you is like something out of a painting, and it almost feels like a story.
AYUMI was so enthralled that she returned to the shop many times just to see the cat (laughs). I can certainly understand that feeling.
Editorial Department: What other attractions are there on Yonaguni Island?
Near the Agarizaki Observatory, you have a chance to encounter the Yonaguni horse, a natural monument of Yonaguni Town!
He says he still can't forget the sight of the horses leisurely wandering through the majestic nature. He also talked about the incident where a Yonaguni horse blocked the road and the car couldn't move, as one of his fond memories of the trip.
Editorial Department: What would you like to do next time on Yonaguni Island?
I was deeply moved by the movie "Dr. Koto's Clinic," which was released in December 2022 and is set on Yonaguni Island! I would like to visit the filming locations again!
During her previous visit, AYUMI went to the open set of the clinic in Hikawahama that was actually used for filming, and she would like to go back there again to reminisce about the movie.
Although it may be a small island, Yonaguni Island is packed with charm, such as the blue of the sea, the sunset over Irizaki, the westernmost point of Japan, and cuisine made with local ingredients.
This photo of the ocean was taken on a cloudy day. But the blue is still so beautiful!
Also, since she went in the fall last time, she wants to go in the summer next time. "I want to play in the ocean and have the starry sky all to myself at night!" She said. There are different ways to enjoy each season.
AYUMI also showed us many other photos she had taken on Yonaguni Island.
There are many wonderful photos that make you feel like you are experiencing a pleasant breeze. I urge you to visit the area to see this scenery!
AYUMI's travel Q&A
We wanted to know more about AYUMI's travel-loving tips and tricks, so we asked her a few questions in a Q&A format.
Q. Where did you first discover your love for traveling abroad?
A. Yellowknife, Canada
After seeing it on TV, I dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights at least once in my life, and during the New Year holidays in my second year of working life, I made that dream a reality. I went to Yellowknife, Canada, where the Northern Lights are said to have a high chance of appearing.
Seeing the Aurora in minus 40 degrees was such an emotional experience that I forgot how cold it was outside! I still can't forget the magnificent sight that changed my outlook on life.
Canada Aurora
Q. What made you decide to make travel your job?
A. Instagram I set up during my first trip around the world
After being moved by the Aurora Borealis in Yellowknife, I vowed to myself, "I don't want to have any regrets in life, I want to see the most amazing sights in the world!" and quit my job two years later (laughs).
So, after two years of saving up and planning my trip, I set off on a four-month trip around the world, visiting Machu Picchu, the Uyuni Salt Flats, and Egypt.
At the same time, I created an Instagram travel account; at the time, there were very few people posting photos of women, solo travelers, and stunning scenery, so this was my opportunity to get noticed.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
Monument Valley, USA
In front of the Egyptian Sphinx
Q.What are the tips for taking good photos like AYUMI?
A. Be particular about the composition! Don't give up!
When taking photos while traveling, it's a good idea to take wide shots from a distance. Having a person standing there by themselves can help create a sense of scale.
Also, to take great photos, I sometimes try to go to the same place multiple times, waiting for the weather and waiting for times when there aren't many people around. (laughs) It's important not to give up!
Also, before a trip, I choose clothes that match the scenery of the destination. I often use my friends as models, so I sometimes even specify their outfits (laughs). The key is to choose colors that will highlight the scenery!
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
Q. Finally, what does “travel” mean to you, AYUMI?
A: Life itself!
Traveling is fun when you're planning it, fun when you're there, and fun when you get home and sort through the photos. It always excites me. I feel like my life has become richer since I started traveling!
AYUMI said with a smile. Some people seek something out of the ordinary when they travel, while others, like AYUMI, use it as a source of nourishment for their lives. I was reminded that everyone has their own way of enjoying travel.
This JAL plane was photographed from Nishizaki, Yonaguni Island. Apparently it was captured by chance!
Traveler's friends
AYUMI introduced us to Urarie (Instagram: @urarie83), a popular Instagrammer who mainly posts information about the city of Kobe. Her posts are appealing because they are presented in a collage of photos and text, like a magazine, making them intuitive to use.
The two met while working on a travel agency on Shodoshima. AYUMI says, "I really trust the information that Urarie-san gives me as a gourmet."
What kind of travel stories will she tell us? Look forward to it!
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Articles by other travelers who have appeared so far can be found here
The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
