Welcome to the Zegrahm Expeditions resources page! Here you will find inspiration for your next adventure and information from your last adventure, produced by our field leaders, Seattle office staff, and contributing writers. From blog posts and field reports (daily recaps of a past expeditions with images) to photo galleries and videos, explore your world from our perspective.
If you have any interest in culture or history, Japan is a truly fascinating destination to visit. This island nation holds on tightly to its ancient traditions, yet still manages to keep up (and often lead the way) with modern advances in technology and fashion.
From its vibrant cities to its sacred shrines and temples, Japan harmoniously blends the old with the new....
Sake may be Japan’s national drink, but locals left the rice wine behind long ago in favor of an ice-cold brew. Although Japanese beer consumption has been on the decline in the last few years—as modern tastes migrate to grape wines, whiskeys, and crafted cocktails—beer still accounts for more than half of the alcoholic beverages consumed in the country.
Beer’s dominance of the Japanese market begins with the island-nation’s oldest brand, Sapporo. Brewed in its...
Each evening between May and October, colorful pyrotechnics illuminate the skies over Lake Toya, as hundreds of fireworks are set off from boats on the still waters. The spectacular event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the scenic lake, which lends its name to the surrounding Shikotsu-Toya National Park on Japan’s northernmost main island, Hokkaido.
Yet at numerous points in history, a different kind of fireworks have reflected off Lake Toya...
Arriving into Manila, we gathered from a diverse array of states and nations to celebrate the beginning of our exciting subtropical adventure with welcome drinks and dinner at the Marriott Airport Hotel. With a day to explore the capital city of the Philippines, we opted to go beyond the destination and learn about some of the...
In 2018, Zegrahm will be visiting 52 amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in over 25 countries! The United Nations Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the UN that maintains a list of important natural or historical sites, whose preservation and safe-keeping are deemed important for the world community. Below, just a few of the Sites we'll be visiting in 2018. Be sure to ...
In 2017, Zegrahm will be visiting 90 amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in over 30 countries! The United Nations Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the UN that maintains a list of important natural or histroical sites, whose preservation and safe-keeping are deemed important for the world community. Below, just a few of the Sites we'll be visiting in 2017. Be sure to...
Mark Brazil developed his fascination with the natural world, especially birds and mammals, during his boyhood in the landlocked English county of Worcestershire. He pursued academic interests in biology during studies in England and Scotland, while exploring the coasts and mountains of Britain in search of birds. Mark earned his PhD from Stirling University,...
We gathered as one group for a sumptuous Japanese meal at our hotel. Our Expedition Leader, Mark Brazil, introduced our expedition team, including our local guides, before we all headed for bed, ready for a full day and a fresh start tomorrow!
The...
A teacher and writer, Kim Jane Saunders is a graduate of international politics and history, and holds a master's degree in education. She has lived in Hong Kong and Indonesia, and has traveled extensively throughout East and Southeast Asia. Currently living in Singapore, Kim acts as lecturer and consultant on issues relating to contemporary Asian culture.
The Philippines, Taiwan, and Japan can seem as though they’re worlds apart from each other. Filipinos are...
Bento boxes hail from Japan and first hit the scene around the 16th century, used by travelers and working folks who didn't have time for meals. A typical bento box is divided into several compartments and the container itself can range from disposable plastic to a gorgeously decorated set of lacquered boxes. View our infographic for the history of bento boxes, and find out when you can try one for yourself on our...
