From Ise, we took a 3-hour train trip on JR Line to Masami's mother's hometown of Shingu in the Nachi Katsuura region of Wakayama Prefecture. Masami's brother Ichiro met us there to drive us to his village of Shimosato, one of the best surfing points in Japan often frequented by pro surfers. He took us to a market where the locals go to buy the freshest fish for our dinner. This is Masami's first time in years to drive in Japan, a nerve-wracking experience considering the "precious cargo" she's carrying!

On our second day in Shimasato, Mike had a chance to surf in Japan alongside Ichiro and his wife Tocchan. We also hiked the historic Kumano Kodo all the way to Nachi Waterfall, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Masami's taking multiple hot springs baths at our hotel, Hanairodori no Yado in Taiji.