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Mottainai
もったいない
What a waste!
Mottainai is an expression that encapsulates a feeling of regret at wasting the intrinsic value of a resource or object. It can be translated as both "what a waste" and "don't be wasteful". It's a useful reminder when travelling to make sure you take only photographs and leave nothing but footprints behind,.
Pictured here is Gunkanjima or 'battleship island' 15km off the coast of Nagasaki. More than 5,000 people used to live here, but the residents abandoned the island in 1974 when the undersea coal mine closed, leaving the buildings to fall into ruin.
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Important notice: We are pleased to be able to offer so many amazing experiences in Japan. However, we are sorry that we can only include these as a part of a full Japan holiday package which includes your accommodation and transport alongside the experiences presented in this section of the web site.
Mottainai
Available throughout Japan
Interested in this Experience? It is included in this tour:
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If you're an adventurous traveller who wants to discover a side of Japan rarely seen by outsiders, this itinerary could be the one for you.
Kyushu Adventure
Discover the impressive landscapes and vibrant cities of Kyushu on this journey from the forests of Yakushima to Kurokawa Onsen's hot springs
Other Philosophy experiences
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