Unexpected Island Stop and Why I’m Grateful for It #sailing #bluezone #japan

Leg One begins… with a detour, a dockside sleep, and a dose of Norovirus.

After spending a full year living in Okinawa—Japan’s famous Blue Zone, known for its high number of centenarians and secrets to long, healthy lives—I set sail to begin the next chapter: A Journey Beyond the Blue Zone.

My goal? To travel north through Japan during cherry blossom season, exploring other regions and remote communities for insights into aging well, living fully, and staying independent for as long as possible. Leg One was meant to take me from Okinawa to Kyushu by sailboat.

But… plans changed.

I left Itoman expecting to sail overnight to Amami. As I passed Ieshima, something told me to pull in. Hours later, I was violently sick with Norovirus. My first night? Not on the boat—but on the concrete dock, curled up beside her. Thankfully, I wasn’t anchored offshore. In Japan, anchoring isn’t common, and I was incredibly lucky to be on a wall where I could get off safely.

What was meant to be a brief stop became a five-day recovery—one I’m grateful for. Kind strangers, peaceful surroundings, and a reminder that sometimes the unexpected waypoints are the most important.

Once back on my feet, I continued on to Yoron Island, a breathtaking coral-ringed gem and the southernmost island of Kyushu. From there, I completed the journey northward by land—interviewing elders, learning from locals, and researching for my book, A Journey Beyond the Blue Zone.

🔔 Subscribe and join me as I chase the cherry blossoms again—this time with new purpose, new insights, and a new crew.

📍Locations in This Video:
🟢 Itoman, Okinawa (Blue Zone base)
🟢 Ieshima (unexpected recovery stop)
🟢 Yoron Island, Kyushu

💬 Ever had a journey begin with a twist you didn’t expect—but ended up needing? Share your story in the comments!

👋 Don’t miss 478 Marina Base Café if you’re in Yoron—amazing people and great coffee.
📸 Drone footage courtesy of @SailingRamona – thank you.

✨ Skincare at 70? You bet. I’m using Dermalogica’s Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist to keep my skin fresh and hydrated under the sun.
Check it out here: https://dermalogica.jp?sca_ref=781255...
Use code lowell-dermalogica for 10% off.

🙏 Big thanks to my Patrons and Sponsors. You make this voyage possible.

#SailingJapan #bluezone #sailing #japan

#sailing, #Travel, #travel vlog, #sailing adventure, #japan, ##okinawa, #japanese culture, #sailing japan, #Sailing adventures 2025, #turning 70, #japan adventure, #Okinawa sailing, #Longevity, #Blue Zone, #cherryblossomseason, #off-the-beaten-track japan, #visiting japan, ##kyushu, ##ieshima, ##yoronisland, ##yoron, #476 Marine Base, #Blue Zone Japan, #Wahine sailboat, #bluezone, #cherry blossom journey, #Ieshima island, #Okinawa to Kyushu, #Japanese sailing adventure