1st Jan 2005: Travel to Guam
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Travel to Guam!
We stayed at Hotel Nikko, and the first thing that captured my heart was the stunning view of Tumon Bay from our room. Stepping out onto the balcony, I was greeted by a gentle arc of crystal-clear emerald waters, stretching into delicate layers of blue that created a liberating, tropical sense of openness. Watching the sun slowly rise above the horizon and illuminate the surface of the ocean with a soft golden glow was something I never grew tired of. Those quiet moments felt as if time had momentarily stopped.
In contrast, Yokoi’s Cave preserves quiet traces of World War II. Standing in front of the small cave hidden within the jungle, I couldn’t help but reflect on the life of Shoichi Yokoi, who spent so many years there. It is a place that encourages deep thought about peace, even as it remains a popular tourist destination.
Guam is a rare place where breathtaking natural scenery and the weight of history coexist. It offers not only the refreshing freedom of a resort island but also a subtle, lasting depth that stays in the hearts of those who visit.
I spent the New Year in Guam that year. Because Guam is one hour ahead of Japan, the New Year arrives there a little earlier, and I fondly remember watching Kōhaku Uta Gassen with my wife while enjoying New Year’s soba together. It was a small but heartwarming moment that still brings back pleasant memories.
We stayed at Hotel Nikko, and the first thing that captured my heart was the stunning view of Tumon Bay from our room. Stepping out onto the balcony, I was greeted by a gentle arc of crystal-clear emerald waters, stretching into delicate layers of blue that created a liberating, tropical sense of openness. Watching the sun slowly rise above the horizon and illuminate the surface of the ocean with a soft golden glow was something I never grew tired of. Those quiet moments felt as if time had momentarily stopped.
The beach in front of the hotel is wonderfully clear, with shallow waters where you can see all the way to your feet, and the gentle waves make it an ideal place for a peaceful stroll. Walking barefoot along the soft sand became a small luxury and a cherished morning routine during my stay.
At Two Lovers Point, a well‑known scenic spot in the northern part of the island, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Tumon Bay from a dramatic cliffside lookout. The cobalt‑blue ocean below, stirred by strong sea breezes, is overwhelmingly beautiful, and the sheer drop where the cliffs meet the sea is far more striking in person than any photograph can convey. With its romantic legend, the site perfectly blends Guam’s natural beauty with a sense of timeless storytelling.
At Two Lovers Point, a well‑known scenic spot in the northern part of the island, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Tumon Bay from a dramatic cliffside lookout. The cobalt‑blue ocean below, stirred by strong sea breezes, is overwhelmingly beautiful, and the sheer drop where the cliffs meet the sea is far more striking in person than any photograph can convey. With its romantic legend, the site perfectly blends Guam’s natural beauty with a sense of timeless storytelling.
In contrast, Yokoi’s Cave preserves quiet traces of World War II. Standing in front of the small cave hidden within the jungle, I couldn’t help but reflect on the life of Shoichi Yokoi, who spent so many years there. It is a place that encourages deep thought about peace, even as it remains a popular tourist destination.
The thing I was looking forward to the most on this trip to Guam was diving. My wife is an experienced diver and has gone underwater many times, but for me, it was the very first dive of my life. I was thrilled to see tropical fish and sea turtles unique to the islands, and I tried to capture the moment with a hastily purchased waterproof disposable camera. Unfortunately, it leaked, and I wasn’t able to save a single photo. In the water, my body kept floating and it was difficult to get anything properly in focus, so even if the camera hadn’t gotten wet, I probably wouldn’t have taken any satisfying shots. Still, if I ever have another chance, I hope I can finally succeed in capturing those underwater scenes just the way I imagine them.
Guam is a rare place where breathtaking natural scenery and the weight of history coexist. It offers not only the refreshing freedom of a resort island but also a subtle, lasting depth that stays in the hearts of those who visit.
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