Travelling to Different Tourist Spots in Japan
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The Land of the Rising Sun is a country bursting with life. Although there have been major developments in terms of technology, the nation is still able to preserve its historical roots. It is because of this effortless blend between old and new that tourists from all over the world flock to this oriental haven. The fact that it is easily accessible via various international flights from around the world does not hurt at all.
In case you have not decided which Japanese destination to visit, here are some of the places you can check out:
1. Mt. Fuji
This is Japan’s highest mountain and is known worldwide for its symmetrical cone shape. Through the ages, many artists have paid tribute to the majestic beauty of this natural wonder. It has also been included in many myths and folklore. And if you ever have a thirst for adventure, be one of the many who climb its peak. The ideal time to do this would be either July or August. In order to visit this geographical beauty, you must first book a flight to Tokyo. From there, head to the bus express in Shinjuku and travel either via Fujiyoshida (for 50 minutes) or Gotemba (for 40 minutes).
2. Tokyo Tower
This structure was built emulating Paris’ Eiffel Tower, only more modern in terms of design and taller by around nine metres. Once you reach the top, you will get a magnificent view of entire Tokyo. It is for this reason that it has become the city’s primary tourist attraction. Opening time is from nine o’clock in the morning to ten o’clock in the evening. After heading to the top, other parts to visit would be the Wax Museum as well as the Mysterious Walking Zone. In order to get to Tokyo Tower, you must arrive at the capital. Then you can ride a bus headed for Akabanebashi, Hamamatsucho, or Daimon.
3. Shiretoko National Park
Located in the peaceful region of Hokkaido, this picturesque haven is definitely worth visiting. Your trip would not be complete though without visiting the Shiretoko Five Lakes and Kamuiwakka Falls. You also have the option of camping out in this majestic wilderness. To get to this place, you must first fly to Tokyo or Osaka. You can also travel by train through the Hakucho express, which is between Aomori or Hakodate. If you brought a car along, you can also travel by ferry and make port in Shimokita Peninsula.
Before you arrive make sure to plan for your trip first. Know the ideal time to travel to any of these places in order to book your flights ahead of time.
Jack Hamilton @ October 27, 2011
Experiencing the Japanese Life
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Tokyo is well known for its high standards of living. It is also one of the world’s second largest economy with very low crime rate that is why there are numbers of international corporations which put up their office or affiliates in Japan. Businessmen and tourists stay at Tokyo apartments for foreigners for a more wonderful nightlife experience. In Tokyo, the night is extremely fabulous with its fashionable hip-hop club, wine bars and clubs. Tokyo has all the modern facility of a good life. It is famous for its food, transportation, good places to stay and friendly people. However, despite of these modern offerings, most tourists yearns to experience the lavish but traditional Japanese way of life. They wanted to experience the way the ancient Japanese people lived. For this reason, Tokyo apartments for foreigners that are located in Central Tokyo and the park side residences of Aoyama, introduced the ancient structural design to be adopted in some popular residential areas in Tokyo.
With its 10 million people from all walks of life and still growing, Tokyo is becoming more “complex and international”. However, the Japanese people strive hard to retain and enjoy its rich culture and customs. This is also the reason why expats, opt to stay in Tokyo to experience the traditional Japanese way of living while at the same time enjoying the modern day comforts of life. Perhaps, it is more of curiosity that they wanted to experience how the ancient people of Japan lives. This is where Japan’s architecture brought machiya or “town house” comes to life. Machiya uses natural materials in the construction of buildings. The building is made of wood and natural materials to provide a pleasant and unique environment. It is usually long and narrow because property tax is so expensive in Japan. The increasing demand of Machiya or traditional townhouse has risen significantly, that the construction of Machiya has spread all over Japan.
For an added experience, guests are encouraged to follow the ancient practices of Japanese people which include: the use of tatami mat instead of carpet and to sleep on the floor using cushion or tuton beddings. The tatami mat is made of woven straw of rush grass which is warm during winter but, cold during summer. Tuton beddings are folded in the morning and placed in oshi-ire or closet every after use. Tourists also experienced removing their shoes upon entering their hotel rooms and use indoor slippers instead. However, once inside tatami room, the use of slippers is restricted. The common reason for this is to make the room clean all the time.
admin @ October 18, 2011
The Most Popular Residential Area in Tokyo
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Most tourists find Japan as their second home. Japan provides almost the same comfort that they are accustomed. Actually, living in Tokyo is a combination of both Japanese and Western culture. More foreign nationals choose to live in Azabu, Hiroo, and Shirokane, Tokyo’s cosmopolitan areas in Minato ward. In these areas, you can find the streets lined with boutiques, restaurants, and fashionable apartments. For a more convenient western lifestyle, more diplomats, senior executives and expats choose to live in Hiroo and Azabu. These are Tokyo’s center of foreign community. Living in Tokyo is made easy through the existing subways: the Hibiya, Namboku, and Oedo subway lines which make it easier to go from one place to another or to tour around Tokyo.
About Azabu, Hiroo and Shirokane
Hiroo and Shirokane centuries ago were the home for feudal nobles which established large estates. Some of these estates became the home of many embassies at present while diplomats and most foreigners established their residence in nearby Azabu and Shirokane. Residents could find modern shopping centers in Azabu and Hiroo. There are also fine restaurants, cafes, boutiques, churches and schools which cater to the needs of foreign nationals. National Azabu is one of Tokyo’s best shopping market for foreign food. Azabu became Tokyo’s prestigious residential neighborhood while Hiroo became famous of its clean surroundings and attractive neighborhood with trees lining the streets and the famous western-style apartments. Shirokane area is the next most visited area in Tokyo after Azabu and Hiroo,
Exploring Tokyo
It is not good to explore Tokyo by car. Travelers would be faced with heavy traffic, and high parking fees. It is wise to make use of public transportations such as: trains, subways and buses in touring the metropolitan area. Tokyo is also rich in culture. The famous cherry blossoms can be experienced in the months of March to April. People held picnics at Yoyogi Park, the largest city park in Tokyo. It has a wide area with ponds and forest views. People went to Yoyogi to have a picnic, to jog or for other outdoor activities. Yoyogi has been declared as City Park in 1967, but before that the park was formerly a residential area for US military personnel and later served as Olympic Village during the1964 Tokyo Olympics. Also, the famous Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain is visible in Tokyo, but the view is subject to good weather conditions. For a good view, take the view of the mountain in the early morning or late in the evening during the colder months.
admin @ October 17, 2011
Observing the Holidays in Japan
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The Land of the Rising Sun observes a number of national holidays as well as other important annual events and festivals. If you are planning to migrate to or reside in the country temporarily, you need to acquaint yourself with its calendar of red-letter days.
Here are some of them:
The Japanese consider this as one of the most important holidays in the year, and celebrate it like the rest of the world does. Take note that many businesses remain closed until January 3.
This event celebrates the initiation into adulthood of 20-year-old men and women. At this age, these young adults are legally permitted to vote, drink, and smoke.
According to early historical records, it was on this day in the year 660 B.C. that the first emperor was crowned.
What is remarkable about how the Japanese celebrate the Day of Hearts is that it is the women who give chocolates to their men.
This celebration is in commemoration of the new constitution, which was created and put into effect in 1947 after the war.
This event is also called the Boys’ Festival (Tango no Sekku). On this day, parents and families pray for the good health and future success of their sons.
The Japanese people are extremely respectful and polite to their elders. They set aside time from their busy schedules each year to pay their respects to the elderly and celebrate longevity.
This is a special day for the celebration of culture, freedom, and peace. Throughout the country, schools as well as government bodies award a select number of personalities for their cultural achievements.
Although not a national holiday, this celebration is becoming popular among many Japanese families.
While you are in Japan, there may be times when you might miss your friends and family in your country of origin. If those bouts of homesickness come up, why not log online and browse the local news back at home? This way, you can still stay updated with what is happening in your hometown even when you are abroad.
Jack Hamilton @ October 5, 2011
The Impact of Japan Tourism after Earthquake and Tsunami
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Earth’s biggest disaster have just happened to Japan, resulting a massive destruction on most of the country’s assets such as buildings, houses, citizens and many nuclear power plant base. It brings down Japan’s economy, including their tourism as well. Gay tours in Japan are among of the affected economy source. Japan has lots of interesting places to visit and indirectly offers an attractive package to have gay tours in Japan.
Japan is suffering a tremendous loss for its tourism. Many tourists cancel their travel booking due to severe damage to the country. It is reported that the percentage of tourists cancel their travel booking are up to 60%, resulting around 100,000 to 200,000 tourists cancelled their flight to Japan. Apart from that, Japan airlines’ company has made changes to their schedule and re-route their flight in response of the current situation. Financially, the earthquake and tsunami have impacted its revenue by USD45 million.
For being crowned among the top visitors from all over the world, this situation may be pulling their rank down. Other country predicted that Japan will lose their visitors and trade visitors mainly from India, New Zealand, Australia, Nepal and Indonesia will stop their trading, issuing visas and tourism promotions to Japan. The most heavily exposed to danger is located at Tokyo Narita, where more than 90% traffic is international. It is surely a bad time for Japan.
Meanwhile, Japan’s role as an important link in global air transport will be resulting in a major slowdown in the period of time for how long this natural disaster is not recovered and rebuilt by the government of Japan. The government of Japan has to be aggressive in rebuilding Japan and collect donations from all other countries in order to achieve back their reputation in tourism industry. Natural disaster could not be predicted and all other countries have to take moral values to be aware of this condition.
Population in Japan also decreases as the earthquake and tsunami hit the major cities and places that many people live. They likely could not detect the earthquake with their built high technology devices and make the next evacuation plan. If this happen, the population of Japan will not decrease with a huge volume of number. The good thing is, Japan is rebuilding their country rapidly. For the depths of despair, Japan is rebuilding their travel and tourism sector towards a better one.
admin @ May 18, 2011
Hot Spring Etiquette
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In the Japanese language, the term used for hot springs is an onsen. Japan has literally thousands of onsen spread out along its span and wideness, as a volcanically active country. Traditionally, onsen were used as public bathing areas and in this generation, it plays an essential function in directing Japanese domestic tourism. Since Japanese people are brought up with a deep understanding of good manners and having good relations with their fellow citizens. In order to maintain their image as one of the countries with a rich cultural heritage, the Japanese bathing etiquette is strictly enforced. There are three important rules of Japanese bathing etiquette that all quests should be familiar with.
The most important rule is to ensure cleanliness. Hot springs are places of relaxation and not a place to wash yourself off. All guests are expected to thoroughly wash and rinse their bodies before getting into the bath. Only then can you properly enter the pools and enjoy your bath. It is socially unacceptable if entering the onsen while still dirty or with traces of soap on the body, since the public baths and hot springs in Japan are shared.
In terms of what to wear, bathers are not normally allowed to wear swimsuits. However, there is some modern hot springs with a more water park ambience that guests are obliged to wear swimsuits. In Japan, all onsens and public bathhouses are separated by gender. It is a custom to bring along a small towel to use as a washcloth. Also, the towel can enhance your privacy outside the bath but once entering the bath, keep the towel out of the water since this can be considered unclean.
In Japan, people with tattoos are not allowed into onsens or public bathhouses since are related with Japan’s mafias or is traditionally recognized as a symbol of criminality. Due to this reason, the rule is strictly followed including foreigners are not allowed to enter even if the tattoos are small. However, many onsens have special baths, which is called “kasha-kiri” that can be rented privately.
admin @ May 17, 2011
Handmade Gifts from Japan
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Japan is one of the most known countries due to its rich art and culture. If you happen to go to Japan, one of the most suggested souvenirs that you could bring home for someone would be any piece of fine artwork from Japan. One souvenir that you can bring home would be a Hashi, or most commonly known as “chopsticks”. Although people consider the chopsticks as a basic eating utensil in Japan, it is also considered an artwork due to its intricate forms and varied designs. Some people also bring back tenugui which is a Japanese hand towel made of cotton. You could also try bringing home a kimono. The kimono is basically a robe made of silk. What makes it unique is how it is worn and also it has different styles of embroidery on it. Moreover, it is one of the most traditional garments in Japan. In ancient times, the kimono has been worn as a daily garment. But these days, the kimono is usually worn in special occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies.
But one of the most fascinating artworks that Japan has to offer is the Netsuke. The Netsuke is a miniature sculptures used as an accessory for garments more particularly a fastener to particular pouch worn with the kimono. The kimonos traditionally do not have pockets. That is why it is necessary for people in Japan to bring along a pouch with them called sagemono, which later developed, into beautifully crafted boxes called inro. The Netsuke then would be the support of the Inro as the inro hangs on the strings of the netsuke. The Netsuke also serves as a fastener for the inro so that nothing would fall out of it and it would be secured.
The netsuke is one of the earliest forms of art in Japan. This particular art form can be dated back to the 17th century more particularly on the Edo period. Back then netsuke carvers would normally use hardwood sticks, vines, and strings as their base. They then carve several designs ranging from animals, objects, personalities, Gods, and other possible designs. Through the passage of time, the art form then took several progressions when it comes to materials used. The carver then used harder earthly materials to better preserve their artworks. Moreover, they have also developed several new techniques in carving. However, no matter how advanced the technology is for carving, carvers still find a difficulty in carving the two drawstring toggle holes. Since the beginning of the creation of the Netsuke the carvers have already developed the tradition of carving the two drawstring toggle holes as if it blended with the actual design of the entire netsuke. In modern times, the netsuke has developed to far more intricate designs, which make it more vivid.
admin @ May 17, 2011
Dry Box Manufacturers
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Now that we’ve covered a little about Japanese dry cabinet technology and how dry cabinets work, here’s a little bit about the different dry cabinet manufacturers. the technology has become so popular that there are quite a large number of manufacturers. Each manufacturer has taken their time in figuring out what works best in the production of their dry box. With that being said, which dry box you choose to go with may depend on the manufacturer and how they made their dry box.
Included in the long list of manufacturers are Totech, Xiamen Xingchun Premium, Qingdao Tlead International, Jin Mao Science Technology Instrument Enterprise, and Shantou Sanxin Craft Ware. These are just a few of the many manufacturers of dry boxes there are today.
With there being so many different manufacturers producing dry boxes, there is no shortage of dry boxes. However, each company may put their own twist on the dry box. So, doing some research on dry boxes and the companies that mike them may benefit you and your potential future purchase.
admin @ May 10, 2011
Japanese Technology: How Dry Cabinets Work.
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With more and more people learning about the newer appliance called a dry cabinet, people are wondering how exactly it works. It’s a great appliance that dries clothing and keeps humidity and moisture away from electronics, musical instruments, cameras, and more.
Many people are amazed by such an appliance. This is why so many people are curious as to how it works. Dry cabinets depend upon desiccant to reduce and minimized humidity and moisture. The dry cabinets recycle their desiccant by sealing off the desiccant material and utilizing a low wattage heater to get rid of any moisture. The storing and refreshing of the desiccant takes place in what is more commonly referred to as the dryer unit. While the refreshing is taking place, the total effectiveness of the desiccant will definitely be tested. Some moisture may get back in causing a brief elevation in humidity. More often than not, this elevation in humidity does not raise by more than 4%. How much the humidity levels rise and how long it takes for the refreshing process to complete, is the true test of effectiveness in reference to the dry cabinet in use.
With the simplicity in how dry cabinets work, many people have come up with different ways to make their own homemade dry cabinets. However, to get the most out of your dry cabinet; it would be best to purchase a manufactured dry cabinet as you can be certain it works with a warranty.
Knowing how appliances work, especially when it is something you are considering purchasing; is truly a good idea. You want to understand how it works so you can have good faith in the abilities of the item. Understanding how your appliance works may help you to perform your own maintenance and repairs, which will also save costs for you as well.
admin @ May 10, 2011
Japan and its Earthquakes
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Japan is geographically located in a region where several continental and oceanic plates meet. This is the chief cause of frequent earth quakes. The earth is believed to have more than a dozen plates also called as faults. Geologists are of the view that these plates continually move on the mental, thus they often tend to collide, slide under another, rub against one another, or pull apart. These movements cause the earth quakes to occur. The theory about moving plates is called as plate tectonics. Japan has a history of devastating earthquakes and tidal waves. The Great Kanto earthquake is the worst recorded in the history of Japan. It hit Japan in 1923 near Tokyo.
However, the latest earthquake to hit Japan of 8.9 magnitude unleashing 10 meter tsunami which swept away everything that came its way. Buildings collapsed, crops and vehicles swept away leaving debris across the land. The quake hit 6miles below sea level and was followed by five powerful aftershocks and another earthquake of magnitude 7.1. Not only this, but it also put up fire at an oil reservoir causing a big blast. Further the Fukushimi Dai-ichi nuclear plant was massively affected, causing one of its reactors to heat up causing nuclear radiations leakage in the atmosphere. It is also believed that the nuclear particles will travel around the Pacific coast and across Asia with the flow of air.
Due to the earthquake and the tsunami air and train services were halted across the country. The Japanese stock exchange was closed for three days, causing massive drop in the shares of huge companies and the currency too. Not only that, many tourism-dependent businesses have been affected – hot springs, souvenir shops, hotels, restaurants, and the list goes on. Suddenly, much of Japan saw its country at a halt, with many residents looking to revive as soon as possible.
admin @ April 13, 2011
