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Tag: Japan travel

  • Awesome Architecture in Asia – The Most Beautiful Buildings in the East

    A visit to Asia wouldn’t be complete without taking in the breathtaking architecture of the continent’s palaces, temples, and castles.


    From holy places of worship to monuments made for royalty, here are some of the more beautiful buildings in the Orient. China's Summer Palace was first built in 1750 as the Garden of Clear Ripples. It suffered major attacks during the Anglo-French allied invasion and Boxer Rebellion, but was always restored to its former glory. The striking pavilions, halls, and temples of this World Heritage site are complemented by rolling hills and beautiful water features. The Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu must have been a lucky man. Japan's Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion as English speakers call it, was built as his retirement home in 1397. He lived out his days in the magnificent gold-leaf adorned three-tier building. On his death the pavilion in Kyoto was converted to a Zen temple, according to Yoshimitsu's wishes. Looking at the clear reflection of the Golden Pavilion on the ground's mirror pond may be as close to enlightenment as most of us will get. [caption id="attachment_4485" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan"]The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan[/caption] Changeokgung Palace is one of South Korea's five grand palaces, but it's the one that most princes of the Joseon Dynasty liked the best. It's not hard to see why. Its secret garden was a favorite place for archery games and fireworks displays, with its lotus ponds and landscaped lawns. The building itself strives to blend in to its natural surrounds, a revolutionary idea for 1405. Sadly much of the palace was destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Korea, so only about a third of its structures remain. It may not have the rich history of the other buildings we’ve mentioned, but that's no reason to dismiss Coconut Palace in The Philippines. This palace was built under the order of former First Lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II's 1981 visit. The octagon-shaped building is an excellent example of Filipino design, with its body of hardwood and materials derived from the coconut. There are even more coconuts inside, with coconut chandeliers and furniture inlaid with coconut shells. This quirky building is easily accessible for tourists as it's part of Manila Bay's cultural center complex. So make sure you get out of the bustling cities while you're traveling around Asia; there are some stunning architectural marvels just waiting to be explored.

    [Image Source: Neepster/Flickr]

  • Weird and Wonderful Cosplay in Japan – Anime Culture in Tokyo’s Akihabara District

    There are many wonderful but weird things in Japan, and they don’t get much weirder than the Cosplay culture of Tokyo’s Akihabara district.

    Every Sunday the main street is closed to cars and taken over by the wildly dressed locals. Cosplay, or Costume Play, brings together fans of the Japanese comics and animations known as manga and anime. Through their distinctive dress they celebrate their favorite characters and entertain passers-by.


    Akihabara is one of the few places around the world that curious onlookers can learn about the world of Cosplay. Ordinarily enthusiasts only don their costumes for conventions and other gatherings, away from the prying eyes of the public. While the parade happens on the weekend, Akihabara still offers plenty to Cosplay enthusiasts and the curious through the week. Most large department stores have Cosplay floors dedicated to the wacky fancy dress favored by Cosplay fans. Other smaller boutiques like Cosmate and Cospa Shop Akihabara also specialize in these flamboyant costumes. They're certainly worth browsing, and a few trips to the change room, even if you don't intend to take any of the attire home. [caption id="attachment_4328" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Cosplay maid in Tokyo"]A Cosplay maid in Tokyo's Akihabara district[/caption] And then there are the Cosplay restaurants, a phenomenon which began in Akihabara but has now spread around the world. The wait staff dress as anime styled French maids, and in some rare circumstances butlers. They play their roles well, making customers feel that they are not regular diners but the employers in their private home. Of course you'll be fed, but a meal here is about entertainment as much as filling your belly. So give yourself over to the fantasy, and explore a world unlike your own in the Akihabara district.

  • Asia’s Quirky Natural Wonders – Outdoor Experiences in China, Japan, and Thailand

    When many people think of Asia they think of shopping up a storm in the cities and discovering the continent’s cultural heritage in temples and museums.

    But some of Asia's most interesting attractions are actually outdoors. Just outside Kunming in China you'll find the Shilin Stone Forest, a forest which really isn't a forest at all, at least not in the way that most of us imagine. Rather than trees, the forest features thousands of differently shaped stones which appear to grow from the ground. Apparently the area was a shallow sea some 270 million years ago, but as the earth moved over time the water retreated and the limestone structures emerged. Visitors can discover attractions like the Major Stone Forest, Strange Wind Cave, and Subterranean Stone Forest over this 400 square kilometer space. If you can visit in June, it's worth making a trip during the Torch Festival. The native Sani people demonstrate wrestling, lion-dancing, and bull-fighting, and legend says it’s the best time to meet Mr or Miss Right! [caption id="attachment_4231" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Shilin Stone Forest"]Shilin Stone Forest[/caption] For interesting animals and plants, look to the Bonin Islands off the Japanese coast. These 30 different islands were formed long ago by an ancient volcano, and have since evolved in their own unique ways. The islands are home to more than 14 different animals and 100 unique plant species including the protected Ogasawara damselfly, the Japanese Woodpigeon, and the Bonin Flying Fox. Access is difficult though, so you’ll need to be keen. The Ogasawara Maru liner leaves from Tokyo Bay four or five times each month, and takes around 25 hours to reach its destination. Tourists can feel like royalty traveling on the backs of elephants in northern Thailand. The elephants will take you through the forests and hilltribe villages of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Kanchanaburi. There are rides to suit your time and budget, from a half-hour walk to a five-day expedition. The elephants are all well trained and love people, so you needn't worry about being on the back of a petulant pachyderm! Asia offers plenty of natural beauty and experiences for tourists; you've just got to know where to look!

    [Image Source: Kent Wang/Flickr]

  • Explore Asia’s National Parks – Natural Paradises in the East

    When international travelers think of Asia they think of technological innovation, a bustling lifestyle, and all that delicious food.

    While Asia's cities buzz, its national parks are a real draw card for tourists looking to get back to nature. The following parks, many of which are UNESCO World and Natural Heritage sites, are amongst Asia's best. The Three Parallel Rivers Protected Areas in China's Yunnan Province is somewhat of a lost paradise. Here 16 indigenous groups live simple lives, free of the stresses of the modern world. Many offer accommodation for visitors who come to the area to see the gorges, glaciers, and enormous rivers. While much of Hong Kong is a thriving metropolis, one fifth of the nation belongs to the trails of Tai Tam Country Park. This area is steeped in history; tourists can explore ancient forts and towers while admiring the ocean views and diverse flora. There are also several areas for barbecues and picnics, so why not make a day of it? Many ecological experts consider Shiretoko National Park to be Japan's last surviving wilderness. It's a haven for marine and land animals, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the brown bears, dolphins, and seals that live there.
    Sightseeing boats regularly leave from the mainland to take tourists closer to the warm Kamui Wakka Falls. Or you could travel to the falls on foot and soak yourself in the hot springs. You might not know it, but if you're a James Bond fan you're already acquainted with Thailand's Ao Phang Nga National Park. This gorgeous natural oasis was featured in the spy flick The Man with the Golden Gun. You can hire small boats to explore the area and its natural rock formations and limestone pillars which emerge almost mythically from the ocean. It's the kind of locale you'll want to linger at, and with bungalows and camping sites available you can. The buzzing cities of Asia are alluring, but if you'd like a change of pace the continent's national parks can deliver it.

  • Japan’s Love Hotels Just a Little Bit Naughty

    Once associated with sleazy extramarital affairs and one night stands, Japan’s love hotels have a brand new reputation.

    These days the Asian country’s approximately 30, 000 hotels are being utilized by couples simply looking for a little private time together. Many of the couples that frequent these hotels live with their parents or flatmates, and so look for a place to be intimate away from prying eyes. Others prefer to take time out without worrying about their children sleeping down the hallway. And some aren't looking to get busy at all. Instead they use the rooms of love hotels for hosting gatherings, or enjoying quiet time alone. The hotels have seen a lot of changes since their inception in the 1950s. In the free love period of the 1960s and 70s you might expect to find kinky treats like revolving beds and mirrors on the ceiling. In the 1980s the fixtures were childishly cute, or kawaii as the Japanese say. In recent years love hotels have received another makeover, one that’s sophisticated and subdued. At least, most of them have. If you're still looking for raunch, or walls adorned with your favorite cartoon characters, there are still a few love hotels in Japan to suit you. Love hotels rent rooms in blocks of at least 90 minutes, for which you can expect to pay between Y2000 and Y5000 depending on their luxury. If you're looking to spice up your Japanese vacation, they're well worth considering.

  • Walk the Sacred Path of Kumano Kodo in Japan

    For a hiking experience with a difference, consider taking the spiritual path of Kumano Kodo in the Kii Mountains near Osaka, Japan.

    The walking trail has the awesome views all explorers crave, and a cavalcade of sacred sites to boot. The track has been walked by Japanese emperors since the 10th century. In 2004 it was approved as a pilgrimage walk by UNESCO, joining Spain's Way of St James as the only trek with this status at the time. Kumano Kodo reflects Japan's diverse spiritual paths, with a mix of Buddhist and Shinto shrines. Unlike many walks, there is no single track to follow. Instead it's made up of collection of main thoroughfares and smaller subtracks. Tea house and protector shrines are interspersed with the larger sacred sites, Kumano Sanzan and the three Japanese temples known as the Three Grand Shines of Kumano.[caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Plan a Japan Trip"]Map of Japan[/caption] To walk the entire track would be a massive undertaking taking around six weeks. Most tourists instead opt for a shorter day visit or multi-day trek. The Kumano Kudo tourist website suggests a number of routes for tourists to follow. After a long day hiking the mountains, soaking in one of the four hot springs scattered on the trail is the perfect way to ease your tired muscles. While you can follow your own path, those preferring to experience Kumano Kodo with a group can book a tour with Kumano Experience.

  • See Sumo Wrestlers in Japan on Guided Tokyo Sumo School Tour

    In Japan, sumo wrestlers earn the respect of Hollywood actors and rock stars.

    The sport is the oldest martial art in the country.

    It was originally a form of ritual dedication which asked the gods for a prosperous harvest, although in time it developed as a form of combat. Modern-day tourists can get a glimpse of the strict training regime of future sumo champions on the H.I.S. Experience Japan website (if it's up!) or also see: Day in the Life of a Sumo tour in Tokyo. During the tour you'll meet the sumo stars of the future. These promising young athletes live and train on the premises, so they virtually breathe sumo. You'll also eat lunch with the coach, or oyakata, who'll share stories of sumo and a meal of their in-training diet. Clearly chanko, a blend of seasoned lean chicken, vegetables and rice, isn't the off-season diet of these chunky wrestlers! While sumo wrestlers have a reputation for being on the large side, there are actually no weight restrictions. It's not uncommon to see a wrestler taking on an opponent twice his size, and winning. These practice bouts are one of the most exciting parts of the tour. Salt purifies the ring before the near-naked wrestlers enter it. The opponents stare each other down, menacingly, before attempting to overthrow one another. Sumo is a game of strategy rather than size, so it's always exciting to see who will win. H.I.S. Experience Japan Day in the Life of a Sumo tour runs on Tuesdays and Fridays, except during Grand Sumo Tournament time. They cost $207 for adults and $161 for children.

  • Dangerous Dishes in Asia – Deadly Foods for Brave Travelers

    Forget the fried rice and dim sum in Hong Kong. If you really want to live on the edge while visiting Asia, you’ll need to try some of the continent’s deadly dishes.

    Deadly may be overstating the point a little, but the following meals definitely have an element of danger that entices thrill seeking diners! Fugu, or puffer fish as it is commonly known, is a potentially deadly Japanese delicacy. The seafood contains tetrodotoxin, a poison which is almost 100 times more poisonous than cyanide! If it’s prepared well it'll contain just enough poison to numb your lips and tickle your nerves. If prepared incorrectly, you'll be paralyzed and die from heart failure or asphyxiation within hours. It sounds like a bit of a gamble, but so long as you dine in a restaurant licensed to sell the dish you should escape unscathed! [caption id="attachment_3627" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A puffer fish"]A puffer fish[/caption] Foodies in China willingly risk hepatitis, typhoid, and dysentery for a taste of blood clams. The danger comes from the bacteria the clams harbor which often survives the boiling process. Sadly there's no safe way to go about trying the treats as they're banned in the country, although you can buy them on the black market. If you're brave prepare to pay exorbitant prices and risk serious illness! The South Korean delicacy of sannakji is the tamest dish on this list, but it's certainly not for the faint hearted. It's actually raw baby octopus served up still squirming about on your plate! Seafood doesn't come much fresher than that! The danger comes from the octopus' suction caps, which can latch onto your mouth or throat and cause choking. Make sure you take small bites and chew each one thoroughly to minimize the risks.

    [Image Source: Cliff1066/Flickr]

  • Weather in Japan – The Best Times to Visit Asia

    Japan experiences four distinct seasons, including very cold winters and hot and steamy summers.

    Knowing what to expect at different points in the year will help you plan your Japanese getaway. Winter in Japan typically lasts between December and February. If it's skiing and other alpine sports you're after, traveling to Northern Japan or the Sea of Japan coast during these months is a must. To enjoy a milder winter consider staying in the south. With spring's arrival in March, Japan's weather begins to warm and the famous cherry blossoms begin to bloom. However, this is a slow and gradual process so you'll still need to carry some cold weather clothes when traveling from March to May. Light coats and sweaters can help you cope with cold snaps and chilly nights without taking up too much space in a suitcase. Note - ever consider a job in Japan teaching English? If so, check our partner site JobMonkey! Japan enjoys summer from June to August. The season typically starts with a month or so of rain, known as tsuyu, before the weather clears. To escape the dreary weather consider holidaying on the island of Hokkaido, the only place in Japan immune to the tsuyu. Once the rainy season is over Japan's summer weather is often not much more pleasant, with the temperatures soaring as high as the humidity. You'll find the most comfortable conditions in the mountains and Hokkaido.japan map It's advisable to avoid Japan in September when typhoon season is at its peak. Wild weather along the coasts of Okinawa, Shikoku, and Kyushu can affect all of Japan. The good news is that once the typhoons clear, they leave perfect fall conditions. In October and November the weather is temperate, and the landscape is ablaze with the rich earthy colors of autumn. Just as you would in spring, it's advisable to bring light jackets and sweaters to wear on cooler fall days.

  • Managing Money in Japan – The Yen and You

    The official currency of Japan is the yen. It is pronounced like the letter n, with no y sound. The yen is roughly equivalent to one US cent. The yen is available in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500 coins and ¥1000, ¥2000, ¥5000 and ¥10, 000 banknotes.japanese yen

    While Japan has many automatic teller machines, most will only accept cards issued in the country. However the nation’s post offices have ATMs which accept most foreign bank cards. These include cards belonging to the Visa, Plus, MasterCard, Cirrus American Express, Maestro, and Diners Club networks. If your bank card is not accepted by the post office ATMs, it can be very difficult to get cash in Japan. For this reason, tourists with cards outside these networks should bring cash or travelers checks to Japan.

    Most postal ATMs are available from 9am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to noon on Saturdays. As they are unavailable on Sundays and public holidays, tourists are advised to ensure they have always carry adequate cash.


    While postal ATMs have Japanese instructions by default, international visitors can press the “English Guidance” button on the touch screen for an English translation.

    Travelers can also access some international ATMs in large tourist areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as the major airports of Narita and Kansai. International cards are also accepted by the ATMs at Citibank branches.

    Visitors should not rely on credit cards as their primary source of money. While most major department stores, high-end restaurants, and luxury hotels accept cards, many Japanese businesses do not. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card in Japan, followed by MasterCard, Amex, and Diners Club.

    Tourists can exchange their money and travelers checks for yen at Japan’s banks, post offices, and discount ticket shops. The discount ticket shops tend to have the best exchange rates. They are located around Japan’s major train stations. Most currencies are easily exchanged, except for the New Taiwan dollar and the won of Korea. Travelers holding this currency are advised to change it before arriving in Japan.

    When managing money in Japan, it’s worth noting that the country has a consumer tax of 5%. Luxury hotels and restaurants have an additional service charge attached, which may be between 10 and 15%.