Holidays To Japan

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

2010-07-12T04:41:00.001-07:00

It is hard to think of Hiroshima in Japan without thinking of the dreadful events that occurred there on 6th August 1945. It was the first city in the entire world to suffer the consequences of being hit by an atomic bomb. To commemorate the awful events there is now a Memorial Park on the site of the original devastation.

If you visit Hiroshima today it pays to take a look at your surroundings. After the bomb was dropped all those years ago, more than two thirds of the city was completely destroyed.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park occupies an area that used to be bustling with business people and commercial workers. The bomb turned the area into a wasteland, and it is this area that is now used as a tribute to all those who died, as well as to the victims of nuclear bombs worldwide.

The park was originally opened in 1954 on the 1st April, and since then it has never closed. It is a peaceful place to come and contemplate the world around you, and of Hiroshima’s place in the history of the Second World War.

One significant part of the park has been accorded a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is what remains of the Industrial Promotion Hall. It has not been touched since the bomb was dropped, and while it is in ruins it is the only building left standing that was right near the centre of the bomb’s explosion. The building is now referred to as the A Bomb Dome, because the bomb exploded just above it.

It is quite something to think that the building was not erased along with most of the rest of the buildings around it. The condition of the building and the skeletal dome shaped structure at the top of it were eventually agreed to remain as they were, so they would stand as a reminder of what once happened there.

It is heartening to see the rest of the city has risen from the ruins of what happened back in 1945. But with the Memorial Park there to remind us of what occurred, we can never forget how Hiroshima suffered.

Fancy Seeing The Famous Universal Studios – In Japan?

2010-06-11T04:00:00.001-07:00

Yes, you thought the only way you could see Universal Studios was to go to America, didn’t you? Not everyone knows about the Universal Studios that is situated in Japan, but you can have just as good a day out here as you can in the US.

So what can you expect from the Japanese version of Universal Studios?

Well you will find it in Osaka, and unbelievably it has been open since 2001. There are plenty of attractions here to look forward to so you should expect to spend a full day here and arrive as early as you can. It is a good idea to check in advance to see what time the park opens each day – as well as checking closing times – as they can vary throughout the year.

There are countless different rides and shows to look forward to here, including a shortened version of the stage show Wicked. This is based on the Wizard of Oz and the untold part of the story, and is well worth seeing while you are in the park.

If you are more interested in rides then you should try out Space Fantasy – The Ride. This is a full ten minute experience that is really well worth trying out if you wish. Elsewhere you can also try out the famous Jurassic Park ride or the Jaws ride too. These are two of the most popular rides in the park, just as they are elsewhere in the world. Even if you have never been to Universal Studios you will no doubt have heard of these two rides!

The Jurassic Park ride is actually a water ride during which time you will encounter all kinds of dinosaurs. The last one will be sure to terrify you as you try and get away from the T-Rex that will send you down a steep drop into the waters below.

When you consider this is only one of the many rides and attractions you can look forward to at the Universal Studios in Japan, you can see why it is one of the best places to visit while you are there.

Hop On Board The Tokyo Metro

2010-05-12T03:16:00.001-07:00

Whenever you visit somewhere like Tokyo in Japan, you have to figure out how you are going to get around while you are there. As far as Tokyo is concerned, travelling means either getting around on foot or hopping on the Metro.

The Tokyo Metro is an experience in itself and it should be attempted by everyone who visits the city. Luckily you don’t have to wait until you arrive in Japan to find out what the Metro map looks like. You can easily download a copy from the official Tokyo Metro website. Now this should make your journey a little easier, for sure.

The map itself looks a little daunting to begin with, but when you see the lines are all coloured just as they are on the London Underground, it will make life a little easier. Each station is clearly labelled and the major venues, such as Tokyo itself, are labelled in larger print.

But what about trying out the Metro for real? Well you won’t find it too much different from the London Underground or even the New York Subway for example. It does get crowded all through the day, particularly when people start and finish work, so try and avoid those times if you can. You will find it easier to stay standing if you don’t get a seat though, as most cars have plenty of handles to hang on with. This is ideal if you happen to be a little bit shorter than average and cannot reach the bars along the ceiling.

The Metro seems to be more courteous in many ways in Tokyo, which makes for a fascinating experience. Some cars are designated to be used by women and children only, which is good if you are travelling with children and you want to stay in that environment. You should also make sure your mobile is either on silent or switched off. This makes for a better experience for everyone.

Experience – that is certainly the right word to use when riding the Tokyo Metro. Make sure you don’t leave town before trying it at least once.

Digging Into Japanese Cuisine

2010-04-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

When you visit Japan, you know your taste buds are in for as much of a treat as the rest of you. When you are surrounded by opportunities to taste gorgeous Japanese food at every turn, you won’t be able to resist trying everything in sight.

Firstly if you have the taste for seafood you will certainly want to try sushi – although strictly speaking this is different from what you will know as sushi at home. We tend to think of sushi as being nothing but raw fish, but traditionally the word applies to vinegar rice that has been cooked. If you want sushi as you would know it here, ask for sashimi.

Watch out for the chance to visit a kaiten sushi bar though. This is the type of restaurant where the food goes round on a conveyor belt and you pick the dishes you want as they go by. You pay per plate and they are generally selected to be different colours, so you can tell how much each one is before you choose it. At the end they will count up your plates and charge you accordingly. It is an experience for sure – and not just because of the food!

Whatever you end up eating you will probably be amazed at the flavours you are bombarded with. And indeed this applies to pretty much all Japanese food. The main ingredients you will eat are rice and noodles, and then various accompaniments are added to those to make the complete dish. Be brave and try as many different things as you can – you will soon discover that most Japanese food is very healthy and this is why they are all so slim!

Keep an eye out for skewered chicken being cooked on barbecues as well. Your nose will tell you where the nearest venue is for buying this. The chicken is grilled and then covered in a sauce before reaching the barbecue to be finished off. Many tourists love this and you will probably be no exception!

Enjoy all the tastes and flavours Japan has to offer during your stay.

Explore The Tokyo Dome City

2010-03-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

How much do you think you can fit underneath a dome? The answer lies in Tokyo’s Dome City, which has plenty to offer to everyone who happens to be visiting the city. If you have kids in tow you can look forward to taking them there to see what they think as well.

And there is a lot to take in too. For starters you have an amusement park to explore which has a linear roller coaster to try out. If you have the stomach for it you can also try the spinning roller coaster. Judging from the pictures you will need to love these rides a lot, since they really test your nerve and give you the ride of your life. If you prefer something a bit more sedate you can try out the bowling centre to see whether you can get a strike.

Elsewhere there are plenty of restaurants to try when you are feeling a little bit peckish. The Baseball Café will give you an authentic taste of American food if you want it; otherwise there are several other venues you can try out for a meal. And if you want to take some souvenirs home with you, there are plenty of shops around the Dome that have a good array of souvenirs to buy.

There is more to come too. What about paying a visit to the Baseball Hall of Fame for example? There is a museum here as well so if you have an interest in baseball you will no doubt want to take a closer look. And if all that leaves you tired and ready to recharge your batteries, why not head for the spa that also calls the Tokyo Dome City home?

As you can see there are so many different activities and things to do in the Dome, you may find it difficult trying to choose which one you want to do first. If you have the family with you make sure you allocate the best part of a day to explore everything it has to offer.

Visit Disney – In Tokyo

2010-02-10T02:18:00.001-08:00

Which country do you think of when you want to visit Disneyland or another Disney park? You probably think of America, or possibly Disneyland in Paris.

But what about Tokyo? Does this location ever come across your mind?

If it doesn’t you might be persuaded to head out to Japan for a fantastic holiday with a touch of Disney thrown in. The Japan site in Tokyo has lots to offer, including the usual touch of Disney that we all know and love.

One of the most famous locations is called Disney Sea. As the name would suggest this is all to do with the sea and the ocean, and thus it makes a nice change from the usual Disney parks. You won’t be far from Disneyland itself though, because Disney Sea is just next door. It is possible to do both in one day although you won’t see everything if you do. Try and allocate a couple of days in this part of Tokyo – one for each park.

So what can you see in Disney Sea? The area is split into ports, and there are seven ports in total. These include the Lost River Delta, the Arabian Coast and the Mysterious Island. There is also the American Waterfront so you can get a taste of USA style entertainment and fun here as well.

Each port has its own special mix of attractions, including roller coasters and plenty more entertainment for the whole family to get involved in. You can ride on the Journey to the Centre of the Earth on the Mysterious Island, or take Sinbad’s Storybook Voyage – a more laid back ride the kids will love.

The American Waterfront is well done – enough so you will forget you are even in Japan. You can also explore the infamous Tower of Terror here if you dare. In fact the whole park is somewhat different from the usual Disney fare, and it provides a nice contrast to Disneyland next door. If you are travelling to Japan with the whole family, you should definitely visit Disney Sea as well.

See Himeji Castle – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

2010-01-11T02:17:00.001-08:00

Every country has its must see sights. And if one of them happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you know it is worth taking time out to pay a visit.

One such location in Japan is Himeji Castle. Its appearance from a distance alone captivates the attention, and you will find the pull to visit it is virtually irresistible.

But why is it so desirable as a visitor attraction?

There are two main reasons why it is very popular. Firstly many people think this is the most stunning castle in all of Japan. There are others, but none are quite as eye catching as this one. Its white walls help to mark it out as unusual, and it has earned the name ‘shirasagi-jo’ as a result. This translates into ‘white heron castle’.

The second reason is that it has survived relatively intact since it was rebuilt in the 1580s. The original castle was constructed in the early to mid 1300s and lasted nearly three hundred years before it was destroyed. This is a history which is unique among all Japanese castles, and it means it has a lot more to offer by way of original features to view.

You will be amazed at the views both of and from the castle whatever time of the year you visit. But it’s worth trying to get there in April if you can, as this is right in the thick of the cherry blossom season. And the area around the castle is known for its blossoms.

A stay in Kyoto is the best bet if you want to plan a visit to Himeji Castle, as it’s not far from there. Himeji Station is the destination to head for, and the castle is just a short distance away, ready and waiting to be explored by you. Be sure to take a camera and don’t miss the views from inside the castle itself. It’s a great way to see more of the surroundings.

And when you see the castle for yourself, you will see why Japan has regarded it as a national treasure - because it truly is.

Why Is Tokyo Tower A Must See Destination In Japan?

2009-11-05T00:34:00.001-08:00

When you first set eyes on the Tokyo Tower, you will probably rub them and wonder if you aren’t actually in Paris instead.

You see, the tower originally took its inspiration from the Eiffel Tower, so the two do not look dissimilar. The tower has been an integral part of the Tokyo skyline for some fifty years now, and millions of people have had the privilege of exploring its levels and getting a grand view from the top.

But is it your turn now? It should be, because you cannot fail to be impressed by what you find there.

If you have only seen pictures of Tokyo Tower before, you might assume that all you can do is climb to the top to see what Tokyo looks like from over a thousand feet up in the air. But the tower has some surprises in store, and they start from the moment you arrive at its foot.

The very bottom of the tower has plenty to entertain you even if you decide not to go any further. For example there are galleries and museums here to browse round, and if that whets your appetite you can look forward to having a bite to eat in a restaurant too – all underneath the towering structure itself.

If you decide to take the best trip of all and head up the tower, there are two points at which you can get out and take a look around and across the city of Tokyo. If you want to go right to the top you will have to buy a special ticket which permits you to do so; otherwise simply buy a ticket for the first observation point the tower has to offer.

Needless to say if you are going to see the Tokyo Tower you should really head for the very top if you can. The pictures you can take from here with your camera will certainly earn their place in your photo album, so why not go the whole distance? You’ll be disappointed if you don’t.

Japan targets 10 million tourists in 2010

2007-11-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

As the Northern Marianas struggles with tourism in a freefall because far fewer Japanese are traveling to Saipan, consider this: Japan wants 10 million inbound tourists in 2010. And Tokyo is sparing no yen to reach the target.

Since its launch four years ago, the national government's Yokoso Japan (visit Japan) campaign has seen its budget nearly double. In 2003, Japan spent Y2 billion, or $17.5 million to lure foreigners to the country. That amount increased to Y3.6 billion, or $31.5 million, last year. Tourism accounts for six percent of Japan's national income.

“Here in Japan, we rely more heavily on industries other than tourism. But we believe inbound tourism has a great potential to revitalize the economy,” says Tetsuro Hirata, senior director of the Japanese government's international tourism division, which is part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Currently, international tourism in Japan lacks balance. In 2005, for instance, the country sent 17.4 million travelers overseas but received only 6.73 million foreign visitors.

The disparity is reflected in travel spending. According to a 2004 study by the ministry, the travel industry generates Y24.4 trillion, or $213.7 billion, a year for the national economy. But only 6.7 percent of the total amount is contributed by foreign tourists. In dollar terms that is $14 billion a year.

The sizeable remainder is spent by the Japanese. This includes Y21.1 trillion, or $184.8 billion, on domestic trips, and Y1.7 trillion, or $14.89 billion, on preparations for trips abroad.

Tourism has a huge economic ripple effect, notes Hirata. In addition to the direct impact of travel spending, tourism creates jobs and production demand.

To increase inbound tourism, the Japan government launched Yokoso Japan-literally, “Welcome to Japan”-campaign in 2003. The goal: to have 10 million foreign tourists visiting Japan in 2010.

The campaign initially targeted five main markets: South Korea, China, the United States, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany were added in the second year. Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Thailand followed in the third year.

Hirata said there is no plan to add any more to these so-called “priority markets.” The 12 countries account for 90 percent of total tourist arrivals to Japan.

South Korea is Japan's largest tourism market. Three in 10 foreigners visiting Japan are from its closest neighbor. Taiwan is the second largest, representing 18 percent of tourist arrivals to Japan. China (excluding Hong Kong) and the United States share the third spot with 11 percent each of the market share.

The Yokoso Japan campaign has been a success, says Hirata. International arrivals have hit a new record each year since 2003. The six million mark was reached for the first time in 2004. The following year, the tourism industry set a new benchmark of 6.73 million visitors.

To achieve the target of 10 million inbound travelers in 2010, arrivals must grow by 8.2 percent a year from 2005. The Yokoso Japan campaign is on track to reach this goal. Arrivals increased to 7.3 million in 2006, or by 9.6 percent from the previous year. A period-to-period comparison shows that arrivals have grown 13 percent as of August 2007.

The challenge for Japan now is to reach out to the high spending business traveler, even as it attempts to break from its image as an expensive destination.

“Business travelers, of course, have a greater economic impact-they stay in good hotels, eat good meals.. But the young travelers are potential repeat visitors. Once they start earning their own money, they will come back and spend more,” Hirata says.

Japan has made it a national goal to become Asia's top venue for international conventions. At the same time, the country's tourism board has launched the “Affordable Japan” campaign, offering tips to budget travelers.

For more information click here

Tourism NZ aims to wow Japan

2007-11-22T07:17:00.000-08:00

Tourism New Zealand is launching the largest New Zealand promotional event ever staged in Japan to coincide with a $1.8 million campaign.

Aimed to give the Japanese a fresh take on what New Zealand has to offer, the New Zealand Paradise Week will promote New Zealand's food and wine, fashion, music and the most up to date activities for tourists from November 17-24.

"This event is an important part of the work that Tourism New Zealand is doing to try and turn round the Japanese market, which has been in decline in recent years," Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive George Hickton said.

Hickton says Tourism New Zealand is trying to shift Japanese people's perception away from thinking of New Zealand as a place with a lot of sheep and beautiful scenery, to a vibrant, modern and sophisticated destination

Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor will open the event at a gala dinner featuring Hayley Westenra and a fashion show including fashion designers Nom D, Huffer, Cybele and Sabatini White.

A unique part of the week will be the gifting of a taonga, a miniature double-hulled waka carved by Hokianga artist Will Ngakuru, by Tourism Minister Damien O'Connor on behalf of New Zealand to the Japanese government.

The Far North District Council and Te Hua o te Kawariki Trust have also agreed to work together to plant a native tree for every Japanese visitor who visits the reserve till the plot is full.

The week coincides with a new $1.8 million tourism campaign launching into the Japanese market.

Since the beginning of the campaign there has been a surge in interest in the Japanese version of newzealand.com with visits jumping from an average of 9,000 visits a week to over 80,000 last week.

For more information click here

Mount Fuji

2007-07-03T06:57:00.000-07:00

Mount Fuji is with 3776 metres Japan's highest mountain. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people.

Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano, which most recently erupted in 1708. It stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures and can be seen from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days.

The easiest way to view Mount Fuji is from the train on a trip along the Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Osaka. If you take the shinkansen from Tokyo in direction of Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, the best view of Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from around Shin-Fuji Station on the right hand side of the train, about 40 to 45 minutes after leaving Tokyo.

Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mount Fuji, and you have to consider yourself lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain. Visibility tends to be better during the colder seasons of the year than in summer, and in the early morning and late evening hours.

If you want to enjoy Mount Fuji at a more leisurely pace and from a nice natural surrounding, you should head to the Fuji Five Lake region at the northern foot of the mountain, or to Hakone, a nearby hot spring resort.

Mount Fuji is officially open for climbing during July and August via several routes.

Three New Guides To Gay Japan, Korea & Taiwan Hit The Market

2007-06-11T03:12:00.000-07:00

31 May 2007

The first guidebooks to gay and lesbian life in East Asia have just been updated and expanded to include contemporary attractions and entertainment for gay and lesbian visitors to 46 Asian destinations including Tokyo, Seoul, and Taipei.

Where exactly is the shrine to the 2-ton wooden phallus? Do Love Motels allow same sex couples? Which lesbian bars welcome foreign women? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in the new 128 page Utopia Guide to Japan.

While Japan has had gay guidebooks circulating since the 18th century (and even a modern guidebook to gay life designed for Japanese heterosexuals), it is only recently that the English-speaking international traveller has been allowed access to the Japan's vibrant subculture.

The Utopia Guide to Japan (2nd Edition) attempts to blast away at popular misconceptions that Japan is prohibitively expensive and is unfriendly to foreigners. On the contrary, the Utopia Guide suggests that after suffering from more than a decade of economic flatlining, Japan is cheaper to visit than most major American cities.

The authors go even further to suggest that current warm welcome for foreigners (and their loose change) is evidenced by English signage posted almost everywhere you go, including signs in Japanese saunas cautioning against "hair dyeing and gum chewing."

Meanwhile, if you want know how to find the Erotic Art Museum in Seoul? Just what goes on at a Jjimjilbang? Ofwhich gay saunas "don't ask don't tell" G.I.s visit? the latest edition of the Utopia Guide to South Korea might be a good jumping off point for your discovery.

According to the Utopia Guide, South Korean men, with their natural machismo, special brand of brotherly "kinship" and easy-going metrosexuality, have recently become sex symbols around the region appealing to both sexes.

Apparently, there have never been laws prohibiting homosexuality in Korea and any attempts to enact official discrimination have been overturned through the efforts of vocal gay and human rights activists, according to the new guide.

Japan to Increase Flights to India from September

2007-05-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

30 April 2007

There would be 12 flights a week from Japan to India from September this year, a Japanese Minister said here on Monday.

Minister of Land Infrastructure and Transport Tetsuzo Fuyushiba said Japan will have 12 flights a week to India with Japan Airlines (JAL) raising its flights to five and All Nippon Airways (ANA) to seven by September this year.

A delegation led by Fuyushiba called on Minister of Tourism and Culture Ambika Soni here and urged her to take steps so that visas are easily available to the Japanese tourists visting India.

The Japanese Minister expressed commitment to promote tourism and cultural ties between the two counntries.

During their half-an-hour meeting, both the leaders recalled the long and traditional relations between India and Japan.

Japan is one of India's top tourism generating market. In 2005, the figures of tourist arrival from Japan to India reached 102,000. Outbound traffic from India to Japan in 2004 was 53,000.

Soni, while mentioning that 2007 is the Indo-Japan Tourism Exchange Year, stressed the need to bring more tourists into each other's country.

The Minister pointed out that 90 per cent of the package tour itineraries for Japanese tourists include Delhi-Agra (Taj Mahal) - Jaipur Golden Triangle. Varanasi, Khajuraho, Ajanta and Ellora are also frequently visited by Japanese tourists.

Wooden Postcards Becoming a Popular Tourism Attraction

2007-04-10T03:50:00.000-07:00

3 April 2007

In 2002, train enthusiast Ho Yuan-fu invented a durable postcard made of wood that travelers could take around Taiwan and use to collect postmarks from various regions.

Little did Ho know that five years later the cards would become one of Taiwan's international symbols and a promotional tool for the tourism industry.

Ho's original wooden postcard - engraved with the image of a train station along the Taiwan Railway Administration's Pingsi line - has since expanded and now feature 60 different graphics.

The cards have now become a tourist attraction in Pingsi Township, where travellers from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Australia buy them to send to relatives back home as a memento.

Ho's enterprise began with a store selling railway memorabilia from around Taiwan next to the Cingtong station on the Pingsi line.

An avid traveller, he made a hobby of gathering collectibles while traveling around the country, including buying postcards to collect postmarks from various regions. Then one day he had an inspiration: Why not make a durable postcard that travellers can take with them and use to collect postmarks from places they travel to?

Wu's first creation featured an engraving of the Cingtong station where his shop was located. After sales of the cards began to take off, he began visiting and photographing other places to offer buyers more choices, including the historic streets in Taipei County's Jioufen Township and sunset in Tamsui.

Ho said he never thought that the postcards would ever become an international symbol. This has inspired him to continue traveling around the country, catching and printing scenes on his postcards and spreading these images of Taiwan around the world.

Postal officials were initially reluctant to let the wooden tablets enter circulation because of the demands their weight would put on mail carriers. But after a year of haggling with the Taiwan Post, Ho finally convinced the administration that the postcards would help raise Taiwan's international visibility and boost tourism.

The post office finally decided to allow his wooden postcards to be sent through the mail by charging extra. It costs NT$10 to send the wooden postcards by mail around Taiwan, NT$20 to Hong Kong, NT$25 to Southeast Asia and NT$35 to the US and Europe.

Hot Spots for 2007

2007-03-20T03:11:00.000-07:00

19 March 2007

So you’ve finally gotten over your Christmas budget binge and two months back in the office have you staring blankly at your computer screen dreaming of exotic beaches and ancient ruins. Yip, it’s time to start planning that holiday.

You could close your eyes, spin around three times and point randomly at the atlas. But this could mean that you end up spending your two precious weeks of holiday in Kazakhstan. Or you could check out our list of 2007’s travel hot spot and become an über-cool and trendy traveller.

Ethiopia

Most people would commonly associate Ethiopia with war and poverty, but that’s not the whole truth. Ethiopia is (for the slightly more intrepid traveller) an exciting and untapped destination.

Ethiopia is regarded as one of the earliest Christian kingdoms, and sights range from Aksum — which some people believe to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant — to the magnificent churches of lalibela, hewn from the bed-rock. Legend has it that all 11 churches were built in a single century with the help of ‘angels’.

The eco-tourist will not be disappointed by the seven Rift Valley Lakes that teem with birds and hippos. The Simien Mountains also provide easily accessible hiking, with the possibility of encountering the unique gelada monkey and the elusive Ethiopian wolf.

Jordan

Admittedly, the Middle East, doesn’t strike most (with the exception perhaps of the religiously zealous) as an ideal holiday destination. There is always that pesky reservation about political unrest and the occasional bomb. Jordan, however, is an oasis of political stability and unrivalled hospitality.

The land of Lawrence of Arabia, biblical tales and the home of ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, Jordan offers everything from Byzantine history to the desert playground of Wadi Rum.

Mexico

If you are willing to travel a little further abroad and have a penchant for tacos, tequila and all things spicy, then Me-hi-co is the answer. The cities are packed with vibrant colours, cultures and cuisine and music, but the real treasures lie in the unexplored.

Chiapas, which got the world’s attention with the Zapatista uprising in the mid-nineties, has been taking the rap as a dangerous destination for too long. It has a treasure of archaeological sites and with its new roads, eco-lodges and forest reserves, is the ideal destination for the eco-tourist.

The Isla Holbox off the Yucatan Peninsula, with its sandy roads, absence of traffic and empty beaches makes for a great Mexican sea safari where you could encounter anything from dolphins and sea turtles to massive whale sharks.

Nicaragua

Like Ethiopia, Nicaragua is something of a surprise contender. Scarred by war and natural disasters, it is nevertheless, one of the safest countries in Central America.

In liberal Leon, you will find grand colonial churches and old Spanish-style houses with quaint courtyards. Granada, which has the nickname of ‘La Gran Sultana’ (The Great Sultan) and dating back to 1524 is the oldest Spanish city (outside of Spain of course) and offers similar architectural delights.

China

China is such a vast country, that it seems a little silly to feature it on the hot spots list. This year, put aside the usual attractions - the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall and the Imperial City – and focus on Shanghai.

Shanghai, modern and sophisticated, is fast becoming the country’s cultural capital. The art scene is exploding with both up-and-coming and established artists flocking to the city’s many galleries. On the brink of change, a new cultural revolution, Shanghai offers a unique and exciting vista for cultural tourists.

Japan

Tokyo is the new, and luckily cheaper, London and New York. This thriving mega-city, which has the dubious recommendation of having the most vending machines in the world, has an efficient public transport system and is easy to explore.

Dubbed the ‘Greenwich Village of Tokyo’, Shimokitazawa has quaint streets lined with vintage stores, cafes and cheap noodle shops. Omotesundo, on the other hand, has wide avenues and is home to designer boutiques. The city is best visited in the spring, when the cherry blossoms fill the streets with their beauty.

Vietnam

With the rather disagreeable reputation of being America’s most dismal military failing, Vietnam doesn’t strike most as an ideal destination. However Ho Chi Minh City, better known as Saigon, is rapidly gaining favour as an Asian city worth visiting.

The economic capital and largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a delightful blend of a bustling metropolis – with its street markets, pavement cafes and vendors – ancient culture and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s also the perfect jumping off point for the beaches further north and the Mekong Delta to the south.

So, when you sit down to plan your great adventure, look past the usual all inclusive holidays in Thailand, Italy and Greece and — with at least one eye open — settle on one of these fantastic destinations.

For more information visit travel.iafrica.com

Japan Mobile Fashion Event Showcases Girl Power

2007-03-06T04:19:00.000-08:00

5 March 2007

Ladies, who needs a wallet to go shopping when you've got a mobile phone? A Japanese company has put a girly twist to an everyday convenience - shopping using a cellphone - to attract young fashionistas with cash to spend on high-street garb rather than Chanel and Valentino.

Over the next two years, Japan's retail sales from mobile phone sites are expected to surge 60% - three times faster than the country's mail order industry - to about 300 billion yen (US$2.59 billion), according to researcher Fuji-Keizai.

Privately owned Xavel Inc. has been making inroads into that industry since it was set up in 1999, and over the weekend, it organised a grand shopping event which attracted nearly 20,000 women in their late teens and early 20s.

In a giant stadium outside Tokyo, the women crowded around a cross-shaped catwalk for the "Tokyo Girls Collection", a six-hour extravaganza featuring T-shirts and jewellery from labels such as Rich and Cecil McBee, little known outside Japan but popular among local students.

And to lure young fans, the event used models from teen magazines instead of catwalk professionals.

"She's so cute!" screamed a group of high school girls as models Yuri Ebihara and Moe Oshikiri stepped onto the stage.

For many, the show was about getting a glimpse of the more than 70 idols they see in fashion bibles "CanCam" and "Vivi". But other girls were there to spend.

"I think it's great we can immediately buy the clothes from cell phones," said Sachie Ishikawa, a 23 year-old student who attended the event for the second time.

"It's groundbreaking."

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Japan will open new flying route to Thailand in 2009, to expand tourism market of both nations

2007-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) revealed that Japan has prepared to open a new flying route, Shizuoka-Bangkok, in 2009 to expand the tourism market of both countries.

TAT Deputy Governor Mrs. Chuthaporn Roengronasa, who is in charge of market expansion, said the plan came during a meeting between TAT officials and a team of executives from Shizuoka Province, Japan.

At the meeting, the Japanese visitors informed about their new airport, Mt. Fuji Shizuoka International Airport, which will be opened in March 2009. More importantly, Shizuoka province has a plan to operate a Charter Flight between Shizuoka and Bangkok, so as to extend the cooperation in tourism between the two countries.

Mrs. Chuthaporn revealed that, apart from Shizuoka, TAT also has plans to negotiate with other cities in Asia and the Pacific region, such as, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Guam-Saipan Islands, and Honolulu, to open new flights to those cities.

Besides, the TAT deputy governor said in conjunction with the 120th anniversary of the Thai-Japanese diplomatic relations in September this year, the governments of the two countries have decided to hold celebrations throughout 2007. The cooperation will be made between both private and government sectors of both nations, to strengthen the friendship and mutual understanding between both peoples. Activities will include technical seminars, exhibitions on technology, culture and investment, sports competition, musical performances, tourism cooperation, trade fairs, international movies shows, and souvenir production

Seoul, Japan Agree to Boost Tourism

2007-01-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

Top tourism officials from Korea and Japan have agreed to boost bilateral ties. The two sides are setting their sights on organizing events throughout the year to encourage more of their nationals to visit each other's country.

In Seoul, Korean Culture and Tourism Minister Kim Myung-gon and Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Tetsuzo Fuyushiba spoke of raising the number of tourists visiting each country.

Minister Kim said, "This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Chosun Tongsinsa Culture Exchange Association. So we plan a trip to Japan for the surviving relatives of Korean envoys who were sent to the association, along with holding other cultural exchanges. We will also invite a number of Japanese delegations to tour several Korean cities and carry out exchanges."

Both sides agreed on several issues such as expanding educational trips for students and boosting exchanges between provincial governments. Last month, Japan celebrated its two millionth Korean visitor, and this prompted Minister Fuyushiba to call a meeting. He says he wants friendlier relations with Korea.

"From the minister and the meeting, I felt the friendly relationship that our two countries have maintained,” the Japanese minister said. “I now strongly feel that we must further strengthen that relationship, and make it more specific."

The Japanese account for a large percentage of foreign visitors to Korea. The number of foreigners who came to Korea broke six million last year, and the Korea Tourism Organization has set a goal of seven million this year.

Tourism accounts for less than 7 percent of Korea's economy. But many experts say the local tourism industry is likely to grow in the coming decades if the country continues to promote itself to leisure and business travellers.

Indian Music, Dance Weaves its Magic in Japan

2006-12-18T01:45:00.001-08:00

Japan got a taste of India's rising soft power as exquisite notes of shehnai mingled with exhilarating beats of Indipop at a festival celebrating the exuberance and creativity of Indian culture that opened here Thursday.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe with their wives lit the lamp Thursday evening, inaugurating the year-long festival at Orion Hall in Four Seasons Hotel, which ushered in a new chapter of cultural camaraderie between the two Asian giants.

'The Festival of India which we launch today will bring out the vibrancy of India's culture in all its diversity,' Manmohan Singh said at the inauguration ceremony, which also launched the India-Japan Friendship Year 2007, marking the 50th anniversary of the cultural agreement between India and Japan.

The two countries have also decided to designate 2007 as the year of India-Japan tourism exchange.

The festival will bring home to the Japanese people 'the youthful dynamism of contemporary India's free and open society and the great transformations that are taking place in India's economy,' Manmohan Singh told the over 600-strong audience here.

'We are also looking forward to the Festival of Japan in India, which will showcase both modern and traditional Japanese culture, which is catching the popular imagination in India,' he said.

Cultural hybridity of India, a traditional country that is modernizing to take its place under the global sun, came out beautifully at the performances that combined the quintessentially Indian musical instrument shehnai played by Pandit Rajendra Prasanna with more racier and trendier numbers by ace choreographer Shiamak Davar.

As Davar performed numbers like Mera Juta Hai Japani, the audience cheered lustily, showing an appreciation of centuries-old cultural ties that are reinventing themselves in what is set to become an Asian century.

Abe, Japan's youngest post-war prime minister, recalled 'deep civilisational ties and the legacy of Buddhism' that binds the two emerging Asian powers. Alluding to Manmohan Singh's historic address to the joint session of Diet earlier in the day, Abe stressed, 'It reinforced his conviction that we must nurture this relationship as the most important relationship in the world.

'The prime minister's speech was historic and everybody was deeply moved.'

In his speech to Diet, Manmohan Singh underlined the need for stepping up people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges between India and Japan and called the friendship between peoples as the cornerstone of any strategic partnership.

India Praises Japan Role in Promoting Tourism Assistance

2006-12-18T01:23:00.000-08:00

India today praised and appreciated Japan promotion of assistance in the development of tourism-related infrastructure, including the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in India.

In the Joint Statement issued after their talks, both Prime Ministers Shinzo Abe and Dr. Manmohan Singh said that they had designated the Year 2007 as the "India-Japan Tourism Exchange Year" and have directed their respective Tourism Ministries to carry out various activities to promote tourism exchanges.

Welcoming a joint document on the expansion of tourism exchanges between the two countries, both leaders said they were committed to enhancing their ongoing cooperation in development of infrastructure at Buddhist sites in India.

Recalling the important role of Nalanda in the ancient period as a leading international university contributing to Buddhist and secular studies, the two leaders also said that they will explore the idea of re-development of Nalanda as a major centre of learning with the establishment of an international university on the basis of regional cooperation.

Noting that civil aviation links between the two countries are a key element for fostering closer economic and people-to-people contacts, the two leaders welcomed the positive outcome of bilateral civil aviation talks and directed their respective authorities to expeditiously implement the agreed measures to expand air links commensurate with the requirements of growing economic relations and enhanced tourist flows.

The Indian side also invited Japan to participate in the development of airports in India through public-private partnership, and also under the Overseas Development Assitance. The Japanese side said that it would give serious consideration to the idea.

Japan's Travel Guide To Feature Brunei

2006-12-18T01:13:00.000-08:00

Two representatives from Japan's Neutral `Travel For Life' Travelers Guide Magazine are currently in Brunei Darussalam as guests of the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association.

Naonori Kato and Masanobu Mariyama will be here for a week for a factfinding visit for an article featuring Brunei Darussalam in their quarterly issue to be out in 2007.

The featured article shall introduce Brunei Darussalam as one of tourist destinations that are rich in culture and tradition and to promote the country's natural environment. Neutral `Travel for Life' has a circulation over 200,000 copies annually, targeting the Japanese tourists and travellers alike and it focuses on the distinctive point of view, which has not appeared in other sightseeing guides. It would like to capture Brunei's natural beauty and its majestic royal heritage monuments.

The BJFA was founded on 14 March 1985 for the purpose of strengthening economical and cultural exchanges with Brunei

On the business side, the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association is very active in assisting the activites of Brunei delegations (from both government and private sectors) visiting Japan. On education, the BJFA extends considerable support to Bruneian students studying in Japan. BJFA is also helping the Embassy of Brunei to Japan to promote awareness of Bruneian culture to the Japanese.

World's Largest Tower to Rise in Japan

2006-12-12T02:43:00.000-08:00

When done, structure will stand 2,013 feet

Japanese planners on Friday revealed the design of a huge broadcast tower that is set to become the world's tallest structure upon completion in 2011. The tower will stand 2,013 feet tall, according to Tobu Railway Co., which has provided land for the project.

It will claim the title from the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, a 1,815-foot communications structure and outlook point that is currently the world's tallest freestanding structure.

Dubbed the 'New Tokyo Tower,' the building will replace a 1,090-foot tower built in 1958.

The new tower, designed by award-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando and sculptor Kiichi Sumikawa, will stand on a triangular foundation.

But its slender body will turn into a cylinder as it stretches upward, its bluish-silver color blending into the sky.

The tower is being built by Japan's six top broadcasters and is expected to greatly bolster television and radio transmissions in the capital.

Though it now competes with a plethora of skyscrapers, the old tower is one of Tokyo's most visible landmarks and is visited by 2.5 million tourists each year.
The new tower will stand in the capital's Sumida ward, an area wedged between the Sumida and Arakawa rivers and known for its old-Tokyo ambiance.

Sumida ward beat out 15 other areas in Tokyo to host the tower, many of which were dropped after failing broadcast feasibility tests or coming up short in other ways, including the availability of mass transit.

Japanese Turn Honolulu Marathon Into International Event

2006-12-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

The Honolulu Marathon is an international event, attracting more than 17,000 runners from Japan, a high-spending group that tourism officials are eager to lure to the islands.

The Japanese influence on the race is readily apparent.

Schedules, flyers and maps of the course are written in both English and Japanese.

Thousands of runners pouring out of buses at the Honolulu Marathon Expo chat in a foreign tone.

The race, which started Sunday morning, had both miles and kilometers marked clearly for those trudging along the 26.2-mile course.

This year, Japanese entrants made up 62 percent of the 29,000-person field.

Their participation makes the marathon Honolulu's biggest event, pumping more than $100 million into the local economy.

Hokkaido shows off all that it has to offer 365 days a year

2006-12-11T07:52:00.001-08:00

“Where did you last go skiing and snowboarding?” was the question that Jotaro Horiuchi posed to a group of people sitting in the Pinaroo Rooms of Sydney’s Grace Hotel. It was an important question to ask because, last night, these people were gathered to experience a little slice of Hokkaido, and a significant drawcard that the area has is its snow fields.
According to Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) Executive Director Horiuchi, “Hokkaido has been gaining more popularity than ever as a place to ski and experience the snow.” In fact, Japan’s reputation as a exciting winter destination has grown dramatically.

Visitors to the northern regions of Japan experiences an excellence range of skiing conditions, enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at an izakaya, and then head off to see the Aurora Fantasy light show that recreates the northern wonders of the aurora borealis. Visitors can also go to see the Sapporo Snow Festival which displays a wonderful range of snow sculptures in a winter wonderful, or go walk on the drift ice in Shiretoko. And these are just the fantastic wonders in the winter season.

The excellence of facilities and activities to do in the Hokkaido winter months tend to sell itself, so Hokkaido Tourism had the aim of not so much promoting its winter wonderland, but rather spreading the word of the natural beauty that can be seen in the other months of the year. As Hokkaido Government international exchange officer Misae Nobuta said: “Hokkaido’s best season is 365 days a year”, and it is not hard to see why they say that.

Activities like canoeing, hot air ballooning, potato harvesting, soba noodle making, smoked cheese making, glass making, strolling along the Otal Canal, visiting the Sushiya Street, seeing the wonders of Cape Kemui, enjoying a Sapporo Beer in the beer garden, relaxing in a hot spring, visiting the fish market and eating fresh fish from the ocean are just some exciting things that can be done in this northern region of the country.

But there are two highlight events outside the winter months that must be experienced by the Hokkaido visitor – the Furano lavender farms and the YOSAKOI Soran Festival.

Summer in the Furano lavender fields is an amazing explosion of colour that never ceases to awe those who visit Farm Tomita. In these fields, lavender is not just the normal shade of purple that we are accustomed to – colours range from pink, white, green, yellow and more. Visitors can take the lavender experience to a new level by having a taste of the lavender delicacies that are around the area. Lavender ice cream and lavender soft drinks are available for tasting and are worth even just try to expand on the wonders of nature in this area.

Another prominent part of the Hokkaido summer months is the YOSAKOI Soran Festival. So important is this festival that YOSAKOI dancers were invited to the Grace Hotel last night to perform to guests of the event. YOSAKOI dancers are usually university students who dance folk dances to educate children of the next generation of their own culture. It is an exciting festival that encourages visitors and locals alike to join in the dancing fun, something that is akin to Brazil’s Carnivale.

Hokkaido Tourism put on a show that showcased all that was beautiful and exciting about their area. They are trying to show tourists from around the world that there is more to Japan than just the major cities, and they are slowly but surely learning that.