Friday 20 September 2013

Witness the True Beauty of Rural Japan

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If you want to experience something unique on your trip to Japan, then try and take some time off and escape to a few rural areas in the country. The rural parts of Japan are extremely beautiful and there is a lot you can see in these places that you can never even think of experiencing in the urban parts. If you are looking for a place to go, then consider Miyama.

Miyama is a far-flung rural place in the mountains, about 30kms in the northern direction of central Kyoto. Miyama is well known for its farm houses with thatched roofs (kayabuki). Around 200 such farmhouses dot the countryside of Miyama. In Miyama, people work and live in such farmhouses. Visitors get an authentic yet rural essence of Japan from these farmhouses. The look is incredibly traditional and that’s what people love.

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This area is made up of hamlets and small villages that are scattered along a winding valley. Kayabuki no Sato or the northern village is the main attraction of Miyama. This village has 40 farmhouses with thatched roofs but as most of them are residential, visitors can’t enter them. The Kayabuki no Sato Folk Museum, is a building that is open to the public. Daily household items and traditional tools from the past are exhibited in this museum.

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You can stay a night at a few of the farmhouses that are open to public and allow lodging. Three such farmhouses exist in Kayabuki no Sato. The farmhouses have tatami floors and you can sleep on futon beds. You can also go hiking and sweetfish fishing along the river Yura. Shizen Bunkamura Kajikaso, an accommodation and nature centre is at some distance.

This is one of the best ways you can experience the rural Japan. So, if you are planning your trip to rural Japan, keep Miyama in mind.

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Visit Unusual Places in Japan to Capture the True Essence

Japan is full of exquisite tourist spots and wonderful sights. The country is extremely picturesque and loaded with culture. Thousands of tourists throng the country every year mostly during spring and summer and sometimes in winter. Travellers who like to visit countries that are historically rich will definitely not miss out on Japan. Japan maybe the technological capital of the world but its old world charm has and continues to captivate tourists all around the world.

There are many places you can visit in Japan. For example, The Great Buddha of Kamakura, Mt. Fuji, Himeji Castle, etc. are visited by hundreds of tourists every year but there are many other places in Japan, that are not very famous but definitely worth a visit.

If you are planning to go to Japan on your next vacation, it is important to gather information about Japan to make your trip easier. If you search for unusual places to visit in the Land of the Rising Sun, you will find plenty. Here are a few places you can go to.

Temples and Shrines in Kyoto

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Kyoto is a lovely city as you will find the flavour of every season in this place. Every single season in this city is celebrated with festivals, different sorts of food that suit each season and rituals. If you want to go on a spiritual trip in this city, there are two temples you must visit. The Kinkakuji temple which is also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ and the Ryoanji temple that is famous for its zen rock gardens.

Gion District in Kyoto

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The Gion district is very famous for its shrines, temples and geisha. Also, if you want to witness the famous Japanese tea ceremony, this is the place.

To capture the true essence of Japan, it necessary to go to the less famous places of the country as these places are less affected by Western culture.

Monday 9 September 2013

Tourist Destinations in and Around Tokyo

Many people live with a preconceived notion that Japan is ridiculously expensive. In fact, the whole world knows Japan as one of the most expensive places for foreign travellers. In spite of this, Japan sees record number of tourists every year.

It’s true that Japan is expensive but if you spend the money wisely, you can enjoy the whole trip without falling short of money. Use Japan Rail Network for transportation and try not to splurge on buying expensive items. In fact, you could get lots of ‘affordable yet fashionable’ items at street shops and local market.

So, plan out your vacation and make the list of places to visit in Japan. Here are a fee must-visit places in Japan, take a look:

Tokyo’s Tropical Islands

Izu islands, a group of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, belong to Tokyo and counted among the must visit places. There are some of the striking volcanic islands, Hachijo and Miyake being the two most prominent islands. You can catch a ferry from Takeshiba sanbashi terminal in Tokyo, or a plane from Haneda airport to get to these islands.

Izu islands
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As these islands are volcanic, most beaches are rocky and Hachijo is the home to many hot spring (onsen) spots. You can also enjoy some adventurous activities at Hachijo and Miyake islands.

Onsen Ryokan in Kinugawa, Tochigi

If you are looking to spend your weekend in relaxing way, go to an onsen ryokan in Kinugawa in Tochigi prefecture. This place is home of many ryokans offering hot spring bath facilities. You can really enjoy your stay and get various spa therapies.

Onsen Ryokan
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KITTE

If you are in Tokyo at present, do not forget to visit this landmark. The Old Tokyo Post Office has been recently renovated and came up with new functionality and concept. There are many shopping places, restaurants and bars and lounges inside this seven stories building. Moreover, you will be amazed by the design of building.

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Similarly, there are many other places to visit in Japan. Each place has to say something different to you.