Plan a Trip to Japan

The keep of Matsue Castle. Copyright (c) 2003 ...

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Japan is one of the world’s largest economies. It is one of the most modern of countries out there, too. It does have a long and rich history that has not always been good, but it does have numerous reasons to visit. For business or pleasure, Japan is the place to go.

What You Will Find

If this is your first visit to Japan, know what to look for and to expect. You will find a wide assortment of things to do and see. The following are some recommendations to get you started.

  • Visit the castles of Japan. There are numerous, but some of the originals worth visiting include Uwajima Castle, Matsue Castle, Matsuyama Castle and Kochi Castle. You can tour them.
  • One of the things Japan is known for is its gardens. You can visit many of them. Visit the gardens in Mito at Kairakuen. It is another good option to visit Kenrokuen in Kanazawa.
  • For those who are interested in learning the religious background of the country, no place is better than at the temples. You will find temples, including Buddhist and Shinto temples, to tour.

For those looking for a way to enjoy this country, realize there are many modern things to do and see, too. Spend some time enjoying the wonder that this country has to offer. You will find shopping, arts, museums and plenty of fun sites for the kids to enjoy, too. You may be impressed with just how much there is to do in a country that is quite small.

 

More Setbacks for Fukushima Power Plant

A treatment system designed to remove radioactive materials from the large amount of water from the Fukushima Number 1 plant was stopped on Saturday. The new system absorbed its limit and had to be replaced much sooner than anticipated according to the Tokyo Electric Power Co, also known as TEPCO.

TEPCO is working to find ways to solve the problems with this new system which would help contain the nuclear crisis still unfolding there. TEPCO hoped that with the new system they could recycle the water to cool the reactors that were damaged during the March earthquake and ensuing tsunami.

The TEPCO head office

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Denying a negative impact on the environment, TEPCO opened the doors on the reactor number 2 to lower humidity inside. This will allow workers to enter the reactor, once the humidity reaches 70 percent, with a facemask. At that point workers can begin injecting nitrogen into the reactor to prevent a hydrogen blast according to the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency.

Meanwhile, about 1400 TEPCO employees still await the results of their radiation checkups. This is important because internal radiation increases the chances of cancer and leukemia. These workers risk their lives every day to enter the reactors. A spokesman for the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said the reason for the delay in checkups are that the utility company does not have enough whole body dosimeters for the remaining 1400 workers. These meters are used to measure the radiation in the human body.  Around 3,700 people worked at the Fukushima Number 1 plant from the time the earthquake hit to around the end of the month.

 

Akureyri: A Little Town in Iceland and Its Weather

Akureyri is the largest town in Iceland outsid... 

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The title of “little town” is relative, especially in Iceland, where Akureyri, which serves as the northern capital of the country, is the second largest city in Iceland, with 17,000 residents. It’s also one of the most enchanting places on earth. Nestled (there is no other word for it) at the base of a fjord on the mountainous north coast, Akureyri is home to some fantastic skiing runs and other snow sports, for a very good reason: Icelandic weather.

Akureyri is only 240 miles from the nation’s capital, Reykjavik. However, in Iceland, distance is measured by weather, not kilometres. 240 miles can turn into an 8-hour drive when taken in November. If there is anything in this world that is unpredictable, it is what the weather is going to do in Iceland.  In June, the sun is out 177 hours in the month, in November, there are 12 hours of sunlight in the month. December is pitch black. Snow storms can whirl up out of nowhere and dump 36 inches of snow in one night.  It is a cold, beautiful land, and the weather can make it dangerous or enjoyable. Locals check the weather religiously.

Summer months in Akureyri allow for horseback riding, a national pastime, since much of the country is still rural, and summer drives to view the scenis countryside. Be careful driving in winter though; foreigners will be unfamiliar with what Icelandic winter does to roads, and, given that a majority of the roads in the country are unpaved in parts, city cars will have some spotty runs.

Preparing for a Ski Vacation

Going on a skiing vacation? Whether at Christmas time or in the middle of winter, schussing down the slopes in Alpine Glens is an exhilarating adventure. Before you hit the slopes, you’ll have to do lots of planning to make sure everyone has a good time.

When planning your skiing get-away, there are several things to do to make sure you have the best vacation possible. The first thing to do is to set a budget. When you know your budget, you will be able to determine if you will Ski France or go to a small ski resort in Vermont.

When planning your vacation, determine how much you can spend for the following expenses: ski passes, lodging, meals, airfare, rental of ski equipment (if you don’t have your own), and a car rental that is equipped for driving on snowy roads. Sometimes travel agencies have ski package deals that include all of these things in addition to a free shuttle to and from the airport. Be sure to check what travel agencies have available before you make any reservations on your own.

If you are traveling with children, pack snacks and drinks. Take age appropriate activities to keep them occupied. If you are driving, portable DVD players and movies are especially popular for keeping children happy. Be sure to stop often to get out and stretch.

When packing for your ski trip, be sure to pack proper ski clothing. Every family member will need a ski hat, coat, gloves, ski bibs or snow pants, and insulated stockings. You should also make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and everybody has sunglasses or ski goggles.

Checking The Weather Before You Go On Vacation

Stratocumulus perlucidus clouds.

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Weather plays a big influence on our activities. This is especially true if a vacation is planned. Unfortunately, it is the one thing many people forget to look at when planning their vacation.

The weather conditions can dictate what to pack, what outfits to wear, and whether or not to reschedule outdoor activities. It can also make the difference on deciding to go or changing the dates on airline tickets for a more suitable time.

Bad weather can easily interfere with any pending vacation plans. A bout of storms can delay or cancel flights, make it impossible to drive, or completely shut down any type of activities. In short, a change in weather can completely destroy a vacation.

Technology has made checking the weather in different areas easy. For phones, you can download a weather application. After that, you simply type in the area code or find the city and add it to the weather application. Once done, you can check the weather report at any time. For computers, a simple search can give you all the details. If there is any doubt about travel plans due to weather, you should contact the airport for flight cancellations.

Checking the weather report before you go on vacation is a step that should not be forgotten in the hustle of vacation planning. It is one step you need to add to your list of things to do before you go on vacation. Bad weather can turn a fun vacation into a disaster.

Plan a Family Cruise

With the cost of traveling increasing, many families are foregoing the annual family vacation and missing out on a chance to create memories, relax and have fun, all in an effort to save money. Luckily, for families that don’t want to miss out on a family vacation, there is the option of taking part in a family cruise.

Family cruises are economical vacation alternatives because the cost of the cruise usually includes planned activities, food, amenities and most travel expenses. All families have to pay for is the cost of traveling to port and the cruise itself.

If a family cruise sounds like a great vacation choice here are some popular ways that families are booking their cruises.

Travel Agent/Cruise Expert

Travel agencies, both local and national, can help families book their cruise. Many travel agencies even have a cruise expert who specializes in helping families book the right cruise for their needs. Families that are new to the cruise scene should sit down with a travel agent or cruise expert to ensure they are booking the right cruise for their family.

Online Travel Sites/Individual Cruise Websites

Families can use online travel sites or the cruise company’s website to book a cruise. Families are able to view all available cruise listings, amenities and activities, and choose which cruise package is best for them. This option is great for families that have experience with booking cruises and know exactly what they want in their vacation.

By booking a cruise, families are able to create memories, have fun and relax without having to worry about spending too much money on their family vacation.

Anime & Manga Displays in Tokyo

In the last fifteen years, Japanese anime and manga have grown massively in popularity outside of Japan. In Japan, it’s a staple of life, it seems. It’s such a part of Japanese culture that there are museums dedicated to both anime and manga. The most popular museum is the Ghibli Museum Mitaka, which is mostly devoted to the work from the studio’s that created such larger works as “Spirited Away.”

If you’re not one for large crowds inside museum or if you’ll betaking children with you to Tokyo, there are a number of smaller anime and manga museums and exhibits. There are also numerous manga and anime shops throughout Tokyo. Your first stop should be at the Tokyo Anime Center. There you can find information all of the shops, museums, and exhibits throughout the city. The center also showcases its own exhibits of the well-known artwork. A brief list of Tokyo shops and museums is below.

  • The Suginami Animation Museum: This museum showcases much of the work by the anime houses in Suginami Ward. Admission is free and you have a wide variety of items to choose from, including a movie theatre and a workshop area.
  • The Toei Animation Gallery: One of the largest and most popular film companies in Japan, the gallery has been producing animation since before the second World War. Inside, you can learn about the entire filmmaking process from the script writing to the finished product.
  • The Akatsuka Kaikan: Showcasing the work of Fujio Akatsuka, this gallery displays some of the best-loved older, slap-stick-type anime work. Akatsuka was known for his comedic look at Japan’s Shows Era.

Many people, in the hustle and bustle of trying to see as much as possible, forget about these places that showcase such a large part of Japanese culture. Make some time and visit one or two.

Must-See Places in Tokyo

When taking a luxury vacation to Tokyo, Japan, it can be difficult to decide what sites to see and visit. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world and offers something interesting for just about everyone. Because of the size, it’s difficult to see everything of interest within one or two days, so it’s best to plan out a list of activities before leaving home.

If you’re one who appreciates beautiful scenery and skylines, then make sure you stop at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Tourists and visitors are allowed up to the 45th floor. There you’ll find the best view of the Tokyo skyline. If you’re looking for a great photo opportunity, this may be one of the best you’ll find in the city. At night, the city looks even more amazing. If you’re staying at a luxury hotel in the city, you will certainly have a nice view of these as well.

The Imperial Palace and Palace East Garden are popular among tourists as well. The royal family lives in the palace, so it remains closed to the public, but you’re free to wander through the gardens on one of the many walkways. If you’re looking for any type of entertainment, the Shinjuku district is where you’ll want to head. The most impressive part of this district is all of the neon signage at night.

Spending time in Japan is all about the experiences, so if you’re looking for one that’s a bit different, check out what’s known as the “Shibuya Crossing.” There is a four-way intersection here, and whenever the stoplights change, hundreds of people make their ways from one side of street to the other. The crowd is unlike anything you’ve probably ever seen before.

The Akihabara district is a must-see area of town, especially if you’re one with a gadget obsession. Known as “electric city,” this area of Tokyo guarantees sales of almost anything electric, as well as video games, manga, and anime items.

There are plenty of other sites around Tokyo. The best advice is to find a guidebook and make a list of the places and attractions you want to see. Make the most out of your visit to Tokyo.

What to Do When Visiting Tokyo

Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, ...

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When planning your vacation to Japan, you’d be morally remiss to not include spending a day or two in Tokyo in your schedule. Tokyo is one of the word’s largest cities and is the largest city and capital of Japan. Because of the sheer size of the city, it would take years to really experience everything Tokyo has to offer. As a result, it may be difficult to decide on what you want to see and where you’d like to visit while in the city. Take a look at the following list for some great ideas.

  • For a stunning view of the city that’s worthy of an entire roll of film in itself, stop by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and take an elevator to the 45th floor. If you’re feeling puckish, stop at the café on the same floor.
  • If you’re into fashion, take a trip to the Harajuko region of Tokyo to get a view of some of the newest, hottest, and most bizarre fashions and style obsessions. Sundays prove to be the most interesting day because that is when the teenagers, who are the most fashion-conscious of the Japanese, are out in full force.
  • Because fish is the basis of so much of Japanese cuisine, stopping at the Tokyo Fish Market is a must. If you get there early, around 7:30 a.m., you can watch the boats dock and bring in their catch. Along the same vein, if you’re feeling adventurous, give sushi a try. The wide array of sushi dishes are a large part of Japanese cusisine and all are served fresh throughout the day at many restaurants.

What to Know Before Going to Japan

As with any type of trip or vacation abroad, it’s always a good idea to learn as much about your destination country as possible before getting there. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, the most important thing you can do is learn about Japanese customs and etiquette. Some of the things you do at home may not be acceptable overseas. Just as doing one thing can be offensive, neglecting to do another thing can also be offensive. As such, it’s important to take the time to understand Japanese customs.

In Japan, removing your shoes when entering a house, restaurant, and in some cases, businesses is required. In many cases, you should take a suitable gift for your hosts, regardless of who they may be. When you sit down to eat, always use chopsticks—this is a custom as well. Learn to use them before leaving for Japan. When sitting down for a meal, keep the eating end of your sticks away from any food not yours. If helping yourself to more food, use the opposite ends of the chopsticks. The Japanese never pour their own drinks. Be sure to let someone else do this for you.

It is always a good idea to learn the language before going to Japan. While it may be nearly impossible for you to learn the entire language before your trip, you can, at the very least, learn enough to get around. Some of the phrases that you should know before heading overseas are simple, such as hello and goodbye. You should also learn greetings, formal and informal, as the Japanese are very polite and will expect you to be the same.

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