Posts under "Travel"

Kyoto

Posted by Ginny No Comments
Sep 15 2011

Kyoto (京都) is a beautiful city with strong links to traditional Japanese architecture and culture. When people think of Kyoto, the image of Pontochō (先斗町) is probably one of the first images that spark the imagination. Pontochō is a well-known geisha district where traditional Japanese theatre, dance and song are still alive and entertaining the masses. In addition even some of the buildings in Pontochō have been preserved and are still used as tea or geisha houses.

When tourism agencies advertise the city of Kyoto, the most commonly used icon is the five-story pagoda of Tōji (東寺). Tōji is the name of a Buddhist temple that is famous for its 55 meter high pagoda. The pagoda is the tallest in Japan and is only open a few days out of the year for visitors who want go gain an entrance into the pagoda. Tōji is a historic monument that dates as far back to 796 or the Heian Period. However, the pagoda was built much later in the Edo Period.

The Iwatayama Monkey Park (山モンキーパーク) is where visitors can see and feed wild macaque monkeys. To enter the park, visitor must pay an entrance fee. This fee is separate from the purchase of food that can be used to feed the monkeys. There are certain rules that all visitors are required to obey when interacting with the macaque monkeys. One rule is that touching the monkeys is not allowed. Touching them may transfer illnesses from the monkey to the human and vice versa.

The Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮) is popular for its beautiful gardens. The gardens of the Shugakuin Imperial Villa are examples of top-notch Japanese gardening and are touted as cultural treasures. To an effort to preserve the beauty of the gardens the number of visitors are carefully controlled. Visitors may only view the gardens by appointment and with the permission of the Imperial Household Agency, which is the agency that administers the gardens.

Nijō Castle (二条城) is a large castle in Kyoto that contains two palaces, other miscellaneous buildings, gardens and ponds. Before Nijō Castle became a tourist attraction, it was a fortification site surrounded by moat. Since Nijō Castle was a defensive site, there is a guard tower and several rooms for the Shogun’s bodyguards. The outer rooms were where low ranking guests were received and the inner chambers were where high ranking guests could enter.

Hokkaidō

Posted by Ginny No Comments
Aug 31 2011

Hokkaidō (北海道) is the second largest island in Japan and is the northern most part of Japan. Hokkaidō is a place that has some of the most scenic places in all of Japan. For example, the Okhotsk (流氷) refers to the ice floes on Hokkaidō. Tourists come all the time to listen to the crackling and cackling of the drift ice, which is what the Okhotsk is famous for.

 

 

The Kushiro Wetlands (釧路湿原) have the most beautiful peat moss, marshes and reeds in Hokkaidō. The Kushiro Wetlands contain a vast wetlands ecosystem that includes salamanders, cranes and dragonflies. The Kushiro Wetlands are now a national park where people can visit and see all the wide green wetlands.

 

 

Shiretoko (知床) is a peninsula that is known to be well visited by tourists because of its whale watching cruises. The Shiretoko is one of the few places where you can see the Sperm Whales. The most common species of whales that can be seen on Shiretoko are the Orca, Killer Whales, Blue Whales and Humpback Whales.

 

 

The Hills in Biei (美瑛の丘) are renown for its wide fields and hillsides. The Hills in Biei are so iconic that they are often used in Japanese commercials. You may have seen these hills somewhere in advertisements without even realizing it! The late summer months are the ideal time to visit the Hills in Biei. The bright colors of the fields make it perfect to take photos!

 

 

The Sōunkyō (層雲峡) is a range of gorges that contains an excellent variety of waterfalls and cliffs. The area around  Sōunkyō is a resort area with hot springs, hotels and rest spots. The scenery in Sōunkyō is really superb. At rare moments you can see several rainbows across the Sōunkyō gorges. It just takes your breath away!

Giant Japanese Statues

Posted by Ginny 1 Comment
Aug 30 2011

Kannon (観音) is the Buddhist goddess associated with compassion. There are large statues of the Kannon that can be found all over Japan. One of the more famous statues of Kannon is the Ōfuna Kannon (大船観観音) in Kamakura (鎌倉) of Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県). It is 82 feet tall was built to commemorate those who died in the atomic bomb attacks of Hiroshima (広島) and Nagasaki (長崎).

 

The Kaga Kannon (加賀の観音) is located in Kaga (加賀), in Ishikawa Prefecture (石川県). It is 240 feet high and stands above a hill that is next to a temple that is dedicated to the Goddess Kannon. The Temple is also next to a hotsprings hotel, which is one of the reasons why this statue is visited by many travelers seeking to see the Goddess and relax at a hotspring afterwards.

 

 

The Sodoshima Dai Kannon (小豆島大観音) is located in Kagawa Prefecture (香川県) and is 164 feet high. The Statue is famous for containing a tooth that is said to have belonged to the Buddha. The other famous features of the Kannon Statue are the gold crown, necklace and waistband that adorn the Goddess. Inside the Statue is an observation deck, prayer halls, and an elevator.

 

 

Takasaki Byakue Dai Kannon (高崎白衣大観音) is located in Takasaki of Gunman Prefecture (群馬県) and is 137 feet high. The Takasaki Byakue Dai Kannon is presented with one hand on her wrist and the other hand holding a scroll. The Statue is made of concrete and is surrounded by peaceful looking gardens. Visitors come every day to get a view of the Goddess of mercey.

 

 

The Heiwa Kannon (平和観音) in Funaoka (船岡) of Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県) is 77 feet long and stands above a tall hill. People can climb the hill and see the statue of the Goddess close up. The Heiwa Kannon in English literally means ‘Peace Kannon’. The Statue represents the Goddess bringing peace to the world, which is why the statue is so beloved by people all over Japan.

Japanese Lakes

Posted by Ginny No Comments
Aug 28 2011

There is definitely no shortage of lakes in Japan. One of the most beautiful lakes that I’ve ever encountered is Lake Towada (十和田湖). Lake Towada is in Honshū (本州) Island between the border of Aomori Prefecture (青森県) and Akita Prefecture (秋田県). Lake Towada is a crater lake created by volcanic eruptions. Today tourists go to to see the rainbow trout, eels, salmon and crap of Lake Towada.

 

Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖) is located in Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県). Lake Ashi provides a good view of Mt. Fuji (富士山) and that’s why you’ll see many ferries and boats that offer rides for tourists. Lake Ashi is a crater lake with many hot springs. The resorts, hotels and restaurants in the area are what makes Lake Ashi a popular tourist destination.

 

 

Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) is located in Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) and is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Lake Biwa is famous for its historical and literary importance. Many battles have occurred near this Lake and there are frequent references to this Lake in Japanese poetry. Today, Lake Biwa is home to an assortment of flora and fauna.

 

 

Lake Shinji (宍道湖) is located in Shimane Prefecture (島根県) and is most famous for its clams. Tourists from all over flock to Lake Shinji to get a taste of Lake Shinji’s clams. If you don’t like clams, you can also choose from an array of sea bass, eel and many other aquatic fish from Lake Shinji. There are also local cruises around Lake Shinji that provide a scenic view of the area and just a plain good old chance to relax.

 

Lake Kasumigaura (霞ヶ浦湖) is the second largest lake in Japan that contains a numerous bunch of other small lakes. There is so much to do in Lake Kasumigaura which include bird watching, boat racing and fishing. The waters of Lake Kasumigaura are used to irrigate the farmland around the area, so there are lots of crops and flowers that tourists can see in plain sight.

Ogasawara Islands

Posted by Ginny No Comments
Aug 6 2011

In June of this year the smaller islands on Ogasawara Islands (小笠島) were designated as World Heritage Sites. Some of the islands have interesting names. In particular, some of the islands are named after family member. For example, there is Chichi Jima (父島), which means ‘Dad Island’. It is the largest of the Ogasawara Islands, hence its name.

There’s also the Haha Jima (母島), which means ‘Mom Island’. It is the second largest island and is famous for its variety of snail species.

Ani Jima (兄島) means ‘Elder Brother Island’. It was formerly called Buckland Island after William Buckland, who was a British palaeontologist.

Ane Jima (姉島) means ‘Elder Sister Island’. The Green Turtle is an endangered species on this island because turtles are consumed for its protein. Efforts are being made to preserve the turtle by raising them in special facitilies.

Imōto Jima (妹島) means ‘Younger Sister Island’. The people of this island share a unique ancestry of European, American and Japanese descent.

Otōto Jima (弟島) means ‘Younger Brother Island’. The island is famous for its various bird species.

Mei Jima (姪島) means ‘Niece Island’. It is a small island with a few goat-raising farms.

Mago Jima (孫島) means ‘Grandson Island’. It is the smallest of the family islands, but it is also the most ecologically pristine island because there are few people to pollute it.

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