Japan in 8K

Japan is an amazing country full of contrasts from natural landscapes to high-tech modern marvels. Most of us have seen Japan from the ground but taking a look above from the air gives you a totally new and different perspective.

Armadas, a video production company based in Japan recently released a stunning 8K video which captures the beauty of Japan from above. The video highlights major tourist attractions such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama, Nagoya and Hakodate. Some of the amazing sights include:

Hakodate, one of the main cities in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island is the gateway to this wild & rugged northern frontier. The city is famous for its dramatic night views from the top of Mount Hakodate and Fort Goryokaku, which was Japan’s first western-style fortress.

Yohohama is a lively port city south of Tokyo that was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade. This video beautiful captures the Minato Mirai 21 area of Yokohama, which is a seaside urban area that features many large skyscrapers including the Landmark Tower and Queen’s Towers as well as the colourful Cosmo World Ferris Wheel.

Nagoya is a manufacturing and shipping hub in central Japan that was a key player in Japan’s economic revival. The city is home to one of Japan’s best and most historic castles as well as some amazing modern architecture such as JR Central Towers, Midland Square and the Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers.

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital is home to some of Japan’s most important temples and shrines. The Kyoto Station area features some interesting architecture with Kyoto Station one of the largest buildings in Japan and a shopping and transportation hub. Kyoto Tower is a rocket poised for takeoff on the doorstep of the station and a popular landmark.

Tokyo is Japan’s modern capital and is the world’s most populous metropolis. The city is home to some of Japan’s best architectural marvels from the twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku to the iconic Tokyo Tower, regarded as the symbol of Tokyo. Tokyo Skytree towering over the city at 634 meters is the new modern symbol of Tokyo and one of its best landmarks.

Take a look at this video from Armadas and sit back and enjoy the show from above.

Best Spots for Cherry Blossoms in Gifu / Aichi

We are lucky here in the Gifu and Aichi area of Japan to have many great spots for viewing the beautiful cherry blossoms. This year they are expected to start blooming earlier than usual and the estimated start date of the bloom is around March 21 in both Gifu and Nagoya. The peak is estimated for around March 29-30.

Below are some of my favourite spots for cherry blossom viewing in the area.

Nagoya-jo Castle – featuring 10 different types and 1600 cherry trees around the park and along the moat of the castle. This is one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. Best from late March to early April.

Tsuruma Koen – located in Tsurumai, Nagoya, it features 1000 cherry trees. It is a popular hanami spot with many food stands and plenty of space for hanami parties under the trees. Best from late March to early April.

Inuyama-jo Castle – located in Inuyama City, just outside of Nagoya, it features 400 cherry trees set around the grounds of the famous castle. Best from late March to early April.

Sunomata-jo Castle – located just outside of Ogaki City, Gifu on the banks of the Sai and Nagara Rivers, it features 1000 cherry trees. The castle is a replica of the famous original, which is said to have been built in one night. The area around the castle is illuminated at night and is very spectacular. Best from late March to early April.

Gifu Koen – featuring 480 cherry trees in the area around Gifu park from the foot of Mount Kinka to the Japan-China Friendship Garden, it is one of the best spots for cherry blossom viewing in Gifu. This spot can be enjoyed during both the daytime and the evening/night. Best from late March to early April.

Shinsakai River - located in Kagamigahara City near the Shimin Koen Park this is one of the best spots in Gifu and features in Japan's top 100 best sakura locations. The banks of the river have around 1200 cherry trees and there are many food vendors making this a fantastic hanami location. Best from late March to early April.

Usuzumi Sakura – located in Motosu City, Gifu, it is one of the oldest cherry trees in Japan and considered one of Japan's Three Great Sakura. This unique cherry blossom initially sprouts pale pink flowers, which become white in full bloom. Usuzumi Park features around 50 cherry trees. Best from early April to late April.

Take a look at the Cherry Blossom Forecast 2013 from Japan Travel Advice

Where are you planning to see the Cherry Blossoms this year?

Christmas in Japan

image from bobby stokes

Christmas in Japan is traditionally celebrated with KFC fried chicken and a fancy Christmas cake. The cake usually consists of a sponge cake covered in whipped cream and topped with strawberries. Christmas is not a national holiday in Japan, and unfortunately is just a regular working day if it falls on a week day. The retail stores and shopping malls scattered all around Japan have been the most enthusiastic about Christmas, with large Christmas trees, Santa Clauses and seasonal decorations out in force several weeks or months in advance. Christmas Eve has traditionally been a time for couples to go out on a romantic dinner date and restaurants and hotels are usually fully booked out during this time.