Picture of the Week Hiroshima Castle, Japan

Hiroshima Castle (広島城 Hiroshima-jō), also sometimes called Carp Castle is a castle in Hiroshima, Japan and was home to the daimyo (feudal lord) of the Hiroshima han. The castle was originally constructed in the 1589, but was destroyed in the atomic bombing of 1945. The present castle is a replica of the original and was rebuilt in 1958.

Entry costs ￥300 and it is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm October to March and until 5:30 pm April to September.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima (広島市) is a beautiful city in Japan that reminds me of my home town of Melbourne in Australia with its green parks and trams. Hiroshima City was destroyed by a nuclear bomb when it was bombed in 1945. Hiroshima City was completely rebuilt after the war and now tourists from all over the world flock to this city. The highlights include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Peace Memorial Museum, Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome), Hiroshima-jo castle and Miyajima.

This picture is of the Genbaku Dome or Atomic Bomb Dome, which is just across the river from the Peace Memorial Park. The building which was a hall is where the bomb directly exploded.

How to become an English Conversation Teacher

Picture of the Week Yokohama Chinatown, Japan

Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo and is located by the sea close to Tokyo. Yokohama has a lot to offer including the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 harbourtown, Yokohama Marine Town and Chinatown. Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in the world.

This picture is of one of the main entrances to Yokohama Chinatown

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Tokyo Disneyland Japan

Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Chiba, Japan near Tokyo. The park was constructed in the same style as Disneyland in California. There are seven themed areas in the park. Made up of the World Bazaar, the four classic Disney lands: Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, and two mini lands, Critter Country and Mickey`s Toontown.

This picture is of the main icon of Tokyo Disneyland, Cinderella Castle.

Learn how to make your own Green Tea At Home and save $$$$

A Short Stop Over in Tokyo, Japan

If you have a 13-hour layover at Narita Airport, Tokyo Japan do you have enough time to actually go into Tokyo and see a few sights?

The answer is Yes, a short trip into Tokyo is very possible. The best way to get from Narita Airport is on the Narita Express train (http://www.jreast.co.jp/), which takes 53 minutes to reach central Tokyo Station. It is best to try not to achieve too much in the time you have, but you can still see at lot of the major attractions of Tokyo.

Ginza, is one of Asia`s best and most exciting shopping districts and is located right near Tokyo Station, as is the Marunouchi Building (http://www.marunouchi.com/), an upmarket retail and dining complex. Nearby is the Tokyo Imperial Palace and its lavish gardens.

If you fancy a splurge, there is a special Tokyo City Transit Tour (http://www.tctour.co.jp/) designed for visitors on a stopover. A minivan with an English speaking guide collects you at Narita Airport and takes you into Tokyo for a tour of the city. It`s not cheap at USD $270 a person, but you get to see the major sights of Tokyo in a short period of time.

(Source: Escape, Sunday Herald Sun, 2010)

The Highlights of Tokyo Japan

Discover The Secrets Of Dating The Beautiful Women Of Japan

Picture of the Week Cherry Blossoms in Japan

The cherry blossom or sakura is the unofficial national flower of Japan. There are many dozens of different cherry tree varieties in Japan with most blooming for just a few days in Spring. The Japanese celebrate that time of year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees. The blossoming begins in Okinawa in January and typically reaches Kyoto and Tokyo at the end of March or the beginning of April.

This picture is of a tree in Kagamigahara Shiminkoen in Gifu, Japan.

Step-By-Step Guide to Identifying, Finding, Cultivating, Protecting & Maintaining Beautiful Bonsai Trees!

Picture of the Week Todai-ji, Nara, Japan

Todai-ji (東大寺) or Great Eastern Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nara, Japan. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its Great Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world. It houses the world`s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, known in Japanese as Daibutsu (大仏).

This picture is of the main temple complex.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Matsumoto Castle, Nagano, Japan

Matsumoto Castle (松本城 Matsumoto-jō), also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black exterior, is one of Japan`s premier historic castles. The castle is located in the city of Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture. The castle is 15 minutes on foot from the train station and costs ￥500 for admission.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Hida Beef Sushi in Takayama, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is famous for its miso, ramen, mountain vegetables and Hida beef. Walking through the city is a taste sensation. A speciality is Hida beef sushi.

This is a picture of the raw beef sushi that costs 500 yen in Takayama.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Takayama, Gifu, Japan

Takayama (高山市) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. It is a small beautiful city known for its traditional architecture and crafts. Takayama lies in the ancient Hida district tucked away between the mountains of the Japan Alps. It is a great place to spend a few days or to use as a base to visit the mountains or surrounding onsen hot springs.

This picture is of the Hida Takayama folk village, which is near Takayama.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

Picture of the Week Gujo Hachiman, Gifu, Japan

The main claim to fame of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture is its Gujo Odori Folk Dance Matsuri held from early July to early September. The townsfolk continue nearly four centuries of tradition and let their hair down for some frenzied dancing. During the four main days of the festival from 13 to 16 August the dancing goes on through the night.
This picture is of a Shrine famous for its pure water. Most travellers to Gujo Hachiman stop by to taste its wonderful water.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Tokyo Japan

Tokyo is the perfect short-stay destination for a kick of adrenalin. You can spend a lifetime exploring Tokyo and never run out of new things to do and discover. It`s best not to think of Tokyo as one city but as a collection of separate smaller cities all connected by rail as it makes it much easier to explore the city. Each of these smaller cities has its own distinct character and attraction.

The highlights of Tokyo include, The Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine; Asakusa district famous for Sensoji temple and Nakamise shopping street with cheap, antique kimonos, geisha bags and beautiful paper products, Sensoji temple, and the Kappabashi kitchen street for those plastic replicas of food seen in restaurant windows. Ueno for its park and museums, Akihabara for electronics, Shinjuku for its shopping with its huge Takashimaya department store and food hall, Tokyu Hands eight level craft store and Uniqlo store for really cheap, high quality, basic clothing, Harajuku for cheap shopping and Japanese street fashion, and Shiodome for entertainment.

Other places of interest include Shibuya for its famous intersection where the style tribes gather and Shibuya 109 the 10 level fashion emporium. Roppongi traditionally known for its nightclubs and bars, but now for its numerous upscale boutiques, smart cafes and Roppongi Hills with the 52 storey Mori building and Tokyo City View a walkway that wraps around the building offering 360 degree views stretching as far as Mt Fuji. Ginza for Matsuya department store and food hall.

At night time Tokyo really comes alive with mazes of blazing neon lights, tiny street stalls, bars complete with karaoke boxes, and the amazing pub food of yakitori and izakaya.

Himeji Japan

Himeji Japan features exquisite gardens, excellent sushi, and the most elegant of Japan`s feudal castles. Himeji Castle or Himeji-jo as it is known in Japan has to be the most spectacular castle in Japan. The 16th century castle with its foundations made of stone, massive granite pieces arranged to form gentle curves with centimetre perfect geometry. Above the foundations the construction is built from timber, and all external surfaces coated in white plaster to protect the wood from threat of fire. Viewed from a distance the castle sits peacefully atop a tree lined hill, earning the castle the nickname “White Heron”.

The Secrets Of Speaking Japanese Fluently

Ogimachi Timber Houses Shirakawa-go, Gifu Japan

The Japanese village of Ogimachi located in the Shirakawa-go region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan has long been known for the handsome gassho zukuri houses that make the tranquil village so special.

Meiji Mura

At Meiji Mura Museum, 20 minutes by bus from Inuyama Station you can see more than 60 Meiji-era buildings brought together from all over Japan. The clash of architectural styles on display, both Western and Japanese provides a sense of that period`s cultural schizophrenia. You will need at least half a day to enjoy the place at an easy pace. Admission is 1600 yen and it is open from 9:30 am to 5pm. Buses depart every 20 minutes from Inuyama Station (380 yen). Meiji Mura Japan is definitely an attraction worth checking out.

Find Out How To Import Cars From Japan and Save $$$$$$$!

Monkey Park Japan

Monkey Park Japan also called Nihon Monkey Park close to Inuyama is located on a hillside, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Kisogawa River. The park covers 500,000 square meters, and is crammed with such attractions as the Atomic roller coaster: `Canyon Splash`, a thrilling carpet ride: `Eagle Coaster`, a large Ferris wheel from which you can see four castles, and a merry-go-round. Adults as well as children can have a great time.
One day passport which includes admission fee and free tickets for attraction is a popular way to enjoy the park. The park also houses the Japan Monkey Center, which is a unique primates museum with about a thousand different types of primates from all over the world.

Little World Japan

Little World Japan close to Inuyama is a themepark dedicated to the world. You can see 22 countries houses ranging from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Germany, Italy and France. You can also eat and buy food, accessories and products from those countries. I highly recommend the Sri Lankan Curry, Okinawan donuts, and German beer and sausages. There is sometimes a small circus troupe that perform there. All this you can enjoy in a day at Little World Japan.

Discover The Secrets Of Dating The Beautiful Women Of Japan

Little World Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Little World also located close to Inuyama is a themepark dedicated to the world. You can see 22 countries houses ranging from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Germany, Italy and France. You can also eat and buy food, accessories and products from those countries. I highly recommend the Sri Lankan Curry, Okinawan donuts, and German beer and sausages. There is sometimes a small circus troupe that perform there. All this you can enjoy in a day.

Discover The Secrets Of Dating The Beautiful Women Of Japan

Nihon Monkey Park Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Nihon Monkey Park also close to Inuyama is located on a hillside, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Kisogawa River. The park covers 500,000 square meters, and is crammed with such attractions as the Atomic roller coaster: `Canyon Splash`, a thrilling carpet ride: `Eagle Coaster`, a large Ferris wheel from which you can see four castles, and a merry-go-round. Adults as well as children can have a great time.
One day passport which includes admission fee and free tickets for attraction is a popular way to enjoy the park. The park also houses the Japan Monkey Center, which is a unique primates museum with about a thousand different types of primates from all over the world.

Meiji Mura Museum Inuyama, Achi Prefecture, Japan

At Meiji Mura Museum, 20 minutes by bus from Inuyama Station you can see more than 60 Meiji-era buildings brought together from all over Japan. The clash of architectural styles on display, both Western and Japanese provides a sense of that period`s cultural schizophrenia. You will need at least half a day to enjoy the place at an easy pace. Admission is 1600 yen and it is open from 9:30 am to 5pm. Buses depart every 20 minutes from Inuyama Station (380 yen).

Find Out How To Import Cars From Japan and Save $$$$$$$!