#Furano destinations

[travelguides-world]

A Comprehensive 2-Week Itinerary from Osaka to Hokkaido

Japan, a land of rich cultural heritage, technological marvels, and breathtaking natural landscapes, stands as a coveted destination for global travelers. Embarking on a 2-week sojourn from the vibrant city of Osaka to the serene landscapes of Hokkaido is a journey that promises a multifaceted exploration of this captivating nation.

Week 1: Osaka and Kyoto - Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Day 1-3: Osaka - The Urban Heartbeat

Commence your journey in Osaka, a metropolis pulsating with modernity and historical nuances. The towering skyscrapers juxtaposed with ancient temples create a unique urban tapestry. Begin your visit by exploring the resplendent Osaka Castle, an iconic emblem of the city's feudal past. Traverse through Dotonbori, an avenue adorned with neon billboards and culinary delights, igniting your senses with an electric charm.

Don't miss: A tranquil interlude at the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, a pristine example of ancient Shinto architecture.

Day 4-7: Kyoto - Elegance Enshrined

A swift train ride lands you in Kyoto, a city that beckons with its timeless elegance. Embark on a cultural immersion by visiting the Kinkaku-ji Temple, adorned with gold leaf that shimmers under the sun's embrace. Wander through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where rustling leaves create a melody of their own.

Unveil: The secrets of traditional tea ceremonies in machiya (wooden townhouses) while savoring matcha tea's nuanced flavors.

Week 2: Tokyo and Hokkaido - A Tale of Two Landscapes

Day 8-10: Tokyo - Neon Dreams and Technological Feats

Transitioning to Tokyo, a symphony of lights and technological wonders awaits. Traverse the Shibuya Crossing, a mesmerizing intersection where the urban flow converges in a dance of pedestrian choreography. Ascend the Tokyo Skytree for a panoramic view that encapsulates the city's boundless energy.

Indulge: Your inner bibliophile at Jinbocho, Tokyo's book district, boasting shelves that house literary treasures spanning centuries.

Day 11-14: Hokkaido - Nature's Poignant Sonata

Concluding your traveling to Hokkaido, be prepared to be enthralled by untouched wilderness and serene landscapes. Sapporo, the prefecture's capital, offers a blend of cosmopolitan charm and natural beauty. Revel in the resplendent colors of the Furano Flower Fields, a pastoral canvas that blooms vivaciously during the summer months.

Embrace: The therapeutic warmth of an onsen (hot spring) in Noboribetsu, a town nestled amidst volcanic terrains, bestowing an unparalleled relaxation experience.

Embarking on this meticulously crafted 2-week itinerary unravels Japan's diverse facets. From the urban tapestries of Osaka and Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Hokkaido, each destination interlaces modernity with tradition and nature's marvels. The journey etches an indelible tapestry of experiences, where historical grandeur and contemporary marvels intertwine, crafting memories that linger long after the sojourn concludes.

#japan travel guide #osaka #tokyo #hokkaido

[cmp-geo-world]

What are some popular tourist attractions in Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is a popular tourist destination in Japan, known for its natural beauty and unique culture. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Hokkaido are: Sapporo Snow Festival Shiroi Koibito Park Otaru Canal Asahiyama Zoo Furano and Biei Lake Toya Noboribetsu Onsen Shikotsu-Toya National Park Sounkyo Gorge Hakodate City

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#Geography

[greenconcierge-blog]

Unveiling the Elegance of a Serviced Apartment: A Glimpse into Fresh Powder, Furano

When it comes to travel, nothing quite compares to the comfort and convenience of a serviced apartment. A harmonious blend of the amenities offered by a hotel and the cosiness of a home, serviced apartments have redefined the way we experience luxury accommodation. And nestled in the heart of the picturesque Furano region in Hokkaido, Japan, is the epitome of elegance and comfort – Fresh Powder.

The Allure of Fresh Powder

Furano, known for its enchanting landscapes and serene charm, is a year-round destination that beckons travellers from around the world. Fresh Powder, a jewel in Furano's crown, stands as a testament to the growing trend of serviced apartments that provide guests with an unparalleled experience.

Fresh Powder offers an array of luxurious serviced apartments designed to cater to the needs and desires of the modern traveller. Whether you're a solo explorer, a couple in search of a romantic getaway, or a family seeking an unforgettable adventure, Fresh Powder has something exceptional to offer.

The Essence of Elegance

The elegance of a serviced apartment like Fresh Powder lies in the careful balance between luxury and homely comfort. The moment you step into your meticulously designed apartment, you'll be greeted by spacious living areas, tasteful furnishings, and panoramic views of the surrounding Furano landscape. With a range of apartments, you'll find the perfect space to suit your needs.

Personalized Services

One of the defining features of Fresh Powder is its commitment to delivering personalized services that go above and beyond. The dedicated staff is always ready to assist you, ensuring your stay is nothing short of perfection. From concierge services that can arrange your outdoor adventures to in-room dining experiences featuring local cuisine, your desires are attended to with care.

The Culinary Experience

Exploring the Furano region extends beyond its scenic beauty; it also involves savouring its culinary delights. Fresh Powder offers a range of dining options that tantalize your taste buds with local and international flavours. Be it a cosy breakfast in your apartment or a memorable dining experience at their in-house restaurant, your culinary journey will surely be a highlight of your stay.

Adventure Awaits

Furano is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Fresh Powder caters to your adventurous spirit with a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and cycling in the warmer months. The hotel's prime location ensures that the great outdoors is right at your doorstep, waiting to be explored.

A Home Away from Home

The true elegance of a serviced apartment is in the way it makes you feel at home, even when you're far away. Fresh Powder understands this sentiment and has created an ambience that's both warm and inviting. After a day of exploring Furano's wonders, coming back to your serviced apartment is like returning to your private retreat.

Unveiling the elegance of a serviced apartment is about discovering a new level of luxury and comfort. Fresh Powder in Furano takes this experience to heart, creating an environment where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings while enjoying the convenience and personalized attention of a serviced apartment. When you choose Fresh Powder, you're choosing more than just a place to stay; you're choosing an elegant way to experience Furano and create lasting memories.

Discover the elegance of a serviced apartment like never before at Fresh Powder, and let your Furano journey be one of grace, beauty, and unparalleled comfort.

#luxury accommodation #luxury apartments

[travelluxegroup]

Luxury Travel for Photographers - A Journey Through Hokkaido

Capturing Hokkaido's Breathtaking Landscapes: A Photographer's Dream Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is a dream destination for photographers. With its breathtaking landscapes, varied topography, rich culture, and welcoming people, Hokkaido offers a unique blend of adventure and luxury. Whether you're a professional photographer or a hobbyist, Hokkaido has something for everyone. The Charm of Hokkaido's Landscapes Hokkaido's stunning landscapes include mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and coastline, offering endless opportunities for photographers. The vast terrain is especially captivating during the autumn season when the leaves turn into a fiery blaze of colors. The spellbinding vistas of lavender fields in Furano and Biei, or the snow-covered rural landscape in the winter months are other breathtaking landscape opportunities. The Culture of Hokkaido Hokkaido has a rich indigenous culture, and its unique festivals and traditions offer vibrant and colorful photography opportunities. The Ainu communities, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, have a distinct culture that visitors can experience through their cuisine, crafts, and folk music. The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February in Hokkaido's capital, is another vibrant cultural event that attracts visitors from all over the world for its stunning snow sculptures. Wildlife Photography Opportunities Hokkaido is also known for its wildlife photography opportunities, with brown bears, red-crowned cranes, and Steller's sea eagles among the highlights. The Akan International Crane Center in Kushiro and the Shiretoko National Park are among the best places to capture the beauty of Hokkaido's wildlife. Photographic Tours and Workshops To get the most out of your photography trip to Hokkaido, consider joining a guided photographic tour or workshop. Professional photographers and local guides offer expertise and assistance, providing insider knowledge of the best locations and conditions to capture the perfect shot. Whether you're beginner or experienced photographer, the workshops offer something for everyone. In conclusion, Hokkaido is a paradise for any photographer, with its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, vibrant wildlife, and variety of photographic tours. So, if you're a photography enthusiast, Hokkaido should be on your list of destinations to visit. Hokkaido: A Haven for Winter Sports Enthusiasts If you are a winter sports enthusiast, Hokkaido is the destination for you. Known for its powder snow and extensive ski resorts, Hokkaido offers a plethora of winter activities that promise to give you an unforgettable experience. Skiing and Snowboarding Skiing and snowboarding are the most popular winter sports in Hokkaido. With over 100 ski resorts spread across the island, you are spoilt for choice. Some of the well-known ski resorts include Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu. The resorts offer a variety of terrain suitable for beginners to expert skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, the resorts offer night skiing, which is a unique experience that you should not miss. Ice Fishing Ice fishing is a unique winter activity that you can indulge in Hokkaido. Lake Shikaribetsu, located in the Daisetsuzan National Park, offers an unforgettable ice-fishing experience. The lake, which freezes completely, allows visitors to access its surface to fish for smelts, a type of fish found only in Hokkaido. The experience is further enhanced with traditional Japanese-style tents and ice sculptures. Snowshoeing and Snowmobiling If you want to explore Hokkaido's winter wonderland, try snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Snowshoeing is an exciting activity that allows you to walk through deep snow while enjoying the beautiful scenery. On the other hand, snowmobiling is a thrilling experience that promises to get your adrenaline pumping. You can explore the vast expanse of Hokkaido's backcountry with a guide who will take you through the best snowmobiling trails. Indulging in Hokkaido's Culinary Delights Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island, is known for its fresh and high-quality produce, seafood, and dairy products. Hokkaido's unique climate and geography make it an ideal location for agriculture, fishing, and dairy farming. Here are some of the must-try culinary delights in Hokkaido: Sapporo Ramen Sapporo is known for its delicious ramen, a Japanese noodle soup dish. The broth is made from pork bones and miso paste, giving it a distinct flavor. The noodles are thick and chewy, and the dish is often topped with pork, corn, and green onions. Sapporo Ramen is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Seafood Hokkaido is known for its fresh seafood, including salmon, crab, scallops, and sea urchin. Head to the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market to sample the freshest seafood that Hokkaido has to offer. Dairy Products Hokkaido is known for its dairy products, including milk, cheese, and butter. The cows in Hokkaido are raised on a special diet, giving the dairy products a rich and creamy flavor. Head to Furano Cheese Factory to learn about the cheese-making process and to sample some delicious cheese. Yubari Melon The Yubari Melon is a prized fruit in Hokkaido, known for its sweetness and juiciness. It has a unique flavor and is often given as a gift. Head to the Yubari Melon House to try this flavorful fruit. Indulging in Hokkaido's culinary delights is a must-do for anyone visiting the island. From delicious ramen to fresh seafood, dairy products, and fruits, Hokkaido has something for everyone. Immersing in Hokkaido's Rich Culture and History When traveling to Hokkaido, it is impossible to ignore the rich culture and history of the region. From the indigenous Ainu people to the Japanese settlers, Hokkaido has a fascinating past that is just waiting to be explored. Visit the Historic Village of Hokkaido A must-visit destination for history buffs is the Historic Village of Hokkaido. This outdoor museum showcases authentic buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras that have been relocated here from around the prefecture. Visitors can stroll through the streets and experience what life was like for the early settlers of Hokkaido. Explore Ainu Culture at the Ainu Museum Another important part of Hokkaido's history is the Ainu people, the indigenous people of the region. The Ainu Museum in Shiraoi is dedicated to preserving and sharing Ainu culture with visitors. Guests can watch traditional dance performances, learn about Ainu art and crafts, and even try Ainu cuisine. Attend a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as "sado," is an important part of Japanese culture. Visitors can participate in a traditional tea ceremony at one of many tea houses throughout Hokkaido. The ceremony involves enjoying a bowl of matcha tea and traditional Japanese sweets while sitting on tatami mats. Experience the Sapporo Snow Festival The Sapporo Snow Festival is a winter event held annually in Hokkaido. It attracts millions of visitors each year and showcases incredible snow sculptures, ice skating, and other winter activities. The festival is a celebration of Hokkaido's snowy climate and is a great way to experience the region's culture during the winter season. Hokkaido's rich culture and history provide endless opportunities for luxury travelers and photographers to immerse themselves in the region's past and present. Hokkaido's Unique Wildlife Photography Opportunities Hokkaido's diverse landscapes are home to unique wildlife that are begging to be captured through the lens of a camera. Known for its cold winters and mild summers, Hokkaido's wildlife adapts to the changing seasons, providing year-round photography opportunities. Here are some of the unique wildlife species that you can photograph in Hokkaido. Red-Crowned Cranes The red-crowned crane, known as the tancho in Japanese, is the symbol of Hokkaido. These beautiful, graceful birds can be found in the Kushiro Wetlands, where they nest and dance during the winter months. Photographing these cranes in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. Brown Bears Hokkaido is home to the largest brown bear population in Japan. They can be found in the Shiretoko National Park, where they roam freely in the wild. Brown bears are majestic creatures that provide a unique photography opportunity for those brave enough to capture them in their natural environment. Sika Deer The sika deer is one of the iconic animals of Hokkaido. They can be found in large numbers in the Naraoka and Akan National Parks. During the autumn months, the male sika deer make a unique kind of roar to attract females, providing a great opportunity for wildlife photographers to capture this interesting behavior. Humpback Whales The Humpback whales can be found in the waters off the coast of Hokkaido during the summer months. The best place to photograph these majestic creatures is off the coast of Shiretoko National Park. The whale watching tours provide an opportunity for photographers to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, Hokkaido offers unique and unforgettable wildlife photography opportunities. The best way to experience these opportunities is through a guided photography tour, where you'll be taken to the best locations to capture these amazing creatures. Hokkaido's Best Luxury Accommodations for Photographers 1. The Kiroro, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel The Kiroro is a luxurious mountain retreat that offers stunning views of Hokkaido's snow-capped mountains. The hotel's design is inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, with spacious rooms that provide ample natural light and magnificent views. As a photographer, you'll appreciate the hotel's location, which is just a few miles from some of Hokkaido's best ski areas. With its top-class amenities, including a spa, gym, and indoor pool, you'll have plenty of opportunities to recharge and get ready for your next photography adventure. 2. The Green Leaf Niseko Village The Green Leaf Niseko Village is an elegant ski-in/ski-out hotel that offers exceptional accommodation to photographers. The hotel's modern design and cozy atmosphere make it a great place to relax after a long day of shooting. The rooms are spacious and feature large windows that let in plenty of natural light, providing a perfect setting for your photography work. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant, bar, and lounge area, where you can enjoy a drink and mingle with other photographers. 3. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The Tower Located in central Hokkaido, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is a luxurious hotel that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The hotel's unique and modern design provides a perfect setting for your photography work. The rooms are spacious and feature large windows that let in plenty of natural light. There is also a terrace with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, which is ideal for outdoor photography. The hotel's amenities include a spa, hot spring bath, and indoor pool, where you can relax after a long day of photography. 4. Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention is a luxurious hotel that offers stunning views of Hokkaido's snow-capped mountains. The hotel's design is inspired by traditional Japanese architecture, with spacious rooms that provide ample natural light and magnificent views. As a photographer, you'll appreciate the hotel's location, which is just a few miles from some of Hokkaido's best ski areas. With its top-class amenities, including a spa, gym, and indoor pool, you'll have plenty of opportunities to recharge and get ready for your next photography adventure. Overall, Hokkaido offers plenty of luxurious accommodations to photographers who are traveling to Japan. These hotels provide perfect settings for photography work, with ample natural light, stunning views, and top-class amenities. So if you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, be sure to check out these fantastic luxury accommodations for photographers. Planning Your Hokkaido Photography Journey: Tips and Tricks 1. Research and Plan Before embarking on your luxury Hokkaido photography journey, it is essential that you research and plan your itinerary. Hokkaido is vast, and there is so much to see and photograph here. As a photographer, you might want to consider visiting popular destinations such as the Biei Blue Pond, the Otaru Canal, and Sapporo Clock Tower. Researching ahead will help you decide what places to include in your itinerary. 2. Time Your Trip Well Hokkaido experiences different seasons, and each season has something unique to offer. For instance, the winter season offers an opportunity to capture Hokkaido's stunning snow scenery, while spring provides a chance to take photos of cherry blossom trees. Timing your trip well will help you to capture the best shots of Hokkaido. 3. Pack the Right Gear Packing the right gear is essential when planning a photography journey to Hokkaido. You should have a camera, extra batteries, a tripod, and lenses suitable for different shooting scenarios. If you plan to photograph the wildlife in Hokkaido, a telephoto lens should be on your list. 4. Dress Appropriately Hokkaido can be quite chilly depending on the season. It's necessary to dress appropriately for the weather to avoid compromising your photography experience. A down jacket, gloves, and hat are recommended if you are traveling in winter. 5. Consider a Guide To get the most out of your Hokkaido photography journey, it is worth considering hiring a local guide or joining a photography tour. They can provide you with in-depth knowledge of the area and guide you to the best photography spots. 6. Respect the Environment Lastly, while taking photographs, it's crucial that you respect Hokkaido's environment and follow regulations. Avoid trampling on flowers or disturbing wildlife while taking photographs. Leave the area as it was before you arrived. In conclusion, a Hokkaido photography journey is an unforgettable experience full of stunning landscapes, wildlife, and architecture. Planning and preparing accordingly will ensure you have a successful and enjoyable photography journey in Hokkaido. Read the full article

[tokidokitokyo]

北海道

Japanese Prefectures: Hokkaido

都道府県 (とどうふけん) - Prefectures of Japan

Learning the kanji and a little bit about each of Japan’s 47 prefectures!

Kanji・漢字

北　きた、ホク　north

海　うみ、カイ　sea, ocean

道　みち、ドウ、トウ　province (as in Hokkaidō); roadway, course; teachings, moral

Prefectural Capital (県庁所在地) : Sapporo (札幌市)

Hokkaido is the northernmost prefecture of Japan. The entire island is a single prefecture, comprising one-fifth of Japan’s total land area, and thus it is the largest prefecture in Japan. It is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in winter thanks to abundant snow at resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano. The main metropolis of Sapporo is famous for Sapporo beer, Sapporo ramen, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Hakodate is a traditional port city with picturesque views, delicious fresh seafood, and nearby natural beauty. In the summer, the mild climate is great for exploring the numerous National Parks, natural hot springs, and volcanic lakes. 

The Ainu People・アイヌ民族

Most of Hokkaido was settled by the Japanese within the last 100 years. Prior to 1869, the Ainu people were the primary inhabitants of the island, living as a hunter-gatherer society. The Ainu people were largely assimilated into Japanese society, but small numbers of people of Ainu descent remain, primarily in northern Hokkaido.

More on the Ainu people and culture from Hokkaido 

Recommended Tourist Spot・おすすめ観光スポット Furano-Biei - 富良野美瑛

"HOKKAIDO (Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Biei)" by wanderlasss 

Located in the Furano-Biei area of central Hokkaido, Tomita Farm is one of the most popular places for viewing lavender and other colorful flowers. You can ride the open-air Furano-Biei Norokko train to get to the farm and other tourist spots. The open roads are also great for cycling with rental bicycles, including electric bicycles. The famous lavender flowers are at peak bloom around early to mid July, but the farm has other flowers that bloom spring to autumn.

Regional Cuisine - 郷土料理

Genghis Khan barbeque - ジンギスカン

Photo from fluentu

Jingisukan or Genghis Khan barbeque consists of thin slices of lamb or mutton that are marinated in a special sauce, then broiled with vegetables such as squash, cabbage, and bean sprouts on top of a helmet-shaped grill. The name is said to come from Mongolian warriors who grilled meat on their helmets. Hokkaido is a large consumer of mutton and lamb, and Jingisukan can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors.

Hokkaido Dialect・Hokkaido-ben・北海道弁

しゃっこい (shakkoi)

Standard Japanese: 冷たい (tsumetai) English: cold

Winter in the farthest northern prefecture in Japan is most certainly cold, and they have their very own word for it in the Hokkaido dialect!

あずましくない (azumashikunai)

Standard Japanese: 居心地が悪い、嫌 (igokochi ga warui, iya) English: uncomfortable (surroundings, unpleasant)

This word describes any place that feels unpleasant or uncomfortable. This can be a place that is too crowded, too empty, a cramped train car, etc.

おっかない (okkanai)

Standard Japanese: 危ない (abunai) English: dangerous, scary

This word describes something that is dangerous or a close call.

Example Sentence - おっかない

Hokkaido-ben: うちの子が熊のぬいぐるみだと思って遊んでいたのは本当の子グマだった。おっかなかったわ！ Uchi no ko ga kuma no nuigurumi da to omotte asonde ita no wa hontou no koguma datta. Okkanakatta wa!

Standard Japanese: うちの子が熊のぬいぐるみだと思って遊んでいたのは本当の子グマだった。危なかったわ！ Uchi no ko ga kuma no nuigurumi da to omotte asonde ita nowa hontou no koguma datta. Abunakatta wa!

English: Our kid thought he was playing with a teddy bear, but it was actually a live bear cub. What a close call!

Want more Hokkaido dialect? Check out Omoi no Hoka’s tumblr where these examples came from!

#japanese prefectures #日本語 #japanese #japanese language #japanese langblr #langblr #studyblr #都道府県 #北海道 #hokkaido #japanese geography #tokidokitokyo

[chaletnz]

Furano Trip

To make the most of my two days off I decided to drive to Furano after finishing work, to ensure I would be able to see the lavender first thing in the morning. I packed up the car and had a shower, then headed off. About 5 minutes after leaving home, I approached a cat sitting calmly in the middle of my lane, I screeched to a stop and the cat didn’t run so I rolled over the top and then it must’ve slunk away. It was enough to give me a fright, I drove a little slower from that point on since I was still in town. Well, after clearing Kutchan town I was on a country road on the way towards the mountains and the second cat was not as lucky... He darted out from a farmhouse and I saw his little ginger face in the split second before he bounced into the right front tyre. There was a bit of a thud but no bump. He ran off into the bushes. Very shakily I pulled over and went to investigate, there was a woman there who could speak English and she said she had seen him run down into the bushes surrounding the farm. I left with an eerie feeling that maybe I should go back home and drive tomorrow, like these cats were meant to be a sign. I drove on for about an hour, my lights on highbeam and my eyes on high alert – I was more concerned about deer now. I pulled over after another hour or so and sent a message to my mum just in case the universe was conspiring, and then the spookiest part... As I was sitting in the car recording my message, a third cat came running towards me! In the middle of nowhere! Very carefully I drove around it and back on to the road and that was thankfully the last cat I saw on the drive. After that it was smooth, I stopped for a late night McDonald’s at Chitose and then drove on until I found a nice big parking lot with a 24 hour toilet. There were bugs everywhere in the heat of a warm summer’s night, flying around the lights of the toilet building. I slept quite well all things considered.

The next morning I woke up around 6am when the heat in the car simply became too much to bear. It was gearing up to be at least 30 degrees today. Somehow the exact time I wanted to use the bathroom there was a cleaning crew surrounding it and I could just quickly brush my teeth and wash my face before leaving. I started by visiting a large campground park that I had intended on staying at last night but didn’t quite reach there, and luckily I hadn’t because it was a crowded carpark with a far worse toilet! I drove up to the first lavender field of the day, Choei Lavender Farm. There was a winding road up the back to reach a mountaintop viewpoint overlooking the lavender and the Kamifurano township. I battled to take some videos with my GoPro that seemed to be struggling in the heat already – by 8am it was already 28 degrees. Japan doesn’t do daylight savings so it means that sunrise is about 3am in summer so the hottest part of the day is earlier in the morning than you would expect. I parked down at the bottom of this farm and took a few more photos although it wasn’t possible to get a good angle of the word “Kamifurano” spelled out in Hiragana in large lettering filled with colourful flowers. I decided to get some gas because Kimbo was already thirsty again, and then arrived at Farm Tomita just before 9am. As Google maps directed me there, she made sure to inform me “this destination will be closed when you arrive” but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to wait for 10 minutes in the carpark. Well it seemed that the Japanese had the same idea! The main parking lot was already full and the parking attendant waved his lightsaber to guide me right down to the back lot. Furano has great flower fields but not much shade so poor Kimbo had to suffer in the sun while I went for a walk around. By now it was 30 degrees and humid. Japanese people carried umbrellas and wore full length sleeves in the heat. Many people were dressed up in their Sunday best to take family photos in the lavender with a bouquet purchased from the gift shop for 500 yen. Dogs were posed for photos and then taken back into the shade where they could lie down. I took my photos and walked around the perimeter but it was far too hot for me so I had to browse in one of the air conditioned gift shops to cool down. I tried to walk up the side of one of the more shady lavender fields but it was deceivingly steep and I struggled to get halfway! It was time for an ice cream break by 9.30am, and of course I had to try the lavender ice cream again. It was a soft purple colour, with a mild taste and started dripping immediately. Luckily there was a shady seat to sit and eat it and appreciate the views of Kamifurano and the mountains in the distance. In winter Furano is also a hugely popular ski resort that is often paired with Niseko for longer snowsports trips. To distract my thoughts, a child squeaked in with those annoying shoes that sound like you’re standing on a plush toy squeaker with every step. All heads turned to look at the child, who promptly trips up and starts scream-crying uncontrollably. And now my relaxing ice cream break was ruined. I walked around a little bit more and bought a few postcards and lavender things to send home then sat down for a drink and a potato croquette for an early lunch. I had been waiting around for a bit because I wanted to visit a café nearby that opened only at 12pm. It was relaxing anyway to sit and watch Japanese people enjoying the lavender and trying to get the best photos when the entirety of the scene is purple!

I drove to Kamifurano town and parked at the post office as I couldn’t find any free parking lots near the Polar Coffee café, I withdrew some cash and then walked there as a loud alarm sounded through the city – presumably a test as no one seemed even mildly concerned. On Instagram yesterday I’d seen that my colleagues Tim and Nick had come to this café which is owned by a Taiwanese guy (they’re also Taiwanese) and it had a good vibe from their photos so I was determined to try! It was even better than expected, I ordered a flat white and it was not only very Instagrammable but also cheaper than anywhere in Niseko. Cooling down in the air conditioned café was also a highlight. After my coffee I made the long drive to Asahikawa to see a rice field. But not just any rice field, one planted very carefully with different varieties of rice that had coloured shoots. The reason I made this long drive just for a rice field is because the second half of July is the perfect time to view such rice fields - the rice shoots have grown in and are brightly coloured at this time. I was very proud of myself as I directed myself to the field. Although a lot of people online said it was so hard to find, I had no trouble at all. Actually my Google map would have led me exactly there but I followed some signposts instead that said “tanbo art” on them in Japanese, and the reason I was so proud – I could actually read what it said! I was the only person there so I parked where I pleased and climbed up the viewing platform to see the art. Unfortunately the field was so wide that it was hard to take a photo of the entire thing, even with panorama! The design changes each year and this time it was a couple of anime characters, there was also something written way off to the left that wasn’t really visible from the platform and I could only see “2021” and some squashed Japanese characters from the ground. Anyhow, it was a very unique attraction and I was glad I had made the trip to see it. My next destination was the Ningle Terrace; a series of log cabin-esque boutique shops arranged along a wooden walkway in the forest. If my phone wasn’t so terrible with capturing greenery then it would’ve been another Instagram-worthy place to see but other than a cool photos the souvenirs were quite expensive and many of the shops were closed anyway. I took a long drive from Furano to Obihiro for tomorrow’s adventure and stopped at a mall for a KFC dinner. Usually Japanese KFC is great, but this one had unfriendly staff and they gave me a half frozen burger which I had to send back for a fresh one. I bought a few supermarket supplies and then drove towards the small Obihiro airport once it was dark to find a suitable parking space for the night. I passed the airport parking lot as it there were too many floodlights which would make it hard to sleep, further up the road there was a small shoulder so I stayed there in the pitch black instead, with a nice forest on either side. I got out of the car to change into my shorts to sleep but I heard rustling in the bushes and freaked out! Instead I changed inside with the doors locked. I felt a little uneasy falling asleep as there had been searchlights beaming around the sky that I’d assumed were to find intruders sneaking into the abandoned Gluck Kingdom theme park and I worried someone would knock on my car window and tell me to move on. Of course I didn’t want to get caught on my urban exploring but I thought “you would have to be absolutely insane to venture in there at night”. As it turned out though, the lights were for the airport perimeter security and nothing to do with the theme park coincidentally located about a kilometre opposite.

#Japan #Furano

[mygavinjohnsonposts]

Best places to visit in Japan

Japan is one of most visited tourist destinations around the world and there are more than 9 million tourists who visit Japan annually. Japan is not only about technology, but this country offers a perfect blend of beautiful landscapes, cultural heritages, challenging adventures and more. From the famous Niseko resorts in Hokkaido to Mount Fuji and the hectic Ginza in Tokyo, Japan can fulfill even the wildest dreams of tourists.

Japan may be a small country but it has giant sights to see across its multitude of islands.

From mega-cities filled with neon lights to mountain towns known for their hot springs, the Land of the Rising Sun has jaw-dropping scenic views, places filled with history dating back centuries and subtropical islands so beautiful you’ll feel like you’re in Hawaii. With so much to see we’re sharing the must-visit places across the country and what to do when you’re there.

Best places to visit in Japan

Tokyo

Kyoto

Nara

Osaka

Mount Fuji

Hiroshima

Okinawa

Furano

Hakone

More at - Finder.com.au/.

Tokyo 

Travelers who like to mingle with people will love Tokyo. The Japanese capital’s metropolitan area is the most populous in the world. From viewing spring cherry blossoms in traditional gardens to the fish market at Tuskiji. Tokyo blends the ancient with the new, from shrines to karaoke bars. Just walking the streets of this hyperactive city can be an energizing experience. When Tokyo’s pace gets too frenetic, visitors recommend unwinding at the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Kyoto

Kyoto today is the capital only of Kyoto prefecture, but it once served as the imperial capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years. Located on central Honshu Island, this city of 1.5 million people is known as the City of 10,000 Shrines because it has thousands of Shinto shrines, including the top rated Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Buddhist temples. Kyoto also is known for its lovely gardens and the Gion Matsuri festival, a July celebration that is considered one of the best in Japan...to read more, visit - Touropia.com/.

Nara

Nara, another of the best places in Japan for travelers, is the very first capital of the country even before Kyoto. Although the Nara era was less than 80 years long, the city is the birthplace of the fundamentals of Japanese tradition. In spite of an obvious Chinese influence in architecture, UNESCO designated Nara’s landmarks and designated them as World Heritage Sites.

Osaka

As the second largest city and a major business travel destination, Osaka is the home of several major international companies. But in addition to business, Osakan culture is also heavily focused on food. In fact, some lovers of Japanese cuisine view Osaka as the capital of an affordable dining spree! Outside of the urban centers, pockets of tranquility are tucked away in the countryside...read more at Neverstoptraveling.com/.

Mt. Fuji – A Breathtaking Marvel

The paradise for adventure seekers! Renowned around the world for offering the most thrilling experience in Japan, Mt. Fuji is the ultimate place to visit. While the official climbing season begins from July and ends in September, you can witness the beauty from a distance throughout the year. It is one of our most favorite places in Japan. Needless to say, this place ought to be on your list!

Hiroshima –  Historically Significant City

The city that beautifies Japan’s landscape! In spite of being known around the world for being a victim of the horrendous atomic bombings, Hiroshima continues to be one of the major places to see in Japan. And believe us, apart from the dedicated monuments and sites that reflect the history, the city also has other spellbinding attractions like the Itsukushima shrine. This is the most popular places in Japan....go to - Traveltriangle.com/.

There's the temples of Kyoto, and food of Osaka, the bustling metropolis of Tokyo, and the rejuvenating hot springs of Hakone situated below the beauty of Mt. Fuji, to name just a few general destinations. Get all of these and travel your heart out with the help of Oha japan. Visit them to know more.

[airmanisr]

Small train at the countryside by Phuong Nguyen Via Flickr: Furano, Japan - Jun 30, 2019. Small train at the countryside of Furano, Japan. Furano is one of Hokkaido most famous summer destinations.

#locomotive

[annakaashi]

you put the sun to shame

Fandom: Daiya no Ace/Diamond no Ace/Ace of Diamond

Pairing: Miyuki Kazuya/Sawamura Eijun

Word count: 1,7k

Other characters: Kominato Haruichi, Kanemaru Shinji, mentioned Kuramochi Youichi, Furuya Satoru and Kataoka Tesshin

Tags: skiing, Christmas markets, fluff, cold, scarf-sharing

This is a gift for @raexie for @fydaiyanoace‘s Secret Santa event!

I hope you will have a very happy Christmas, and I hope you will like this, I had so much fun with it, and your prompts were so good almost all of them made it into this fic :)

The snow-covered mountains glistened under them. Because it was late December and no matter how the sun was shining brightly, illuminating their breath as Eijun and Miyuki made their way up the mountain in the lifts, it was really cold.

“Kazuya, this is going to be so awesome!” Eijun exclaimed loudly, turning to Kazuya with a bright smile.

“Well, I hope so, we’ve been planning this trip for weeks now,” Miyuki answered with a smile of his own.

This trip they were speaking of was a weekend spent in a ski resort in Furano, which was in the middle of Hokkaido. Before choosing their destination, they asked Furuya which skiing area he recommended. He was more than happy to help (even though he didn’t show it, both Miyuki and Sawamura knew that he was glad they asked for his opinion).

So here they were, a snowboard and skis fastened on their feet, bundled in layers of clothes and a helmet on their heads, heading to the top of the mountain. Kazuya took a look at his boyfriend. His eyes were shining with glee, and because of the cold, his cheeks and nose were tinged with pink. Even though he was sometimes still unreasonably loud and boisterous, he had an air of maturity around him. That maturity probably came with shouldering the ace number since this summer, in his second year.

Once they were up on the mountain, they quickly got off the lift and made their way to the starting point of an intermediate level course. Both Miyuki and Sawamura had experience in skiing, so they didn’t bother with the beginner ones, but they weren’t regular skiers to take on a harder course. And besides, Sawamura would have to be careful, because if he got a somewhat serious injury not only the head coach, but Haruichi would kill him too, because a captain can’t have his ace sit out games in the upcoming summer.

So they started going down the mountain, and even if they wanted to speak to each other, the cold wind howling in their ears wouldn’t have let them. They could feel the snow under their equipment, and Miyuki had his sticks tucked under his arms. They had picked up quite a momentum, and were going really fast, but the end of the course was nearing, and Eijun didn’t look like he could stop.

Miyuki tried to catch Eijun’s attention somehow, and even though he succeeded, the message he tried to convey was lost somewhere in the middle. So in the end, Miyuki could only watch as Eijun leaned a bit backwards, making his legs go in front of him, and then promptly sat down, breaking his fall with his hands. ‘Well, I guess that’s one way to stop,’ mused Miyuki, but he wasn’t really happy about this method. Once he himself stopped, he took down his protective goggles to glare at Eijun.

“What did I do now?!” he yelped, looking a bit offended, and also like a sitting teddy bear with his legs spread out in front of himself and hunched shoulders.

“Honestly, Eijun. You should be more careful, do you want to injure yourself before the summer?” Miyuki sighed. Eijun looked a little sheepish, but he frowned.

“Well how else was I supposed to stop?” He shot back.

“I don’t know, but not like this!” threw Miyuki his hands in the air. He waddled towards Eijun, and extended his hands. Eijun took it with a grateful smile, and Kazuya pulled him up. Once Eijun was on his feet, they headed back to the lifts.

“Please don’t do it the next time, I don’t want you to get hurt in any way,” Miyuki said looking at Eijun as he took his hands.

“Why, is the great Miyuki Kazuya worried for his boyfriend?” teased Eijun lightheartedly, but Miyuki looked at him seriously, and only nodded. Eijun jerked to a stop, with his eyes slightly bigger. This caused Miyuki to stop as well, and Eijun just took a step towards him, and hugged him tightly.

“You know I’ll be careful, so don’t worry about me,” he murmured into Kazuya’s jacket, and Miyuki only squeezed him before they parted.

Halfway up the mountain Eijun started to get restless and whiny. He started wiggling on his seat, and crossed his arms in front of his chest with hunched shoulders.

“Kazuya, I’m cold,” he whined, and slumped forward. Kazuya had to put his hands on Eijun’s chest, because he was afraid that the pitcher would fall off the lift. ‘Honestly, does this guy have any self-preservation?’ thought Kazuya with an exasperated sigh.

“Come on, you couldn’t have said that 10 minutes ago? Because then we wouldn’t have started going up,” he asked his boyfriend.

“I wasn’t cold at that time! And besides, I got warm and now that we’re not going down I’m getting chilly,” he defended himself. True to his word, he did look cold. The wind made his cheeks and the tip of his nose slightly red and his hands were shivering a bit, even though he had mitts on. Kazuya closed his eyes.

“Fine, we can thaw out in the hut on the top,” he said resignedly. He wouldn’t admit it aloud, but he was cold as well.

Once they were up, they headed to the hut. They took off their equipment outside, and put them in the racks designed for them. Going inside felt like stepping into a furnace. Miyuki’s glasses fogged up in an instant, so he ran into Eijun when the younger boy stopped, as he couldn’t see anything.

“Why did you stop?”

“Because… there are… a lot of people…” Eijun giggled, but he tried to reign in his laughter, with more or less success. “…and I don’t really… see any open tables. Not that… you can… see more!” he finished and burst out laughing.

“Really, Eijun?” Miyuki just looked at him unimpressed. He grabbed his boyfriend’s hand, who was still giggling, and dragged him to a miraculously empty table near the window.

“Now, stay here and calm down, I’ll bring something. Do you want hot chocolate or tea?” Eijun took a deep breath, and he seemed relatively collected.

“Tea, please,” he answered. Miyuki nodded, but before he went up to the counter, he leaned down and planted a kiss on Eijun’s cheek. He watched with satisfaction as Eijun’s cheeks got redder. Ah, he’s never going to get tired of flustering his boyfriend.

After Miyuki brought their drinks to their table, they started chatting away. However, after a while Miyuki zoned out Eijun’s voice, and only focused on smaller details. The way his eyes shone as he talked about his friends back home in Nagano, or the way he gesticulated with his hands to prove his point even further. The way he rested his other hand on the big mug that contained the tea or how the sun shone on his hair.

“…and then Furuya slipped and Harucchi was so mad at him for being careless, you should have seen it!” finished Eijun his story, and Miyuki just hummed in response.

“Did you hear anything I said in the past three minutes?” asked Eijun with a frown on his face.

“Nope,” smirked Kazuya. “I was too lost staring at you,” he added as a finishing blow, and Eijun started spluttering, while his face turned into an alarming shade of red.

“Kazuya, you can’t just say things like this out of the blue, you tanuki!” Miyuki just laughed, but when he saw Eijun pouting, he stopped, and smiled at him.

“Come on, let’s get going, we wanted to explore the village today,” he said and pulled Eijun to his feet.

They quickly bundled up, and went outside, where they were greeted by frigid air. After putting n their equipment, they started down the slope, which was different from the one before. Once they arrived to the foot of the mountain, they went back to the rental shop to give the skis and the snowboard back. While they were going back to the hotel they stayed at, it started snowing.

After both of them showered quickly, they bundled up again. Hand in hand, they left the room, forgetting a red scarf draped over the back of a chair in the corner of the room.

Once they arrived to the village, they wandered around the Christmas market that was on the main square. They looked at the stalls that had small, wooden figurines, and ones that were selling jewelry. They had dinner at a food truck, and then sat down on a bench under some fairy lights, which had a view of the rink they passed on their way to the market. Eijun leaned his head on Kazuya’s shoulder, munching quietly on his food. That was when Miyuki noticed that Eijun was shivering.

“Hey, Eijun are you cold?”

“Mhmm, a little,” he replied. Miyuki just started to unwrap his scarf, and before Eijun had the time to protest, he wrapped it around them.

“Better?”

“Yeah, thanks,” Eijun turned to him with a grateful smile.

“You better not catch a cold, Coach and your new captain would grill me alive if something happened to the ace of our team,” Miyuki warned him.

“As Kuramochi-senpai would say, idiots don’t catch colds.”

 omake:

Miyuki just laughed at Eijun’s unlucky fate.

“So idiots do catch cold, huh?”

“Shut up, Kazuya,” came the whining reply from somewhere under the lump of blankets.

 omake 2:

When Haruichi stepped into the classroom, he saw Sawamura laying on the top of his desk, his head pillowed on his arm.

“What’s wrong, Eijun-kun?” he asked his friend. He wanted to make sure his friend was okay, not just as a friend but as a captain as well.

“Life sucks. The world sucks. Everything sucks,” came the muffled reply.

“Eh?” Haruichi was taken aback by this answer. Surely he couldn’t mean it seriously?

“He caught a cold on the weekend when he went skiing with Miyuki-senpai,” said Kanemaru, one of his vice-captains, helpfully, who was sitting behind Sawamura.

“Oh, I see. You just have a cold, you’re not dying, Eijun-kun.”

“I’m not so sure about that,” said the pitcher with a hoarse voice.

“Oi, seriously, grow up, Wamura!”

#fydnasecretsanta #fydna #miyusawa #miyuki kazuya #sawamura eijun #my writing #aaaa i really hope you will like this #I honestly had so much fun with this #and if there are some mistakes that may be because I'm not a native english speaker so forgive me for those #daiya no ace #diamond no ace #ace of diamond #dna

[withabackpackandcamera]

Reflecting on a New and Different Japanese Experience

Wow, this Japan trip went by in a flash. Less than two weeks ago, I was traveling through all of South America, hiking up and down mountains and through towns, in warm weather clothing, and being careful with what I ate. This trip couldn’t have been more different. In both good and not good ways.

The biggest difference between this trip and other trips was travel style. With every global trip I have taken since college, I’ve been exploring the world as a free-willed solo traveler. I plan very little except for those things that cost a lot or could burn me (accommodations, airfare, expensive activities). I like to stay in hostels where I can meet other travelers from all over the world. And I walk around a ton so that I can see the city from an up-close-and-personal view. But this trip was a bit different. Because I was traveling with different types of travelers and didn’t do any planning myself, I went with the flow of their plans, which was quite different than what I usually plan. We stayed at AirBnBs, hotels, and ryokans, where we kept to our little group and had the luxury of having our own clean showers and bedrooms with 2 beds or less. We drove around to see a lot of the countryside and did very minimal walking in Hokkaido. And we had a set itinerary for where we needed to go and where we needed to be at certain times. So, it was very different.

And sure, with all this planning done by others (in this case, everyone but me), it was nice to be lazy and just sit back and follow their lead. But when you actually go through someone else’s planned trip after doing your own thing for so long, it’s actually quite hard. It’s hard because you're not necessarily seeing the things you would’ve normally chosen to see. You’re not necessarily seeing as much each day as you would see if you were traveling at your own, rapid pace (which is the pace that I travel at). You’re not meeting as many people and carrying out as many random conversations with others because you’re not in an environment that is conducive to it. You can’t really ask for too much because you didn’t plan anything. And you’re just not seeing the world your way. So, it was pretty difficult at times for me to just sit back and go with the flow, knowing that I spent a decent chunk of money and time to travel to Japan to enjoy a new experience.

But despite the travel independence that I lost this trip, there were many gems that made the trip worthwhile. First, the food. Oh my goodness. The food was delicious and worth the time and money spent on the trip! So many delicious curries. So much fresh sushi. And so many delectable desserts and pastries to die for. Food is usually something I dabble in when I travel the world, but never have I gone on such a foodie adventure as I did here in Japan this time around. And I’m glad I did! The next gem was the relaxed pace. Sure, I didn’t see as much with my group as I would’ve seen by myself but maybe it was a good thing since I’d been traveling most of the year and needed a slower-paced trip to relax and take things in. Next, the living situation. Wow, never have I lived so luxuriously during my travels. Housing is something I usually skimp out on because nice places require lots of money. But the nice thing about traveling in a group is that you can get better places for about the same price since you can split the costs, something I can never do because I travel by myself. And of course, the last gem was traveling with my girlfriend Cynthia. It’s so different traveling with your significant other rather than traveling solo, with this being our first international travel experience together. Though it was hard at times because of my independent travel style, in the end, it was a lot of fun and a very memorable first trip together.  

And while I’m making comparisons, let’s take a moment to dissect the differences between this trip and my last trip to Japan two years ago. First, this trip exposed me to a bit more nature than my previous trip. This was because I had the luxury of traveling with a group of people who had access to a car, which means we covered a lot of distance and got to stop and see nature-y sights in between daytime destinations. Last trip, I was at the mercy of the bullet trains and city public transportation. Another difference between the two trips was the amount of city and countryside I got to see. Unlike my previous trip to Japan, which primarily took me to three different cities, this trip took me into big cities and small countryside towns. I got to experience a bit of what rural Japan is like and to experience the peace that it offered outside of the big cities. And the last big difference between my two trips is the way I explored Tokyo. The last time I visited Tokyo, I aimlessly walked through the city for a couple of days in the cool, rainy weather and saw whatever I happened to walk by while strolling through the streets. I made random stops to different districts without much direction and just looked around. But this time, with a master guide in Cynthia, I had the opportunity to experience Tokyo as more of a local than a tourist. I ate delicious food at restaurants and bakeries that were hand-picked by Cynthia during her time in Japan. I strolled down the aisles of bookstores and supermarkets and got a glimpse into daily Japanese life and culture. And I walked through small neighborhood streets and enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere so representative of Japan.  

When I look back, this trip was a unique international adventure that was unlike any of my previous adventures abroad. And when I really think about it, this trip had the same feel as past trips I made in the U.S. with family and friends. The common threads: lots of eating, lots of driving, cultural experiences here and there, and group traveling with some luxury. In the end, this trip was different but it was really fun and refreshing in its own right. And what I’ll remember most from this trip: 1. My first international adventure with the gf, and 2. SO MUCH GOOD FOOD!

Lastly, trip superlatives to end things off!

Trip Superlatives

Favorite Trip Foods:

Warm Karaage Soup Curry on a cold, rainy day at Suage in Sapporo

Curry Udon with Pork Cutlet and Milk at Daimaru in Biei

Omukare with Rice and Sausage in Yuiga Doxon in Furano

Shoyu Ramen at Ramen House Aoba in Asahikawa

Tsukemen Dipping Noodles at Rokurinsha in Tokyo Station

Favorite Japan Scenes:

The Pre-Bloom Fields of Biei

The Reflections in Blue Pond

The View of Tokyo from Roppongi Hills

Favorite Desserts:

Matcha Parfait at Nana’s Green Tea

Warm Apple Pie at Granny Smith

Melonpan at Kagetsudo

Nicest Living Spaces (Including What They Offered):

Kashoutei Hanaya Ryokan

Otaru Hotel

Hotel Dormy Inn

#withabackpackandcamera #huyphan8990 #travelblog #travel #blog #japan #backpacking #seeingtheworld #hokkaido #foodadventures #travelreflection #desserts #curryfordays

[matchajapantravel-blog]

Furano And Biei In Hokkaido – A Summer Escape To A Fairytale World

With its wonderful lavender fields, wide blue sky and cobalt blue pond, the Furano-Biei area in Hokkaido is an amazing destination for a summer trip. This article introduces some of the great attractions in Furano and Biei.

https://matcha-jp.com/en/4285

#japan #hokkaido #lavender #matchajapan

[getlostinasia]

9 Genuinely Cool Japanese Cities That Aren't Tokyo #japan #tokyo There's probably no better country in the world at balancing the old with the new than the nation of Japan, and its ability to mix the traditional with the cutting-edge has allowed the country to remain as one of the world's most intriguing and popular travel destinations. And while the mega-metropolis of Tokyo is an icon that has been mused over in countless movies and literary works, there is a lot more to the Land of the Rising Sun than its famed capital city. From its snowy northernmost provinces to its tropical isles in the south, the island nation is one that deserves to be discovered in full. So study the guide below, and make sure to venture out into something different on your next Japan trip: Kyoto Kyoto is a must-see that needs no introduction; if Tokyo embodies everything that is modern in Japan, Kyoto showcases its beautiful traditional past in all its glory. Once the capital of the nation, it also housed the emperor's royal residences until 1868 and is still home to a large collection of classical temples. Wind through the orange torii gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha, spot a geisha in Gion District, and appreciate the serenity of Arashiyama's bamboo forest. No one who has gone to Kyoto has ever regretted it – that's a fact. Hokkaido Quite far removed from Japan's central hub, Hokkaido is actually an island, not a city – but all the cities in this northernmost region of Japan are equally famous for its produce, dairy and mountains. Winter melons and milk in particular are globally-renowned local specialties, and the fresh seafood here is also top-notch. Stunning natural beauty surrounds you everywhere no matter where you choose, from bustling Sapporo and ski-perfect Furano to the stunning neon lakes of Biei. Hakone Most famous for its unbeatable views of Mount Fuji and its proximity to Lake Ashi, Hakone is easily-accessible from Tokyo central, making it a popular retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Hakone hot springs and onsen bath houses are unparalleled, essentially making Hakone a famous resort town. For first-time bathers, check out Tenzan Tohji-kyo. Takayama A historic town wedged in the Hida Mountains (aka "Japanese Alps"), Takayama is most famous for its colorfu biannual Takayama Festival. Tradition is well-preserved here, with the best sake and hida-gyu beef in Japan originating from this region's rich natural resources. Case in point: the Miyagawa River running through Takayama provides some of the clearest waters around, perfect for spirit-making. Make sure to roam the 16th-century Sanmachi Suji district, where you’ll find well-preserved inns, shops and taverns. Miyajima A small island only 30 minutes away from the city of Hiroshima by ferry, the idyllic town of Miyajima – aka Itsukushima – is inhabited by plenty of friendly deer, and is home to the iconic 'floating' torii Itsukushima gate. At sunset, crowds congregate on the islands shores to watch the tide rise, and the sun set – a truly breathtaking sight found nowhere else. Edible specialities here include oysters, eel, and maple pastries. Naoshima Located in Kagawa District, Naoshima is famous for its high concentration of modern art museums, architectural attractions, and sculptures. Often called "Japan's hidden island of surreal art," Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin statues adorn its beaches, while the Benesse hotel and museum is also home to renowned artwork by Gerhard Richter, Richard Long, David Hockney, and many more. Okinawa Beach holidays, subtropical temperatures, and Ryuku culture define the Okinawa archipelago. The 150 southern islands in this district are not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japan, but its coral reefs and WWII islands are a must-see. The Yaeyama Islands are a particularly famous sub-district of Okinawa, and boast the bluest waters ever. Nara Another previous capital city, Nara used to be the ancient hub of 8th century Japan, before that honor was bestowed on Kyoto. Just 25 miles from Tokyo, it is home to more friendly deer and many, many UNESCO heritage temples. The Shinto shrine of Kasuga Taisha is one of its best sights, and is decorated with more than 3,000 paper lanterns. Don't forget to follow up with a visit to the Naramachi Historical District. Fukuoka Not a picturesque city by any means, industrial Fukuoka makes up for its lack of beauty with its wonderful eats. The home town of the original tonkotsu ramen, the large urban center is well-known for its ubiquitous yatai food carts. One of Japan's ten biggest cities, Fukuoka serves as a great alternative to Tokyo if you're still looking for that metropolitan vibe. Pro tip: visit in July and catch the stunning Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. If you are heading to Tokyo, the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku is a must-see:

#japan #tokyo

[pokerwebs1]

The Greatest Guide To Shikoku highlights

Bangkok is usually a fantastic area to then leapfrog into the remainder of Thailand or any where through the location. It's the gateway into Southeast Asia with excellent small-Price Airways building travel extremely inexpensive. 2010/11/24 by Florian / Deserted Kansai A short while ago I went on a three working day road trip to Awaji Island and Shikoku. Fellow city explorer Jordy arrived all the way down to Kobe, we rented a car and off we went. Since Jordy likes to drive and I love to do investigation we put together our powers to check out some areas from the beaten tracks. Virtually every one of the places will be English Talking firsts, some of them are even hardly regarded for the Japanese haikyo community – including two original finds: A pachinko parlor with each of the machines in addition to a hotel named shangri-la. You lookaround at the bright floral sulu skirtssulu skirts nationalgeographic.com The “Web of Items” and augmented and virtual reality choices haven't been as prolific as They can be nowadays, and travellers Therefore experience a frightening level of alternative, it is actually 360 Levels Travel eyesight to interpret the myriad of choices and match the ordeals most wished-for by our purchasers. The Travel Scribes is actually a participant in quite a few affiliate promotion programmes designed to provide a implies for us to generate charges. In the direction of the tip of your trip, you might take matters at a slower rate by keeping at Kitamura Onsen Resort in Iwamizawa, which can be one.five hours’ push from Furano. Please benefit from the preview photos down below – a number of content articles with regards to the trip will start off ASAP, most probably by the tip of the week. Folks understand about the pachinko parlor. There are methods in and a great deal of equipment ended up opened. It’s just that nobody wrote about this on the net but. Most guests to haikyo are locals, only a few insane folks push all around and acquire pictures of All those destinations… This track, is like a political anthem which exemplifies his activism by way of track and carefully crafted lyrics. Certainly, she certain me After i showed her the Japanese character on my map, this was the bus to Daiho-ji. After we arrived there, the bus driver dropped us at an unmarked quit and the girl allow me to know this was the place I had to get off. When each one of these are finished, it’s about night. I like to recommend you to go back to your lodge at Kitamura Onsen Resort to get pleasure from a nice onsen tub. The hot spring Here's wealthy with salt and mineral. ITS applies architectural design with in depth compression abilities for the moment transport of high-quantity marketplaces info to its enhancement methodologies. What this means is our merchandise are measured in warp time. Should you loved this short article and you would like to acquire details regarding how Japan has slipped its roots generously visit the web-site. com. They may have 24hr on the net assist and plenty of of the options have much better cancellation policys compared to the competition. An extremely uncomplicated to work with booking System, and supplied how booked up things could possibly get while in the hectic seasons, it’s superior to strategy ahead. Even so, the ideal time to go is among November to February, which are the cooler months and enable you to effortlessly discover Bangkok on foot. Even though these are generally the peak months, so sights are somewhat busier and accommodation will become dearer! The temple alone is a lot more colourful and delightful but is often one of many busiest, so be prepared for crowds. You’re also only permitted to now climb to the next degree of the temple.

[tripstations]

5 things you’ve probably never done in Japan but should!

In case you didn’t know, I LOVE Japan. I studied the culture extensively in college and grad school, lived there twice, used to travel to Tokyo 1-2 times per year over the course of a decade in my last career, and continue to travel to Japan often. Even after numerous visits, I continue to find new, dynamic experiences to have there. Here are a few of them…

1. Visit Niseko on the island of Hokkaido (Japan’s northernmost island)

With its gorgeous scenery, the highest quality of food in Japan due to its vast number of farms, and calm feel, Niseko is a hidden secret typically frequented by Japanese residents. After visiting Niseko for the first time in May of 2019, I see the draw locals have to the area and I encourage any visitor to make a stop here if you have the time. The luxury hotel brands have already caught wind that this is an up-and-coming destination, as evidenced by the number of heavy-hitting luxury hotels close to completing construction there.

While there, I had a chance to visit the construction site for the Park Hyatt Niseko – set to open soon. This will be a fantastic property; it will have grounds for numerous outdoor activities year-round; and will, of course, have Park Hyatt’s beautiful design and excellent service. Also not to be missed in Niseko is Zaborin. Zaborin offers a contemporary approach to ryokan (traditional, Japanese inn). This is undoubtedly the best place I’ve stayed in all of Japan ever and currently one of my favorite properties in the world! When planning a visit to Niseko, I’d recommend spending a couple of nights enjoying the activities at the Park Hyatt Niseko, followed by two nights of peaceful surroundings, exceptional hospitality, and beyond phenomenal food at Zaborin. P.S. If you’re a skier, you’ll definitely want to visit Niseko as it is known for having the best powder in the world – even according to some avid skiers from Aspen.

2. Take in the art on Naoshima

Another Japan first for me was visiting Naoshima in 2017. The island has become famous for its outdoor art installations, galleries, and unique architecture. Artists and architects featured here are the likes of Yayoi Kusama and Tadao Ando. The island’s concept of blending nature with art and creating an atmosphere in which the viewer has more physical interaction with the art has gained in popularity so much that it is starting to be incorporated into communities as far west as Potomac, MD (a community very close to where my own family lives in the Maryland-DC area).

In this area you will find Glenstone – a contemporary art museum which marries the art and its surroundings to create a more contemplative experience. If you can’t make it to Japan, Glenstone is worth a visit the next time you are in the DC area. But definitely add Naoshima to your list when you do get to Japan!

3. Stay in Furano in the Summer

Furano is at the heart of farm country on Hokkaido. You’ll find the most delicious ice cream, cheese, and beef in this area all coming from the nearby farms. In addition to the food, this part of Hokkaido has some of the beautiful landscapes in the summer… land filled with flowers.

A significant number of the flowers grown here are lavender. You’ll find farms making lavender candy, lavender soaps, and even lavender (which is surprisingly delicious). While in Furano, stay at Furano Resort Orika. Here you can play golf and enjoy hot spring baths overlooking flower fields.

4. Eat ramen and drink beer in Sapporo

By now you are most likely familiar with the ramen craze and its close ties to Japan. While you can certainly eat ramen in any number of restaurants around the globe, in big cities in Japan, and even in your home, it’s worth it to eat it in the city of Sapporo, where many Japanese believe ramen is at its best! It’s so delicious and popular in Sapporo that they even have a ramen festival (which we managed to catch while we were there). We were able to squeeze in two bowls of ramen during our one-night Sapporo stay, and it was worth it! Before or after having ramen, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a Sapporo Beer tasting. After all, you ARE in Sapporo!

5. Have a cocktail from a cocktail cart in Tokyo

Sure, you’ve visited bars and lounges in your hometown and you’ve hit a couple when you’ve traveled too. But have you had cocktails from a cocktail cart (like a food cart)? Shotaro Kamijo has a contemporary, boutique-y-feeling cart named Twillo, which he takes out almost nightly and uses to create a cocktail lounge-like ambiance on the streets of Tokyo.

Complete with actual crystal (no plastic cups here), a disco ball, and the company of a mixologist sporting a faux fur coat, you have everything you need for a night cap (as it was for us) or a drink to kick-off your evening. Check Shotaro’s tweets nightly (@twillo0) at approx 10-11pm Tokyo time to determine his location.

Tisha Neufville is a Luxury Travel Advisor and Founder of Neufville Travel. Neufville Travel is an independent affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso member.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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[eyeontw]

The Eye on Taiwan news staff

Taiwan’s major carrier the China Airlines (CAL) is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding next year with the release of the “60 to Go – A FRESH START” 2019 wall and desk calendars.

Outstanding personnel from the pilot, cabin crew, maintenance and ground crew divisions have been invited to take part, the airlines said in a press statement on Tuesday.

The CAL logo for its 60th anniversary has also been revealed for the first time. The number “60” in corporate identity colors of blue and red symbolizes “GO” (movement) and “∞” (Infinity), extending invitation to join in the 60th-anniversary celebration over six decades of wonderful memories between China Airlines and the people of Taiwan, it said.

The cover of the China Airlines 2019 calendars features an A350 at take-off over the 60th-anniversary logo to symbolize China Airlines has always been dedicated to carrying passengers towards their dreams for the past 60 years, and years to come.

The talented men and women of China Airlines appear in the calendars symbolize youth, professionalism, and passion and reflect the people-centric approach at China Airlines and its commitment to service, it said.

According to CAL, it will continue to strive for excellence and is now passing the 60-year mark with full force, with every flight aiming to satisfy the expectations of every traveler as the first choice in the industry.

The 2019 calendars invite travelers to admire beautiful sights of the world 365 days a year with a hand-picked selection of China Airlines’ top 6 direct flight destinations in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.

January and February will visit the Bear Mountain in Ontario, USA, overlooking a world of silvery snow at a popular skiing destination. The blooming spring months of March and April coincides with the “Thai Water Festival”, the largest traditional holiday festival in Southeast Asia.

People splash each other with fresh water to wash away bad luck and get off to a new start for the coming year. As spring turns into summer in May and June, the warm weather and longer daylight are perfect for a tour in London.

Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace and King’s Cross Station are all well worth exploring. Avoid the scorching months of July and August by visiting the fields of lavender flowers in Hokkaido’s Furano.

Known as the “once in a lifetime” sight of seven different kinds of lavender flowers will leave behind a colorful memory of the summer days. September and October is fall, the season of romance.

See all the sights that New York has to offer at Central Park, Empire State Building and 5th Avenue. November and December is Sydney, Australia, in the

Southern Hemisphere famed for its spectacular view of Opera House and Harbour Bridge under fireworks. The count-down to New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular events every year. Make a wish in this city of surprises for a new year filled with new hopes.

CAL’s calendars have always been met with great anticipation from all sectors. The new calendars every year attract a great deal of local and foreign attention and are popular with collectors as well.

New and novel themes are introduced through the calendars every year, resembling China Airlines starts every refreshing and youthful day by offering enjoyable flights to customers, according to the airlines.

Taiwan's major carrier the China Airlines (CAL) is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding next year with the release of the “60 to Go - A FRESH START” 2019 wall and desk calendars. The Eye on Taiwan news staff Taiwan's major carrier the China Airlines (CAL) is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its founding next year with the release of the “60 to Go - A FRESH START” 2019 wall and desk calendars.

#airlines #holiday #Travel

[chaletnz]

Flower Fields of Furano and Biei

Selma was taking a while getting ready so I walked down to Starbucks for a morning coffee since there were no other cafes open before 10am. The menu bewildered me so I panicked and ordered an almond milk latte which was burnt as per Starbucks standards but actually wasn't terrible. I tried to use one of my ¥500 vouchers but they wouldn't accept it, I paid with coins and in the process my coin bag split open and the coins went all over the floor. The man in line behind me helped me pick them up so I gave him the ¥500 voucher that he could use later. When I got back Selma was ready and we headed off on our day trip to Biei and Furano. We started with a small garden, some viewpoints of rolling hills and farmland, followed by a visit to a lone tree that featured on a commercial and was now known as Ken and Mary's tree after the characters. Then we started seeing the real reason for our visit north - the famed flower fields of Furano. The first place we visited charged for parking which was surprising but we decided to visit despite the ¥500 fee which was almost what we paid overnight in the city centre! But when we got inside we were happy with our decision to stay for a look. It was a huge farm with neat lines of differently coloured flowers that rolled up and down the hills. The sun had come out after the rain yesterday and it was an enjoyable walk around the flowers but we weren't done yet. Tomita Farm was next on our list. I'd discovered it online months ago and had been wanting to visit ever since so it was great to finally get there! Selma was hungry so first we sat in the cafe but the one dish she wanted was sold out so we settled for a potato croquette each which was actually really tasty for only ¥160. Then we bought our long-awaited purple lavender ice creams and walked around the farm eating them. Tomita Farm is known for its lavender and although the actual lavender plants were already done for the season, the landscape not very purple at all, they still sold a lot of lavender products. I bought some lavender oil and a few postcards. We were finished with Furano so we headed back up to Biei where we parked about 700m from the Blue Pond to avoid paying for any parking fees. It was actually fairly busy with people gathered around the lake taking photos. I had visited in winter but the pond had been covered in snow so it was amazing to finally see the vibrant blue waters that make this such a beautiful destination. As we circled the lake taking photos I spotted the same dogs that we had seen at one of the flower fields and excitedly pointed them out. We then drove up the road to see the waterfall which was not as beautiful in summer. The wintry frost and snow definitely makes it look best! It was an hour's drive back to Tokiwa park to take photos of the Asahikawa bridge and then a stop the mall to get dinner and shop before parking back in our same spot and resting our weary legs.

#Japan #Furano