iReport: Top Japanese holiday destinations
January 4, 2012 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Today
In a CNNGo iReport assignment at the end of 2011, we asked readers to share their photos of their favorite Japanese travel destinations, as well as the reasons they picked them.
Sasa Jancikic, of Belišće in Croatia, and Melvin Francisquini, living in Tokyo, sent us these shots and a word or two on what made them pull out their cameras.
Melvin Francisquini: Hiroshima and Miyajima
I moved to Japan in July and had a one-week JR rail pass to use before starting work in Tokyo on August 1.
I wanted to see other cities in Japan first because I knew once I started my life in the capital it would be hard to venture beyond a 40-minute train ride.
Holiday Illuminations 2011
December 15, 2011 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Today
Japan cartainly has some strange traditions surrounding the Christmas holidays. Expensive date night or a bucket of KFC, anyone? But there’s one custom we’re definitely not going to quibble about — the ubiquitious LED illuminations that turn the city into a sea of multicolored, twinkling stars.
Here’s our rundown of some of the Tokyo area’s best holiday displays, gift markets and other wintry events.
Artelligent Christmas 2011
Shine: Until December 25, 5 p.m. – midnight
Take a romantic evening stroll down Keyakizaka Dori, surrounded by a wonderland of white and blue lights.
Shop: Roppongi Hills Christmas Market 2011
iReport: Top Japanese holiday destinations
November 16, 2011 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Today
In a recent CNNGo iReport assignment, we asked readers to share their photos of their favorite Japanese travel destinations.
Keith Hollis, currently living in Yokohama, sent us these images from his voyages around the country and closer to home. Here, he explains the selections he made and what stood out for him.
Royal Tokyo
I shot the pictures of the crowds greeting the Emperor at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo around January 2 this year.
Every year the Emperor makes only a few appearances in public, one occasion being shortly after the New Year.
Have Working Holiday Visa, will travel
July 14, 2011 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Today
When Hong Kong started the Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) a decade ago, some people joked that it is just a way for countries to swap unemployed youths.
The scheme allows people between the ages 18 and 30 from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Canada and Korea to travel and work in the scheme’s participating countries.
Participants of the scheme get to live in the country of choice for 12 months and take on short-term employment. The jobs they can find are limited mostly by their fluency in the local language, but many people value the year abroad as a way to experience more of the world.
Have Working Holiday Visa, will travel
July 13, 2011 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Today
When Hong Kong started the Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) a decade ago, some people joked that it is just a way for countries to swap unemployed youths.
The scheme allows people between the ages 18 and 30 from Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Japan, Canada and Korea to travel and work in the scheme’s participating countries.
Participants of the scheme get to live in the country of choice for 12 months and take on short-term employment. The jobs they can find are limited mostly by their fluency in the local language, but many people value the year abroad as a way to experience more of the world.
The best holiday in the world?
May 5, 2011 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Today
Eighty days, unlimited flights, US$ 25,000 in your pocket … the traveler’s dream does exist, at least for Michael Corey.
The 25-year old Canadian videographer, marine biology graduate and breakdancer has been chosen as Cathay Pacific’s Travel the World in 80 Days winner — a marketing campaign that will see Corey vlog his way round as many countries as he can from June 1-August 31, 2011, all paid for by the airline.
Corey’s was one of 1,500 video entries (see his original video submission above) submitted to Cathay Pacific as part of this campaign to give one lucky traveler a chance to reach his or her dream destinations.
Top 10 Best Holiday Destinations in Asia
November 4, 2010 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Travel Videos
These are Top 10 Best Holiday Destinations in Asia According to Travel Poll 2009 By Smart Travel Asia.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Spoiler Theater: Ending to Shadow of the Colossus part 1/3 — The ending of Shadow of the Colossus is long and well done, the end of it all, with and interactive segment or two that gives “false hope” to the player making them think there might be multiple endings or something. Though it is brilliant and one of the better endings in my opinion. Part 1/3, part one of three Shadow of the Colossus, released in Japan as Wander and the Colossus ワンダと巨像, Wanda to Kyozō, is a Japanese-developed action-adventure video game developed and published by Sony Computer Entertainment (SCEI) for the PlayStation 2. The game was released in North America and Japan in October 2005 and PAL territories in February 2006. The game was created by SCEI’s International Production Studio 1, the same development team responsible for the cult hit Ico. The game focuses on a young man named Wander who must travel across a vast expanse on horseback and defeat sixteen beings, known as colossi, to restore the life of a girl, Mono. The game is unusual within the action-adventure genre in that there are no towns or dungeons to explore, no characters with which to interact, and no enemies to defeat, other than the colossi. Shadow of the Colossus has been described as a puzzle game, as each colossus’ weakness must be identified and exploited before it can be defeated. Link to Playlist: www.youtube.com — SOTC Shadow of the Colossus Ending Part 1/3 Spoiler Theater video game ps2 end playstation 02 video …
Video Rating: 5 / 5
Don’t want to waste holiday time buying gifts for friends? Japan has the answer
September 24, 2010 by JapanGuide
Filed under Japan Today
Earlier this year it was revealed that Japanese workers take the least days vacation of any nation. So when you do have vacation, chances are you won’t want to spend too much time buying that essential omiyage (souvenir).
Austria
June 6, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Austria, Travel - International
Rarely seen in the headlines these days, Austria was once a dominant power in Europe, and is some times consider a postcard country. Once known as the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria whose prime location is mainland Europe was a major player in economic, military and political terms. However after World War I the empire was divided by the allies and a much smaller Austria came on the scene. It has developed into a perfect travel and a relocation destination.
Austria is known for many famous people throughout history. Musicians such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven and from the world of psychology Sigmund Freud are a few that have made significant marks on the world. Of course more people know the most famous today as the Governator of California, Mr. Arnold Schwarzenegger as being born in Austria.
Known officially as the Republic of Austria, it is a small country that has a land mass of 32,000 square miles and has a population of 1.6 million people in the capital city of Vienna. Vienna is known for its beauty and other notable cities are Salzburg and Innsbruck which hosted the winter Olympics at some time. The country is mostly mountainous and its climate is considered continental and offers plenty of rain and snowfall. Summers are breathtaking! The mountains of Austria are exceptionally wonderful. If you need proof, check out the internet or you can simply watch the movie, The Sound of Music.
The total population of “Austrians” is just over 8 million people and only increase at approximately.4 percent a year. The ethnicity of Austrians is about 98 percent German, and there is a small mix from neighboring country natives. So go figure, what is the primary language? You guessed it! It’s German. While 73 percent of Austrians claim Roman Catholic as their faith, 12 percent claim no religious orientation at all. Austria is a very well developed country and the literacy rate is 98 percent, and people seem to live long healthy lives with the average life expectancy of women to be 81.7 years and men on average 75.9 years.
Austria has seen all sides of the power ledge. It has a rich cultural heritage and is a beautiful country definitely worth a visit. Hopefully this overview with entice you to check it out in person and soon.`
For further information visit www.travelerdelights.com
Poland
June 6, 2009 by JapanGuide
Filed under Norway, Travel - International
Poland is a small country of about 120,000 sq mi. It is an amazing country that for a long time was forgotten about after nearly being obliterated in WWII. But, it found a way to bring itself back to life and today is growing ever popular with tourists. When preparing for a trip to Poland, plan on visiting as many of the surrounding cities as possible. Cities like the capitol (Warsaw), Krakow, Gdansk, and Ludz. Each city offers a most insightful history, friendly faces, shopping and historical scenery.
Warsaw, although still feeling the effects of WWII, is growing and beginning to turn their former negative impressions into memorable ones. The city once shadowed from war is beginning to blossom with shops and marketplaces, growing restaurants and bars. If you are a lover of history, you will truly find yourself in awe here; as Warsaw grows so too does the building and new construction of business’. For a younger generation of travelers, have no fear, you’ll feel at home here.
Undamaged by war; Krakow is truly a historians dream, listed by UNESCO to be one of 12 top historical sites. But if it’s not history you’re after as much as lavish palaces and exquisite ancient architecture, then Krakow has got something for you too. The phenomenal ancient buildings are something to gawk at, with spectacular colors, intricate brick work and palaces so mind boggling that one can’t help but wonder what secrets they hold. If you love art, you’re sure to find plenty to amuse, confuse and inspire you.
If you’re curious before you book your trip; search online, go to your local library, or visit the nearest bookstore. What you’ll find about Poland is not only fascinating but exciting as you discover more about the little country that could. Take a leap and go visit Poland. Immerse yourself in all the quaint country has to offer, trust me you’ll be glad you did.
For further information visit www.travelerdelights.com
