12 reasons to visit Japan in 2012

1. January: Lashings of good luck

Hey little fella — you get both eyes only if I have a great year, ok?

Bright red daruma dolls are a symbol of good luck in Japan, due to their unique shape that allows them to right themselves when knocked over. Apparently, that’s a good thing.

The tradition of the daruma can be traced back centuries to Takasaki’s Shorizan Daruma Temple in Gunma Prefecture, which allegedly asked farmers suffering from famine to make the papier-mâché dolls to sell at the temple for extra income.

Today, the city of Takasaki remains Japan’s largest producer of daruma dolls, accounting for roughly 80 percent of total production. It also hosts the yearly Daruma Ichi (market) on January 6 and 7, although the little red critters can be found right through the early months of the year.

Visitors flock to the town to select their daruma from mounds of the things — from thimble-sized tiny ones up to dolls you’d need a truck to get home.

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Best places to visit in 2012

Factor in your holiday allowance, the cost of flight plus hotel and the various weddings and baptisms you will inevitably have to attend, and your visit time in 2012 is anything but unlimited.

So here are seven places that should come top of your 2012 trip list.

1. Yeosu, Korea 

“The Living Ocean and Coast” is the hopeful theme of this year’s marine-focused World Expo (May 12-August 12) being held in Korea’s coastal city of Yeosu.

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Visit Japan expo highlights bid to win back tourists

The people who work in Japan’s tourism industry have the post-disaster script committed to memory by now. Wander around the Visit Japan Travel Mart 2011 in Yokohama, where geisha greet guests and people bow and trade whole forests’ worth of business cards, and you’ll hear different iterations of it.

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12 reasons to visit Tokyo in 2011

1.  Up a
tree

The event of 2011 will be the continued rise and eventual completion of the Tokyo Sky Tree. Set for completion in
December, the tower will be the world’s second tallest at 634 meters.

The tower will not be open to the public
until 2012, but apparently the structure is already attracting tourists.

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Japan to pay for 100 tourists to visit

Around 100 lucky tourists from English-speaking countries, as well as China and South Korea, are set to get their holidays paid for by the Japanese government, according to CNBC.

Keen to improve its travel advice to locals, the government is prepared to reimburse visitors who can come up with ideas on what needs to be done to help foreigners get around, book accomodation and eat in Japanese restaurants.

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Learn Japanese Culture – How to Visit a Shrine in Japan

www.japanesepod101.com Learn Japanese with JapanesePod101.com! Wow your Japanese friends and family as you learn proper protocol for visiting a shrine in Japan. Shot at famous shrine, learn about Japanese shrines and customs.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Courtesy of nipponster.com The Japan-Enthusiasts Search Engine. This is possibly the best video about Japan ever. And it’s pretty funny too. This foreign guy walks the entire length of Japan and does a bunch of cultural stuff on the way. A must see. And you can see more on kintarowalksjapan.com

Poland

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

Norway

A small country awaits your arrival soon, but there are questions you need answered before your impending visit. What language is spoken? Will I have to learn a new language? How crowded are the cities? What’s the background of the culture? All very normal questions when walking in unfamiliar territory. Relax and know that you won’t be walking into a war zone. Norwegians are a peaceful and pleasant people. They have the friendliness that some other countries lack.
Because Norway is only slightly larger than the United States’ New Mexico, their population per city is quite small, with only under half a million people total in some cities and significantly less than that in others; totaling around 4.5 million total population for the whole country. Of course that account was in 2006, but Norway’s population only grows at a rate of .41% per year. While the church of Norway is the dominant religion, those of other faiths visiting will likely find astute worshippers of their own present in the cities.
Depending on when you’re planning on visiting Norway be prepared for changing climates and terrain. In the summer months, be ready for extremely long days with it staying light until almost midnight. While during the winter months, Norway experiences very long nights.
If that wasn’t food for thought, than this will be……… Because some of the cities inland are surrounded by mountains, the temperature tends to be very cold regardless of the time of year, so pack warm clothes. Don’t be too hasty though, pack clothes for warmer weather if you plan to visit the coast to explore the spectacular scenery.
For a peaceful vacation, one filled with elaborate sites, friendly people, new tastes and a truly relaxing experience, Norway awaits. Also, since English is spoken and taught throughout, you’ll find yourself at ease by not having to struggle over language barriers; “I need to find the bathroom; not a chicken.” How much easier is it when there aren’t mix ups like the one mentioned? I know, fantastic and easier to enjoy your visit.

For further information visit www.travelerdelights.com

Italy

Italy is the home of romance, delectable food and wine, breathtaking scenery, The Matterhorn, Ferrari, stunning beaches and the Winter Olympics. This place is truly a vacationer’s dream getaway. Italy is one place where everything and anything can happen. Many have been wowed and awed by the beautiful scenery this place has to offer. From head to toe, Italy is one of the most radiant places in the entire world. Most people love Italian culture not only because of its beauty, but also because of the lush landscapes.
Three countries border Italy – Austria, Switzerland, and France. All of these countries are beautiful but none compare to Italy. This country is also one of the largest islands on the Mediterranean Sea; though Italy is slightly larger than our wonderful state of Arizona. The capital of Italy is Rome (called Roma by its locals) it is surrounded by lavish architecture, thriving history and some of the friendliest people you may ever come across.
For a city Rome is full of artists both past and present. Home to The Louvre, aspiring artists and some of the greatest artists of all time, the museum welcomes tourists from all walks of life every year. But don’t forget the history of Italy is lurking around every corner and in every building you’ll encounter. Once the sun sets, the fun and romance begin. If you’re traveling alone, you might find you enjoy taking a relaxing stroll through the cities wine tasting and emerging yourself in the mouthwatering delicacies of what is Italy. For a couple or family visiting one of the most romantic countries of the world, a stop at Trattoria or Osteria, will please your taste buds, leaving you wanting more.
As with any culture, Italy has its holidays. But in Italy, every Sunday the shops and businesses close to pay respect to their Saints. On holidays, the streets become crowded from the many celebrations the Italians throw in favor of their saints; they call these days, their feast days – they are held in high regard – and everyone participates. Perhaps one of the most celebrated events, are the holidays paying homage to the leaders of old, who helped to found the country they know and love.
For all of you wine connoisseurs, Italy is perhaps the only place in which you will find wine served with all your meals. Many of the local hot spots, museums and restaurants offer wine tasting. Italy boasts that it is the Enotria (land of wine) and even the Vatican takes pride in sharing their best wine with tourists. Taking a gondola ride offers you not only solitude, but also some of the best views of the cities. So, remember that while visiting Italy, for some of the best scenery, hop on a gondola, sit back, relax and enjoy often.

For further information visit www.travelerdelights.com