The most important festivals in Japan

Japanese festivals are fun and unforgettable. If you have a chance to visit Japan during the festival, you will be amazed by the power and passion of Japanese people.

Shogatsu (New Year)

The largest festival of Japan, Shogatsu is Japanese New Year which falls on the familiar Western New Year, means January 1. Many people start the New Year by eating soba (buckwheat) at midnight for good health. At dawn, the Emperor of Japan prays for the nation. Unlike in the West where the celebration focuses on New Years Eve revelry and short-lived resolutions, Shogatsu focuses on bringing prosperity in the upcoming year—beyond just hangover recovery. At midnight, Buddhist temples ring bells 108 times.

Setsubun (The Bean-Throwing Festival)

Fun and bizarre, the Setsubun kicks off the Haru Matsuri (Spring Festival) in Japan. It is an old tradition that has evolved into a televised event with national celebrities. Along with the big productions, small stages are set up around the country. Candy and money are thrown into the crowds which then rush forward to collect the small gifts.

People throw beans in mame maki ceremonies to drive away evil spirits that could foul up things later. One member of the household dons a demon mask and plays the "bad guy" as everyone else shouts and throws beans until he leaves.

Hanami (Cherry Blossom Festival)

An ancient tradition, hanami actually means "flower viewing". Hanami starts from mid-March to April, sometimes it lasts until May depending on how har north or south in Japan. During this festival, families and friends compete for quiet spots in busy parks to have picnics and parties, both day and night. Moreover, tea ceremonies are held under trees; folk songs, traditional dances, beauty pageants, and even parades add to the festive atmosphere.

Golden Week

Every year, thousands of hapless travelers manage to stumble right into the middle of Golden Week in Japan. They learn the hard way that the Golden Week holiday period is the busiest time to be anywhere near the archipelago. Golden Week is one of the busiest travel times in Japan, the first holiday of Golden Week is the celebration of the birthday of Emperor Hirohito (Showa Day) on April 29. Constitution Memorial Day hits on May 3 and is followed by Greenery Day on May 4 then Children's Day on May 5.

Obon

Although technically not an official national holiday, Obon is the most widely observed of Japanese festivals in the summer. Obon is a celebration of ancestors' spirits that come home to rest. People visit shrines, temples, and family graves during Obon. Fires are lit in front of homes and lanterns help guide the spirits. Obon is an important time for families; many heads back to their ancestral homes, causing long transportation delays and some closures.

See more: Traditions to celebrate New Year's Eve in Japan

Source: Internet

Explore Koh Samui in 2 days

Koh Samui's repertoire of things to do and see is varied and interesting, the island hosts a great deal of splendid natural and man-made attractions from mummified monks to the famous grandma and grandpa rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) to attractive waterfalls and more, there is nothing to stop you having a blast on Samui Island.

For those interested in religious imagery and architecture the Big Buddha will impress - especially at sunset. Nature lovers can visit Ang Thong Marine National Park on a day trip to enjoy a genuine 'get away from it all' feel in the splendid tropical islands it hosts. Below are top destinations for you to explore this beautiful island in 2 day trip.

Big Buddha

On the northern coast of Koh Samui is the famous Big Buddha shrine. Probably Samui's most well-known landmark, the 12-metre high golden Buddha can be seen from several kilometres away. Inside the surrounding temple are many different shrines and other smaller ornate Buddhas. There is also a small market selling a wide range of lucky charms and other souvenirs, alongside numerous food stalls.

Beach Bumming

While there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Koh Samui, let’s face it, you probably came here for a relaxing beach vacation. Thankfully you have got several choices for sun and sand when visiting this popular Thai island.

Located near the airport on the northeast side of the island, Chaweng is the main beach in Koh Samui. While it is definitely the most developed and most crowded of the beaches here, it is still stunningly beautiful. Go ahead and rent a lounger and umbrella, order up a fruity cocktail, and enjoy yourself! The second largest beach in Koh Samui is Lamai. It is not as busy as Chaweng, but you have still got lots of options for places to chill, eat, and drink. Lamai is a great place to go for a swim, as the sea is clear and calm here.

Samui Elephant Sanctuary

There is no need to head up north to Chiang Mai for ethical elephant interactions, you can enjoy them right here in Samui. Inspired by the famous Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, the Samui Elephant Sanctuary is the perfect place to observe well-treated elephants in their natural habitats, and is doing a great job in raising awareness of the issues that elephants face in Southeast Asia. Perfect for animal lovers.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai

Art often imitates Nature, but less common is Nature imitating Art, especially the art of the ribald. But in Thailand, anything is possible including, on Koh Samui, the natural geological formations known as Hin Ta and Hin Yai Rocks (the Grandpa and Grandma rocks), which look, respectively, like male and female genitalia.

Angthong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand with towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore. Within sight of Koh Samui, Ang Thong Park is a protected area of more than 100sqkm of land and sea, and home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures.

Wat Plai Laem

Thailand has more than its fair share of jaw-dropping temples, but few are quite as striking as Wat Plai Laem. Located on the north-eastern coast of the island, its huge statue of Guanyin, the goddess of mercy and compassion, serves an example of the influence that the Thai people’s Chinese heritage still has today. Set out over a lake, the 18-armed statue of Guanyin and the nearby temples are well worth an afternoon of your time, and promise to be some of the most enduring images of Samui that you will have.

See more: Most romantic destinations in Thailand

Source Internet

48 hour experience in Fukushima, Japan

Fukushima has everything that visitors to Japan hope to experience such as hot springs, castles, old townscapes, beautiful scenery, and great cuisine. Then, if you have 48 hours in Fukushima, what will you do?

Ouchi-juku in Shimogo

This old post town was once located on the road that connected parts of Tohoku with the shogunal mausoleums of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Even today, the village is remarkably preserved, making visitors feel as if they have stepped back into the Edo Period. The few dozen houses double as craft shops and small eateries, many of which serve miso-slathered rice dumplings or handmade soba noodles. The best view of the town comes from the viewpoint near the hillside shrine.

TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center

You may be worried about the current Fukushima’s condition after the disaster in 2011 and get to know what happened at that time. Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) opened the museum related to the decommissioning TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center in Tomioka Town, which was designated as a No-Go zone, in 2018. The museum introduces what happened with the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011 and the process leading to the present status of the plant.

Tonohetsuri Bridge

Tonohetsuri, a name from the old Aizu dialect that means “cliff overlooking a river”, certainly lives up to its name. The natural landmark is comprised of a 200-meter long series of cliffs that have been weathered into unique shapes over the centuries. The forest along the cliffs is a popular spot to catch the autumn foliage. A bridge leads from across the river to the cliffs themselves, though recent flood activity has made much of the old walking route impassable.

Sky Walk at Fudosawa Bridge

Another exciting adventure to do in Fukushima is to witness the heaven walk on Fudosawa Bridge. Being located on the way to Azuma-Kofuji, the bridges give you a great opportunity to have an enchanting view of Fukushima. You can experience the ample nature’s beauty in this prefecture through this amazing view. This adventure will be a great therapy for your mind as well to get an ultimate relaxation.

Noguchi Museum

Even if you do not recognize Hideyo Noguchi’s name, you have surely seen his face,  on the ¥1000 bill. In Fukushima, you can visit the Noguchi Memorial Hall to learn about what earned this man his place on Japan’s currency. Among other accomplishments, Noguchi worked to develop the first vaccine to guard against yellow fever and discovered the agent responsible for causing syphilis. Noguchi’s work earned him a Nobel nomination. The memorial hall also encompasses part of Noguchi’s Meija-era home.

Tsurugajo Castle

Arguably Tohoku’s most impressive castle, Tsuruga is often remembered for its role in Japan’s Boshin Civil War, when it was one of the last remaining samurai strongholds. It was destroyed in the conflict, but rebuilt in the 1960s and now houses an interesting history museum. The castle roof is the only one of its kind to use red tiles. The grounds of Tsuruga-jo are an excellent place to catch Tohoku’s cherry blossoms in mid-April; the view from atop the outer walls is particularly impressive.

Goshikinuma Lake

Goshikinuma, or the “five-colored marshes”, are a series of ponds and lakes located in the highlands of Bandai-Asahi National Park. The multi-colored lakes were formed after an eruption in 1887 caused aluminum and silicone to leach into the newly-created bodies of water. Algae and iron oxide later lent even more distinctive hues. A hike leads from the Urabandai Visitors’ Center around a dozen of the lakes, fit individuals can easily walk the route in an hour.

See more: Lost in the dreamy beauty of Fukushima, Japan

Source Internet

Visiting Jaipur, India in one day

Jaipur, the pink and magnificent city of India, is home to royal palaces and historical forts, rich in tradition and famous for its Rajasthani food. We bring you the best things to do and see in the city.

Jaipur City Palace

Present in the heart of the old city of Jaipur, the city palace proves the style and elegance of the Rajput royalties. To blend in the majestic city, the first place to stop by is this capital palace which is a sprawling complex with arresting buildings and collection of marvelous artifacts. Built by the Rajput king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, a part of the structure has now been converted into a museum, and it also houses two huge sterling silver vessels that can store 4,000 liters of liquid, recorded as the largest in the Guinness Book of World Records. The Royal Family still inhabits the palace.

Hawa Mahal

Just 700 meters from the palace is the ‘Palace of the Winds,’ Hawa Mahal. The five-story building is in the shape of a semi-octagonal structure, with 953 small windows (jharokhas), akin to the honeycomb of a beehive. It is believed that the structure was made for the royal ladies to observe the everyday bustling life in the streets without being seen under the obligation to ‘purdah’ (face cover).

Amber Fort

This fort is located on the outskirts of Jaipur. The lake in the front provides a beautiful reflection of the fort, which has four parts, including a temple, the meeting halls and the famous Sheesh Mahal. It is the same mahal where the song ‘Jab pyaar kiya to darna kya’ of Mughal-e-azam was shot. The mahal is beautiful with infinite mirrors used over the walls. And while you’re here, don’t forget to try an elephant ride.

After appreciating the empire which was once home to the Royals, visit 1135 AD restaurant when you’re ready to have some lunch. Hardly a kilometer away, the restaurant blesses visitors with an imperial elegant ambiance. Served in silver cutlery, one can enjoy the taste of Mughlai, Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine and have the perfect royal experience.

Street Shopping

Rajasthan is famous for its traditional jootis, colorful ghagras and the beautiful jholas with small mirrors stitched to it. So to get the best of these, do shop in places like Johari Bazaar (Jewelry Market), Nehru Bazaar, and Bapu Bazaar. Johari Bazaar is famous for its fabulous collection of jewels, with gems and other semi-precious stones. The colorful textiles and jootis (sandals) can be bought in this area as well. While you’re shopping in Bapu Bazaar, you will also have the chance to witness the ‘pink’ in this pink city.

Chokhi Dhani

A village-themed restaurant, Chokhi Dhani captures the spirit of Rajasthan. The décor is full of paintings, the famous Bani Thani art, a dedicated Deepak wall, evening performances and food served by people in traditional costumes. A perfect place to end the night and have sumptuous Rajasthani delights.

See more: Top destinations in Bangalore, India

Source: Internet

The best places to enjoy End Year Party in Bangkok, Thailand

Whether you are a local or just visiting for the holidays, Bangkok is one of the best places in the region for New Year celebrations. Despite being toned down to pay respect to the beloved late King, you can still enjoy lighting installations, festive events, and parties to end 2019 and welcome 2020.

Here is some places to celebrate the New Year in Bangkok, now go make some plans and welcome New Year, 2020!

Vertigo and Moon Bar

For a perfect Thailand New Year Party, head to the Vertigo and Moon Bar Night Bazaar where you will see streets decked up with lights and restaurants teeming with people. You will not only get to see some of the most amazing sights but also will be able to grab top deals on food. Do not forget to join the countdown to make it one of the best experiences of your life. It is indeed one of the best places for End Year Party in Thailand.

Central World

Central World goes all out as usual for its New Year celebration, turning the esplanade in front of the mall into a massive concert stage featuring both local and international artists and DJs. Make sure to stay until midnight so you can witness the dazzling fireworks show, which will last over five minutes.

Full Moon Party

For best new year party in Thailand, head to Full Moon Party. Hundreds of revelers swarm at the Haad Rin beach with one aim, drink, dance, drink, party, eat, drink and dance only at full moon parties in Thailand on New Year’s Eve. And all of this goes on well past midnight and often till the sun shines for the first time in the New Year. The famous full moon party is never as crazy during the entire year, which is why it is best place to be this New Year in Thailand 2020!

Dudesweet 2020

Notorious party maker Dudesweet is throwing a New Year’s Eve party like no other at the helicopter pad atop River City Building. Early birds can bring their own bites and booze, and chill on site from 4 pm onwards. Come midnight, get front-row views of the splendid fireworks display from ICONSIAM. 14:00-02:00 at River City Bangkok, Charoenkrung Road.

The Bangkok Countdown

Ranked as the 7th best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the world, the Bangkok Countdown is the best Thailand’s New Year Party. The decade-old legend celebrates with live worldwide broadcasts, high-energy concerts, magical fireworks, and pyro artworks. To top it, this party has never failed to amaze the revelers. There might not be a better reason to visit the Land of Smiles and witness the mesmerizing view of Bangkok New Year’s fireworks 2020 and welcome New Year with a bang.

Khaosan Road

If you would rather anticipate the New Year by partying among thousands of partygoers on a busy, crowded street, then the world-renowned Khaosan Road is the place for you. Grab a seat at one of the tiny bars along the street, order some drinks and enjoy the chaos, or get into one of the clubs for more outrageous partying.

See more: Welcome 2020 with a blast in Dubai

Source Internet

Spend 2 days in Da Lat, Vietnam

Both foreigners and Vietnamese tourists alike flock to Da Lat for some cool fresh air and beautiful sights. If you travel through Vietnam, you really should try to spend at least a couple of days in Da Lat, and here’s how to spend your time.

Day One: Motorbike Tour

You’ve just arrived by bus or plane and your legs probably feel a bit like jelly, so let’s save the hikes and walkabouts for day two. For day one, get on a motorbike and have a look around. You could rent one for yourself and head out to explore, but why not let a trained guide do the driving while you relax on the back? There are numerous reputable tour companies that would love to plop a helmet on you and show you around town.

Crazy House

After you’ve rolled around Da Lat and the surrounding hillsides, head to Hằng Nga Guesthouse—more commonly known as Crazy House. It’s a weird and wonderful piece of expressionist architecture that will both amaze and confuse you. Crazy House is the brainchild of architect Đặng Việt Nga, built with just cement, rebar and creativity. It will only take you about an hour to explore this unique place, and it’s also a great spot to watch the sun as it sets. You can even book one of the themed rooms to stay in for the night!

Head to the Night Market

This one will depend on which day you’re in Da Lat, since it’s only open on Saturday and Sunday nights. Even if the full-blown market isn’t available, the area still has plenty of shopping and street food on the other nights. The air is filled with chatter and the smells of delicious snacks. We recommend you try Dalat Pizza. Look for signs that say “Bánh Tráng Nướng.”

Day Two: Get some coffee

Some of the best coffee in Vietnam comes from Da Lat. The beans that grow at these high altitudes need to be robust—hence the name of the strain that grows here: Robusta. Try your brew with some ice and condensed milk like they do in Ho Chi Minh City, or have an egg coffee. You’ll need some caffeine in you before heading out for the day.

Go on a canyoning excursion

Disclaimer: This is only for fit, physically capable people. If you aren’t comfortable abseiling down cliffs and waterfalls, then skip right on ahead to the next section.

For those of you still here, this is a wild adventure through ravines, rivers and waterfalls. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart, though, because you’ll be putting a lot of trust in lengths of thin nylon ropes. Your heart will probably try to thump its way out of your chest more than once as you take ‘trust falls’ into dark caverns of gushing water.

Finish the day off around Xuan Huong Lake

This lake is the focal point of Da Lat. For a great experience, walk around the lake and see what’s happening. Usually you can find some authentic street food stalls set up, and it’s a great chance to meet locals and talk with them about their lives. Groups of friends and family gather around the lake to relax and spend time together. As you roam around, don’t be surprised if some of them want to speak with you. They’re often curious to learn more about foreigners and their countries. We recommend you bring the drink of your choice and find a nice spot around the lake to watch the lights flicker off the water. It’s a great way to finish your trip, especially if you spent half the day hiking into deep ravines.

See more: The best foods for the cold weather in Da Lat

Source: Internet

How to spend a day in Tianjin, China

With the fascinating scenery and profuse resources, it is a time-honored cultural city with potential tourism value. As the political and economic center of Bohai region, Tianjin is the largest coastal city located in North China. Blessed with a variety of attractions, this is a good place to explore. There are also many natural scenes of beauty as well as great historical events.

Haihe River

As the mother river and symbol of Tianjin, the Haihe River, 72 kilometers long, runs through the city and out to the Bohai Sea. A total of 21 bridges stand over the Haihe River and each constitutes a scenic attraction, forming a distinctive bridge culture throughout the region. Rising over the spectacular Yongle Bridge is the Tianjin Eye, an iconic Ferris wheel which lights up the city every night.

Eye of Tianjin (Ferris Wheel)

Ferris Wheel (Eye of Tianjin) is a 120-meter tall giant ferries wheel built above the Yongle Bridge (formerly Chihai Bridge), over the Haihe River in Tianjin, China. It is claimed to be the only such wheel to have been constructed over a bridge in the world. It is known as one of the landmarks of Tianjin City. If you would like to see the night view on the ferry wheel, make sure you go on a clear night and you can see the whole city of Tianjin.

Wu Da Dao (Five Great Avenues)

Five Great Avenues is a rectangular region located in the south of the downtown, in Heping District, Tianjin. There are five parallel streets from east to west named under five cities of southwest China, namely Chongqing, Changde, Dali, Munan and Machang. And this is how it got its name. Those featured factors constitute a true fun of art in this attraction. While seated in a horse-drawn carriage in Five Great Avenues, it provides an opportunity to see the truly unique cityscape. It has become a destination for visitors, which truly showcases the city's charm and history.

The Florentia Village outlets

The Florentia Village outlets, located on the outskirts of Tianjin, is a high-end outlet mall housing more than 200 fashion brands: including Prada, Bvlgari, Celine, Chloe, Fendi and Jimmy Choo. The outlets boast the "ultimate shopping experience" since its opening in 2011, with discounted prices all year round. It also features Italian-style architecture, as well as Italian and international cuisines.

Tianjin TV Tower

Located on the east side of the Water Amusement Park, Hexi District of the southern part of the city, Tianjin TV Tower is called Tian Ta for short and is famous for a sky-high tower over water. The tower measures 415.2 meters, and is known as the fourth highest tower in the world after the ones in Toronto, Moscow and Shanghai. It is used primarily for communication. Approximately two-thirds up the tower is an observation pod with floor space 253 meters (830 feet) (used mostly for communication equipment). It is a member (10th tallest) of the World Federation of Great Towers.

See more: 6 best foods to try in Tianjin, China

Source: Internet

Spend 4 days to discover Southern Vietnam

People often say that northern Vietnam is more beautiful than the south. While the north does have more mountainous terrain, this statement is simply untrue. Here are some of the most beautiful places in the southern Vietnam for you to explore.

Ho Chi Minh City

The economic backbone of Vietnam and the nation’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh is one of the most fun places to visit in the country. The sprawling city is officially home to some 8 million residents, yet in reality, it is far more populous than that. The central business zone or District 1 is the area of the city that is most traveled by tourists.

However, for the adventurous types, head to the less explored, more authentic and interesting neighboring districts, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan or District 3. The city is home to a number of great centrally-located museums, endless shopping and vibrant nightlife. Anyone spending time in Ho Chi Minh should explore Nguyen Hue, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien, the Bitexco Tower, the seafood restaurants along the canal and Binh Thanh’s maze of alleys.

Mekong Delta

Comprised of dense green rice paddies and lazy, winding rivers, the Mekong Delta is like no other region in Vietnam. Whether firmly on land or floating with the river current, this region is flush with wildlife, historical sights, and incredible landscapes.

The River of Nine Dragons, as locals know the area, is where the Mekong splinters into nine separate branches, crisscrossing low landscapes before reaching the sea. Life moves much more slowly here and is often surrounded by water. You will find even homes, farms, and markets take on an aquatic adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi tunnels are one of the easiest day trips from Ho Chi Minh City in regards to travel time. Just an hour and half out, the historical site is located a mere 70 kilometers north of the city. This network of subterranean passageways later provided vital access to and strategic control over the rural areas surrounding the city during the Vietnam War (also known as the Second Indochina War or the American War).

You can opt for a half day or full day trip setting off from Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors have opportunity to explore the extremely narrow underground burrows. If you are interested in Vietnamese history, this is a must-see place.

Phu Quoc

This list will not make sense if Phu Quoc does not kick it off. This gorgeous island lies to the southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, and is actually closer to Cambodia than it is to Vietnam. The beaches are fantastic, and the sunsets are glorious. The island is also popular for its high-end resorts that line up Long Beach, making it an ideal, luxurious getaway.

There are many undiscovered beaches on this island, so grab a bike and explore. Up north you will find the Phu Quoc National Park which is mostly used for research, but some parts are open for travelers where you are able to trek mountains, camp in the wilderness and sleep under the stars. The island is also a seafood paradise.

See more: Top 5 beaches in Phu Quoc you should never miss

Source Internet