Top 5 national parks in Japan

Japan’s national parks often fall somewhat under the radar of visitors to its shores. Natural wonders abound however and the plethora of incredible sights will leave you astounded at the scenic beauty before your eyes.

1. Aso-Kuju National Park

Named after Mount Aso and the Kuju Mountains, this national park’s beautiful landscapes are dominated by their lofty peaks that rise dramatically from the flatlands surrounding them. Mount Aso, an active volcano, has a lovely caldera that visitors can stroll around and nearby are a number of hot springs that are delightful to bathe in. The volcanic landscape is barren and scarred from lava flows and all the more impressive for it. On the plains beneath the Kuju Mountains are the Kuju Flower Gardens which explode with color and life. Relaxing and refreshing to visit; the gardens’ stunning backdrop of mountains makes it all the more lovely to behold.

2. Towada-Hachimantai National Park

This mountainous region has a number of lovely trails and paths that make for wonderful hiking through the wilderness. The park changes with the seasons and in winter the snow-covered Juhyo forests are a spectacular and unusual sight to behold. In summer a myriad of colors spring forth and give life to the area through the rich array of fauna and flora that coats the mountains within the park. The volcanic nature of the area means that hot springs can be found within the confines of Towada-Hachimantai and lovely rivers and lakes are also interspersed amongst the never-ending mountains.

See more: 7 places to visit during winter in Japan

3. Nikko National Park

Home to the stunning Toshogu Shrine, Nikko is one of the most beautiful national parks in the country and as such is definitely worth visiting. History abounds in the park and the aforementioned shrine is a must-see as is the Buddhist temple of Rinno-ji. Breathtaking scenery is common in Nikki and visitors are guaranteed to adore all of its amazing sights on offer. The waters of Kegon Falls, for instance, delightfully plunge into the pools below and are strikingly visible amidst the thick forests on either side of it. Just behind the waterfalls is the enormous Lake Chuzenji which so beautifully lies between the mountains and hills that surround it. Of these, Mount Nantai is the most impressive and it mesmerizingly looks out over the lake, picturesque in its splendor. Mount Nikko-Shirane is another amazing feature of the park and its snow-capped peak is distinctive and regal, standing out against the bright blue skies. Unending are the wonders on display in Nikko National Park.

4. Shiretoko National Park

Located right in the north-eastern tip of Hokkaido, the remote and secluded location of Shiretoko National Park has helped to keep its beautiful landscapes untouched and untamed. The main draw to the park are the Five Lakes that are so resplendent to behold; radiant in their beauty the lakes are charming to wander around and the mountains and forests surrounding them only add to their splendor. A delightful attraction within the park is Kamuiwakka Falls which is well worth the effort to visit. Clambering over the rocks that dot the river, the water gradually warms up as you near the source of the hot springs and bathing in their warm waters makes for a lovely experience with the pristine nature all around you. For a lovely view in Shiretoko National Park, head to Shiretoko Pass and gaze out over the beautiful scenery before you.

5. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Comprising a vast array of natural wonders, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has it all and the contrasting landscapes are awe-inspiring to explore. The main draw is the iconic Mount Fuji that is so distinctive in its appearance and while it is not the sole reason that it is Japan’s most popular national park, it certainly does. The park has over a thousand volcanic islands dispersed along its shores and beautiful waterways brilliantly caress their way amongst the mountains, hills and valleys of the area. Lakes and hot springs proliferate as do cherry blossom trees that characterize its landscapes. Waterfalls also abound as do ancient forests that grow in the old lava fields that once blazed their way down the slopes of the volcanoes. Bring your camera; you’re going to need it for all the amazing sights on offer. Simply unbelievable to visit.

See more: Top places for a remarkable volcanic experience in Japan

Source Touropia

What to do in Fenghuang, the well-preserved ancient town in China

Fenghuang is a place that must be included in your bucket list when visitting China. Being the border of Han civilisations of the central plains and the Miao, Tujia and Dong minorities of the southwest mountains, Fenghuang offers a mix of ancient China and its ethnicity.

1. Walk around the Town

The best way to see the town is by walking around it. You can visit historical wooden buildings, have a close-up experience with the local people, and immerse yourself in its cultural atmosphere. You can enter narrow alleys paved with flagstones and decorated with lanterns, and walk around to grab some souvenirs and snacks from stalls lined along the streets. You can see some local elderly women wearing traditional costumes and selling their handmade souvenirs on the roadside.

The nighttime scenery in the town is beautiful, with old buildings nicely illuminated along the river. The town is a hive of activity with all the nightlife. You can find a café beside the Tuo River to enjoy some free time. It is a different place in the morning, being very serene and peaceful.

2. Take a Boat Trip

The Tuo River, running through the heart of the town, is the mother river of the ancient town. Along the river you will see unique wooden houses called Diaojiaolou, which were constructed on stilts to keep them safe from the spring floods. They are typical Miao buildings with a history of over 100 years. When seen from a distance, the houses look like they are standing on the river.

Taking a boat trip along the Tuo River is a great way to have a better view of the houses. The best time is in the early morning or in the evening. You may see locals using the river water to wash their clothes as well as vegetables. Boats operate regularly upstream, running from the pier near the town’s North Gate to Wanshou Temple.

3. Visit Historical and Cultural Sites

Fenghuang Ancient Town's history can be dated back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). The town as you can see it now was built during the 43-year reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty in 1704, and the ancient buildings displaying the distinct Qing Dynasty style are well preserved.

Its fairly long history endows it with over 300 cultural heritage sites. These include Huang Si Qiao Castle, the best-preserved stone castle built in the Tang Dynasty in 687, and Xiangxi Border Wall, which was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and is highly praised as being China's Southern Great Wall.

There are also famous ancient buildings including Longevity Palace, Chaoyang Palace, Hong Bridge, the East Gate Tower, and Wanming Pagoda.

4. Join in a Bonfire Party

If you are interested, you can join in a bonfire party beside the river at night. It is a way to experience the traditions and culture of the Miao people. It usually starts from 7:30pm and ends at 9:30pm. The cost is 50–80 yuan.

5. Visit a Miao Village

Fenghuang is an ethnic minority group area, and the Miao ethnic minority takes predominance in its numbers.

If your schedule allows, you can spend half a day visiting a Miao village. A recommended village is Tehang, where the Miao customs, living style, and festivals are kept intact. In the village, you can see typical buildings, listen to traditional songs, and taste the local food.

See more: Explore beautiful small towns in China

Source: Internet

Enjoy winter in Da Lat, Vietnam

Amazingly, just by sightseeing Da Lat in winter, we also can feel its romantic and melodious beauty. Light wind, little fog, and slight cold as well are enough to retain visitors. That is why Da Lat is really attractive Vietnamese destination for those people who want to enjoy cold but not nipping weather in winter.

Winter in Da Lat – season of yellow flower and flower festival

Da Quy

In the splendid cold-sunshine, through other flowers and leaves, plants and trees, wild sunflowers are flaunting everywhere, from roads, hills, to mountains. Hiking on tranquil roads with wild sunflower to enjoy fresh air of highland or holding hands in hands to view pine forest and admire pine trees are being decorated for Christmas.

Moreover, you certainly have wonderful experience, amazing feeling while wandering on yellow flower roads or gardens. From down to up sight, wild sunflower road looks like a golden river, squeezing among pine forests, mixing with paddy fields, vegetable gardens and stretching to roads that brings indescribably overwhelmed feeling.
If you travel to Da Lat in this season, don’t forget to hunt spectacular places for taking impressive photos with wild sunflower.

Wandering in Da Lat on winter days

It is not exaggerated to suppose that Da Lat is the most beautiful in winter. In the early morning, the whole land wallows in fog which can be compared to “the foggy city- London”.

You can spend all day long wandering on poetic roads of Da Lat, looking in attractions such as love valley, Than Tho Lake, Mong Mo hill, Prenn waterfall, or conquering imposing Langbiang mountain. If you are a person who want to find out about Da Lat history, you should find visit clay village for exploring truthful Da Lat’s beauty in the past or Da Lat educational college for visiting French unique architecture. At night, Da Lat becomes more and more attractive. Especially, on winter nights, it is covered by lightly spreading mist, chilly wind which give you fantastic feeling. In the evening, you can join a lot of interesting activities or enjoy cuisine at night market.

Sipping a cup of coffee and enjoy BBQ on the cold days

Coming to Da Lat on cold days of winter, you should stop by coffee shops for sipping a cup of coffee, you will experience its particular flavor as well as romantic atmosphere around you.

Under coldness of winter, hot dishes and BBQ are always the best choices for tourists. Ideally, you could easily find delicious food in Da Lat from early morning till very late at night such as Xuan An rice spaghetti (cooked with shrimp, crab or meat), Quang noddles at Chung house or Hue beef noodles. However, Da Lat cuisine is always more interesting and various at night.

Source Travelsense