Top shopping malls to visit in Tokyo

Japan’s first shopping mall, Mitsukoshi, was established over one hundred years ago. Since then, a multitude of other one-stop shops have added themselves to the country’s cityscapes, whether they be for menswear or womenswear. The following are eight of Tokyo‘s best shopping malls.

Isetan

Isetan is a successful department store chain and brand with their home base in Shinjuku. The store does well in places like Singapore and Malaysia, where Japanese-themed events are held to engage shoppers interested in the culture. In Tokyo’s Shinjuku, a cluster of connected Isetan department store buildings cater to men’s fashion, beauty products and more. Isetan appeals to both the local and international crowd while shoppers can find anything from kimono accessories and herbal teas to bridal gowns and children’s toys.

Mitsukoshi

Along with Matsuya, Mitsukoshi is recognized as Japan’s oldest department store. It’s also one of the nation’s largest. Eight years ago, the company merged with Isetan to form Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings. The two chains remain distinct from one another, however, with Mitsukoshi being a little pricier and more upscale. The Chuo-ku location in Tokyo is one of their most notable. Mitsukoshi also operates stores in North America, Europe and Asia.

PARCO

PARCO is a major department store chain with branches in most major Japanese cities. One of their main locations in Tokyo, Shibuya PARCO, is currently undergoing renovations and will be closed for the next four years. Fortunately, they operate other branches like PARCO P’Ikebukuro Annex in Ikebukuro. PARCO tries to support local talent by encouraging popup shops. They also use a unique business model that combines retail with real estate services.

Marui

Marui is a major department store chain with stores in Tokyo and other large Japanese cities. Their iconic logo looks like ‘0101’, and is read ‘Marui’ in Japanese. The 0 resembles the Japanese symbol pronounced ‘maru’, meaning zero or circle. Marui targets a young, stylish audience between the ages of 20-35. Marui used to operate an online webstore selling Japanese street fashions overseas but has since been closed down.

Sogo / Seibu

The Sogo and Seibu department stores are both subsidiaries of Seven & I Holdings Co., the same company that owns the ubiquitous Ito Yokado supermarkets and Seven-Eleven convenience stores. You’ll find Seibu at big thoroughfares like Shibuya Station, making it a convenient one-stop shop for the busy commuter.

Tokyu Department Store

Tokyu will be a familiar name to anyone who’s ever travelled in Tokyo. The company not only operates their Tokyo Department store branches, like their flagship shop at Shibuya Station, but the ubiquitous Tokyo Hands multi-level hobby store. Tokyu Department Store carries a lot of local streetwear brands that appeal to a wide audience.

Matsuya

Matsuya, along with Mitsukoshi, is the oldest department store retailer in Japan. They carry a wide range of upmarket and luxury brands for the discerning shopper. Their Tokyo flagship store is located in Ginza.

Hankyu Department Store

Hankyu has four main stores in Japan and two locations in Taiwan (Kaohsiung and Taipei). At Hankyu MEN’S TOKYO in Ginza, find luxury and street fashion for men from local designers as well as those from abroad. Their main shops in Osaka and Fukuoka carry women’s clothing as well. Hankyu might also go by the alternative name Hanshin, since the umbrella company is Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores, Inc.

See more: The most impressive buildings in Tokyo

Source: Internet

One day trip in Quang Ngai

Quang Ngai city is something of an overgrown village with no obvious attractions, so most visitors only drop by for a spot of grazing at lunchtime. The few travelers who venture here come to pay their respects to the victims of the most famous atrocity of the American War at nearby Son My.

Chung Tich Son My (Son My Relics)

It is exactly an ideal destination for those who have a passion for historical events and buildings. It is rumored that on 16th March 1968, a small village bore a brunt of a terrifying war disaster in which innocent ordinary people, including the old, women and children and so on were all killed. The death toll, after that, was claimed to reach up to 504- a dramatic figure in comparison to the population scale at that time.

Until the present days when Vietnam has been liberated from wars, this village is still under special maintenance and brought on display so that the locals can always commemorate those who passed away in that disastrous event and tourists can visit here for more information about Vietnamese history. Photos that depict the occurrence and carefully listed statistics will help people gain a deeper understanding and a special guide is always available on request for further support.

Sa Huynh

Nestled in South Pole of Quang Ngai province, Sa Huynh attracts a considerable number of seasonal tourists every year for its gorgeous seashore. Known as the largest salt flat in the middle part of the country, the destination has raised a special feeling of curiosity among travelers who first come here.

There are also a lot of things to discover in Sa Huynh, such as An Khe lagoon, Viba mountain, Tu Phuoc pagoda, Fish temple and the like. Besides, fresh exclusive seafood adds to the reasons why you should go to Sa Huynh once in a lifetime. And if you prefer to spend your nights here, don’t be nervous since a great number of qualified resorts and motels are there to cater for the accommodation demand of guests.

Nui Thien An (Thien An Mountain)

Classified as one national historical monument by Ministry of Culture and Information, Thien An Mountain has become a crowded tourist attraction for the past 20 years. To reach the summit, you can either resort to car or motorbike since the slope is not too steep. Besides, there is a shortcut leading to the peak that is designed only for hikers. From the top of the mountain, a breathtaking view of the whole province with rivers, fields, and villages will appear in front of your eyes, which makes you feel like grasping the nature in the back of your hand.

What’s more? You can also pay a visit to Thien An pagoda in the proximity if you still spare some time. It is especially busy during Buddhist festivals (Buddha Day, 4/15 in Lunar calendar) when the locals and visitors will gather for worship. Thus, take your time and you can explore new things here.

My Khe Beach

My Khe is in Co Luy hamlet, Tinh Khe commune, Son Tinh district, Quang Ngai with 7km long sandy beach. It is a great crescent moon shaped beach that makes a strong impression with its pristine beauty, quiet and romantic space of floating clouds, whispering waves.

Near the beach, there are a few quiet fishing villages, nestled on the vast sea, sporadic moored boats. Fishing boats and rustic basket boats lie next to the blue sea and white sandy beach.

Thach Ky Dieu Tau

This is a gorgeous spot located to the south of Sa Ky seaport in An Vinh Hamlet, Tinh Ky Commune in Son Tinh District. The picturesque site used to be among the top 12 landscapes of Quang Ngai extolled by artists in the past but now is in the top two and much loved by locals.

Nearby the cliff there are two huge human footsteps created from various stones and an open-air stone cave. When a wave flows into the cave, water will spray out from a hole beneath the cave that looks like a wine furnace. According to legend, a giant man carried stones to lock the seaport. But unfortunately, he dropped the last load of stones so it helped create two mountains and his footsteps were left behind.

In particular, tourists will find it interesting to see a black lava block consisting of many diverse stone shapes spreading out to the sea. According to scientists, thanks to the identity of these stones they can surmise that there was a volcano dated tens of thousands years ago at this location.

See more: Top 7 foods in Quang Ngai

Source MazeVietnam

The interesting experiences you should try in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a huge amount to offer visitors in search of unique encounters, ranging from breathtakingly scenic routes, ancient sites with rich history, stunning wildlife, spectacular festivals and a huge variety of outdoor activities. At the end of a hectic day touring the country, you can savor the deliciously spicy cuisine, relax with rejuvenating Ayurveda spa, or simply soak up a scintillating sunset.

Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride in Sri Lanka

Train rides in Sri Lanka are so much fun that they are “bucket-list worthy”. These trains are surprisingly clean, affordable and comfortable. It felt like a mini country tour because the views outside were breathtaking. Although it is easy to get a seat but we realized that the most popular seat was the door seat. Many locals just sit by the door, eat and enjoy the view.

Trek through a Tea Plantation in Nuwara Eliya

Lipton Tea is a staple item in the cupboard of most families around the world. You can trek with a 60-yr-old local Sri Lankan up and down the steep mountains home amongst the famous Lipton Tea and other highly lauded tea estates. If you are looking to gain historical context and perspective this is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

The Royal Tea Trail begins innocuously by the roadside before beginning to the wind between steep tea terraces. Although unlike the rice terraces in Bali these are not tiered. There are no steps and the tea-pluckers must scale the sharp incline. The tea plants are scattered with no particular pattern although they are often layered creating a beautiful linear design on the side of the mountains.

Sunset at the Famous Rope swing in Dalawella

There are plenty of places around the world that have become viral travel hotspots overnight. A few popular Instagrammers or vloggers blow a place up and all of a sudden it becomes a must-do activity while you visit a region. The palm tree rope swing at Dalawella Beach is a prime example of a social media hotspot. Having said that it is an awesome spot for a fun afternoon or a sunset and chill place to hang out whether you intend on getting that ‘Instagrammable’ travel shot or not.

Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock

Built 1600 years ago, the UNESCO World heritage site Sigiriya is an outstanding example of ancient Sri Lankan art and architecture. Probably the most well-known Sri Lankan monument, it attracts tourists and locals alike, who early each morning tackle the 60–90 minute climb to the top. Reach the Sky Palace (on top of 200-meter-tall rock), stopping on the way to take in the gorgeous gardens and frescoes, then continue on to the summit and be astonished by the panoramic view.

Snorkel at Pigeon Island National Park

An idyllic location, Pigeon Island is situated to the north of Trincomalee, and is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Sri Lanka. The National Park’s name comes from the rock pigeon which has colonized it, and you can spot them by climbing up the rocks on the nature trail. But the real treat for visitors is the chance to snorkel right off the beach and spot scores of tropical fish amid dazzling coral.

Explore the Markets

There are markets all over Sri Lanka, all of which will be great to explore. Try new fruits, taste some local dishes and of course meet the local vendors. Visiting a small market in Nuwara Eliya and meeting some beautiful grocers and vendors who loved having their portraits taken as you wander throughout the stalls.

Read more: Find the best beach resorts in Sri Lanka

Source Internet