Top destinations in Japan to visit during summer

Although the weather can be temperamental and the air impossibly steamy, summer is a still a wonderful time to make the most of what Japan has to offer. If you’re planning on visiting Japan during the summer, here are a handful of places worth adding to your itinerary.

Shimoda, Izu

For a laid-back beach escape not too far from central Tokyo, the Izu Peninsula is one of your safest bets. Home to a collection of picturesque beaches scattered along the coastline, this peninsula can be found jutting out the south of Japan just below Mt. Fuji.

As you make your way southward, you’ll find a number of cute beach towns worth exploring, including Atami, Ito and Higashi Izu. However, the highlight is arguably Shimoda, a historical little beach hub situated right down south. This is where American Commodore Matthew C. Perry first reached Japan in 1853, beginning diplomatic relations between the two nations, making it a rather fascinating historical site.

Two of the area’s best places to spend a lazy summer day are the local beaches of Shirihama and Nabetahama. For a large open coast, white sands and clear water, head straight to Shirihama. Once you’ve spent the morning on the sand, pack you gear and tear around the corner to explore the fascinating Nabetahama Beach, a shady hidden secret cove loved by the locals.

Ishigaki, Okinawa

When people plan to vacation in Japan, some of the first images that come to mind are the historic streets of Kyoto, the neon lights of Tokyo and the soft cherry blossoms that carpet the country in the spring. However, some beach-hungry adventurers are beginning to discover that Japan is actually home to some tropical hideaways stunning enough to compete with Fiji and Hawaii.

Head to Okinawa Japan’s southernmost prefecture to find arguably one of the nation’s best kept secrets. A long-time holiday destination for locals, this collection of islands is quickly becoming an itinerary addition for the savvy traveller. This year, Okinawa’s Ishigaki Island was named the ‘number one travel destination for 2018’ on TripAdvisor, a title that takes into consideration positive reviews of accommodations, restaurants, attractions and online interest. Incredible untouched beaches, a unique culture and some of the most incredible food you’ll find anywhere, it’s definitely worth looking into for your next beach paradise adventure – but be quick, word is spreading fast.

Hakuba, Nagano

A name typically more synonymous with the colder months, the village of Hakuba in Nagano has long been considered by international guests as one of the country’s best snow destinations. However, what many don’t know is that the area is arguably just as beautiful in summer (and much easier to visit). With its picturesque snow-capped mountain ranges and cooler climate, it’s the best place to head if you’re looking for a fresh escape from the concrete heat of the city.

Even if there isn’t any snow, many of the area’s ski lifts, like the ones in ski resort Happo-One, are still in action, allowing guests the chance to scale the incredible peaks and valleys of the area and providing some of the most scenic hiking opportunities you’ll find in the entire country. After hiking, be sure to pay a visit to Lake Aoki for a little kayaking, swimming and picnicking. With its almost impossibly clear mountain water and lush surroundings, it’s the country’s most underrated summer destination.

Mt. Fuji

If you’ve ever thought of climbing the iconic Mt. Fuji, the time to do it is in the middle of summer. The months between early July to mid-September are the only times the mountain is actually open for people to scale its imposing 3,776-meter (12,388 ft) peak, so if you’ve always wanted to give it a go, plan accordingly.

The climb can be done in a single day; however, most people like to begin the journey at night in order to make it to the top for the sunrise. On the mountain, there are cabins available for overnight accommodation in case it does get too cold.

This time of year, it is pretty much free of snow, making it relatively safe and not too challenging even for the most casual of climber (unless you are someone who is prone to altitude sickness). Potentially the biggest obstacle you’ll have to overcome is dealing with the swarms of local and international tourists who make their way here during the short open season. If you can, try and avoid Obon, a national vacation week that runs in mid-August, as it’s one of the most densely populated times of the season.

Karuizawa, Nagano

Stunning in winter, and picture perfect in autumn, Karuizawa is a popular holiday destination for Japanese vacationers all year round; however, it’s quickly garnering a reputation for being the ultimate summer hideaway. Situated in highlands of beautiful Nagano Prefecture, like Hakuba it’s cooler climate-wise, reaching just around 25°C (77°F) in summer, a vast difference to Kyoto’s recent 40°C (104°F) summers.

Ideal for hiking, the area is home to a number of scenic walking trails along the base of Mount Asama. Be sure to pay a visit to Karuizawa Shiraito Falls, a unique spring water waterfall that is a popular sightseeing destination. Also a well-known place for fine dining and shopping, this small city has long been considered a more upmarket resort town in winter, yet it’s adapting to accommodate its newfound reputation as a summer retreat for the most budget-conscious traveller.

See more: Best places to admire Mount Fuji from afar in Japan

Source: Internet

8 temples to visit in Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang, Laos was the former Royal Capital city and was designated an UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. The historic town contains French colonial architecture and more than 30 Buddhist temples, or wats, that welcome visitors and are home to monks and novices.

Wat Phon Phao

Wat Phon Phao is almost 2 miles (3 kilometers) northeast of Luang Prabang’s town center. It is a forest monastery that was home to famed and now deceased Buddhist abbot Ajahn Saisamut.

Wat Aham

Wat Aham’s sim, or ordination hall, was built in 1818. The first shrine on this site was erected in the 14th century to honor the two guardian spirits of Luang Prabang. These spirits are now said to live in the trees on the temple grounds.

Wat Mahathat

Wat Mahathat, or Temple of the Great Stupa, is ornate and very beautiful. It was originally constructed in 1548 and was restored in the early 1900s after being damaged by severe weather.

That Chomsi

That Chomsi is located at the top of Mount Phousi overlooking the Mekong. It’s a popular spot to hike in the late afternoon. Visitors are greeted at the summit with excellent views of the sun setting over the river.

Wat Pa Phai

Wat Pa Phai has a gold and red wooden fresco that depicts life in Laos in the 1800s. It was originally a forest monastery but the town of Luang Prabang has grown around it placing it well within the city limits.

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Wat Mai, or New Temple, is one of the largest temples in Luang Prabang and dates back to 1780. Before it was moved to the Royal Palace Museum, the Phra Bang Buddha statue was kept here. The image is returned annually to Wat Mai during Lao New Year in April.

That Makmo

That Makmo’s nickname means Watermelon Stupa. The temple’s formal name is That Pathum, meaning Stupa of the Great Lotus. This short and stout stupa dates back to the early 1500s and its architecture is unique in all of Laos.

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong lies at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan on the north end of Luang Prabang. The temple was built in the mid 1500s by King Setthathirath and functioned as a royal temple until 1975.

See more: 8 reasons why Luang Prabang is so hard to forget

Source: Internet

Best souvenirs to buy in Manila, Philippines

Filipinos are generally known to exhibit the cultural habit of buying and bringing pasalubong (souvenirs) to their loved ones, whether a key chain, shirt, or food delicacy from a place they have recently traveled to. For travelers visiting Manila anytime soon who would like to buy a memento to remind them of their trip, finding souvenir items here surely will not be a problem.

Piña Cloth

There are many types of beautiful fabrics made in the Philippines, but the queen of them all is the piña cloth, which is extracted from pineapple fibers. When done the traditional way, the process of making piña cloth is hard and laborious.

Though it looks soft and delicate on the outside, this cloth is downright durable. It is often used to make the traditional Filipino dress, the Saya and Barong Tagalog, but you can also find bags, table linens, and other home décor made of this.

Philippine Pearls

It is said that the pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens. The pearl is the oldest valued gem, but unlike other gems, it is derived from living organisms, such as mollusks - the oyster. This hard and ideally round and smooth object is naturally produced and is cultivated or harvested. Pearls come in varied colors. In the Philippines you can take fancy in the various colored pearls, such as cream-roses, cream-whites, and assorted yellows and golds.

Kubing

Music is always a huge part of local culture, no matter where you are in the world. Musical instruments make great souvenirs, since they capture the spirit of a place through sound.

A popular instrument that will be easy to bring home is the “Kubing,” or jaw harp. It is made of bamboo and about 25 cm long, so it will be easy to pack. The instrument is played by pressing the mouthpiece to the lips and plucking the end to create a sound. Kubings are generally played during courtship (usually by the man) or in traditional ceremonies.

Barako Coffee

Grown mainly in Batangas, Barako coffee is the best gift to take home to your coffee-loving friends and family members. It is of the Liberica variety and is popular and well-loved for its strong aroma and rich fruity taste. You can serve it black or with honey or sugar as a sweetener, and it is best paired with the Filipino pan de sal or cakes and pastries.

Capiz Items

Capiz is both a geographical location and the name of a shell that is used largely in interior decorating and for decorative gifts and accessories found in the Philippines. Geographically speaking, Capiz is a province of the Philippines facing the Sibuyan Sea to the north. Capiz shell, which is used for decorative purposes, is the outer shell of the marine mollusk, Placuna placenta, found in the shallow coastal waters of the Philippines.

Banig products

Banig products are woven from grasses such as Tikog and Romblon, and have vibrant colors and patterns. Banig bags, banig mats and banig placemats can add a lovely pop of color to any home. Bring back the Banig mats for friends who are into camping or the outdoors, and Banig bags for those who love fashion with a funky touch.

See more: Top best shopping malls in Manila, Philippines