Travelling to Hokkaido Island

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Travelling to Hokkaido Island

Mapachi Street houses most fashionable shops, restaurants and shopping stores. There are in between, art galleries, museums, amusement parks and in the heart of the University of Hokkaido, the Japanese garden with over 4,000 plant species spread over an area of more than 14 hectares. The Ainu Museum of tickets may know the traditions and culture of the Ainu.

Among the famous restaurant of the place, their noodles are the Susukino (Japanese pampas grass) is always full of tourists and visitors, very good food.

A singularity of Hokkaido, is as already mentioned earlier, his exuberant nature, which is not in the big cities of Japan, forget that one thing that attracts attention and is justified by the high prices in Japan, is that people large cities, the grocery shopping done considering the portion “fair” deal for your menu that day, exact purchase a lemon, a tomato, an egg, no excesses, as Latinos become accustomed, that despite high inflation we are experiencing, we are doing the weekly shopping in abundance, in addition for us is allowed to have the number of children they give us the win, which is also restricted in Japan due to the overpopulation of cities, leading to a progressive aging of its inhabitants, in addition, women have become increasingly sophisticated and want to develop their career rather than primarily to family.

The clubs are separate point, the Japanese have entertainment centers very similar to those Western countries, were it not for the freedoms have been so suspended until a few years ago there would be far safer than they are in front reels the other hemisphere.

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Hokkaido Island in Japan

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Hokkaido Island in Japan

The island of Hokkaido in Japan is a place that retains as much natural reserves of the region, which is accentuated during periods of summer and spring and figures to show vast plains covered by geological sometimes dense crystal white snow.

Ideal for practicing Skyboard until mid-May, inclusive, leading to the beginning of a new spring season with beautiful, colorful flowers in front of a mountain range, rich in pastures, inhabited by native fauna and gentle place.

Since time immemorial, Hokkaido was not only the second largest island of Japan, but also the warm home of the Ainu people, of which it retains its people, traditions, and customs. To my taste, the Japanese still have an exaggerated machismo in their habits, relegating women to second place, are very conservative in every sense, respect the work of others as in no other country in the world, which is reflected in the generosity of tips to say an example.

The island is surrounded by a large mountain range that covers over the Sierra Ishikari in its center, with 2,000 meters, second largest after the Asahi, with about 2,300 meters above sea level, its capital, Sapporo, is reached by taking a plane, train or ferry .

The most important rivers in the area are Ishiyaki the Toyohira, the Uryu, and Tokachi. There are still many many virgin forests and nature reserves.

Among these numerous natural attractions, hot springs are present on the island Their houses, museums, galleries, parks, National University, shopping and restaurants, are all aligned with the aesthetics of the area, perfect match with the Japanese style classic.

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10 tips for traveling to Japan

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traveling to Japan

10 tips for those who want to know Japan, knowing that culture may clash at some point with the Japanese.

1. If you want to see technology, Disney, NHK go to Tokyo, if you want to know about culture go to Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura … Aquarium and Universal Studios in Osaka … Snow in Hokkaido, beautiful beaches on Okinawa, the Peace Park in Hiroshima. All cities are beautiful castles and gardens. Tokyo and Osaka are the biggest cities. You can see Mount Fuji in Yamanashi and Shizuoka.

2. Will be fine if you speak English, but some words in Japanese will help a lot … (arigato-thank you, sumimasen-sorry, itadakimasu-before eating, gochisosama-to finish eating … etc)

3. You can change dollars for yen.

4. Japanese food tastes different from Western food, Chinese etc. She eats lots of fish, although there are restaurants for all tastes.

5. When traveling by taxi, travel in the back seat and the door will open up automatically, place a safe distance.

6. Bring shoes easy to get on and off, because when entering some restaurants or traditional hotels, or home of a friend’s will have to remove.

7. Do not drive in the rice sticks, this will only make the monks at funerals. (It is very rude) not blow your nose on the table, always look for a secluded spot.

8. Eating utensils can ask if you can not use chopsticks.

9. Spring is from March to May, summer from June to August, autumn from September to November, and winter from December to January.

10. Some states do not require a visa to enter Japan, but you can read about it here.

The best tourist spots in Japan

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 tourist spots in Japan

Japan is an exotic land and spectacular, blending aspects of the ancient Asian culture with all the technology and architecture today. This combination of styles allows this country is increasingly chosen by tourists wishing to visit a site away from traditional destinations.

Here we leave you a list of some of the most interesting tourist sites in Japan:

Tokyo: How could it be otherwise, the capital city is the most spectacular that has this country. Year after year thousands of tourists who choose this site to learn more of this Asian culture.

Nikko: Another really beautiful city. Her beauty is so spectacular that was declared Historical Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. You can not miss a visit to the National Park of this city, which highlights the beauty of Mount Nantai.

Hiroshima: The city is infamous for being destroyed by a nuclear bomb during the Second World War. Today it is synonymous with modernity and has a large Peace Park and a Museum of Memory, which remembers the victims of U.S. bombing.

Nagasaki: Like the above, also suffered the effects of the bombs during the war, and also has a section of monuments dedicated to the memory of the victims.

Osaka: It is perhaps one of the most prosperous cities of Japan, especially because of the large commercial and industrial spectrum is located in the city. Like other major Japanese cities, here you can enjoy a spectacular mix between historical sites and modern skyscrapers of impressive size.

Kyoto: If you want to enjoy major landmarks can not miss a visit to this city, where are located many places of interest that most of them have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

Traditional festivals in Japan

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Enjoyed Okuribi Daima-Ji
In Kyoto, huge bonfires are lit on five mountains of Kyoto to signal the end of summer. The huge fires on the slopes of the mountains, are Japanese characters and other reasons, clearly visible from anywhere in the city. The character “dai” which means “large” in the Mount Daimonji, and those of “myo” and “ho” that are “Myo-Ho” meaning “great teachings of Buddha” in the mountains of Matsugasaki Nishiyama and are famous. Traditionally it is believed that if during that night to drink water or sake burning Daimonji characters reflected in your glass, protecting it from disease.

Dai-Chochin Matsuri
City held at Suwa Shrine in this festival are taken in procession huge paper lanterns (called “Chochin”), which measure up to 5 meters in diameter and 10 meters in length. The 12 sets of headlights that appear in the festival, are decorated with Chinese characters explaining all kinds of stories.

Oware Kaze No Bon
Held in the city of Toyama, during this festival Onra the wind to prevent damage that can cause to crops, and prays for a bountiful fall harvest. During the 3 day festival from September 1, residents of Toyama dance all night while singing the traditional song “Oware Ecchu Bushi.” The women carry all the same kind of kimono for summer (cotton). Men wear short jackets and hats AmigaOS.

The cherry blossoms in Japan

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cherry blossoms in Japan

One of the quintessential symbols of spring in Japan is the cherry blossom. Since ancient times, Japanese people have always felt a deep admiration for the spectacle of the cherry trees in parks and gardens to the arrival of spring. The length and breadth of Japan, the blooming of these trees is a cause for national celebration.

festival of Hanami

During the festival of Hanami, the Japanese get together with family and friends to share a picnic and a good “sake” under the cherry blossoms. Such is his importance, that Japan’s weather bureau is responsible for the prediction of cherry blossom. In this link, you can do the daily monitoring of the evolution of flowering cherry, with images of the shoots of the branches in several fixed points of Tokyo. And in this one, you have a list of several parks and places where you can admire the beauty of this natural spectacle.

Transport in Japan

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Transport in Japan

PLANE:
* There are several airlines flying to Japan, but no direct flights from Spain, always via a European city.
* Before you buy your flight to Japan, learn the ability to enter and exit through a city other than paying a minimum charge. In some cases it is highly recommended.

TRAINS:
* In Japan there are several railway companies, the most important and extensive is the JR (Japan Rail).
* Before buying a Japan Rail Pass , we must plan the route to take full advantage.
* There are several types of Japan Rail Pass, according to zones and days, each of them with special conditions.

CAR RENTAL:
* In Japan they drive on the left, mandatory international driving permit.
* Only important information (airports, stations, cities …) are in English, so it is very necessary to know Japanese to be able to orient the wheel of a car.
* The roads and streets are narrow, tolls, parking and gasoline expensive. It is for this reason that in some cases only recommend renting a car in Japan.

Japan Festivals: Reitai-Sai

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Japan Festivals: Reitai-Sai

Event: ‘Reitai-Sai’
Traditional festivities
Local Festivals.
Duration: 3 Days
Repeat Event: Every Year

In the city of Kamakura (Kanagawa prefecture), is celebrated the world-famous Reitai sai organized by the temple of Hachiman Tsurugaoka. Composed of several events such as traditional music and tea ceremonies in honor of the gods, but stands above all the “Yabusame” held on the 16th.

The Yabusame is a contest that combines the ability to ride horses, along with the art of traditional Japanese archery, popular among samurai warriors of the late Heian period. The competition is held in a plain about 250 meters long, which are located three targets.

The archers dressed in costumes typical samurai game, the backs of their horses and throw an arrow at each of the targets while galloping along the track. Tens of thousands of spectators gather to witness the event.

Japan Festivals: Yamaga Toro Matsuri

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Japan Festivals: Yamaga Toro Matsuri

Event: ‘Yamaga Toro Matsuri’
Traditional Festivals
Duration: 2 Days
Repeat Event: Every Year

This festival held in the city of Yamaga, is celebrated in the temple of Omiya. It is one of the three major festivals on the fire in Kumamoto, known as the land of fire.

During the same 1000 women, dressed in the summer cotton kimono, carrying paper lanterns gold and silver in their hands, they dance all night while singing “Yoheho-bushi” to a very slow and deliberate pace.

The men play the scene that gives rise to the festival, welcoming the emperor on his arrival in the city and lined up in long rows in a procession with flaming torches and dressed in old clothes.

Accommodation in Japan

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Accommodation in Japan

In Japan you can find different types of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. However, being an Asian country so unique, we recommend being advised prior to booking a hotel during your stay.

Hotels:
* They are divided into categories as follows: economic, Standard, first and luxury.
* There is no certification by stars.
* The buildable square foot is very expensive, so the rooms are usually small.
* Japan has its own style, therefore you should not think ever in the “lap of luxury.”

Ryokanes:
* The real ryokanes are always superior, not to be confused with the japanese never inn or minshukus.
* The service is exquisite and authentically Japanese, often family businesses, some with more than 200 years of history.
* Price is including Japanese breakfast and dinner is usually served in the room.
* Remember that there are no beds, sleeping on a futon (mattress that is placed directly on the mat).

Onsen:
* The spa services are called onsen, that due to the geography of the country and cultural tradition, are highly appreciated by themselves Nipponese.
* The bathrooms may be internal and / or outdoors, but often provides a schedule of entry for women and another for men, since it is not allowed to enter with swimsuit!

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