Osaka: "The Kitchen of Japan"

Above, along with food, Osaka's Dotonbori has interesting restaurant signage to view. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those of you who are planning to travel to Japan and are foodies, the place to go to is Osaka.

Osaka's Dotonbori district is the city's food center. I last went there in 2015 and partook in Osaka's cuisine.

CNN has posted an article on Osaka being the "kitchen of Japan."

It begins with:

Osaka, Japan (CNN) - Let’s be honest. Osaka hasn’t got Tokyo’s mind-bending urban sprawl, where every turn opens up a world of adventure. Likewise, it lacks the historic temples, tree-covered hills and ancient history of Kyoto.

What it does have, though, are two of the biggest draws any visitor to Japan could ask for. The best food anywhere in the country. And the people, who are funky, fun and playful.

This is a place to come and eat, enjoy the odd local brew and take in a city where day-to-day pleasures come to the fore unlike anywhere else.

Food is practically a religion in Osaka, which is now anticipating the global spotlight as it gears up to host Expo 2025. It is known as the kitchen of Japan, and, for foodies, any tour of its myriad culinary delights must start in Dotonbori.

To read more, go here. 

Japan, Australia and Argentina Reveal Reopening Plans

Above, visitors can visit Godzilla again in Japan. But, there's some hoops to jump first. 

So it was World Tourism Day on September 27. Well, I and probably many others, weren't even aware of this.

But, that aside, some nations have revealed reopening plans and this includes Japan.

KION reported:

It was World Tourism Day on September 27 this week, but it’s safe to say it’s been another bad year for tourism globally. If you’re wondering where it’s safe to go and when, and what you need to do to get there, CNN Travel is on hand with these weekly round-ups.

Here’s what we learned in pandemic travel this week:

Along with Japan, other nations include Australia and Argentina.

To read more, go here.

Kilauea Volcano Reviving The Big Island's Tourism?

Above, red-hot lava in a Kilauea Volcano crater. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I took a helicopter flight over Kilauea Volcanon on Hawaii's Big Island five years ago, the volcano was quiet. 

Even though quiet, the volcano treated the helicopter's passengers to a visual treat of red-hot lava in a crater. 

Now, after the volcano has erupted again, hope has risen that people wanting to view it will help revive tourism to the Big Island.

CNN Travel reported:

(CNN) — Five days before Christmas, Cheryl Gansecki, a volcanologist at the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo, was in bed when a small earthquake shook her awake sometime after 9:30 p.m.

She checked the webcams at the summit of the Kīlauea Volcano, and her eyes went wide when she saw it -- the bright, bold glow coming from the crater.

The lava. It had returned.

She promptly made the 45-minute drive to the crater rim, adjacent to the Visitors Center at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. By the time she arrived at 10:45 p.m., word had spread far and wide.

"Tons of people were already there, and there were traffic jams," Gansecki said.

The last time Kīlauea spewed lava was more than two years ago in the summer of 2018, when it mercilessly flowed through neighborhoods and destroyed more than 700 homes.

Still, many felt compelled to go and see. Hundreds of cars showed up within a few hours, according to the park. It was a mix of curious locals, scientists, photographers and business owners.

They gathered at the Kīlauea Overlook, where a brilliant, orange glow illuminated the crater, reflecting against the green of the trees and the brown of the rock.

Everyone was asking variations of the same questions that night: What would this eruption become? Would it stabilize and provide an opportunity for the island's economy, which has been devastated by the pandemic, to rebound? Would it entice people to travel to Hawaiʻi and see one of nature's greatest displays?

Taking a helicopter flight over an active volcano is something everyone should do. The helicopter tour I took was with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters out of Hilo.

To read more, go here. 

CNN Travel: Tokyo's Cultural Attractions

Above, the Wako department store in Ginza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those considering a visit to Japan, and Tokyo in particular, CNN Travel has posed a travel guide to the city's cultural attractions.

They begin it with:

Tokyo (CNN) — Tokyo is arguably one of the most modern cities in the world, a heaving metropolis with its sights set fully on the future. 

But look closer and you'll see plenty of examples of how it has embraced its cultural traditions along the way. 

Founded as Edo, modern-day Tokyo was the seat of power for the ruling Tokugawa shogunate -- the Japanese military government -- from 1603 until 1868. During this period of stability, the city established its status as a global metropolis, where the Ukiyo, or "floating world," lifestyle blossomed. 

Residents settled into the pleasure-seeking aspects of the culture: indulging in kabuki performances, geisha entertainers and sumo wrestling contests -- traditions that continue today. 

Scenes from the era were captured in Ukiyo-e -- paintings and woodblock prints -- such as "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai. They depicted subjects such as samurai warriors, nature landscapes and even erotica. 

A new exhibition celebrating the great Ukiyo-e artists of that era has just opened at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. It's just one of a huge number of events celebrating art, music and dance -- both traditional and contemporary -- being held as the city gears up for the 2020 Summer Olympics. 

But evidence of Tokyo's ability to honor the customs of the past -- all while forging the city of the future -- can be found throughout the city as well. 

Here, we offer a travel guide on how to fully immerse yourself in the best of Tokyo's old and new while visiting some popular city districts.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Michelin Guide Removes Famous Sushi Restaurant

The Tokyo Michelin Guide to restaurants in Japan has removed a famous sushi restaurant in their latest guide.

But it is not for a reason one might think of.

CNN Travel reported:

(CNN) — It's considered one of the best sushi restaurants in all of Japan, yet a famous restaurant bible won't recommend it. What gives? 

Tokyo's Sukiyabashi Jiro is legendary, not only for its top-quality sushi but for the 2011 documentary film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi," which made chef Jiro Ono an international name. 

But the newest edition of the Tokyo Michelin Guide will no longer recommend Ono's restaurant -- not because the quality has declined, but because it's nearly impossible for a regular person to eat there.

To read more, go here. 

More On The Shin Godzilla Attraction

Above, a model of the Shin Godzilla attraction. Photo by Toho Co., Ltd.

Yesterday, I posted about the new Shin Godzilla attraction that will be opening in Japan next summer.

CNN Travel has also posted an article on the attraction.

They begin with:

(CNN) — If Godzilla movies aren't scary enough for you, head to Japan next year and you can get eaten by the fearsome lizard himself. 

The Nijigen no Mori theme park on Awaji Island in Hyogo prefecture will debut a Godzilla-themed area in 2020, complete with a massive lizard measuring 20 meters (65 feet) high, 25 meters (82 feet) wide and 55 meters (180 feet) long -- the exact size of the one in the movies. 

That means that that Nijigen no Mori will be the first place to have a permanent, full-size replica of the famed movie monster. 

"Godzilla Interception Operation" will feature several activities, including a zipline that will feed you right into the monster's mouth and a shooting game where, presumably, you're aiming at Godzilla himself. 

The activities are called "missions," and visitors will be asked for their help in capturing or defeating Godzilla. And, of course, there will be a gift shop. 

As for the location, it was very intentional. 

"The legendary figure of Godzilla was first confirmed at the beginning of the Meiji era when a typhoon hit Awaji Island," reads a blog post on the theme park's website. "Godzilla, who appeared with the high waves, roamed the island, causing tremendous damage." 

The first Godzilla movie was introduced to the US in 1954, inspiring multiple remakes that all rely on the thrill of watching an enormous lizard wreak devastation on human landscapes.

To read more, go here. 

CNN Travel: 16 Japan Experiences

Above, a stay in a ryokan (Japanese inn) is one experience everyone should try. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Numerous websites often post what are the "top" things to see and do in Japan. Most generally echo each other, while others do come up with different suggestions and ideas.

Another such list has been posted by CNN Travel. It is about 16 Japan experiences every traveler should enjoy.

They begin with:

(CNN) — There's no shortage of reasons to fall in love with Japan. 

Whether you're hunting down top eats in Tokyo and Osaka or basking in the country's stunning landscapes, it's impossible to take it all in in one visit. 

But you'll certainly have a good time trying. 

We've built the ultimate cheat sheet of top Japan experiences to help you plan your next visit. Also, be sure to click through the gallery on the top of this story of beautiful Japan destinations for more travel inspo.

To see what they are, go here. 

Top Things To Do In Osaka

Above, Osaka's foodie paradise, Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This coming weekend, the focus of attention will be on Osaka, Japan when the city hosts 20 world leaders for the G20 summit.

This, naturally, will give people ideas on visiting Osaka (and nearby Kyoto).

CNN Travel has posted an article on top things to do in Osaka.

They begin with:

CNN) — It's taken some time but Osaka, gateway to Japan's Kansai region, has moved well out of Tokyo's long shadow. 

Today, Japan's third largest city is one of Asia's top urban travel destinations and rightfully so -- it's a vibrant city filled with unique culinary, cultural and eye-opening experiences you won't find anywhere else in Japan. 

Osaka will appear under the global spotlight this weekend, with the city hosting the G20 summit from June 28-29. According to officials, the event is expected to draw more than 30,000 people to the city. 

In honor of the diplomatic action, we've put together a quick list of some of the top things to do in Osaka if you're a first-time visitor. (Bear in mind, many of Osaka's attractions will close or adjust their hours during the summit.)

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Pictured in this blog post are two of the top things to do. To see more, go here. 

CNN Travel: Geek's Guide To Tokyo

Above, Godzilla in Shinjuku. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who consider themselves otaku, a trip to Japan, particularly Tokyo, is something they probably already made or is on their bucket list.

Tokyo is the mecca for "geekdom" of all genres of fandom and CNN Travel has posted, "Geek's Guide To Tokyo: Where Otaku Culture Thrives".

It begins with:

Tokyo (CNN) — Otaku, which means "your house" in Japanese, was a term used to (snidely) describe people with obsessive hobbies. To wit: An otaku was seen as a shut-in. 

While originally used to negatively characterize people with interests in anime and manga comics, the label, first coined by essayist Akio Nakamori in the 1980s, has grown to include a wide variety of fandoms and is no longer used with disdain. 

There's a warm community for cos-players, online gamers, railfans (otaku preoccupied with trains), music lovers and countless other subcultures. A growing number of people in Japan now self-identify as otaku -- and it's a judgment-free zone. 

Nowhere is the thriving otaku culture more on display than the futuristic Japanese capital of Tokyo, where several whole neighborhoods tend to a diverse range of desires and obsessions. 

Geeks, rejoice!

The "King of the Monsters" is given a good mention in the article.

To read more, go here. 

Making The Most of Joshua Tree National Park

Above, one of the rock formations at the southern end of the park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The closest national park to Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park. 

CNN Travel currently is running a series on the national parks and WENY-TV News has posted their article on "How to make the most of Joshua Tree National Park".

It begins with:

Editor's note: To mark National Park Week, CNN Travel is featuring several stories about the country's national parks, seashores, historic sites and more.

JOSHUA TREE, California (CNN) -- Joshua Tree sits roughly two and a half hours east of Los Angeles by car, a majestic desert paradise of 792,510 acres of national park lands squished between the palm-tree lined boulevards of Palm Springs to the south and the eccentric, rugged town of Joshua Tree to the north. 

The area's namesake is the Joshua tree, which isn't technically a tree, but a member of the agave family. The plant was first named by Mormon trekkers who said the outstretched limbs reminded them of Joshua reaching his hands to the sky in prayer. 

It is easy to find anthropomorphic shapes in their crooked trunks and misshapen tufts, and driving through expanses of them can feel a bit like wandering into a Dr. Seuss forest. 

The park is split into two distinct desert ecosystems. The western portion is occupied by the Mojave Desert, and that's where you'll find Joshua trees, teetering stacks of sand-colored boulders and the occasional rattlesnake. The Mojave is known as the high desert, with elevations above 3,000 feet. 

In the eastern half of the park you'll find the Colorado Desert, a flatter ecosystem below 3,000 feet that is known for milder weather and blossoming vibrant wild flowers if you travel there in March and April. 

The entire park is larger than Rhode Island, and you could fill up an entire week hiking every trail and climbing every rock. But these days a trip to Joshua Tree also means chasing art, music, food and the occasional sound bath (don't worry, we'll explain) through the neighboring towns of Yucca Valley, Pioneertown and Twentynine Palms.

To read more, go here. 

Matsushima Bay: Scenic Views and Oysters

Above, three Matsushima Bay islets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most scenic places I've ever visited in Japan was Matsushima Bay in the Tohoku region of Japan.

I went there in 2006 to see where my dad was briefly during the Korean War.

Matsushima has often been compared to Carmel, California for scenic beauty and it is easy to see why.

CNN Travel has an article (with photographs) on Matsushima. But the focus is not the scenery this time, but something else: oysters. During the boat tour of Matsushima Bay we passed many oyster beds. Matsushima is a short commuter train ride from Sendai Station (Sendai Station was featured in Gamera 2 and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II).

The article begins with:

(CNN) — It's a chilly Saturday afternoon in February and temperatures are creeping just above the freezing mark -- a time of year when most seaside destinations are devoid of leisure travelers. 

But this is Matsushima, one of the fabled "Nihon Sankei" -- or "Three Views of Japan" -- and it's buzzing with tourists. 

Its fame dates back a few hundred years, to Japan's Edo period, when a Confucius scholar named Hayashi Gahō traveled the country by foot. 

In 1643 he published a book based on his journey in which called out three destinations that, in his eyes, offered incredible scenic beauty -- Amanohashidate, Miyajima and, you guessed it, Matsushima. 

It's easy to see why he deemed this little fishing town in Japan's Miyagi prefecture as worthy of inclusion. 

More than 260 tiny, pine tree-covered islands dot the waters of Matsushima Bay, creating a scene that's been the muse of dozens of Japanese poets and artists through the ages. 

More recently, in 2013 it was inducted into the France-based "Most Beautiful Bays in the World" club. 

But the winter visitors we've spotted are not just here for scenic views. They're more interested in the beautiful creatures being cultivated below the surface of the bay's blue waters: Oysters.

To read more, go here. 

15 Fascinating Sights of Tokyo

Above, the Wako Department Store in Ginza. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who can't get enough of Tokyo or those who would like some ideas on what to see while there, CNN Travel has an article on "15 sights that make Tokyo so fascinating".

They begin with:

(CNN) — Tokyo isn't so much a city as an idea made real. Tokyo the future, the past and the present fused together into a metropolis like no other in the world.   

From its crazy street fashions to its fastidious salarymen, here are 15 ways the choreographed chaos of Japan's capital city engages, puzzles and bewitches.

You'll never guess what number 8 on the list is! (Or maybe you will.)

To see what they are, go here. 

Japan's Shotengai

Above, the entrance to Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Hardcore Godzilla (and other kaiju) fans have known about buying collectibles in different places in Japan.

One of which is Nakano Broadway in the Nakano section of Tokyo. It is a Japanese form of shopping mall, but it has a specific name.

According to CNN Travel:

(CNN) — Tired of buying all your vacation gifts for the folks back home at the same old touristed-out temples and corporate malls when you're in Tokyo? 

Then try some of the most unusual, storied and just plain odd shopping streets -- called shotengai.

To see Nakano Broadway and other shotengai, go here. 

Reasons To Visit Osaka

Above, a restaurant's sign in the foodie area of  Osaka's Dotonbori. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

CNN may be full of fake news these days, but perhaps that hasn't affected their travel bureaus.

CNN Travel has an article of 10 reasons to visit Osaka, Japan from food to shopping (two good reasons, eh?). And they begin it with:

(CNN) — Ask most people where they want to go in Japan, and they'll likely reply without a moment's hesitation -- "Tokyo, duh." 

Romantic Kyoto may come a close second, or tropical Okinawa, but the Japan bucket list rarely includes rough-and-tumble Osaka. It's Japan's third-most-populated city, yet one that is often overlooked by overseas tourists. 

Bayside Osaka -- gutted by World War II bombing and rebuilt rapidly, haphazardly -- certainly lacks the picturesque architecture and alluring natural scenery of other Japanese cities. And its enduring role as one of Japan's economic command centers hardly seems like a reason to stir from your couch. So why visit Osaka at all?

To read more, go here.