Seven Famous Japan Landmarks You Need To See

Above, the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one has visited Japan, there are some landmarks that people who visit Japan should see. Some are man-made and some are natural, each should be put on one's "bucket list" of things to see.

That is the topic of an article in The Charlotte Observer.

They begin with:

Japan is filled with rich history and stunning natural sights — from snow-capped volcanic peaks to ancient temples and ultramodern towers. Whether you dream of climbing a legendary mountain, feeding sacred deer or watching a torii gate appear to float on the sea, these seven landmarks belong on every traveler’s list.

To see what they are, go here.

Yosemite National Park Dispute Headed To Mediation?

Above, if a settlement is reached, Half Dome Village can get its old name, Curry Village, back. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like the dispute between the National Park Service and Yosemite National Park's former concessionaire, Delaware North may be resolved sooner than originally thought.

The Charlotte Observer reported:

WASHINGTON A high-profile clash over the trademarking of Yosemite National Park names appears headed for a mediated settlement. 

The potential mediation, revealed in a new court filing, would enable the National Park Service and Yosemite’s former and current concessionaires to resolve their intellectual property differences more amicably and probably more quickly than in the raw legal arena.

Read more here.