Condé Nast: Tokyo Named World's Best City

Above, a view of Tokyo from the Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo has topped the Condé Nast Readers' Choice 2017 survey as the world's best city.

According to the Malay Mail:

TOKYO, Oct 18 — A Conde Nast Traveler survey that asked some of the world's most affluent and worldly globetrotters to name their favorite cities has crowned Tokyo the world's best city of 2017.  

While some cities can leave their visitors disheartened, deceived and heavy with disappointment, others leave their visitors inspired and exhilarated — consistently.  

In the 2017 edition of CN Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, the city that never disappoints is Tokyo, where neon-lit skyscrapers co-exist with temples, shrines and ancient forests.  

With more Michelin stars than any other destination in the world, Tokyo is also a food lover's paradise. 

To read more, go here. 

Explore Japan's History In Kamakura

Above, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, the first G-TOUR headed out of Tokyo and made a stop in Kamakura. While in Kamakura, the tour group visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangū and the Great Buddha.

Malay Mail Online has an article on things to see and do in Kamakura.

They start it with:

TOKYO, Aug 11 ― Vibrant, fast-paced Tokyo is renowned the world over, but visitors in Japan looking for a more laid-back destination can head to the seaside town of Kamakura. 

Just a 45-minute train ride from Tokyo via the JR Yokosuka line, Kamakura was recommended by my Japan-based relatives. It was a good way to gain a perspective of Japan’s samurai-steeped history, they said. 

Kamakura was the political centre of Japan some 800 years ago, hence the many shrines dedicated to Japanese deities.

To read more, go here.

Godzilla To Come To Life At Universal Studios Japan

Above, Godzilla in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since Toho Studios in the Setagaya district of Tokyo is a 100% working studio with no rides, tours or attractions (except for the Godzilla and Seven Samurai murals and the Godzilla statue, what would be the next best thing?

According to Malay Mail Online:

TOKYO, Aug 2 — Universal Studios Japan has revealed an all-new, 4D attraction set to debut at next year’s “Universal Cool Japan 2017” event, which will bring the Japanese legend of “Godzilla” to life. 

The Osaka-based resort revealed yesterday, August 1 that it will debut the multi-sensory experience “Godzilla: The Real 4D” early next year (at a date to be announced later), while the Universal Cool Japan 2017 event kicks off January 13, 2017. 

The attraction, based on the hit franchise, will see guests personally confront a giant, 118.5-meter-tall “Godzilla” rampaging through the city.

To read more, go here.

Miyajima's Scenic Spots

Above, Miyajima's famous "floating" torii gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, the first G-TOUR took a day trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima via shinkansen. It's hard to believe that nearly 12 years had passed since that trip.

While we were in the Hiroshima area, we paid a visit to Miyajima that sits in the Seto Inland Sea. We took a ferry to the island and spent a few hours wandering around.

Following our visit to Miyajima, we visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in Hiroshima.

Malay Mail's website has an article on the things to see on Miyajima that includes Itsukushima Shrine, the famous "floating" torii gate and wandering deer.

They begin with:

MIYAJIMA, June 26 — Named one of Japan’s top three scenic spots, Miyajima is a tiny island that packs a great number of attractions and picturesque sights, making it a compact destination on its own or as a side trip from Hiroshima. You can get a quick overview of its key landmarks within three hours but it is best to set aside a full day to discover her multiple charms. Here are 12 things to do, see and taste at this serene island. 

I am considering a return visit to Miyajima later this year.

To read more, go here. 

"A Personal Guide To Japan For First Timers"

Above, Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Guides for going to Japan have been cropping up in different countries. It is a popular place to visit right now and any help, no matter where it originates, will make your trip there much more enjoyable.

I have been to Japan eight times. Lydia Koh, the writer of an article, "A Personal Guide To Japan For First Timers", in The Malay Mail of Malaysia has been there four. But, she has some good tips.

The article's focus is on Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

She begins with:

TOKYO, May 22 — Want to visit Japan but don’t know where to start planning? Well, you are in luck because this guide is on Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. 

Having been to Japan four times, including a month-long home stay programme during the winter of 2001, it’s safe to say that I know the place pretty well. 

The first thing you should decide is where you want to go and also which season you would like to visit. The best season, in my opinion, is spring because of the lovely cherry blossoms. Also, you can shop for spring clothes that suit our weather better.

To read more, go here.