Nijo Castle Building Reopening After 17 Years

Above, one of the gates to Nijo Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I saw the following story, I had to think a bit about when we visited Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Japan with the first G-TOUR.

That was in 2004, 20 years ago. We toured the castle and experienced its "nightingale floors" which were designed to alert the castle's residents of possible assassins by their squeaks during Japan's feudal period.

Asahi Shimbun posted an article on the reopening of one of the palace buildings after 17 years.

They begin with:

KYOTO—One of the main buildings at Nijo-jo Castle here, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will reopen to the public on Sept. 1 after being closed for 17 years, the city government announced on June 17.

The castle’s Honmaru-goten Palace was closed to the public in 2007 due to concerns about its earthquake resilience, following damage caused by the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.

Since 2017, the city has invested 1.56 billion yen ($9.89 million) to reinforce the structure and to restore its paintings. The renovation work was completed in March this year.

This will be the first time that the palace has been open to the public year-round. Prior to its 2007 closure, it was open only twice a year.

To read more, go here. 

Why Was Chaco Canyon Abandoned?

Above, one of the great ceremonial kivas in Chaco Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park is an interesting place to visit. It is only 79 miles from my home in New Mexico. The nearest town is Crownpoint, New Mexico.

Getting there is adventure itself as most of 20-mile road is unpaved and gets pretty rough from ruts left by rainstorms. I visited it two years ago. It has a visitor center and a campground (Gallo Campground) and very little else. Visitors should be fully supplied with food and water if staying over.

There is a mystery of why the Chaco people left the area. Researchers have theories and TheTravel has posted an article discussing them.

They begin with:

The Chaco Canyon is home to some of the most important and significant Native American ruins in the Southwest (there is much more than just the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde). The ancient Native American ruins at Chaco Canyon are some of the elite few to be preserved in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the USA.

But there is a mysterious story to Chaco Canyon. At some point, the ancient inhabitants packed up and left. But why? Why would they leave? While it is impossible to go back in time and ask the departing Ancestral Pueblo survey questions, researchers do have some ideas.

 To read more, go here.

Japan's Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Above, Itsukushima Shrine's grand vermillion torii gate at Miyajima. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of these days, tourists will flock again to Japan to enjoy its scenic beauty and take in Japanese culture.

Until then, all we can do is read about it and catch a video of Japan on YouTube and other sources.

Japan has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for people to visit and Time Out Tokyo has listed the best ones.

They begin with:

It’s no secret that Japan is filled with some of the most picturesque sightseeing spots in the world – we’re talking soothing bamboo forests, summer festivals and winter villages. So many of Japan’s historic sites have been damaged or destroyed in natural disasters and wars, so the ones that still remain are considered rare and therefore special.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, or Unesco, aims to preserve global cultural, historical or natural landmarks by designating them as World Heritage Sites. And Japan boasts a whopping 23 World Heritage Sites, ranging from traditional villages to Shinto and Buddhist shrines and temples, and more.

Thanks to preservation efforts, both tourists and residents can still visit these ancient sites and learn about the history of Japan. Here are some of Japan’s best Unesco World Heritage Sites, from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial to Kyoto’s ancient monuments. 

To read more, go here. 

 

How To Spend A Day At The Grand Canyon

Above, the Colorado River continues to carve the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Okay, folks! We're now in March and the summer vacation season is a little over three months away. Now is the time to start thinking about where to go and see this summer.

One place that should be on potential vacation lists is Grand Canyon National Park. I've been there several times and there's always something new and/or different to see and do.

Columbus Underground has an article on how to spend a day at the Grand Canyon. Mind you, to really enjoy the park, you should spend more than a day there.

They begin with:

The Grand Canyon is one of America’s largest, and most popular, tourist destinations. The canyon itself is composed of peaks and slopes of layers of red rock that drop down several thousand feet. At its base, the Colorado River snakes through for over 200 miles. At different times of day, the colored rocks reflect the sunlight in a variety of colors, causing the rocks to appear purple, blue, yellow, red or orange. 

Most of the canyon is contained within Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, although some of it is part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Prior to receiving national park status in 1919, the area was declared a national monument by Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. Decades later, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The park covers almost 2,000 square miles. 

According to the National Park Service (NPS), the first year the park was established it had almost 38,000 visitors; 100 years later it had over six million in 2018. The NPS works with archeologists to preserve the area’s history and culture while keeping the park visitor ready. 

The Grand Canyon averages 10 miles across in diameter. It is divided into two parts, the North Rim and the South Rim. The North Rim, which sits about 8,000 feet above sea level, is closed during the winter months, making it harder to access and therefore less popular than the South Rim, which sits at about 7,000 feet above sea level. The South Rim, open year-round, offers shuttle service to trailheads as well as several ideal spots for watching the sunrise and sunset. However, both offer campgrounds, restaurants, and visitor centers during operating hours.

To read more, go here. 

Despite Restoration Work, Miyajima's Beauty Can Still Be Enjoyed

Above, O-torii at Miyajima in 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, G-TOUR made a stop at Miyajima near Hiroshima to take in the sights, including the O-torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine. Access to Miyajima is by ferry boat.

Currently, restoration work is taking place at the popular tourist attraction, but as Stars & Stripes (a.k.a. Stripes Japan) points out, the work shouldn't detract from the beauty of them.

Above, Itsukushima and O-torii from the ferry. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They begin with:

The floating O-torii and Itsukushima Shrine at Miyajima south of Hiroshima are two of Japan’s most popular attractions, but ongoing restoration work there shouldn’t stop Americans stationed in Japan from planning a visit. 

Miyajima, or the “Island of the Gods,” is one of the three most scenic places in Japan, according to the island’s official tourist website, and a prime destination for an easy day trip or weekend getaway for those at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. 

It’s especially popular for professional and amateur photographers who make their way around the picturesque landscape. 

The most popular photo subject is the O-torii, which appears to float gently on the waves when the tide is high. The bright orange structure, which stands nearly 60 feet tall in stark contrast to the dark green, forested hillsides behind it, was built in 1875 and is the eighth O-torii at Miyajima. The first was built in 1168. 

Other photo ops include Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its brilliant orange pillars and wooden walkways. There’s also the five-story Tahoto Pagoda, which pokes above the cherry trees, and the many scenic orange footbridges in Momijidani Park that cross a small river. They’re perfect for family photos.

To read more, go here. 

Time Out Tokyo: Guide To Hiroshima

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are planning a vacation to Japan and who also plan to venture out of Tokyo, Hiroshima is a place that is worth a visit.

I visited Hiroshima in 2004 with G-TOUR and it was a memorable experience.

A guide to Hiroshima has been posted by Time Out Tokyo and they begin it with:

After the devastating atomic bombing of World War II, Hiroshima has risen again to become a beacon of world peace, and one of Japan’s top tourist destinations 

Take a trip down to southern Honshu and explore the sights and sounds of Hiroshima, an city of historical significance not just in Japan but in the world as well. The city was decimated by one of the only two atomic bombs ever deployed in war, and this historic bombing led to the end of World War II. Today, the city has been completely rebuilt, but the war remnants are preserved as they were to not only remind us all the horrors of war but also promote everlasting world peace. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial was designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1996 and is now a significant landmark of the world. 

A regular stop on the Japan tourist trail, Hiroshima still holds many sights and attractions, with lots of top restaurants and hidden bars dotted throughout the city. Let's not forget about Miyajima either – the sacred island is home to many tame, free-roaming deer and great temples. Planning on a visit? Add this list to your itinerary now.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto For Beginners

Above, Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Anyone visiting Japan for the first time or for those who have never been to Kyoto should make it a point to visit Japan's ancient capital. I've been there twice. 

First, I toured Kyoto with G-TOUR in 2004. Then, I returned there in 2015.

But what should beginners include in their itinerary?

Fortunately, Ryokou Girl has a suggested three-day itinerary for beginners.

They begin with:

Anyone visiting Japan for the first time should go to Kyoto, home to a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of my favorite cities! This article offers a complete 3-day Kyoto itinerary for first-time visitors taking in all the best sights and experiences. 

So what are you waiting for? Check out my list of things to do in Kyoto for beginners!

To read more, go here. 

All Mt. Fuji Hikers Have To Pay ¥1,000 This Summer

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who plan to hike on Japan's Mount Fuji, but don't plan on going all the way to the summit, will still have to pay a ¥1,000 donation.

News On Japan reported:

Even hikers who have no intention of reaching the summit of Mount Fuji will be asked to make a donation of ¥1,000 for stepping foot on the country’s highest mountain from this summer, local prefectures said Thursday. 

Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, which the 3,776-meter-high volcanic mountain straddles, will aim to secure more income to help preserve the environment and fund trail safety measures at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

To read more, go here.

Nijo Castle, Kyoto's Gem

Above, one of the gates of Nijo Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nijo Castle in Kyoto may not be a destination that people immediately think of when looking for places to visit while in the city, but it is well worth a visit.

I visited Nijo Castle in 2004 during G-TOUR and we all found it an interesting place, especially the "nightingale floors" inside that were designed to warn the residents of intruders.

Japan Today has an article on the castle.

They begin with:

KYOTO - Nijo Castle probably isn’t the first destination that comes to mind when one thinks of famous places to visit in Kyoto. 

It is after all one of the 17 sites across Kyoto to be collectively designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site under the combined banner of Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The castle’s rich history begins in 1601 when Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the enduring Tokugawa dynasty, ordered its construction to serve as the official residence of the shogun in Kyoto. The castle itself houses two palaces, the Ninomaru and the Honmaru.

Above, a Nijo Castle garden. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Mount Fuji Becoming A Popular Attraction To Foreigners

Above, a view of Mt. Fuji from a passing shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The closest I've ever come to climbing Mount Fuji in Japan was to take a bus tour to one of the Fifth Stations in 2004 with G-TOUR. 

However, others have taken to the slopes to, hopefully, get a spectacular view of the rising sun.

Japan Today has reported that a record number of foreign visitors to Japan have hiked to the summit.

They wrote:

NAGANO, Japan —Mt Fuji is increasingly becoming a popular destination for foreign tourists amid a record-breaking number of people visiting Japan from abroad. 

The 3,776-meter volcano, which straddles Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2013 as an “object of worship” and “wellspring of art.” 

Some 200,000 people climb Mt Fuji each year via the Yoshida Trail that leads to the summit of the tallest mountain in Japan from its north side in Yamanashi. Foreign visitors account for some 30% of those trekkers on weekdays and 20% on weekends, according to an Environment Ministry survey conducted in August last year.

To read more, go here. 

The Spiritual Beauty of Kiyomizu-dera

Above, the Main Hall and Stage of Kiyomizu-dera were being renovated at the time of my visit. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Huffington Post has posted a pictorial article on Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. It is not the usual kind of photo article as it focuses on the temple during four seasons.

Godzilla fans are familiar with Kiyomizu-dera as it briefly appeared in 1993's Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II. The scene has Godzilla stomping through Kyoto in the background with Kiyomizu-dera's Main Hall and Stage in the foreground.

According to The Huffington Post:

The Kiyomizu-dera, or Kiyomizu Temple, is one of Japan’s greatest treasures. The 14,000- square-foot temple, situated dramatically on a cliff overlooking Kyoto, was initially constructed in the 8th century. The temple was rebuilt during Japan’s Tokugawa dynasty in the 1600s, and has served ever since as a place of worship for Japanese Buddhists. 

The temple is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but despite the crowds, there is something undeniably spiritual about its swooping pagodas and stone pillars, surrounded by swathes of natural greenery. Kiyomizu—which means “pure water” – takes its name from the waterfall in the center of the temple complex, whose water is believed to have the power to grant wishes.

To read more, go here.

Latest Blog Post Pick-ups

The good folks at The Japan Daily picked up several of yesterday's blog posts for sharing with their readers.

They include:

To read The Japan Daily, go here.

Whiners Dis Japan’s Wonders

Above, a view of the top of Mt. Fuji from the timberline. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," or so the old saying goes.

A few foreign tourists came away not totally in awe with some of Japan's World Heritage Sites. Some were outright disgruntled.

The Japan Times has an article on some foreign tourists's reactions after visiting some of those sites.

The Times wrote:

Everyone loves Japan’s coveted UNESCO World Heritage sites. They showcase the country’s beauty, history and culture. 

But according to reviews on one of the Net’s most popular traveler-ranking sites, not every tourist is impressed with Japan’s most vaunted spots. One visitor blamed Mount Fuji for not looking like the pictures, while another tourist called the Hiroshima A-bomb Dome “a bunch of broken rocks.” 

Let’s explore what some disgruntled travelers have to say about Japan’s most impressive World Heritage Sites.

To read more, go here.

Speaking of Mount Fuji, it has been named one of the world's six volcanoes capable of destroying everything at Rocket News 24. To see their article, go here.

Japan's Must-see World Heritage Sites

Above, the A-Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Peace Park are World Heritage Sites. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Amy Chavez has an article on "Japan's Must-see World Heritage Sites" over at the Huffington Post.

As of August 2014, there are 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan.

She begins her article with:

What to see, how to avoid the crowds, and how to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Sites on your own terms. 

Although I have been to many of the World Heritage Sites myself, to learn the details on absolutely all of them I turned to the book Japan's World Heritage Sites: Unique Culture, Unique Nature by John Dougill.

To read more, go here.

Mount Aso Added To UNESCO Geoparks List

Above, my view of Mt. Aso Volcano National Park during a blizzard bus ride. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kaiju fans are familiar with Mt. Aso Volcano National Park in Kyushu, Japan. It was featured in the 1956 thriller, Rodan.

Mt. Aso just received another distinction. It was be named a UNESCO global geopark.

According to Kyodo News:

The caldera of active volcano Mt. Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan was added Tuesday to a list of global geoparks, according to the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. 

The Aso caldera, one of the world's largest covering an area of about 350 square kilometers, becomes Japan's seventh geopark, which is defined as a nature park particularly important in terms of geological features.

Above, the main lobby of the Mt. Aso Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I visited Mt. Aso in April 2007, but was unable to see much of anything outside as the park was in the middle of a blizzard. I was able to enjoy the visitor center in comfort as it had a number of exhibits, including a camera's eye view of inside of the Mt. Aso caldera.

Mt. Aso is spotlighted in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan on page 46.

To read more, go here.

18 Must-See Sites In Japan

Above, torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine–Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture) is no. 2 on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Rocket News 24 has an article on visiting "18 must-see sites in Japan." They are all UNESCO World Heritage sites, which should indicate to the uninitiated that they are worth a visit.

I've been to several of them, not because of their World Heritage site status, but because I wanted to see them or they were on our tour itinerary.

The article begins with:

Visiting World Heritage Sites is a great way to see Japan. Since the sites are scattered all around the archipelago, you’re bound to be close to at least one of them no matter where you are in the country, and having gained the prestigious status by UNESCO, you can be sure you’re seeing the very best of Japan. After all, World Heritage status is not easily obtained and competition is stiff. 

Join our peripatetic reporter as she takes you to each site and gives you the lowdown on what to see, how to avoid the crowds, and how to enjoy the sites on your own terms. Ready? Let’s go!

Although I have been to many of the World Heritage Sites myself, to learn the details on absolutely all of them I turned to the book Japan’s World Heritage Sites: Unique Culture, Unique Nature by John Dougill. 

To see the list, go here.

Kinkaku-Ji, Temple of the Golden Pavilion

Above, Kinkaku-ji, the gold-plated Temple of the Golden Pavilion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, was a place in Kyoto that I wanted to visit for quite a while. I had read about it and seen plenty of pictures of it, but wanted to see it for myself. In 1994, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Thankfully, it was on the itinerary of the 2004 G-TOUR and I got to see it along with other Godzilla fans.

I have written about Kinkaku-ji several times on this blog, but reading other people's thoughts about it are always welcome. Such is the case with a June 11 posting at Gaijinpot.com.

Their article covers the history of Kinkaku-ji, what to expect, extra fun items and how to get there.

The Gaijinpot article begins with:

The Temple of the Golden Pavilion in all its majesty is something you must see with your own eyes to believe. Even seeing it in person feels almost unreal, as if you are just viewing a famous painting for the first time. But it is so much more than just art, it is a piece of history that now simply rests in this peaceful pond in Kyoto. 

Seeing a crowd of people flocking to a site in Japan is quite common, especially at famous sightseeing locations. As you travel the country you become used to this phenomenon, and come to expect it to occur when you’re at a famous place. Visiting Kinkaku-ji will feel very much the same, but what is to come at the end of the crowd is unlike any other sight in Japan.

When visiting Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji should be put on your "must see" list of things to visit.

To read the full article, go here. 

Western Meals No Longer To Be Required For International Hotel Listing In Japan

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the things that I like about staying at the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo are their buffet breakfasts.

They are reasonably priced (around ¥900) and they also have great croissants (I think they bake them there). One can choose having either a Japanese-style or western-style breakfast (or mix the two, as I sometimes do).

In view of this, a news item in Kyodo News caught my attention.

The story is:

The Japan Tourism Agency will lift a decades-old requirement that hotels must serve western-style meals to be registered as "international tourist hotels," effective Friday, agency officials said Thursday. 

The decision was made because "washoku" Japanese cuisine has been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, while nearly 70 percent of tourists visiting Japan come from Asia, the officials said. 

Under the registration system launched in 1949, offering western-style meals was among criteria aimed at meeting western standards, but the requirement was eased in 1993 to serving western-style breakfasts.

I do hope that hotels such as the Hotel Asia Center of Japan continue to serve western-style breakfasts, even though they will no longer be required to do so. Otherwise, I'd have to go to a local McDonald's (no problem here, they're all over the place) or hunt down a Denny's Restaurant if I want a western-style breakfast. I don't mind having Japanese food for lunch and dinner. I just prefer a western-style breakfast.

To read the full article, go here. 

Japan Travel Advice Kyoto Page Updated

Above, the Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan Travel Advice has updated their Kyoto page.

It contains "must-see" places in Kyoto and sample itineraries. They start it all off with:

Kyoto, Japan’s former capital is considered the home of culture and history in Japan with more than 2000 shrines and temples. Kyoto is a place you can still feel traditional Japan with ancient temples, colourful shrines and tranquil gardens. Kyoto is also home to an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The absolute minimum amount of time you should spend in Kyoto is two days but more is highly recommended to fully experience what the place has to offer.

To view it, go here. 

Mt. Fuji Fee Set At ¥1,000

Above, the summit of Mt. Fuji from the timberline. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The experiment started last summer in collecting a ¥1,000 fee from climbers on Mt. Fuji will be re-instituted again this summer.

According to Kyodo News:

Local prefectures on Wednesday agreed to collect a 1,000 yen admission fee from climbers on Mt. Fuji from next summer on a voluntary basis. 

Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, which the volcanic mountain straddles, will allocate the revenue from the scheme to environmental projects and safety measures around the trails to counter the increasing number of climbers, prefectural officials said. 

Upon Mt. Fuji's registration on the UNESCO world heritage site this year, the local authorities are speeding up the measures to accommodate an increased number of climbers, including restoration of toilets and first aid stations along the trails.

The fee is roughtly $10.00 U.S.

To read the full story, go here.