... tips on using your credit card overseas and a few things you need to be aware of ...
One obvious way to avoid carrying wads of cash around when travelling, is to use your credit card. Whether you use VISA, MasterCard or American Express you will be able to make purchases and benefit from the policies, such as reward points, guarantees, insurance etc that your card may offer.
On your travels you will however find that some cards are a lot more welcome than others. The main reason for this, is the amount the credit card companies charge merchants, which puts them off accepting the card or offer to pass those charges on to you by increasing the price!
The credit card companies say that asking the consumer to pay a surcharge is against their policies and if reported that merchant will be removed from the network. We have seen this first hand, where a travel agent in Thailand was reported to American Express by an unhappy customer who was asked to pay a 5% surcharge because he wanted to use his credit card.
The result - the agent was asked to stop this practice or be removed from the network, the agent chose to leave the network only to rejoin a year or so later without changing its policy in any way.
The main problem with this practice seems to be with American Express, which, while it does offer travellers some excellent bonuses and benefits, is not, or at least does not seem to be from our own travels, the most popular credit card among merchants in Asia.
For example in Hong Kong it is quite difficult to find restaurants outside of the major hotels that accept the card, many only accept VISA or MasterCard. In Thailand it is very common for the establishment to try and surcharge you, and this applies to all credit cards not just Amex.
So, while carrying your credit card on your travels will help, it is not all smooth sailing, and cash is still very much in demand. Also read: Tips on using ATM and Credit Cards safely.
Tips for using ATM Machines and Credit Cards
We recommend travellers to use their ATM cards to get cash when in a foreign country, because more often than not it is the most efficient, fastest and least costly way of obtaining the foreign currency you need.
Using your ATM card and credit cards does have risks, not just in Asia but the world over, and travellers should always be very wary when using them to avoid unwanted problems.
There are things to look out for when using your cards to ensure you do not become a victim:
- Never ever give out your security number on the phone, unless you are 100% certain who you are talking to. If someone calls you and claims to be from your bank or credit card company, ring them back on their general number (not the number the caller gives you) to make sure they really are who they say they are before you give out any details.
- Make sure your bank, or the bank you are using, is not the one ripping you off. In Thailand for example, the bank you are using charges THB 150 per withdrawal. You can get around this only by using AEON bank ATM machines that do not charge.
- When using an ATM machine, always make sure there is nobody loitering around suspiciously, if there is, use another ATM machine. If you feel someone is standing too close to you while you type in your PIN number - even a friend, ask them to step back, and always make sure you try and hide as best you can the number you are entering. We heard of one story where a gang had actually set up a telescope from an elevated position across the street so they could read the ATM number as it was being typed in.
- Always check the ATM machine carefully before you use it. If there is anything about the ATM machine which seems a little strange don't use it, use another. This includes carefully checking the slot where you insert the card, and making sure there are no hidden cameras anywhere.
One ATM scam going around the world at the moment is where people add what is known as a skimmer to the front of the ATM machine where you insert the card, they then stay near by and the details you enter into the machine are electronically transmitted to them, at the same time, a wireless camera is disguised to look like a leaflet holder and is mounted in a position to view your ATM PIN number. Once the process is complete they simply need to make a card with the information they gained and they can then use it at any ATM machine just as you would.
Another is where people put a clear plastic sleeve into the card slot. Unsuspecting users then insert their card but the machine is unable to read the strip (because of the sleeve) and so the machine keeps asking the user to renter the password, after a while the user gives up thinking the machine has swalllowed the card. What has actually happened is the ATM card is inside the sleeve and someone has managed to see the number you entered, from there they simply remove the card from the sleeve and use your account! The way to avoid this happening to you is to run your finger along the slot, if you feel any prongs or bumps don't use that machine.
Credit Cards - Tips for Travel, any places when you visit country
(KPL) According to the planners who wrote the Vientiane socio-economic plan, 900,000 visitors would be visiting Vientiane capital in the next fiscal year, 2009-2010.
To cater to their basic needs, there are 169 guesthouses, 69 restaurants and 37 tourism sites in Vientiane capital.
It is said that these might not be enough to cater to such a big number of domestic and foreign tourists next year and Vientiane capital is planning to expand its accommodation and tourism facilities.
Its expansion plan is to have 100 hotels, 175 guesthouses, 76 restaurants, 39 tourism sites, four cruise sites and 80 tourism companies.
According to the figures on arrivals at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and other local checkpoints, Vientiane capital welcomed more than 400,000 visitors during the first six months of 2008-2009 fiscal year and their total expenditure was US$40 million.
Based on the estimated figures, Vientiane capital is expected to generate US$88 million in income by the end of this year. For the next fiscal year, Vientiane capital is planning to increase investments in tourism infrastructure and to make them more attractive to foreigners.
Vientiane capital to host 900,000 tourists next year
Tasek Merimbun
Tasek Merimbun
Those who enjoy nature will delight in a day trip to Tasek Merimbun, Brunei's largest lake. The lake naturally forms an unusual S-shape. There is a small island in the centre, which is accessible by way of a timber walkway. the island has pavillion facilities made from tree trunks for picnicking, and is a restful and quiet spot. There are chalet facilities available for researchers only. For those interested in botany or birdwatching, there is also a trail through the jungle. Tasek Merimbun is about 1 hr 15 min drive from the city.
Seri Kenangan Beach
Pantai Seri Kenangan - literally the unforgettable beach (also known as Tutong Beach), is a popular recreation area at Kuala Tutong. The beauty of the beach is enhanced by a narrow spit of land that has the South China Sea on one side and the Tutong River on the other.Further along the road passes through Kampong Kuala Tutong, amidst a forest of coconut palms, to reach the old jetty. This was the site of ferry crossings over the Tutong River before the present bridge was built in 1959. The beach is a 5 minute drive from town of Tutong, and a lovely spot for picnics, fishing and swimming.
Sungai Basong Recreational Park
This park lies just short of Tutong on the Muara - Tutong Highway. It is one of the most popular spots in the district for picnicking. the park includes a mini-lake, platforms, shelter huts and open activity areas.From the town centre, Sungai Basong Recreational Park is just a 5 minute drive.
Tamu Tutong Kampung Serambagun
This big Tamu, or open market, offers a great variety of produce, especially local foods, fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. Most of the vendors of these items are from the inland forest areas, who come here to sell their produce and also to buy for their own needs.The Tamu is open every day, and is located about 1 km from the centre of town.
BRUNEI PLACES OF INTEREST TUTONG DISTRICT
Tokyo Travel guide - Tokyo in 3 days trip
Where to go in Tokyo?
Japan’s most famous district is not famous for nothing! Tokyo is an exhilarating experience! With 33.5 million people just in Tokyo alone, the area is bustling with life and practically pulsating in energy! In Tokyo you can find both energy and solace. Shinto shrines adorn towering skyscrapers and give a sense of zen in the middle of all the noise. The traditional and modern coexist in perfect harmony.
So you have 3 days in Tokyo. How are you going to fit everything you want to do in the land of samurai punk rockers?
Day 1: Tokyo at First Glance
If you take the Tokyo Morning Tour, you will find yourself in the tallest self-supporting tower in the world, The Tokyo Tower. It stands 1092.52 feet tipping the Eiffel Tower by 43 feet. Up in Tokyo Tower, you can see everything Tokyo has to offer at first glance. You can do your photo ops at the Imperial Palace Plaza through Ueno and Akihabara to Asakusa Kannon Temple. You can do more shopping at Nakamise and Ginza and find an impressive pearl cultivation showroom at Tasaki Pearl Gallery.
You can do all that in the morning because after lunch, you could check out the famous Kabuki at Tokyo Kabuki-za. Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese Theater that showcases an amazing array of costumes, makeup, song and dance. An Engligh language closed-circuit audio service is available for your convenience.
Sumo, Japan’s oldest sport dates back 1500 years. If you’re one who prefers something a little more hands-on and primeval you might want to check this out. These heavy weight guys eat around 20,000 calories every day, that’s about 10 times the adult daily requirement!
When the sun sets, you can go on the Tokyo Night Tour and Japanese Dinner. Sanju Sangendo is the right place to be to get the real deal on Japanese food. The night tour goes across Rainbow Bridge to Aqua City and then through Akasaka and Ginza. To cap the night with a breathtaking view and experience, the night tour ends in Roppongi Hills giving you a view of Tokyo at night.
Day 2: Bullet Train and Mt. Fuji
When one thinks of Japan, Mt. Fuji is one of the most frequent things that come to mind. The Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Tour takes you from Tokyo via countryside and then up to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. Mt. Fuji stands 12,388 feet and when you reach there, you’d soon find out why it is one of the most iconic images that Japan has of its country. After lunch you can take a cruise on Lake Ashi, and then take a cable car ride in Mt. Komagatake, then to Odawara and then finally board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for your trip back to Tokyo.
Day 3: On to Nikko and Kamakura’s Buddha
The Toshogu Shrine and Mausoleum can be found at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. Japanese religious beliefs can be rooted here as both Shinto and Buddhist worship was practiced in the vast mountains and lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The tour takes you to Irohazaka mountain road. Located at the foot of Mt. Nantai is Lake Chuzenji.
You can also spend the day doing the Kamakura Walking Tour. The Kotokuin Temple houses the Great Buddha towering at 37.4 feet high. The walking tour shows you the Hase Kannon Temple, a great view of the town and the Pacific Ocean. Feeling a little rustic? You can take a rickshaw ride to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine where you can likewise head on over to Komachi shopping street and choose from the arsenal of arts and crafts.
Where to go in Tokyo?
Japan’s most famous district is not famous for nothing! Tokyo is an exhilarating experience! With 33.5 million people just in Tokyo alone, the area is bustling with life and practically pulsating in energy! In Tokyo you can find both energy and solace. Shinto shrines adorn towering skyscrapers and give a sense of zen in the middle of all the noise. The traditional and modern coexist in perfect harmony.
So you have 3 days in Tokyo. How are you going to fit everything you want to do in the land of samurai punk rockers?
Day 1: Tokyo at First Glance
If you take the Tokyo Morning Tour, you will find yourself in the tallest self-supporting tower in the world, The Tokyo Tower. It stands 1092.52 feet tipping the Eiffel Tower by 43 feet. Up in Tokyo Tower, you can see everything Tokyo has to offer at first glance. You can do your photo ops at the Imperial Palace Plaza through Ueno and Akihabara to Asakusa Kannon Temple. You can do more shopping at Nakamise and Ginza and find an impressive pearl cultivation showroom at Tasaki Pearl Gallery.
You can do all that in the morning because after lunch, you could check out the famous Kabuki at Tokyo Kabuki-za. Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese Theater that showcases an amazing array of costumes, makeup, song and dance. An Engligh language closed-circuit audio service is available for your convenience.
Sumo, Japan’s oldest sport dates back 1500 years. If you’re one who prefers something a little more hands-on and primeval you might want to check this out. These heavy weight guys eat around 20,000 calories every day, that’s about 10 times the adult daily requirement!
When the sun sets, you can go on the Tokyo Night Tour and Japanese Dinner. Sanju Sangendo is the right place to be to get the real deal on Japanese food. The night tour goes across Rainbow Bridge to Aqua City and then through Akasaka and Ginza. To cap the night with a breathtaking view and experience, the night tour ends in Roppongi Hills giving you a view of Tokyo at night.
Day 2: Bullet Train and Mt. Fuji
When one thinks of Japan, Mt. Fuji is one of the most frequent things that come to mind. The Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Tour takes you from Tokyo via countryside and then up to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. Mt. Fuji stands 12,388 feet and when you reach there, you’d soon find out why it is one of the most iconic images that Japan has of its country. After lunch you can take a cruise on Lake Ashi, and then take a cable car ride in Mt. Komagatake, then to Odawara and then finally board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for your trip back to Tokyo.
Day 3: On to Nikko and Kamakura’s Buddha
The Toshogu Shrine and Mausoleum can be found at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. Japanese religious beliefs can be rooted here as both Shinto and Buddhist worship was practiced in the vast mountains and lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The tour takes you to Irohazaka mountain road. Located at the foot of Mt. Nantai is Lake Chuzenji.
You can also spend the day doing the Kamakura Walking Tour. The Kotokuin Temple houses the Great Buddha towering at 37.4 feet high. The walking tour shows you the Hase Kannon Temple, a great view of the town and the Pacific Ocean. Feeling a little rustic? You can take a rickshaw ride to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine where you can likewise head on over to Komachi shopping street and choose from the arsenal of arts and crafts.
Tokyo Travel guide - Tokyo in 3 days trip
Mount Fuji. Japan’s highest mountain (3776 meters, 12,377’) is unquestionably the country’s most iconic natural landmark. Photographed in all seasons from all angles, its near perfect cone is climbed by one quarter million people yearly, usually during the months of July and August. Its high visibility and traffic is partially owed to its proximity to the Kanto, or the plain surrounding Tokyo. However the best time to view the mountain is in the winter months when visibility is best. Considered one of the three holy mountains in Japan, along with Tateyama and Hakusan, there is understandably a collection of shrines on the crater rim. Since many people climb the mountain hiking trails and facilities are well established and there is a considerable amount of development on the mountain. The meteorological station marks the high point of the mountain and the country. Popular hiking routes to the summit are Gotemba, Fujinomiya, and Kawaguchiko. All of the trails have ten stations each, which are situated strategically to offer refreshments, lodging, and facilities for the hikers and tourists alike. Most hikers start from the 5th station/s, which are located between 6,000’ – 7,000’ and have access by paved roads. However, Mount Fuji lacks train access. If you are interested in climbing and don’t have a POV the best way to get there is by catching one of the many Fuji-bound buses departing from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo during the months of July and August. Fu
ji, a strato-, or composite volcano, last erupted in 1708 and is considered dormant.
Ginza, Tokyo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it is not, but instead an unofficial shrine to Japan’s industry, technology, and material culture, if there is one. Ginza epitomizes Tokyo, if not Japan. It’s ground zero for neon, shopping, and as close to what Tokyo calls center, or downtown, for such a huge city. Within walking distance are the National Diet, the center of Japan’s government, and the Imperial Palace, a vast complex of buildings, which houses Japan’s Head of State, the Emperor of Japan and his administrative apparatus. Ginza is best experienced at night so you can view the electronic fireworks. There are so many interesting places in Tokyo and this is a logical place to orient yourself if you visit Japan’s largest city and capital.
Himeji Castle. Japan’s most famous castle and one of twelve that is in its original condition. Known as the “White Heron Castle”, it is one of the three most famous in the country, and the most visited. Its fame, not to mention its beauty, is perhaps why it was used as one of the locations for shooting the 007 film, You Only Live Twice (1967) starring Sean Connery. Located in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture, not far from Osaka, the castle is surrounded by pine and cheery trees, which make it especially scenic in the spring. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its original construction was between 1333-1346 with other expansions occurring in 1601-1608, a well-known period for castle building in Japan. Not without coincidence it was during this time period when warlords fought for control of the country.
Bomb Dome, Hiroshima. The Bomb Dome has the dubious distinction of being almost directly under “Little Boy” when it detonated over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The remains of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall have, ever since, come to be known as the Bomb Dome, or Genbaku Domu. Designed in 1916 by a Czech architect named Jan Letzel, the structure survived reasonably intact even though it was a mere 150 meters from the hypocenter. Today, it’s the centerpiece of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and consequently attracts thousands of people to the otherwise industrial city. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 although both the United States and China strongly objected. The museum has some very graphic photos of the aftereffects, which killed 70,000. Much debate continues today over the necessity of the bomb. The FDR and Truman administrations expended an incredible amount of time, money, and manpower into the development of the A-bomb, and some historians believe this weighed heavily on the decision to use it on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Battle of Okinawa gave further pause to the U.S. military and the planned land invasion of Japan because of the tremendous loss of military and civilians estimated at 120,000.
Kamakura. The outdoor Daibustu is, alongside Miyajima’s “floating torii”, the best known monument in Japan. Kamakura is close to Tokyo, even closer to Yokohama, so day trips from the Kanto are easy. Known as the Great Buddha it was once housed in a building that was destroyed by a typhoon in the 15th century. For the curious, the statue is 13.35 meters (44 feet) high and weighs 93 tons. The first mention of the bronze statue dates to 1252. Now hoards of tourists come to get their photos taken in front of the Daibutsu and the many edible (and rotten) offerings left at its foot. The city has a long history and perhaps that’s why the Daibutsu stands. Although the Daibutsu gives Kamakura its deserved recognition the city’s historical record is long and rich. It is no accident that a period in Japanese history is named the Kamakura period (1185-1333), which marked the beginning of the shogunate established in the city. The city is also famous for Nichiren Buddhism, found by the Japanese monk Nichiren (1222-1282) and sometimes associated with radicalism. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto. It is best known as the Golden Pavilion and it said to be Japan’s most visited site and its beauty, accented by surrounding pine trees and ponds, is remarkable. The Temple of the Golden Pavilion’s history dates to 1397 and it is affiliated with Zen Buddhism. The one you look at today dates to 1955 thanks to a radical Buddhist monk who burned it down in 1950. Despite its relatively recent date, it still draws crowds of the camera-ready Japanese who become frenzied with picture taking. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is however only one of many historic and cultural sites in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. A trip to Kyoto would not be complete without visiting Heian shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo castle, To-ji, and of course the less spectacular Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Temple Pavilion. There’s much more too as the city has 17 places designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most date from between the 10th and 19th centuries. The incidence of many prewar buildings in Kyoto is because the city was largely sparred as a bombing target in WWII.
Matsumoto Castle. Construction started in 1504 and the castle eventually was nicknamed the “Crow Castle” because of its resemblance of that bird with outstretched wings. It remains one of twelve castles in Japan that have survived reasonably intact of any major structural damage other than routine repair since the Meiji Restoration began in 1868. Its fame is further enhanced by the well deserved designation as one of the three finest in Japan along with Himeji (see above), and Kumamoto Castle. What makes it unique is the water-filled moat, something the other two do not have. Following the Meiji Restoration the Castle was slated to be demolished but locals, led by a school principal, managed to save it from destruction by land developers. Still the outer castle was demolished and what remains is the beautiful keep. Some of the gates have been rebuilt as have many other castles across Japan that once stood during the long period of shogunate, or warlord, rule. The castle is considered a National Treasure of Japan and it does not belie such a designation. Located away from the coastal area, Matsumoto is as far inland as you can get in Japan and it remains a gateway to the Kita Alps. The Kaichi gakko (school) in Matsumoto is also worth seeing and is located close to the castle. Modeled after western school buildings with a central cupola adjoined by two wings, it looks out of place in Japan, yet it was built in the 1870s.
Miyajima. The “floating torii” is arguably Japan’s most iconic man-made landmark along with Kamakura’s Daibutsu. Often featured on JTB http://www.jtbusa.com/ posters, this monument symbolizes Japan, but is actually a small part of a complex of shrines on Miyajima, which translates to the “Island of Shrines” for good reason. Located close to Hiroshima in the Inland Sea, the island is more formally known as Itsukushima (StrictIsland) and, like Nara, has a population of resident deer that are ready for handouts, too skittish to pet, and leave droppings everywhere. Of course many come to photograph the torii (shrine gate) built in 1874, although one has stood in the water for the last seven centuries. At low-tide it actually sits on a mud flat. Still, the island has played host to other shrines as early as the 6th century since the island is a holy Shinto site. Take your time and allow a day. Adjacent to the torii is the five story pagoda built in 1407 and Senjokaku Hall (c. 1587). Although there is a ropeway to the top of Mount Misen (535 meters, 1755’) hiking to the top of this mountain along one of the paths is suggested because of the virgin timber stands. The torii and shrine have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nikko. Nikko is a long day trip from Tokyo, but possible if you take the shinkansen, or high-speed rail, which stops in Utsunomiya 35 km to the east. Set in the mountains, the town has a number of famous shrines and temples that make it well worth the visit. Against a backdrop of mountains, beautiful forests, and rocky, wooded, ravines with fast flowing streams the temples and shrines are perfectly set in their natural background. The town essentially developed around the temples, the first said to have started in 766. Among the most famous are the Toshogu Shrine, founded in 1617, with its ornamental gate and Three Wise Monkeys. The Shrine is set among giant cryptomeria trees, a relative of the cedar. The Futarasan Shrine, founded in 767, is at the base of Nantai-san, a sacred mountain popular with hikers. Nearby is the beautiful Sacred Bridge which spans a brook. Finally there is the Rinno-ji, a complex of Buddhist temples, with its beautiful ornamental wood work, established in 766. All three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides the shrines and temples there is the nature of Nikko: Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, one of the three highest in Japan, which drains the aforementioned lake. The mountains are breathtaking and rise abruptly from the town. Watch for the monkeys on the winding road that leads up to the lake. The Japanese Macaque can often be seen foraging along the road.
Todai-ji Hall, Nara. Nara is not to be missed by any visitor to Japan. It’s Japan’s oldest capital and traditionally ranks as its first city. Founded in the 8th century, Nara’s best known monument is Todai-ji Hall, the world’s largest wooden building. It’s hard to get a sense of scale until you stand beneath it. Inside are the gigantic Daibutsu (Buddha) and other humungous statues. A number of buildings have stood on the site and the latest dates from 1709; only two-thirds the size of the building that preceded it, which was destroyed by fire. Todai-ji Hall incidentally is also the center of Kegon Buddhism in Japan. There are other interesting sites in Nara as well and some archaeological foundations of the ancient city. Also of interest are the skittish deer that inhabit the city and wander the streets looking for handouts.
ji, a strato-, or composite volcano, last erupted in 1708 and is considered dormant.
Ginza, Tokyo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it is not, but instead an unofficial shrine to Japan’s industry, technology, and material culture, if there is one. Ginza epitomizes Tokyo, if not Japan. It’s ground zero for neon, shopping, and as close to what Tokyo calls center, or downtown, for such a huge city. Within walking distance are the National Diet, the center of Japan’s government, and the Imperial Palace, a vast complex of buildings, which houses Japan’s Head of State, the Emperor of Japan and his administrative apparatus. Ginza is best experienced at night so you can view the electronic fireworks. There are so many interesting places in Tokyo and this is a logical place to orient yourself if you visit Japan’s largest city and capital.
Himeji Castle. Japan’s most famous castle and one of twelve that is in its original condition. Known as the “White Heron Castle”, it is one of the three most famous in the country, and the most visited. Its fame, not to mention its beauty, is perhaps why it was used as one of the locations for shooting the 007 film, You Only Live Twice (1967) starring Sean Connery. Located in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture, not far from Osaka, the castle is surrounded by pine and cheery trees, which make it especially scenic in the spring. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its original construction was between 1333-1346 with other expansions occurring in 1601-1608, a well-known period for castle building in Japan. Not without coincidence it was during this time period when warlords fought for control of the country.
Bomb Dome, Hiroshima. The Bomb Dome has the dubious distinction of being almost directly under “Little Boy” when it detonated over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The remains of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall have, ever since, come to be known as the Bomb Dome, or Genbaku Domu. Designed in 1916 by a Czech architect named Jan Letzel, the structure survived reasonably intact even though it was a mere 150 meters from the hypocenter. Today, it’s the centerpiece of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and consequently attracts thousands of people to the otherwise industrial city. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 although both the United States and China strongly objected. The museum has some very graphic photos of the aftereffects, which killed 70,000. Much debate continues today over the necessity of the bomb. The FDR and Truman administrations expended an incredible amount of time, money, and manpower into the development of the A-bomb, and some historians believe this weighed heavily on the decision to use it on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Battle of Okinawa gave further pause to the U.S. military and the planned land invasion of Japan because of the tremendous loss of military and civilians estimated at 120,000.
Kamakura. The outdoor Daibustu is, alongside Miyajima’s “floating torii”, the best known monument in Japan. Kamakura is close to Tokyo, even closer to Yokohama, so day trips from the Kanto are easy. Known as the Great Buddha it was once housed in a building that was destroyed by a typhoon in the 15th century. For the curious, the statue is 13.35 meters (44 feet) high and weighs 93 tons. The first mention of the bronze statue dates to 1252. Now hoards of tourists come to get their photos taken in front of the Daibutsu and the many edible (and rotten) offerings left at its foot. The city has a long history and perhaps that’s why the Daibutsu stands. Although the Daibutsu gives Kamakura its deserved recognition the city’s historical record is long and rich. It is no accident that a period in Japanese history is named the Kamakura period (1185-1333), which marked the beginning of the shogunate established in the city. The city is also famous for Nichiren Buddhism, found by the Japanese monk Nichiren (1222-1282) and sometimes associated with radicalism. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto. It is best known as the Golden Pavilion and it said to be Japan’s most visited site and its beauty, accented by surrounding pine trees and ponds, is remarkable. The Temple of the Golden Pavilion’s history dates to 1397 and it is affiliated with Zen Buddhism. The one you look at today dates to 1955 thanks to a radical Buddhist monk who burned it down in 1950. Despite its relatively recent date, it still draws crowds of the camera-ready Japanese who become frenzied with picture taking. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is however only one of many historic and cultural sites in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital. A trip to Kyoto would not be complete without visiting Heian shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo castle, To-ji, and of course the less spectacular Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Temple Pavilion. There’s much more too as the city has 17 places designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most date from between the 10th and 19th centuries. The incidence of many prewar buildings in Kyoto is because the city was largely sparred as a bombing target in WWII.
Matsumoto Castle. Construction started in 1504 and the castle eventually was nicknamed the “Crow Castle” because of its resemblance of that bird with outstretched wings. It remains one of twelve castles in Japan that have survived reasonably intact of any major structural damage other than routine repair since the Meiji Restoration began in 1868. Its fame is further enhanced by the well deserved designation as one of the three finest in Japan along with Himeji (see above), and Kumamoto Castle. What makes it unique is the water-filled moat, something the other two do not have. Following the Meiji Restoration the Castle was slated to be demolished but locals, led by a school principal, managed to save it from destruction by land developers. Still the outer castle was demolished and what remains is the beautiful keep. Some of the gates have been rebuilt as have many other castles across Japan that once stood during the long period of shogunate, or warlord, rule. The castle is considered a National Treasure of Japan and it does not belie such a designation. Located away from the coastal area, Matsumoto is as far inland as you can get in Japan and it remains a gateway to the Kita Alps. The Kaichi gakko (school) in Matsumoto is also worth seeing and is located close to the castle. Modeled after western school buildings with a central cupola adjoined by two wings, it looks out of place in Japan, yet it was built in the 1870s.
Miyajima. The “floating torii” is arguably Japan’s most iconic man-made landmark along with Kamakura’s Daibutsu. Often featured on JTB http://www.jtbusa.com/ posters, this monument symbolizes Japan, but is actually a small part of a complex of shrines on Miyajima, which translates to the “Island of Shrines” for good reason. Located close to Hiroshima in the Inland Sea, the island is more formally known as Itsukushima (StrictIsland) and, like Nara, has a population of resident deer that are ready for handouts, too skittish to pet, and leave droppings everywhere. Of course many come to photograph the torii (shrine gate) built in 1874, although one has stood in the water for the last seven centuries. At low-tide it actually sits on a mud flat. Still, the island has played host to other shrines as early as the 6th century since the island is a holy Shinto site. Take your time and allow a day. Adjacent to the torii is the five story pagoda built in 1407 and Senjokaku Hall (c. 1587). Although there is a ropeway to the top of Mount Misen (535 meters, 1755’) hiking to the top of this mountain along one of the paths is suggested because of the virgin timber stands. The torii and shrine have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nikko. Nikko is a long day trip from Tokyo, but possible if you take the shinkansen, or high-speed rail, which stops in Utsunomiya 35 km to the east. Set in the mountains, the town has a number of famous shrines and temples that make it well worth the visit. Against a backdrop of mountains, beautiful forests, and rocky, wooded, ravines with fast flowing streams the temples and shrines are perfectly set in their natural background. The town essentially developed around the temples, the first said to have started in 766. Among the most famous are the Toshogu Shrine, founded in 1617, with its ornamental gate and Three Wise Monkeys. The Shrine is set among giant cryptomeria trees, a relative of the cedar. The Futarasan Shrine, founded in 767, is at the base of Nantai-san, a sacred mountain popular with hikers. Nearby is the beautiful Sacred Bridge which spans a brook. Finally there is the Rinno-ji, a complex of Buddhist temples, with its beautiful ornamental wood work, established in 766. All three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides the shrines and temples there is the nature of Nikko: Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, one of the three highest in Japan, which drains the aforementioned lake. The mountains are breathtaking and rise abruptly from the town. Watch for the monkeys on the winding road that leads up to the lake. The Japanese Macaque can often be seen foraging along the road.
Todai-ji Hall, Nara. Nara is not to be missed by any visitor to Japan. It’s Japan’s oldest capital and traditionally ranks as its first city. Founded in the 8th century, Nara’s best known monument is Todai-ji Hall, the world’s largest wooden building. It’s hard to get a sense of scale until you stand beneath it. Inside are the gigantic Daibutsu (Buddha) and other humungous statues. A number of buildings have stood on the site and the latest dates from 1709; only two-thirds the size of the building that preceded it, which was destroyed by fire. Todai-ji Hall incidentally is also the center of Kegon Buddhism in Japan. There are other interesting sites in Nara as well and some archaeological foundations of the ancient city. Also of interest are the skittish deer that inhabit the city and wander the streets looking for handouts.
Top Ten Places to Visit in Japan
(KPL) Laos expects to welcome 1.8 million international arrivals by the end of 2008, earning about 250 million USD, said the national tourism body’s report.
According to the Laos National Tourism Administration, nearly 1.4 million travellers have visited Laos in the first 10 months of 2008, a 3 percent rise over the corresponding period last year.
Over the recent past, Laos has scaled up investments in infrastructure to make it more attractive in the eyes of foreigners, such as in upgrade of Louang Namtha airport, national road No. 3, construction of the second bridge over Mekong River linking Laos and Thailand, improvement of the nation’s telecommunications and tourism services as well as building new spots of tourist attrations.
The Lao government has decided to give nationals from all ASEAN nations, except Myanmar, the visa waiver and directly provide one-month visa application procedure for foreigners at 16 border gates.
In 2007, Laos welcomed over 1.62 million visitors, up 34 percent compared with 2006, fetching 233 million USD to the national budget.
Laos expects 1.8 million foreign visitors this year
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