On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.1 earthquake occurred off the northeastern coast of Japan. The epicenter was 72 kilometers (45 miles) east of the Oshika Peninsula in Miyagi Prefecture, at a depth of 15 miles (24 kilometers). This earthquake caused severe structural damage and triggered a major tsunami in the Tohoku region. The earthquake … Read more
{Joanna Lumley visited several notable locations in Japan. She started in Hokkaido and attended the Snow Festival in Sapporo. Joanna then traveled to the Fukushima exclusion zone. Finally, she took a bullet train to Tokyo, experiencing the culture and sights of each destination along the way.} Next, Lumley ventures to the scenic beauty of Mount … Read more
The Iga Province and Kōga District in Japan were key areas for ninja training. Villages in these regions trained ninjas from jizamurai clans. Iga Province is now part of Mie Prefecture, while Kōga District is in Shiga Prefecture. These secluded mountain locations supported the development of the ninja tradition. Another notable site is Koga, in … Read more
Japan borrowed the idea of Buddhist shrines from the Korean Peninsula. Korean Buddhist priests introduced Buddhism to Japan in the mid-500s. This concept came from China and originally stemmed from India, where Buddhism began about a thousand years earlier. These influences shaped Japanese culture and architecture. These shrines, often adorned with intricate carvings and statuary, … Read more
Skiing in Japan provides great choices in Hokkaido and Nagano. Niseko is famous for its powder snow and tree skiing. Hakuba Valley has diverse terrains for all skill levels. Other popular resorts include Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen, and Shiga Kogen. Overall, Japan has over 500 ski resorts for winter lovers. Nagano, the host of the 1998 … Read more
Anthony Bourdain stayed at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. This luxury resort offers an indoor lap pool, a gym, and the famous New York Grill & Bar on the 52nd floor. The hotel combines elegance and comfort, providing stunning city views and excellent service, making it an iconic destination in Japan. Another resort he favored was … Read more
{Mountain ranges in Japan are mainly located in central Honshu and Hokkaido. Notable peaks include Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps. Additional mountains are found on Kyushu and Shikoku. This diverse geography provides various landscapes and hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the country.} Another significant peak is Mount Takao, located just outside Tokyo. This … Read more
To apply for a U.S. visa, visit the U.S. Department of State’s website. Select your visa type, complete the online application, and check appointment details at U.S. embassies or consulates. Remember to prepare all visa requirements, including any fees like the I-901 fee and documents for an immigrant visa petition if needed. For immigrant visas, … Read more
As a 6‘5” person visiting Japan, be prepared for limited clothing options. The average height for men is about 5‘7” and for women is around 5‘2”. Expect shorter furniture and lower doorways. Stores like Uniqlo may have options, but pack lightly. Engage with Japan’s rich culture despite these height challenges. Accommodations may also pose a … Read more
As of May 8, 2023, Japan allows vaccinated tourists to enter without quarantine. All COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Visitors should check current health guidelines and entry protocols before traveling. Stay updated on any changes to travel policies to ensure a smooth journey. Travelers must present a valid vaccination certificate. This certificate should show that they … Read more