Have you ever seen the best preserved gold-mining town in New Zealand? Would you like to see it?  Here are the details. The historical picturesque New Zealand Arrowtown, is located 21km (13 miles) from Queenstown, New Zealand South Island. A tour in New Zealand Arrowtown will be an experience into the region’s past. In 1860, New Zealand Arrowtown has played an important role in the gold-rush days and had attracted fortune-seekers from around the world. New Zealand Arrowtown is the best preserved gold-mining town in the area. I’d like to tell you more about New Zealand Arrowtown and please read on….

Upon arrival at New Zealand Arrowtown, take a leisurely stroll along Buckingham Street. This street will reminds you of Hollywood because it has the look and fell of it. No doubt about it, this spectacular town is exceptional beautiful in autumn. Along this street, you can find deciduous trees along side, many old colonial shops and buildings. At the other end of the street, you will find the tiny miners’ stone cottage dating back to the 1860s and 1870s.

Are you interested in quirkiest movie? If you are, then you are at the right place. As it turns out, New Zealand’s quirkiest movie house is located at Arrowtown. Believe it or not, Dorothy Brown’s Cinema, Bar and Bookshop is just right here. It screen art-house films and has an unusual setting. It has huge comfortable seats with armrests for cheeseboards and wineglasses. The interior décor has a mix of romantic charm and funky modernism. Even better, there is the bar and roaring fire. Please not miss this place.

Would you be surprised if I told you the Chinese have left a legacy in New Zealand Arrowtown? Believe it or not, it was after 1865, they were invited to fill the vacuum created by European miners who had left for the West Coast gold rush.  You can witness this legacy by visiting the stone cottage at the Chinese settlement. Read the rest of this entry »

Thinking of a vacation to Japan? What attractions Japan has? Indeed, there are plenty. See the blog posts below on attractions Japan for more information. However, another interesting attractions Japan has is Kyoto Japan Travel.

Kyoto Japan was founded in 794 as Heian-kyo (which means the capital of peace and tranquility). Kyoto City was built based on the layout of the Tang Chinese city of Chang-an.

Interesting, Kyoto City was bounded by mountains on its three sides and bisected by a river flowing from north to south. Indeed, this is an extraordinary natural formation. Perhaps it is for this very reason, this site was chosen by then Emperor Kanmu’s geomancers as an ideal place to be came the capital. Logically speaking, any city that is well protected is not easily conquered. I believed, this is also one of the reasons why this site is chosen by the Emperor.

So what can Kyoto Japan Travel brings you? As you are aware, this majestic Kyoto City is bounded by mountains and naturally, many of the best monuments and garden can be found at the foothills, especially the Higashiyama (Eastern Mountains) district east of the Kamo River.

So how do you truly appreciate Kyoto City then? You really need to navigate and spend enough time in the backstreet of the old imperial capital, shops and townhouses. Only then, you will be able to get a taste of the Kyoto City’s cultural riches.

Does Kyoto Japan Travel is a must? Believe it or not, about more than 30 million tourists a year visited Kyoto City. The numbers speak for itself. There are nearly 2,000 temples and shrines alone.  And the major attractions not to be missed are the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and gardens, Diatokuji Temple (together with its many sub-temple), Ginkakuji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion), Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion), the sand and rock Zen garden at Ryoanji Temple, the Heian Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple.  In addition, Kyoto city also has several museums and a botanical and zoological garden.

Apart from the places of interest, Kyoto City also boasts its many festivals and crafts. There are many popular annual festivals held in Kyoto City and is also a place renowned for traditional Japanese crafts, especially pottery, lacquerware, woodblock prints, fans, Yuzen sikl-dyeing and Nishijin silk-weaving.

Also, not to forget to visit the charming Pontocho Alley and take a pleasant walk at the Philosopher’s Walk, which is the best-loved spots.

Kyoto City is famous throughout Japan for the quality of its crafts and food products. As such, you will have an unforgettable shopping experience here and will never feel boring.  Needless to say, you will surely find some local specialty souvenirs here.

If you do not know where you should visit for your next vocation, you can consider Kyoto Japan.

What? Are you kidding? What is there to do see and do at the reclaimed land in Tokyo City? I will definitely give this a miss. Don’t waste my time and money!

Wait a minute, don’t go first, let me explain. The stretch of reclaimed was the past and it now boast the latest mega development with amazing collection of entertainment, shopping, exhibition facilities and its own beaches.

Yes, I am speaking of the futuristic Odaiba which has become one of Tokyo’s most popular areas and newest district.

The Odaiba is connected to the mainland by the Rainbow Bridge, the Yurikamome monorail Line, the JR Saikyo Line, the Rinkai line and a vehicular harbor tunnel.  So, to get there is very easy and you have different modes of transportation. Oh yes, not forgetting the river bus as well. Click here to see some picture on Odaida.

You can start your exploration of Odaiba by visiting the Palette Town Complex. Over here, visit the Mega Web.  This is a huge hands-on museum show casing the latest in automotive technology. Next, visit the Future World, to have a taste of future transportation with a 3D coaster ride, and also view the display of classic cars from the 1950s to 1970s. A short distance away, you can hop into the Giant Sky Wheel and catch the fantastic view to Tokyo Bay.  If you need some shopping, go into the Sun Walk shopping complex where you can enjoy a meal at the restaurants, and shop at the women’s mega mall, and the 18th-entury style VenusFort. Pay a visit to the nearby National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation as well. 

Your next stop should be the Decks, Joypolis and the Seaside park. This place is built in resemblance to a giant passenger liner. At the Decks shopping and entertainment complex, it has an array of boutiques including the Tokyo Joypolis, which is a virtual reality center with thrilling rides and video games. After all the entertainment, shopping and eating, you may wish to take a stroll at the Seaside Park for relaxation. If you wise, you can do some sunbathing here which is popular. As this place is a habor, it is not suitable for swimming.

The next area of interest will be the Mediage, Aqua City and Fuji Headquarters. Apart from the cinemas at Mediage, you will find the mini funparks such as “Where the wild Things Are, Airtight Garage and the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine Adventure”.  The Aqua City next door, which is another huge retail complex is another shopping haven. Next, pay a visit to the futuristic Fuji Television building which is near the Diaba Station and is has an observation deck.

Odaiba is a huge place with so many to do and see. You really need to spend time here if you to see all the things. This is indeed Tokyo’s newest district and also is one of the Tokyo’s hottest date spots for the young Japanese.  How about a date with Odaiba when you visit Tokyo City? Click here to see some picture on Odaida.