TASHIROJIMA – THE CAT ISLAND OF JAPAN

Japan has many characteristic symbols. One could, for example, refer to the country as the Land of the Rising Sun, The Home of Samurai, The Homeland of the Geisha, or an Island of Volcanoes. Less known, however, is the fact that Japan is also home to countless amusement parks. Japanese amusement parks constantly break records in regard to the number of visitors, but also the altitude, speed and acceleration of their rides. Having access to the most advanced technologies available allows the Japanese to create the most modern rollercoasters in the world.

Osaka is the third most populous city in Japan, Often called the Venice of the East due to its numerous canals. However, the scenery is not the same since Osaka has also won the title of “concrete jungle.” Despite that, it has a plethora of attractions. If you are planning to visit the city, you may be interested in an overview of the most popular museums in Osaka to help you make a choice.

Mountains cover 90% of Japan so the country has many trails running among 3,500-metre peaks, active volcanoes, or more accessible coastal Pacific valleys. How can one choose surprising and interesting trails from so many possibilities? There are several trails that you simply cannot miss while in Japan.

The Country of Cherry Blossoms has developed its own unique castle building style as early as in the 7th century. All that the Japanese needed to erect magnificent structures was wood. As a result, many edifices did not survive sieges, air raids or cataclysms. Attempts were made to ensure that contemporary reconstructions stay close to the traditions from the time of architectural greatness. Not everywhere the original has been preserved but nonetheless every castle has its own unique values.

Fukuoka (福岡市) is the sixth largest city in Japan, which used to be divided into two areas: Hakata and Fukuoka. The former was famous as a sea port and a trade district, while Fukuoka was the home of the samurai. When both cities decided to merge, Fukuoka became the regional centre of trade and maritime transport, and nowadays it is an international host of numerous business, sports or cultural events. What attractions should be visited in the former city of samurai and merchants?

Are people even interested in abandoned places? Actually, abandoned schools, hotels, amusement parks or even islands or towns are becoming increasingly popular. And Japan has its fair share of those. Enthusiasts of tours round such sites even have their own profession. Set out on a journey with Oyakata Master and explore the dark corners of the Country of Cherry Blossoms.

With its volcanic potential, Japan has over 2,000 hot springs – onsens (温泉). Public baths known as sentō (銭湯) are built near them. However, those are not regular geothermal spas. The water coming from the springs comes down with a plethora of minerals and elements and reaches even 90°C. Onsens play a very important role in Japanese culture, their diversity and accompanying customs startling.

Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan after Honshu, but yet it is the least populated. Because it is the northernmost point, in the winter it delights with the snowy landscape, while in the spring it is full of greenery. Hakkaido is not the most popular tourist area of Japan, but everything possible is done to attract as many visitors as possible. Hence, many remarkable initiatives and ideas are developed.

About 30 typhoons pass through the Pacific every year. They last up to a dozen or so days, and their effects are painful for the Japanese. They are especially felt in the southern part of the country. Fortunately, residents know when and from where they occur, so they are able to protect themselves against them. Interestingly, they do it very differently than we do in the case of our local hurricanes.

Japan is usually associated with high buildings and new technologies; however, almost 70% of its area is covered by forests. Among the thickets of trees there is one special grove known to all Japanese people. It is visited by crowds of tourists and many Kyoto residents go there to rest. Why is the park so popular?

The Japanese islands are large ranges of endless mountains emerging from the water. For this reason, Japanese national parks do not resemble the familiar views from Polish flat plain reserves like Białowieża Forest, the Tuchola Forest, or Kampinos National Park. Japan has a remarkable natural landscape, but continuous progress and development of the country lead to environmental degradation. That is why many protection programs are established to preserve the most important works of mother nature.

Japan is the kingdom of festivals. It is said that there are more of them there than days of the year. The largest parades attract millions of participants from around the world. One of such events is Kanto Matsuri in the city of Akita. The lantern festival is known all over the world and can boast an amazing procession, great history and amazing setting.

Japanese gardens are so eccentric that they have found their enthusiasts around the world. Green reservations decorated in this style occur on every continent. They are usually established in close proximity to buildings. In this way, they are an area for meditation and relaxation. These are exactly the tasks of the imperial gardens in the very centre of crowded and loud Tokyo. The gardens are an integral part of the Palace of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. In the over 35-million metropolis, the park appears as a remedy for the 21st century ailments.

Japan loves cats. Feline cafés, districts, festivals, temples, figurines, houses and even cat islands. It is hard to overlook such attractions while visiting Japan. The image of Hello Kitty or Maneki-Neko figurines are basically ubiquitous. The Japanese faith in feline luck is so strong that they even have a Cat Island – with more cats than people.

Earthquakes and volcano eruption are very common in Japan. This is largely to those natural disasters that the country owes its present beauty and landscape values. The country lies in 90% among mountain tops. However, those are not the types of mountains that the OYAKATA Master has seen in Poland, Japan’s highest and most beautiful peaks are either active or dormant volcanoes.

Majestic and enchanting, a sacred symbol and the trademark of Japan. Mount Fuji, as this is what we are referring to, is an active stratovolcano and a destination for Shintoists and tourists who want to admire the panorama of the country from its top. How to get there and is the ascent worth it?

Municipal transport in Tokyo is considered as one of the most cutting-edge, cleanest and – most importantly – one of the most punctual public transport systems in the world. But although quick and efficient for the Japanese, it may initially seem highly problematic to many tourists. So let’s check how to move around Tokyo.

One can say that the idea behind the architecture of traditional Japanese houses is contained in two modernistic slogans coined by European architects: “forms follow function” by Louis Sullivan and “less is more” by Mies van der Rohe. Simplicity and functionalism, which translate into undemonstrative and minimalist forms, are at the core of Japanese houses.

Over the several thousand years of its existence, Japan has developed extremely rich culture and art, which, at the same time, is completely different from those of Europe. Thus, in order to better understand the specificity of the Land of the Rising Sun, it is worth going to at least one of the many museums you can find there. Such a trip will teach you the mentality, customs and values of Japanese people, as well as the history of this country.

400 types of seafood, 500 stalls and shops with fresh produce and everything that Japanese chefs need to craft their culinary works of art. Tsukiji, a kingdom of flavours, is a place where love and respect towards food have been part of market days routine since generations.

Japan, being also called the land of islanders, is situated on almost 7 thousands of islands and islets, which, for ages, had been a land isolated from the rest of the world. Discover Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku – 4 biggest islands of Japan – and find out what you should see when visiting each of them.

Accommodation in a private capsule? Sounds cosmically crazy. But in the Cherry Blossom Land it is the patent that has proven itself useful for almost 40 years. Saving money, time and space – these are the major advantages of the Japanese capsule hotels.

Before the emperor returning to the throne declared Tokyo the new capital city of Japan, many Japanese towns and cities had served this function. Some sources say that the capital changed basically whenever the reigning emperor changed. As far as imperial seats are concerned, there were three main cities that are commonly perceived as the historical cities of Japan.

If you are planning a trip to Japanese islands, you have definitely started to worry about financial matters – after all, Japan is famous for high prices and costs of living. Is this really something to be afraid of? Learn about the Japanese currency and check what to bear in mind while preparing your wallet for Japanese travel.

400 km/h, just above ten seconds of delay a year, no pushing at the entrance to the carriages and no loud phone calls. What Polish people, used to the Polish Railway standards, can only dream about, is a daily reality for the Japanese. Shinkansen is among the world’s highest-speed railways and a symbol of Japan’s technological power.

Wild bays, deserted white beaches, unique culture and openness of the inhabitants – Ryukyu is historically the youngest part of Japan, which can today celebrate its ethnic dissimilarity after years of turbulence, enchanting the visitors with its virgin nature and paradise-like climate.

Out of the two thousand of Buddhist temples and Shinto chrams of Kyoto, two architectural gems particularly stand out. The Kinkaku-Ji Golden Pavilion and the Ginkaku-Ji Silver Pavilion never cease to amaze the millions of tourists coming to the historical capital of Japan.

4 km long, 300 m high and 12 years of construction worth approximately 4 billion dollars – the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is a true pearl of modern Japanese architecture.

Street food, or food stands in the streets, are not an exclusively European phenomenon. Food stands can be found in many parts of Japan and other Asian countries. However, they are a little different from the stands and food trucks that we see in the streets of Europe.

Travelling is one of Europe’s favourite pastimes. We love to visit foreign places, especially those we consider exotic. We are fascinated with faraway lands – the more they differ from our own culture, the better. A popular travel destination among Europeans is Japan. The Land of the Rising Sun entices us with its different customs, ethnic make-up and geography.

Japan has a number of attractions which may satisfy even the most demanding tourist. Natural landscapes, temples, museums and breathtaking views represent just a few aspects of the country’s appeal. The shopping and restaurants districts are equally popular, the Kappabashi street in Tokyo, famous for its culinary shops, being a perfect example.

Whether exotic or fairly local, travel often results in our suitcases being heavier upon return than before departure. Many people cannot resist the temptation of exciting souvenirs to remind them about the nice time they had on holidays.

Japan is a special place in terms of history, culture and tourist attractions. Europeans often choose it as an exotic destination, considerably differing from Western resorts. Which sites should we include in our travel plan?

Going to restaurants is quite a treat for visitors to Japan. The unique and delicious food they serve is just one aspect of the Japanese restaurant experience. From the perspective of a tourist, visiting Japanese restaurants is mainly about their authentic atmosphere. Japan’s restaurants are unique for the central themes they select to attract the attention of tourists, such as manga, sushi, horror cinema, cats, and many others. The following list includes just a handful of unique Japanese venues.