Tokyo Japan: Excellent Tourist Destination

Tokyo, the illustrious capital city of Japan, is also known for its beauty and captivating places and sceneries which make tourists love the city. Plus the rich history and culture behind these tourist attractions, one will surely never forget their stay in Tokyo. No wonder why Tokyo Japan tourism is always dubbed excellent.

While you indulge yourself in looking for the best spots you might want to visit for your Tokyo tour, here is a rundown of Tokyo Japan tourism's celebrated tourist destinations and activities that you must try.

• Try one of Japanese traditional food: Sushi. But for you to enjoy the Sushi you want to eat, visit one of Tokyo's conveyor belt Sushi restaurants. Pieces of sushi are placed in a conveyor belt which circulates around the shop so you can pick only those that you want to eat, and as much you can or want to eat. They call it Kai-ten Sushi.
• Once you learn to love Sushi, visit the renowned Tsukiji Fish Market. You will not only find the best fish for your sushi but you also get to learn how to make one with the help of a sushi master.
• Another must try is Sake, Japan's famous traditional rice wine. While you are in Tokyo, enjoy the Sake sampling in the Meishu Center and The Sake Plaza. Shelling out a minimal amount of yen, you'll get to taste as much as 5 varieties of Sake.
• Off to Tokyo Japan tourism's icon: Mt. Fuji. A breath-taking landscape for its almost perfect symmetrical cone which makes it an icon for Japan and a frequent subject of the Japanese art. Mt. Fuji is one of Japan's three Holy Mountains, a center of mountain worship of Japanese ancient times, and it abounds the country's heritage.
• Another Japanese icon is the Samurai. You can see Japanese Samurai performance and display during the Yabusame Festival held during the month of May in the shrine of Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha, just at the foot of Mt. Fuji.
• During springtime, Cherry blossoms are the best artistic sight. Traditionally, the locals celebrate this season with Cherry blossom viewing which they call Hanami. Cherry blossom, known as Sakura for the Japanese people, are richly symbolic and another renowned Japanese icon.
• Tokyo is the home to the Japanese Emperor, although you may not see the emperor during your visit, you can actually set foot to the Imperial Palace's grounds. The Imperial Palace East Garden is open for viewing to the public except Mondays, Fridays, and on special occasions, for free! The Imperial Palace East Garden holds Tokyo's imperial history but is sure fantastic.

These Tokyo Japan tourism's prides are surely mesmerizing. Planning your tour to Tokyo ahead will give you enough time to get yourself booked for tours to these places, but you can also choose to be a backpacker tourist. Tokyo is known safe and tourist friendly city, although not many locals speak English, but they are good with providing directions and help.

Phil Gabriel is an american who has been given an opportunity to work and live in Japan. He started blogging about Tokyo Japan tourism, his adventures and how he fell in love with this culture-rich country. check out his blog at TokyoJapanLife.com

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Enjoy San Juan Puerto Rico's Luxurious Culture

If you want to go on a holiday to San Juan, you are in for the experience of your life. San Juan is a place that is an eclectic mix of history, culture, beaches and friendly people. Old San Juan was a walled city, which is a retrospect to the ancient Spanish colonies.

It is now a square mile of restored architecture, plazas, forts and a spectacular sea facing esplanade. The beaches and resorts are plentiful in the Isla Verde area and the Urban Condado region.

Santurce quarter is popular for its performing arts, theatres, and a burgeoning marketplace. For the more urbane people, casinos, restaurants and clubs are in plenty.

Cultural mix

San Juan is a place, which is filled with cultural diversity. Being a part of the ancient Spanish colony, it absorbed Spanish and Caribbean culture and now that it is a part of the United States, American culture was added to the mix.

The people of San Juan or the San Juaneros call their culture a blend of tradition, values and American modernism. You can find people talking on their swanky little cell phones in the middle of 16th century forts and 30 storey skyscrapers.

Family spot

San Juan is well known as a traditional and family oriented place, where families going on holidays feel right at home. Everyone including hotels, car rental companies and even the priciest restaurants are more than willing to accommodate families, catering to requirements for car seats, high chairs or even bibs.

Entertainment and activities are available for the whole family. The children can enjoy a visit to the Museo del Nino, which is the Children's museum. It is fun, creative and interactive for kids.

The park Luis Munoz Marin Park is great to take children to spend all their pent up energy. The whole family can visit the historic fortresses and underground hidden passages or guided tours.

You can end the day and your sigh seeing venture by a visit to the Plaza de Hostos where you can cool off with frozen treats.

Activity filled days

San Juan, which is in Puerto Rico, always has the most beautiful summer weather, with warm nights and cool summer breeze. Filling your days with outdoor activities while in San Juan is not at all difficult.

Isla Verde, which is actually a big stretch of connected beaches, is the hub of water sports and other beach activities. One can indulge in games of volleyball, handball or Frisbee on its cool white sands or just lie under the shade of a leafy palm tree enjoying the cool breeze and catching up on a bestseller. Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular water sports here.

If you love playing tennis and want to continue enjoying it whilst on your holiday, then the tennis courts at central park are available from dawn to dusk, at a nominal fee.

Will is the owner of TravelCheckList Visit the online resource that offers information on San Jaun tourism and destination reviews, lodging, hotel, airfare, travel deals and much more. Horseracing is another popular sport in San Juan; you can watch this interesting sport from the clubhouse or the bleachers. If you like fishing, then the San Juan harbor is your paradise. The waters are filled with schools of Mahi Mahi, marlin, yellow fin and Wahoo.

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Important Travel Tips to Enrich Your Nairobi Holidays

Nairobi is a striking Kenyan city which tempts many tourists to book cheap tickets on flights to the region. The city boasts a splendid variety of wildlife and natural wonders. The travellers crave for Nairobi holidays to be a part of this magnificent city. It is best to be fully prepared when it comes holidays in the city. Various factors like hotels and safety must be taken care of. Follow some important travel tips to make your holidays in Nairobi unforgettable.

Ensure Your Safety
Nairobi is not exactly the safest place on the earth. There have been frequent reports of robbery and theft cases in the region. Foreign tourists are undoubtedly most at risk, however proper caution and basic safety measures will ensure that you have a trouble-free holiday in the city. One must not encourage interaction with strangers. Avoid wearing valuable ornaments and carrying huge amount of cash to shun the chances of robberies. There are some areas in the city which are considered as unsafe and must be avoided especially during night time.

Choose Safe Accommodation
After you have booked air tickets to Nairobi, you can make reservations in good recognized hotels as they guarantee safety of the guests and their belongings. Certain cheap hotels in the Nairobi may not be safe for tourists and must be avoided. If you are landing at the airport at odd hours, it is best to opt for a certified taxi. Walking alone at night is highly prohibited. If you have no choice other than to walk, then stay in groups or hire a night guard to guide you on the way.

Put small locks on your baggage. This deters thieves from digging through your luggage. For carrying the valuables, the best means is to carry money belts or pouches around your neck or waist.

Health Safety
Heath safety is one major concern of the travellers booking cheap tickets to Nairobi. This safari hub of Kenya is known for massive epidemics of yellow fever, cholera, and typhoid. One should avoid eating sea food and junk food from the local markets and stalls. Shun the use of tap water and rely only on bottled mineral water to keep away from water borne diseases. The travellers can also get themselves vaccinated for such diseases before travelling to Nairobi.

If you are visiting the wildlife parks and other bushy areas in the city such as Nairobi National Park and National Museum, prefer wearing full sleeves clothes and keep a mosquito repellent handy to prevent yourself form the threat of malaria.

Shawn Trelly is associated with Cheap Tickets as expert writer since Five years. Cheap Tickets offers a comprehensive range of tickets to Nairobi designed to make your flight Travel Tips to Nairobi easy and enjoyable.

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Stonehenge, England

Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world, a symbol of ancient achievement and a testament to the skills of our distant ancestors. It is a 40-ton rock formation which dates back nearly 5,000 years, and is on Salisbury Plain near Amesbury. Stonehenge is a Druid Stone Circle and was a traditional site for pagan worship. It is part of a larger complex of monuments either side of the nearby River Avon.

Stonehenge is part of a fascinating wider landscape, including various burial mounds, Neolithic long barrows, an earthwork of unknown purpose and Woodhenge, also oriented to the solstice sunrise, and is a World Heritage site and there are 450 ancient monuments in the area which are of national importance. It is the creation of remote and elusive people of the late Stone Age and the Bronze Age. Stonehenge is unique; nothing quite like it has been built before or since.

Stonehenge is a 25-minute bus ride from the attractive city of Salisbury, and is of course one of Britain's most iconic landmarks. It is, and always will be, not only the ultimate symbol of prehistoric achievement but one of the past's most enduring mysteries. It is not to be offered the best. Stonehenge is probably one of the most recognisable monuments in the world.

Stonehenge is a miracle, a mystery, like the ancient world sites that are its peers: the pyramids of Egypt and Mexico. It is less a historical novel than a pre-historical novel, and is the perfect description of such a building. Stonehenge is overwhelmingly a visual experience.

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Discover the Extravagant Pyramids of Giza and Royal Tombs of Egypt

There is no place on earth that manages to capture our imagination as completely as Egypt. Though cities like Alexandria and Cairo are modern cosmopolitans in every sense of the word, it is easy enough to close your eyes, aided, perhaps, by the scent of fried garlic and bread, and imagine yourself traveling centuries back in time. Discoveries of new chambers and tomb entrances only feed our fascination with this incomparable culture. Travel back in time and discover the extravagance of Giza and the opulence of the royal tombs.

Giza is located on the western banks of Egypt, about 20 kilometers from Cairo. When we think of Egypt, it is perhaps Giza we most often see. Visitors will find the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid of Giza, and other sacred structures. These are the most recognizable - and revered - structures in the world, and seeing them is a must for visitors. However, it is important to know that, while you can certainly see all three structures from the outside, you will not be able to go inside all of them. The structures close on a rotating basis to aid in preservation, and only 300 people can visit inside per day.

It is hard not to feel like Indiana Jones when you're climbing inside these famous pyramids, though, if you are lucky enough to get in. It is a feeling you will never forget as the ghosts of the pharaohs follow you through the tombs.

South of Giza, and opposite Luxor (formerly Thebes) is the Valley of the Kings. This is the resting place of 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamen, and is a series of tombs that was designed for secrecy. A long, narrow, twisting path was intended to discourage tomb raiders, though that had varying success. Visitors can buy a ticket, which entitles them to view three tombs of their choosing. For those who want to see more, or who want to visit Tutankhamen's tombs, a separate ticket is required. As in Giza, some of the tombs may be closed for "resting" or renovations, so remain flexible with your itinerary.

It is interesting to see the differences in the tombs themselves. The Tomb of Thutmose III is very remote and requires a hike up several flights of stairs, but visitors are rewarded with an aesthetically-pleasing tomb with simple decoration. The Tomb of Merneptah features paintings and reliefs in generally good condition, and the tomb of Ramesses the VI is the most opulent, and interesting, of all with very well preserved decorative elements.

Which should you visit? The easy answer, of course, is both! But whatever your decision, both Giza and the Valley of the Kings offers an exceptional experience.

Enid Glasgow is a travel writer who recently visited Egypt.

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Chinese Kung Fu Tour in Shaolin Temple

Immortal Bruce Lee, Incredible Jacky Chan and Jet Li, the symbols of Chinese Kung Fu in the west. Want to experience first hand the real life art of Kungfu through your own eyes! Turn the fantasy of Hollywood movies into the real journey to your Chinese Kung Fu Tour and be the master of Chinese Kung Fu!

Chinese Kung Fu is a precious treasure that belongs not only to China but to the whole world. We will take you to the cradle of Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu - the Shaolin Temple to enjoy rich humanities sight, antiquated natural sight, massive Shaolin Buddhist sculptures and a Wushu Culture, as well as an elegant & rare geological natural wonder. You will see power and grace combined in a demonstration of the art of Shaolin Kung fu by a Shaolin Master. Be transported to the mysterious world of this ancient art to experience for yourself what has inspired the great action heroes of today's movie blockbusters.

Shaolin Temple is located in the foothills of the Song Shan mountain range just fifteen minutes outside the town of Dengfeng, which is about two hours away from Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan. Buses run from Zhengzhou and Luoyang, another larger Henan city, to Dengfeng. Alternatively, if you are staying in Zhengzhou or Luoyang, you can arrange a day tour from your hotel.

Most Westerners know Shaolin from martial arts movies - Shaolin Kung Fu was born here. In modern times, Chinese Kung-fu was first introduced abroad to the United States by Chinese-American Kung-fu master Bruce Lee, whose agile movements in a series of his great movies swept American audiences off their feet. Thanks to the giant influence of the American movie industry, it soon swept across the world. The entire globe was enchanted by the magic act, starting the upsurge of interest in Chinese Kung-fu. From then on, Chinese Kung-fu learners can be found everywhere. Now, Lees followers, Jacky Chan (Cheng Long) and Jet Lee (Li Lianjie) carry the baton pushing themselves to novel heights.

But it is more famous in Asia as the birthplace of the Zen Buddhism movement. Visitors come to Shaolin to study Kung Fu, meditate in the ancient surroundings or to enjoy an ancient historical place that is by all means, off the beaten path. For whatever reason you come, Shaolin Temple is worth a visit.

Shaolin Temple complex can be thought of as three major sights within the compound. You will enter through a main gateway where the tour buses park and you can purchase your entry tickets. This area has been refurbished to support hoards of tourists - there is a large plaza flanked by souvenir vendors on both sides.

Kung Fu Performance Hall: After you enter the complex, you will walk ten minutes or so to the Kung Fu performance hall. If you can manage getting there early in the morning, you'll see students of all ages practicing outside in the grassy fields next to the walkway. Kung Fu is famous for its vigorous, powerful, simple, unadorned, and unpredictable style. Its moves and tricks are short, simple and succinct as well as versatile. While fighting, the masters would advance and retreat simultaneously. They need only a small space to execute their style of fistfight described as "fighting along a single straight line. It's amazing!

Shaolin Temple: After the performance, you can take electric cars or walk another fifteen to twenty minutes to the temple itself. Shaolin Temple is set upon the mountainside. You'll enter at the bottom and make your way up through the multiple halls to the top. The first hall you will encounter is Devajara Hall (Hall of the Heavenly Kings). It is characterized by double eaves flanked behind by a Bell Tower (this tower holds a great bronze bell) and a Drum Tower (this tower holds an artistic drum). The hall gates are guarded by two colored clay figures of Vajras. Inside the hall are statues of the four Heavenly Kings, each standing divinely while holding his distinctive weapon. Then you come to the main hall of the temple, Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian). The original was built in the Jin Dynasty but destroyed in 1928. The present structure was restored from the original in 1986. Enshrined in the middle of the hall are the statues of the Trinity Buddha - Sakyamuni, Amitabha (Emitofo) and Bhaisajyaguru (Yaoshifo, God of Medicine). Flanking the Trinity on both sides are eighteen Arhats. Go on and you will see the Sutra-Keeping Pavilion where Buddhist dignitaries lectured. A total of 5480 Buddhist sutras and rubbings are kept in the pavilion and the Hall of Abbot (Fangzhang Hall). This small hall is the rest place for the abbots.

The Pagoda Forest: Another half-kilometer walk through a wooded path will bring you to the Pagoda Forest where there are nearly 250 stone and brick pagodas ranging from the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (618-1911).

You can come here to study Kung Fu, meditate in the ancient surroundings or to enjoy an ancient historical place that is by all means, off the beaten path. For whatever reason you come, Shaolin Temple is worth a visit.

Day 1: Luoyang arrival 
Today you will arrive in Luoyang. In the afternoon, you will visit the White Horse Temple. Located 12km east to the ancient capital city of Luoyang, facing the Luo River in the south and sitting back to the Mang Hill in the north, is the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist monastery in China.

Day 2: Luoyang - Dengfeng 
Travel to the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple by bus in this morning. You will stay at the local hotel for 3 days' Chinese Kung Fu study. Shaolin Temple is probably the most famous temple in China, not only because of its long history and its role in Chinese Buddhism, Shaolin Temple Pagoda but also because of its martial arts or Wushu Chan.

Day 3-5: Dengfeng 
You will get the wonderful opportunity to take basic Chinese Kung Fu courses conducted by the experienced local Kung Fu masters.

Day 6: Dengfeng - Luoyang 
Transfer back to Luoyang, you will visit the Longmen Caves and Guanlin. Together with Mogao Caves, Yungang Caves, Longmen Caves is known as the three great sculpture treasure houses of China.

Day 7: Luoyang departure

Today you will leave Luoyang with an unforgettable memory.

For more info about this wonderful Kung Fu tour, or any China tours, please consult with China Connection Tours china-tour.cn.

China Connection Tours, an excellent China tour operator, has over twenty-years of experience in tour operating and specializes in custom China tours for individuals and groups; offers more than 300 China tour packages: Chinese Kung Fu Tour, Classical China tours, Yangtze tours, Yunnan tours, Tibet tours...
Tel: (800) 320 9088 (for US & Canada area, 7 X 24 service) 
+86 (29) 8765 0440 (local number, 7 X 24 service)
+86 (29) 8765 0440 (9:00am to 7:00pm)
Fax: +86 (29) 8526 2670
Email: info@china-tour.cn 
Website: china-tour.cn

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San Diego, California

Known as one of the best vacation destinations in the country due to its sunny weather, amazing attractions, and miles of gorgeous sandy beaches, San Diego, California is an absolute must-see for any discerning traveler. Outdoor adventures abound along the breathtaking terrain and the numerous attractions in this city are some of the most famous in the world. Come to San Diego the next time you are in Southern California and experience what all the buzz is about.

The beaches of San Diego are renowned for being some of the most beautiful and scenic along the California coast, and with so many to choose from, you could end up spending your entire vacation lounging in the sand. While all the beaches have something to offer guests, Mission Beach and Coronado Beach are two can't-miss options that will take your breath away. Mission Beach is the perfect place for surfing, swimming, and kayaking in the water and people-watching, biking, and roller blading along the boardwalk. Sunbathing on the weekends and watching the various people go by is always a popular activity since the local flavor of exotic pets and numerous tattoos and piercings comes out.

Coronado Beach is accessed via the San Diego Bay Bridge and is worth the excursion due to its elegant, upscale surroundings. While the beach is the ideal place for swimming, sailing, and sunbathing, the nearby homes, restaurants, and boutiques mean you could spend an entire day on the island without a dull moment. It is important, however, to return to the beach at sunset so you can soak in the amazing views of San Diego and the Pacific Ocean.

If you want to view more of San Diego's gorgeous terrain, head over to any of the local parks for outdoor activities and noteworthy sights. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is an interesting and exceptional park with its 37 miles of multi-purpose trails that take visitors past rare plant and animal species in 14 different habitats. Another great option is the Tri-Canyon Park System, which is comprised of three parks, Marian Bear Memorial Park, Rose Canyon Open Space Park, and Tecolote Canyon Natural Park & Nature Center, that are perfect for bird-watching, hiking, and biking.

Probably the most famous of all of San Diego's attractions is the San Diego Zoo. Known throughout the world as a top-notch zoo, it attempts to recreate the natural habitats as closely as possibly for the more than 3,800 animals and 800 species that live on its 100 acres. All the exhibits are impressive so plan on spending an entire day trekking around the park, experiencing the many exciting tours and activities this amazing attraction has to offer.

If you or your family craves more animal activities even after your visit to the San Diego Zoo, make your way to the SeaWorld Adventure Park. Here you can see Shamu the killer whale, of course, and a variety of other animal life such as polar bears, manatees, and dolphins. The animal-themed shows are usually the most thrilling and exciting part of the experience for kids, so make sure you at least catch the Shamu show extravaganza where he lives up to his reputation as a true showman.

When searching for the best shopping or dining in the San Diego area, head over to the Gaslamp Quarter to see a lively neighborhood that blends food, fun, and culture in one of San Diego's most historic areas. Surrounded by Victorian-style buildings, you can stroll the streets and stop by fine art galleries, unique stores, and specialty shops to get a taste for the local flair. And when your stomach begins to call out to you, there are over 90 restaurants waiting to meet your needs and serve you food from all around the world.

With so much to see and do in San Diego, it is important to choose accommodations that make it easy to experience every part of San Diego that interests you no matter how long you are staying. With San Diego vacation rentals, you can make your home base in just about an area or neighborhood so those attractions that appeal most to you are within sight or walking distance. Whether you prefer to feel a cool breeze off the water after you awaken or you want to be near the entertainment and dining options of the Gaslamp Quarter, the perfect home or condo rental is waiting for you to snatch it up right now at GreatRentals.com.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider San Diego vacation rentals for your next trip to Southern California.

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