Japan Hotels - Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, hokkaido

Hot Springs, Spa in Japan Sapporo

2011-06-07T01:20:00.000-07:00

Jozankei onsen (spa)
There are 56 sources of hot spring in the Jyozankei spa resort. Most of them are concentrated in the vicinity of Tsukimibashi bridge and Takayamabasi bridge of the Toyohira river running the spa resort areas. Hot spring is abundantly gushing out from crannies of bedrocks in the riverbank and in the bottom of the river
Surrounded by beautiful nature and bubbling hot springs we look forward to welcoming you all year round.
Hot spring gushing out in the Jyozankei spa resort areas contains sodium chloride (neutral hypotonic hot spring) featuring its colorless and transparency, and mild amount of salt. It is one of the most common spring quality in Japan. When you soak into it, you will find your body becomes warm from inside, That is because the salt content sticking to your body prevents the sweat from evaporating.
The history of Jozankei Hot Springs dates back to Keio 2(1866), when Miizumi Jozan, an ascetic monk, discovered the hot springs and opened a healing spa in upper Toyohira River. Jozan cut through the forest to develop the land and put a great amount of work into bringing injured and sick people to the spa for healing. Eventually his enthusiasm led up to building bridges and roads, and little by little the spa's reputation spread out.

When the industry of mining and lumbering arose and many workers arrived into the area, restaurants and shops started to increase in number. In 1918, Toyoha Mine opened and Jozankei Railroad was laid, crossing 29.9km between Shiroishi village and Jozankei. Thereafter, the area, blessed with splendid nature and bountiful waters continued to grow into one of the finest hot spring spa in Hokkaido.

hotel in Sapporo | Sheraton Hotel | Hokkaido | Japan

2010-06-25T02:39:00.000-07:00

Meeting and Event at Sapporo, or vacation: snow festival and skiing, mountains tour, and taste the beer ...
Sheraton Sapporo Hotel is conveniently located in the largest city in Hokkaido, with direct access to the train, subway, highways, and bus terminals. Here you can enjoy the energy and excitement of the city along with the spaciousness and freedom of nature.
This suburban hotel is 2km (one mile) from the Techno Park and 6 km (less than four miles) from the Sapporo Dome. Guestrooms with Japanese décor include high-speed Internet access, satellite TV with movies, and minibars.

Sheraton Sapporo Hotel located in northern Japan, Hokkaido is a paradise where four distinct seasons create dramatic changes in nature. With such a wonderful backdrop of natural beauty, the seasons present unique pursuits for travelers. In the warmer months, you can tour mountains covered in vividly colored flower fields, explore the historical village of Hokkaido, or taste Sapporo’s famous beer. Alternatively, visit Sapporo’s renowned snow festival, marvel at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, or go skiing when the snow paints the surrounding mountains and the former Olympic city white.

Find total comfort in our 511 guest rooms and 29 suites. There is a variety of accommodation styles with both contemporary western furnishings and authentic Japanese rooms available, creating a comfortable and personable ambience for you to enjoy. Thoughtfully arranged, our rooms offer The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed and the one-call Star Service, promising sincere care at all times.

Feel...The Japanese-style relaxation at our Spa Alpa brings you nurturing vitality and harmony. After a busy day spent exploring the beauty of Hokkaido, gather at our great restaurants to enjoy the finest and freshest Hokkaido cuisine. With six restaurants and bars available, we have something for everyone.

Natural beauty aside, Hokkaido is also renowned for the genuine warmth and charm of its people. Come experience the best of Sapporo at the gateway to Hokkaido – the Sheraton Sapporo Hotel.

Hotel Sheraton Sapporo
5-5-25 Atsubetsuchuo 2J0, Atsubetsu-Ku
Sapporo, Hokkaido 0040052, Japan
Phone: (81)(11) 895 8811

hotel in Sapporo | Sapporo Korakuen Hotel | Hokkaido | Japan

2010-06-25T02:23:00.000-07:00

Vacation at Hollaido and visit to Sapporo city, find best best for holiday or need for Conference or meetings and seminars at Japan.
Sapporo Korakuen Hotel
The Hotel is located in the center of Sapporo opposite Odori Park which is said to be the symbol of Sapporo and is the venue for the Yosakoi Soran Festival and the Sapporo Snow Festival. the Sapporo Korakuen Hotel is ideally situated for business travelers and vacationers alike. convenient to museums, parks, scenic and historical sights, ski areas. and Located in the heart of Sapporo, the cultural and commercial center,
This Hotel is easily accessible to parks, museums, scenic and historical sights and ski areas.
Rooms The hotel offers stylishly decorated guest rooms that are facilitated with an array of modern amenities and comforts to meet all your needs. Restaurant For your dining pleasure, the hotel offers a choice of superb restaurants serving Italian, Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The bar is also an ideal place for a refreshing drink and for meeting friends. General Business travellers can avail the conference facilities provided by the hotel for organising their official meetings and seminars. At leisure you can explore the city and its attractions..

Sapporo Korakuen Hotel Japan
Nishi 8-chome, Odori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo,
Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
TEL011-261-0111

hotel in Sapporo | HOTEL GRACERY

2010-06-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

HOTEL GRACERY Sapporo
With a great location across from Sapporo Station's south side, this hotel property is a manifestation of the Washington chain's plan to establish reasonably priced hotels in convenient urban centers.

Every guest room is furnished with a work desk, TV, high-speed internet access, Video-On-Demand system, telephone, refrigerator, air conditioning, bath, shower and toilet, hair dryer.
In the 14th floor with secure entrance, all rooms are use for women

Restaurant
Breakfast: The guests can take high-quality buffet breakfast of Japanese or Western popular foods.
Dinner: We offer creative cuisine and Japanese sake. Enjoy various dishes made with fresh seafood of Hokuriku.

HOTEL GRACERY SAPPORO
Nishi 4-1, Kita Yojo, Chuo-ku Sapporo, Japan 060-6004
Access
Tel : +81 11 251-3211 /
Fax : +81 11 241-8238
Check In : 14:00 / Check Out : 11:00

Renaissance Sapporo Hotel , Sapporo city

2010-06-25T01:52:00.000-07:00

Hotel and accommodation for Leisure & Vacation, Meeting or Events at Sapporo
Renaissance Sapporo Hotel is located in the gateway city of Sapporo and overlooking the Toyohira River, this luxury hotel is a short walk to the central business district, the famous Susukino entertainment district and shopping areas.

The Hotel features 323 elegant,oversized guest rooms including 8 state-of-the-art suites and 5 japanese suites
All designed with comfort and convenience in mind
* A high level of comfort and individual service awaits you at the Renaissance Sapporo Hotel
* From the moment guest step into the hotel, the Renaissance difference becomes apparent

Renaissance Sapporo Hotel
1-1 Toyohira 4-Jo 1-Chome,
Toyohira-ku Sapporo,
062-0904 Japan
Phone: 81 11 821 1111
Fax : 81 11 842 6191

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, Japan

2010-06-25T01:43:00.000-07:00

Visit to Sapporo for vacation or Meeting and events
JR Tower Hotel Nikko
Conveniently located above JR Sapporo Station, the hotel provides comfort fit for royalty. Direct link from Chitose International Airport by JR line.
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo offers business and leisure travelers relaxation in attractive hotel accommodations, such as the View Spa with its natural hot spring, the coffee shop, the Japanese and Sky J restaurants on the 35th floor, and bar and banquet rooms. The hotel rooms focus on comfort, and the topmost floors offer attractive views.
Facilities
Restaurants, Bar, Banquet Halls, Sky Resort Spa (Over 18 years old ) , Esthetic&Hair salon (Over 18 years old, Ladies only).

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
Address: Nishi 2, Kita 5, Chuo-ku,Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005
Phone: 81-11-251-2222
Fax: 81-11-251-6370

Hotel and Accommodation in Sapporo Japan

2010-06-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

Hotel, backpacker hostel, Luxurious hotel Sapporo Japan. Vacation, meeting room, conference events at Sappora Citiy.

Chisun Grand Sapporo, Sapporo
Minami 8 jo, Sapporo-Shi, 01 064-0808 Japan

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo, Sapporo
5 Nishi 2, Kita 5, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo-Shi, 01 060-0005 Japan
Amenities: Air Conditioning (In Room), Refrigerator, Telephone, Television (Cable/Satellite), Non-Smoking Rooms, Television, Daily Maid Service, Safe (In Room), Coffee Maker, Mini-Bar
Hotel Details: Built in 2003, Laundry/ Dry Cleaning Service, Photocopy Service, Meeting Facilities, Common/Public Areas Accessible to Wheelchairs, Business Center, Fax (For Guests), Restaurant in Hotel
Some Rooms Have View Of The Center Of Sapporo & Mountain View.

Renaissance Sapporo, Sapporo
1-1 Toyohira 4-JO 1-CHOME, Toyohira-Ku, Sapporo-Shi, 01 062-0904 Japan

Century Royal Hotel, Sapporo
5, Nishi, KITA-5, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo-Shi, 01 060-0005 Japan

Sapporo Excel Hotel Tokyu, Sapporo
5-420 Nishi, Minami 8 jo, Chuo-Ku, Sapporo-Shi, 01 064-0808 Japan

Sapporo Grand Hotel
Sapporo-Shi, Japan

Sheraton Sapporo Hotel
Sapporo-Shi, Japan

Sapporo Korakuen Hotel
Sapporo-Shi, Japan

Washington Hotel
Sapporo-Shi, Japan

Backpackers Hostel Ino's Place
Sapporo-Shi, Japan

Shogetsu Grand Hotel
Date-Shi, Japan

Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo
Sapporo-Shi, Japan

ANA Hotel Sapporo
Sapporo-Shi, Japan
The ANA Hotel Sapporo is a superior, first-class hotel.
All of its rooms come with colour TV and room service.

Sapporo Prince Hotel
Sapporo-Shi, Japan

Sapporo Washington Hotel
Sapporo-Shi, Japan

Hokkaido University, Sapporo Japan

2009-10-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

Study in japan ?
Hokkaido University is a leading national university of Japan. It is considered as a member of the National Seven Universities. It is situated in downtown Sapporo, just north of Sapporo Station, and stretching approximately 2.4 kilometers northward.
Hokkaido University (Hokudai for short) was originally founded in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College by William S. Clark with the help of five faculty members and a first class size of 24 students. It became Hokkaido Imperial University on April 1, 1918, during the Taisho period. It was one of nine Imperial Universities. The School of Medicine was established in 1919, at which time the Agricultural College became the Faculty of Agriculture. This was followed by the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Science, and finally in 1947, the Faculty of Law and Literature. The current name of Hokkaido University also came into use in 1947. In 1953, the Graduate School was established.
The Hokkaido University Museum, Sapporo in Summer

Since 2004 the university has been incorporated as a National University Corporation under a new law which applies to all national universities. Although the incorporation has led to increased financial independence and autonomy, Hokkaido University is still partially controlled by the Japanese Ministry of Education.

Hokkaido University, Faculties: Letters, Education, Law, Economics, Medicine, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Fisheries Sciences, Agriculture, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science.
Sapporo Campus
The main Sapporo campus is located just north of Sapporo Station, and holds every programs available in Hokkaido University except its Faculty of Fisheries Science, and also Graduate School of Fisheries Science.
Hakodate Campus

The campus is located in Hakodate, the city located in southern part of Hokkaidō. Faculty and Graduate School of Fisheries Science are practiced in this campus. However, the students of Fisheries Science start their education in Hakodate campus from the second semester of their sophomore year, due to the fact that it is required for all freshmen and sophomores at their first semester to take courses in liberal arts at Sapporo campus.

Sapporo Cuisine

2009-10-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

find Ramen at sapporo
Sapporo is known as the birthplace of Miso Ramen, a ramen noodle using miso, and Sapporo Ramen is also widely known. The Kouraku Ramen Meitengai, an alley lined with many ramen restaurants, was established in 1951 in Susukino district, and after its demolition due to plans for the Sapporo Olympics, the Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho was established in the same place. It currently attracts many tourists throughout the year. From the year 1966, a food company named Sanyo Foods began to sell instant ramens under the brand name "Sapporo Ichiban". In 2001, Sapporo Ramen was listed as one of the Hokkaido Heritage along with other ramens in Hokkaido such as Asahikawa Ramen and Hakodate Ramen. On October 1, 2004, The Sapporo Ramen Republic, a theme park focused on rāmens, was opened at the 10th floor of the Sapporo ESTA, a commercial complex located in front of the Sapporo Station.

Soup Curry, a liquid curry with vegetables and rice, is also one of the specialties in Sapporo, and currently plenty of soup curry restaurants are located in the cities and towns in Hokkaido. Sapporo Sweets, a confectionery using many ingredients from Hokkaido, is also popular, and the Sapporo Sweets Competition is held annually.
A lamb barbecue style dish called jingisukan (named for Ghengis Khan) is another popular local specialty.
Sapporo is also famed for fresh seafood, salmon, sea urchin and crab in particular. It is also noted for Haskup, a local variety of blueberry.

Cultural facilities and museums at Sapporo

2009-10-12T22:34:00.000-07:00

Travel to Japan visit To Sapporo

Cultural facilities and museums
Sapporo Clock Tower (the drill hall of the former Sapporo Agricultural College)
The clear sound of its bell give the time to the city of Sapporo.
Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
Nicknamed "Redbrick", it explains the history of the Development of Hokkaido.
Hokkaido Archives
Documents and records that reveal the history of Hokkaido from the middle of the 19th century.
Sapporo City Archives
Display of the history and development of Sapporo, works of Hiroshi Oba (Sapporo born cartoonist and painter)
Oba Hiroshi Memorial Museum
Museum dedicated to Hiroshi Oba, a very popular cartoonist born in Sapporo.
Hokkaido University
The many popular sightseeing spots on campus include Sapporo Agricultural College Farm No.2, the statue of Dr. Clark, the row of poplars.
Hokkaido University Museum
Exhibition of some research records and samples that has been kept by Hokkaido University since its opening in 1876.
Sapporo Agricultural College Farm No.2
The farm opened by W. Clark and that was used as a large-scale agriculture model for people moving to Hokkaido.
Exhibition Room of Northern Peoples (formerly Exhibition Room of Northern Peoples at the Hokkaido University Museum, Department of Agriculture)
Displays of anthropological artifacts of Northern people, such as the Ainu or the Nivkhs.
Ainu Center
Introduces the history, lifestyle and culture of the Ainu and the activities of the Hokkaido Ainu Association.
Ainu dugout canoe (a National Important Folk-Cultural Property)
Big canoe used by the Ainu for hunting.
Historical Museum of Hokkaido
Permanent exhibits cover Hokkaido history from 1.2 million years ago to around 1970.
Historical Village of Hokkaido
Time trip to the Hokkaido development period.
Hokkaido Museum of Literature
Exhibition of works of writers who lived in Hokkaido.
Elleair Square Sapporo Watanabe Jun’ichi Museum of Literature
Introduces the life and work of Jun’ichi Watanabe, the Naoki Award-winning novelist who wrote "Shitsurakuen" (Lost Paradise)
Yanaga Hokkaido Museum
Exhibition of items collected all over the world by Mr. Yanaga for its own research.
Jozankei Museum
Introduces Jozankei’s nature, lifestyle and development.
Bread Museum of Hokuo
This is the first bread museums in Japan, where you can eat and learn.
Snow Brand Milk Products Historical Museum
Exhibitions of about 850 items related to the dairy factory.
Sapporo Beer Museum
Exhibition of documents explaining the history of Sapporo Beer which is related to Hokkaido development.
Shiroi Koibito Park
Will you challenge yourself to make your own hand made cake?
Sapporo Science Center
Visitors can learn about science through interactive exhibits.
Sapporo City Photo Library
Exhibition of valuable photos of Sapporo history and development.
Sapporo Salmon Museum
Unique museum constructed to help visitors understand the life of salmon, including how they return to the Toyohira River.
Sapporo Waterworks Museum
Shows how water travels from the mountains through Sapporo City and into sea.
Sapporo Sewerage Science Museum
Introduces the sewerage system of Sapporo in nine zones, with an emphasis on global environmental issues.
Sapporo Transportation Museum
Exhibits 20 types of buses and trams from bygone days, including the first subway cars in Sapporo.
Sapporo Winter Sports Museum
Exhibition of historic Olympic medalists, the International Miyasama Ski Games and the Winter Universiade.
Edwin Dun Memorial Museum
Commemorates the achievements of "the father of Hokkaido dairying".
En-yu Yagakko Memorial Room
Founded by Inazo Nitobe in 1894, the school educated youths in Sapporo who, for various reasons, could not otherwise attend school.
Arishima Takeo Residence
Its architecture will make you feel the atmosphere of Taisho era (1912-1926).
The Oguma Residence
Historical residence built in Hokkaido modern period's dawn style.
Old Batchelor Residence
Western architecture residence that tells about the achievements of the British missionary and entrepreneur John Batchelor.
Nagayama Takeshiro Residence
Tangible cultural property that shows the architecture of Meiji era's upperclass residence.
Seikatei
American architecture building that recalls the history of the development of Sapporo.
Hoheikan historical guesthouse
Western style building constructed in 1881 to accomodate the Meiji Emperor during his visit to Hokkaido.

Art museums at Sapporo

2009-10-12T22:19:00.000-07:00

Art museums
Black Slide Mantra
This black granite sculpture is a work by the sculptor Isamu Noguchi, a second-generation Japanese-American.
The sculpture has a story behind it. Noguchi was interested in making a playground at Odori Park. He examined the design and selected as a location a road that runs north-south through the park, but it seemed a difficult to construct a playground. Sapporo City respected Noguchi’s wish to close the road, and the installation was built where Noguchi had wanted it.

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, constructed with white exterior walls and a sloped roof, exhibits paintings and sculptures by Hokkaido artists including Eien Iwahashi, Tamako Kataoka, Kinjiro Kida and Nissho Kanda.
The museum has a famous collection of glass arts, ranging from Art Nouveau pieces to works from the present day. Don’t miss the collection by artists of the Ecole de Paris. Take the time to enjoy the world of modern art.

Hongo Shin Memorial Sapporo Museum of Sculpture
This modern museum houses about 1,400 sculptures and paintings of Shin Hongo, a sculptor born in Sapporo, and other artists.

Ishiyama Park
Ishiyama Park is on National Route 453, the road that leads to Lake Shikotsu. The park’s North Block commands a fine view from the hill, and its South Block has bare rock that forms an unusual landscape.
The South Block was once a quarry of a sandstone called Sapporo soft stone. Now it’s a venue for outdoor sculptures by Hokkaido artists. These include Negative Mound, which recalls Roman ruins, and Gogo no Oka ("afternoon hil"). Ishiyama Park ranks among the Hundred Notable Cultural Artifacts of Hokkaido.
The North Block, opened in 1993, prior to the South Block, commands a view of the verdant Fujino district. Citizens come to the scenic overlook, tennis courts, “gatebal" courts and wooden playground facilities.

Migishi Kotaro Museum of Art, Hokkaido
The museum has a collection of 249 artworks by Kotaro Migishi, a Sapporo-born painter.

Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park designed in 1988 by Isamu Noguchi, a famous sculptor known for his designs of parks and gardens.
Sapporo Art Park
Sapporo Art Park is outdoor art museum in the hills of Minami-ku.

Sapporo Tourist Information

2009-10-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

visit To Japan
Tourist Information

Sapporo Citizen Contact Center Tel.011-222-4894
Is there anything you would like to know about Sapporo? Call the number above.
English assistance available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (open year-round).

Hokkaido-Sapporo Tourist Information Center
Located inside ”Food & Sightseeing Hall”the place to make us realize the superb quality of food as well as the great charm of sights in Hokkaido.
This is one of the largest-scale informaton desks with a lot of materials to make your visit to Hokkaido much more enjoyable.
Up-to-date information is available with various kinds of brochures,maps about coming events,
entertainment,must-places to visit besides the basic info such as accomodations,time-tables of sightseeing-buses,good restaurants and etc.
You can also get information through the internet.Volunteer staff are ready to help you in English,Chinese and Korean.
Location North 6, West 4, in JR Sapporo Station bldg. West Concourse (1F)
Opening hours 8:30-20:00 all the year round
TEL 011-213-5088
CAFE NORTE Sapporo (Internet available)

Sapporo Tourism and Culture Information Station
Art, sport and tourism information about events, spectacles and exhibitions held in Sapporo are presented in Odori Subway Station booth and on its home page. Pamphlets on facilities and events, and “Weekly Press” that presents the events of the current week, are distributed in the Odori Station booth, where you can access to two computers that will provide you information about events and sightseeing spots. You can check here what is held today in Sapporo.
You can also publish your own event information on the home page.
Location Odori Subway Station (Nanboku Line) basement concourse, near the North gate.
Opening hours 10:00-20:00
Holiday December 29 - January 3.

Odori Park Information Desk
A few voluneer staff are here to help you enjoy your visit by giving you brochures of tourist-attractions or giving you appropriate advice, They are ready to help you take pictures here.
Location Odori, West 3
Opening hours
10:00-17:00 (April to May / September to October)
9:00-18:00 (June to August)
In business April 28 to October 31 (except for the emergency like stormy weather).

Inside Sapporo City Hall
Information Desk, Cuckoo
2nd fl.of the City Hall.Come into the City Hall through the front door,go upstairs by escalator,and you’ll find this desk on your left.Along with many kinds of materials,you can consult English-speaking-staff here.
Location North 1, West 2, Chuo-ku (Sapporo Sightseeing Association in City Hall 2F)
Opening hours 8:45-17:15
Holidays Saturdays, Sundays, National holidays, December 29 - January 3
TEL 011-211-3341
FAX 011-231-1970

In front of Clock Tower
Sapporo International Communication Plaza
Just across the popular landmark”Clock Tower”
Outside the bl.(MN building),you find ”?”mark meaning Information Desk with English-speaking-staff for you to consult about your questions or problems,not to mention many materials helpful for your visit to Hokkaido.
Opening hours 9:00-17:30
Holidays Sundays, National holidays, December 29 - January 3
TEL 011-211-3678

Sapporo - Japan

2009-10-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

History of Sapporo, And visit to this City, and finds the accomodation
a history of snow, water and alluvial fan
... At the centre of Sapporo, the City Hall and the Sapporo Station are located at the end of an alluvial fan, at 20m above sea level, while the Salmon Museum, in Makomanai, is at an altitude of 80m. The distance between the two places is about 8 kilometres. The total superficy of the alluvial fan is approximately 20 square kilometres.
The central part of Sapporo was formed 6,000 years before by the deposit of earth carried by the Toyohira River from Jozankei and was frequently flooded in the 19th century, when the river banks were not built yet. There is abundant ground water away from the riverbed, due to the river underflows. Since there is no need to dig deep wells to draw an high quality water, life is easy on this fertile land, which was used for agriculture, including the culture of fruit trees.
The place where the Sapporo Station and the Odori Park are located is the connection between the end of the alluvial fan and the beginning of a floodplain, the Ishikari Plain. There used to be lots of springs in this area which was called Memu by Ainus, the first inhabitants. Even now, the pounds of the Former Hokkaido Government Office, of the Hokkaido Governor's Official Residence, of the Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, the Sakushu Kotani River of Hokkaido University, the Sapporo Beer Factory or the Yukijirushi milk factory are the remains of those ancient springs.
The water drawn from a well situated 150m under Tancho Warehouse (the Sapporo Chitosetsuru sake factory) and which is used to brew this sake, also comes from the underflows of the Toyohira River. Permeating into the ground during several years, it gets a perfect balance in minerals, and that is why it is often said: "we will not leave this place while we can drink this water."
Ainus settled in a village (kotan) near the Memu where we can easily imagine a great number of salmons ascending the river towards the springs. Salmon is called kamuiciepu (fish of god) in Ainu language. Even now there are still salmons in the Toyohira River, laying eggs between Higashi Bashi (same altitude as the Sapporo Station) and Horohira Bashi (above Odori Park, Tancho Warehouse, Susukino, Nakajima Park). Right in the middle of a two million people city. Water is essential for humans and salmons.
The statue named Izumi depicts three symbolic dancers in Odori Park and is obviously a reference to the Memu (springs). As its sculptor, Shin Hongo (1905-1980), native of Sapporo, puts it: "at the beginning, I did not intend to sculpt dancers; I wanted something that would hold the sky from the ground, I wanted to make the clouds and the wind play together, I wanted to call the snow and the rain".
According to Hideo Yamazo (1899-1992) who carried out research on Ainu place-names, the Toyohira River was called Sapporobet (sa = dry, poro = big, bet = river) by Ainus, a name that suits this river that runs in the alluvial fan. There is a lot of rivers around Sapporo and Sapporobet is the biggest. Thus we can easily understand the name "big". As for "dry", since a river that runs across an alluvial fan always splits, its quantity of water tends to decrease, or since during summer time, rain rate is low, the size of the riverbed is dramatically reduced so that the stones at the bottom of the river appears. We can also assume that the name of the river points at the numerous traces of dry rivers in the alluvial fan.

Sapporo City, Japan

2009-10-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan by population. It is the capital of Hokkaidō Prefecture, located in Ishikari Subprefecture, and an ordinance-designated city of Japan.
Sapporo City is best known outside Japan for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first ever held in Asia, and for the annual Yuki Matsuri in the city, internationally referred to as the Sapporo Snow Festival, which draws more than 2 million tourists from around the world. The city is also home to the eponymous Sapporo Brewery.
Sapporo tity has ten wards
Atsubetsu-ku , Chuo-ku, Higashi-ku, Kita-ku, Kiyota-ku, Minami-ku, Nishi-ku, Shiroishi-ku, Teine-ku, Toyohira-ku.
Sapporo Climate
Sapporo has a humid continental climate (Koppen Dfa), with a wide range of temperature between the summer and winter. Summers are generally hot but not humid, and winters quite cold and snowy. It snows a lot in winter, enabling it to hold events and festivals with snow statues and objects. Boasting 630 cm (248 inches) on average , it is one of the few metropolises in the world with such heavy snowfall. The city's annual average precipitation is around 1,100 mm (43 inches), and the mean annual temperature is 8.5°C (47°F).

about Kobe Japan

2008-08-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

Japan and visit to Kobe City

The Kobe briefs history
Origins: Meiji Era
Stone artifacts & tools found in western Kobe demonstrate that the area was populated at least from the Jōmon period. The natural geography of the area, particularly of Wada Cape in Hyōgo-ku, led to the development of a port, which would remain the economic center of the city. Some of the earliest written documents mentioning the region include the Nihon Shoki, which describes the founding of the Ikuta Shrine by Empress Jingū in 201 A.D.
During the Nara and Heian periods, the port was known by the name owada Anchorage and was one of the ports from which imperial embassies to China were dispatched. The city was briefly the capital of Japan in 1180 when Taira no Kiyomori moved his grandson Emperor Antoku to Fukuhara in present-day Hyogo-ku. The Emperor returned to Kyoto after about five months. Shortly thereafter in 1184, the Taira fortress in Hyōgo-ku and the nearby Ikuta Shrine became the sites of the Genpei War battle of Ichi-no-Tani between the Taira and Minamoto clans. The Minamoto prevailed, pushing the Taira further west.
As the port grew during the Kamakura period, it became an important hub for trade with China and other countries, and in the 13th century, the city came to be known by the name Hyōgo Port . During this time, Hyōgo Port along with northern Osaka composed the province of Settsu. Later, during the Edo period, the eastern parts of present-day Kobe came under the jurisdiction of the Amagasaki Domain and the western parts under that of the Akashi Domain, while the center was controlled directly by the Tokugawa shogunate. It was not until the abolition of the han system in 1871 and the establishment of the current prefecture system that the area became politically distinct.
Hyogo Port was one of the first ports to open for trade with Western countries following the Meiji Restoration and the end of the policy of seclusion in 1868. The region has since been identified with the West, and many foreign residences from the period remain in Kobe's Kitano area. Find hotel in Kobe Japan

Kobe city Japan

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Flight to Japan and visit the Kobe City, stay at best hotel

Kobe Airport : built on reclaimed land in front of the harbor, The airport handles domestic flights only: both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have flights to Kobe from Tokyo Haneda, Sapporo, Sendai, Okinawa, and Kagoshima. Osaka International Airport in nearby Itami and Kobe Airport, built on a reclaimed island south of Port Island, offer mainly domestic flights, while Kansai International Airport in Osaka is the main international hub in the area.

From Kobe Airport, the Port Liner light rail runs about every 10 minutes, reaching Sannomiya in less than 20 minutes, for easy connections to the JR, Hanshin, Hankyu and subway lines. From there, a small trip on the subway will link you to the Shin-Kobe bullet train station.
By train Or bus
The nearest station on Japan's high-speed shinkansen network is at Shin-Kobe station. From Tokyo station, Shin-Kobe is 2 hours, 50 minutes away via Nozomi via Hikari, from Shin-Kobe station, take the Seishin Yamate subway line one stop to Sannomiya. If you are traveling light you can walk as well.
Traveling to Kobe by bus can result in significant savings when compared to train fares.
The JR Bus Group is a major operator of the routes from the Tokyo area to Kansai.

in Kobe City Japan

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Visit to Kobe city and find the best Hotels at there
Kobe's main attraction for the Japanese is its concentration of Western-style houses, some dating back to the days when Kobe was opened for foreign trade in 1868. Europeans who grew up in similar scenery may find them less fascinating.
Ijinkan : (walking distance from either Sannomiya or Shin-Kobe stations) Kōbe's number-one attraction is the Ijinkan or Barbarian Houses. These are 19th-century residences of Kobe's foreign traders, clustered in the Kitano area.
Kyu-kyoryuchi : near Motomachi station (Hanshin Line or JR Line). This is where foreign consulates and trading companies built their offices. Several 19th-century buildings have been converted into restaurants and shops. Notable buildings include Chartered Square, once the Chartered Bank branch and the 15th Building, once the American consulate. The area is also packed full of high-fashion boutiques like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and Fendi.
Fruit Flower Park: 35 min by bus from Sannomiya, this park is surrounded by a lot of flowers and greenery. Many people hold their wedding ceremonies here every year. In spring, the park becomes even more beautiful as about 10,000 tulips bloom. The Hotel Fruit Flower is near the park, which is visited by many families.
Chinatown: was the original settlement of Chinese merchants. Today, it is rather touristy though it offfers some "Japanised" versions of Chinese food such as pork buns (buta-manju). Its architecture is still rather pleasant though.
Kobe is a well-known center of sake production and many sake breweries are in the Nada area, and have tours or museums open to the public. You can pick up a map of the sake breweries at the tourist information office in Sannomiya.

Kobe Japan

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Kobe Japan this A cosmopolitan port city with an international flavor, hemmed in by Mt. Rokko, it constantly comes up number one in expatriate rankings of the best place to live in Japan.
Kobe was founded on April 1, 1889, and was designated on September 1, 1956 by government ordinance. The history of the city is closely tied to that of the Ikuta Shrine.
Kobe city is both an important port and manufacturing center within the Hanshin Industrial Region. Kobe is the busiest container port in the region, surpassing even Osaka, and the fourth busiest in Japan.
The city's total High real GDP, which amounts to thirty-four percent of the GDP for Hyōgo Prefecture and approximately eight percent for the whole Kansai region.
The value of manufactured goods produced and exported from Kobe. The four largest sectors in terms of value of goods produced are small appliances, food products, transportation equipment, and communication equipment making up over fifty percent of Kobe's manufactured goods. In terms of numbers of employees, food products, small appliances, and transportation equipment make up the three largest sectors.
There are over 100 international corporations with East-Asia or Japan headquarters in Kobe. Of these, twenty-four are from China, eighteen from the United States, and nine from Switzerland. Some prominent corporations include Eli Lilly and Company, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Tempur-Pedic, and Toys "R" Us.
Japanese companies which have their headquarters in Kobe include ASICS, a shoe manufacturer; Daiei, a department store chain; Kawasaki Heavy Industries, an automobile and ship manufacturer; and Kobe Steel. Other companies include the confectionery manufacturers Konigs-Krone and Morozoff Ltd., Sun Television Japan and UCC Ueshima Coffee Co.
Institutes in Kobe Japan
Kobe is the site of a number of research institutes, such as the RIKEN Kobe Institute Center for developmental biology and medical imaging techniques, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Kobe Advanced ICT Research Center,the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center.
International organizations include the WHO Centre for Health Development, an intergovernmental agency forming part of the World Health Organization.

Kobe

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Kobe is The city is located in the Kansai region of Japan and is part of the Keihanshin metropolitan area. Kobe is classified as one of Japan's seventeen designated cities. Originally known by the name Ōwada Anchorage earliest written records regarding the region come from the Nihon Shoki, which describes the founding of the Ikuta Shrine by Empress Jingu in 201 A.D.
Kobe City japan was one of the first cities to open for trade with the West following the end of the policy of seclusion and has since been known as a cosmopolitan port city. While the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake diminished much of Kobe's prominence as a port city, it remains Japan's fourth busiest container port. Companies headquartered in Kobe include ASICS, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Kobe Steel, as well as over 100 international corporations with Asia or Japan headquarters in the city such as Procter & Gamble and Nestle.
The city is the point of origin and namesake of Kobe beef as well as the site of one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts, Arima Onsen.
Kobe city Wedged in between the coast and the mountains, the city of Kobe is long and narrow. To the east is the city of Ashiya, while the city of Akashi lies to its west. Other adjacent cities include Takarazuka and Nishinomiya to the east and Sanda and Miki to the north.
The landmark of the port area is the red steel Port Tower. A giant ferris wheel sits in nearby Harborland, a notable tourist promenade. Two artificial islands, Port Island and Rokko Island, have been constructed to give the city room to expand.
Away from the seaside at the heart of Kobe lie the Motomachi and Sannomiya districts as well as Kobe's Chinatown, Nankinmachi, all well-known retail areas. A multitude of train lines cross the city from east to west. The main transport hub is Sannomiya Station, with the eponymous Kobe Station located to the west and the Shinkansen Shin-Kobe Station to the north.

in Southern Kyoto

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Southern Kyoto Japan

Fushimi Inari Shrine : Another of Kyoto's often-overlooked jewels, about twenty-minutes to the south of Kyoto. Dedicated to Inari, the Japanese fox goddess, Fushimi-Inari-taisha is the head shrine (taisha) for 40,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Stretching 230 meters up the hill behind it are hundreds of bright red torii (gates).
Approaching the shrine, local delicacies are sold at the roadside, including barbecued sparrow and inari-sushi (sweetened sushi rice wrapped in fried tofu), which is said to be the favourite food of the fox. Watch your fingers as you go - the fox spirits are said to be able to possess people by slipping through their fingernails.
Fushimi Castle was a favorite of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The original was dismantled in 1623, but a 1964 reconstruction went up in its memory with a small museum and gold-lined tea room.
Tofuku-ji To get there, get off on the way to Fushimi-inari shrine at Tofuku-ji station. Large temple complex with many small and beautiful gardens nearby. Famous for its garden, especially in the fall when the leaves turn into all shades from green to red. Not on the top-list of most of western tourists, so especially worth visiting during fall.

at Eastern Kyoto

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Some of the most picturesque parts of Kyoto are located in the eastern region of the city, across the Kamo River. Visiting the main tourist attractions of eastern Kyoto will fill a full day:
Kiyomizu-dera: This temple complex, with a spectacular location overlooking the city, is a deservedly popular attraction, approached by either of two tourist-filled souvenir-shop-lined streets, Kiyomizu-zaka or Chawan-zaka.
Gion district: The flagstone-paved streets and traditional buildings of the Gion district, located to the north-west of Kiyomizu.
Yasaka Shrine at the eastern end of Shijo-dori, at the edge of Gion, is the shrine responsible for Kyoto's main festival - the Gion Matsuri, which takes place in July. The shrine is small in comparison with many in Kyoto, but it boasts an impressive display of lanterns.
Maruyama Park is the main center for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, and can get extremely crowded at that time of year. The park's star attraction is a weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura). Main entrance to the park is through Yasaka Shrine.
Nanzenji, with its distinctive two-storey entrance gate (sanmon) and aqueduct, is another popular temple in Kyoto, but its larger size means that it doesn't seem as crowded as many of the others.
Sanmon : the two-storey main gate to Nanzenji Temple, offers pleasant views over the surrounding area of the city.
Nanzen-in Zen Temple : a small, but relaxing temple and moss garden behind the aqueduct, dating back to the 13th century.
Hojo : the abbot's quarters, is a more interesting building, with a small raked gravel garden and some impressive paintings on the sliding doors of the buildings.
The Philosopher's Walk : is the name given to a 2km-long path through north-eastern Kyoto, along which a philosophy professor, Kitaro Nishida, used to frequently walk. It is a surprisingly pleasant and relaxing walk even today, though you will undoubtedly share it with more tourists than Kitaro did.
Ginkakuji : is at the northern end of the Philosopher's Walk. Much like its golden counterpart at Kinkakuji, the Silver Pavilion is often choked with tourists, shuffling past a scrupulously-maintained dry landscape Zen garden and the surrounding moss garden, before posing for pictures in front of the Pavilion across a pond.
Mt. Daimonji isn't much more than a hill, but it provides a breathtaking (and perhaps the best) view of the city. So if you're in the mood for a hike, this is a pleasant forest walk, taking a little less than an hour.
Sanjusangen-do is definitely worth a visit. It was founded in 1164 and became famous for its 1001 beautiful wooden and gold-leaf covered statues of Kannon, goddess of mercy, housed in thirty-three bays (sanjusan = thirty-three, gendo = bays) in the main hall.
Kyoto National Museum Japanese sculpture, ceramics, metalwork, painting, and other artifacts.

Western Kyoto japan

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at Western Kyoto visit to ;

The Arashiyama : area to the west of the city is dismissed in most Western guidebooks in a brief paragraph suggesting "other attractions". However, the area is rightfully very popular with Japanese tourists, and is well worth a visit.
The walk through a forest of bamboo to Nonomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso is a real highlight of a visit to Kyoto. Feeding the macaque monkeys atop the mountain in Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Just outside Saga Arashiyama station is the 19th Century Hall - a museum covering the unlikely combination of steam locomotives and pianos. Probably best to look at it from the outside, and listen to the amusing tinny music it blasts out.
Tenryu-ji : is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the main temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism in Kyoto; it's also considered one of Kyoto's Five Great Zen Temples. Tenryu-ji was founded in 1334, but the current buildings all date from the last century - pleasant, but unremarkable. However, there is a lovely garden and pond, designed by the Zen master Muso Soseki, that is worth a look. The main gate is just beyond the busy intersection with the Togestu-kyo bridge.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: is omitted from virtually all guidebooks, but it's one of the true unknown gems of Kyoto. It was founded in the eighth century, and went through an unlucky patch for a millennium or so; by turns it was destroyed by flood, fire and typhoon, and had to move location a few times. Today, it sits a short distance from the end of Saga Toriimoto, one of Kyoto's three historic preservation districts.

Kyoto Japan (North-western)

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Kyoto offers an incredible number of attractions for tourists, and visitors will probably need to plan an itinerary in advance in order to visit as many as possible.
Visit to North-western Kyoto Japan
Visiting the vast temple complexes of north-western Kyoto can take the better part of a day:
Daitokuji: A small and understated temple complex, boasting several small, secluded subtemples. Daitokuji is the quietest of the temples in north-western Kyoto. The highlight of the subtemples is Daisen-in, located on the northern side of the temple complex, which has a beautiful Zen garden without the crowds of Ryoanji Temple. Koto-in is particularly noted for its maple trees, which are beautiful in autumn. Nearest bus stop: Daitokuji-mae.

Kinkaku-ji : The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, formally known as Rokuonji: is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto. The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century, and converted into a temple by his son. However, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950, by a young monk who had become obsessed with it.
Hirano Shrine : A small shrine, which is an especially popular destination during the cherry blossom season, setting up amusement and food stalls. A small park of cherry trees next to the shrine is hung with lanterns and drawings by local schoolchildren.
Ryoan-ji : Famous for its Zen garden, which is considered to be one of the most notable examples of the "dry-landscape" style. Surrounded by low walls, an austere arrangement of fifteen rocks sits on a bed of white gravel. That's it: no trees, no hills, no ponds, and no trickling water. Behind the simple temple that overlooks the rock garden is a stone washbasin called Tsukubai said to have been contributed by Tokugawa Mitsukuni in the 17th century. It bears a simple but profound four-character inscription: "I learn only to be contented".
Jingoji : An overlooked gem among Kyoto temples, it is an ideal place to visit for those wanting to escape the tourist hordes. It is located in Mt. Takao in the north-western corner of Kyoto.
Ninnaji: Another large temple complex which is often overlooked by tourists. With features some beautifully painted screen walls, and a beautiful walled garden. In the hills behind the temple, there is a delightful miniature version of the renowned 88 Temple Pilgrimage in Shikoku.

Visit to Kyoto

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Flight to Kyoto, or with Train/bus to this city
Kyoto does not have its own airport. The nearest international gateway is Kansai International Airport south of Osaka. JR West's Haruka limited express train runs to Kyoto twice per hour.
Most visitors arrive at JR Kyoto station by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. Nozomi trains make the trip in approximately 2 1/4 hours. Hikari trains, which run less frequently and make a few more stops, cover the trip in around 2 3/4 hours, but only the Hikari and the Kodama trains can be used by Japan Rail Pass holders at no charge. The modernist central station, designed by architect Hiroshi Hara in 1997, could easily pass as a sight in it's own right, take the escalators up to the 'skywalk' for views across the steel and glass of the terminal.
As Kyoto is a major city, there are many daytime and overnight buses which run between Kyoto and other locations throughout Japan, which can result in significant savings when compared to shinkansen fares.
The JR Bus Group (Japanese Website) is a major operator of the routes from the Tokyo area to Kansai. Buses operate via the Tomei Expressway (to/from Tokyo Station) or the Chuo Expressway (to/from Shinjuku Station). You can receive a discount of between 10 and 35 percent off the cost of the ticket if reservations are made at least 21 days in advance on most routes.

In Kyoto

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Transport in the City, try the Shinkansen

Kyoto Station is the center for transportation in the city. The second-largest in Japan, it houses a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, Isetan department store, and several local government facilities under one fifteen-story roof. The Tōkaido Shinkansen Line (see below) as well as all local rail lines connect here.
Kyoto's municipal bus network and subway system are extensive. Private carriers also operate within the city. Many tourists join commuters on the public buses, or take taxis or tour buses. Buses operating on routes within the city, the region, and the nation stop at Kyoto Station. Kyoto's buses have announcements in English and electronic signs with stops written in the Latin alphabet.
Most city buses have a fixed fare, but a one-day bus pass and a combined unlimited train and bus pass are also available. These are especially useful for visiting many different points of interest within Kyoto. The bus information center just outside the central station handles tickets and passes. The municipal transport company publishes a very useful leaflet called "Bus Navi." It contains a route map for the bus lines to most sights and fare information. This too is available at the information center in front of the main station.
The Tokaido Shinkansen provides passenger rail service linking Kyoto with Nagoya and Tokyo (in one direction) and with nearby Osaka and points west (in the other direction). The trip from Tokyo takes just over two hours. Another way to access Kyoto is via Kansai International Airport. The Haruka Express carries passengers from the airport to Kyoto Station in 72 minutes. There are also frequent services on JR West, Keihan, Hankyu, Kintetsu, and other lines to other cities in the Kansai region.
Cycling forms a very important form of personal transportation in the city, to an extent that bicycle culture forms a part of Kyoto's urban identity. The geography and scale of the city are such that the city may be easily navigated on a bicycle

Study at Kyoto Japan

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Colleges and universities in Kyoto
With 37 institutions of higher education, Kyoto is one of the academic centers of the country. Kyoto University, one of Japan's national universities, is considered to be one of the top universities in Japan, with several Nobel laureates, for example Yukawa Hideki. The Kyoto Institute of Technology is also among the most famous universities in Japan, and is considered to be one of the best universities for architecture and design in the country.
Kyoto also has a unique higher education network called the Consortium of Universities in Kyoto, which consists of three national, five public (prefectural and municipal), and 41 private universities, as well as the city and four other organizations. The consortium does not offer a degree, but offers the courses as part of a degree at participating universities.
As well as more than 30 Japanese universities and colleges, American universities also find the city as an important city of education and research. Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies (KCJS) is a consortium of 14 American universities that sponsors a rigorous, two-semester academic program for undergraduates who wish to do advanced work in Japanese language and cultural studies. In addition, Stanford University has its own Japan Center in Kyoto.

Kyoto city

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Visit to kyoto find hotel and restaurants feel the Japan

Kyoto city japan is tradition at Modern world, Nestled among mountains in Western Honshu, the Kyoto has a reputation worldwide as Japan's most beautiful city. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see its beautiful side. Most visitors' first impressions will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world.
Nonetheless, the persistent tourist will soon discover Kyoto's hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city has much more than immediately meets the eye.
Tourism forms a large base of Kyoto's economy. The city's cultural heritages are constantly visited by school groups from across Japan, and many foreign tourists also stop in Kyoto. The city government announced that a record number of tourists had visited Kyoto for the sixth year in a row, and it was chosen as the second most beautiful city in Japan, in a regional brand survey.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan and the residence of the Emperor from 794 until the Meiji Restoration of 1868, when the capital was moved to Tokyo. During its millennium at the center of Japanese power, culture, tradition, and religion, it accumulated an unparalleled collection of palaces, temples and shrines, built for emperors, shoguns, and monks.

World Heritage at the kyoto Japan

The UNESCO World Heritage Site at Kyoto About 20% of Japan's National Treasures and 14% of Important Cultural Properties exist in the city proper. The World Heritage Site Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) includes 17 locations in Kyoto, Uji in Kyoto Prefecture and Ōtsu in Shiga Prefecture. The site has been designated as World Heritage: Kamigamo Shrine, Shimogamo Shrine, Tō-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Saihō-ji, Tenryū-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji, Nishi Hongan-ji, Nijō Castle, Daigo-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Ninna-ji, Kōzan-ji.

Kyoto

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Kyoto is a city in the central part of the island of Honshu, Japan. Formerly the imperial capital of Japan, it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.
Kyoto city was located in a valley, part of the Yamashiro (or Kyoto) Basin, in the eastern part of the mountainous region known as the Tamba highlands. The Yamashiro Basin is surrounded on three sides by mountains known as Higashiyama, Kitayama and Nishiyama, with a height just above 1000 meters above sea level.
The original Kyoto city was arranged in accordance with traditional Chinese geomancy following the model of the ancient Chinese capital of Chang'an (present-day Xi'an). The Imperial Palace faced south, resulting in Ukyō (the right sector of the capital) being on the west while Sakyō (the left sector) is on the east. The streets in the modern-day wards of Nakagyo, Shimogyo, and Kamigyo still follow a grid pattern.
Today Kyoto, the main business district is located to the south of the old Imperial Palace, with the less-populated northern area retaining a far greener feel. Surrounding areas do not follow the same grid pattern as the center of the city, though streets throughout Kyoto share the distinction of having names.
Kyoto city japan sits a top a large natural water table that provides the city with ample freshwater wells. Due to large scale urbanization, the amount of rain draining into the table is dwindling and wells across the area are drying at an increasing rate. (Flight, hotel & Accommodation in Kyoto)

Japan cities

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In Japan has thousands of cities; these are nine of the most important to the traveller.
Tokyo city: the capital of Japan and main financial centre, modern and densely populated.

Osaka : large and dynamic city located in the Kansai region
Kanazawa : historic city on the west coast
Kyoto city:ancient capital of Japan, considered the cultural heart of the country, with many ancient Buddhist temples and gardens
Nagasaki : ancient port city in Kyushu,the second city to be destroyed by an atom bomb
Hiroshima : large port city, the first city to be destroyed by an atomic bomb
Nara : first capital of a united Japan, with many Buddhist shrines, and historical buildings
Sapporo : largest city in Hokkaido, famous for its snow festival
Sendai : largest city in the Tohoku region, known as the city of forests due to its tree lined avenues and wooded hills

in Japan

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This country consists of four main islands and many smaller islands, notably Okinawa. Here they are from north to south, with Honshu, by far the largest and most populated island, divided into five: Hokkaido : northernmost island, and snowy frontier. Famous for its wide open spaces and cold winters.
Tohoku : north-east Honshu, for seafood, skiing and hot springs
Kanto : coastal plain of Honshu, includes the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama
Chubu : mountainous middle region of Honshu, dominated by the Japan Alps and Japan's fourth-largest city Nagoya.
Kansai : western region of Honshu, ancient capital of culture and commerce, including the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.
Chugoku : south-westernmost Honshu, a rural region best known for the cities of Hiroshima and Shimonoseki.
Shikoku : smallest of the 4 main islands, a destination for Buddhist pilgrims, and Japan's best white-water rafting
Kyushu : southernmost of the 4 main islands, birthplace of Japanese civilization; largest cities Fukuoka and Kitakyushu
Okinawa: semi-tropical southern island chain reaching out toward Taiwan; formerly the independent Ryukyu Kingdom until it was annexed by Japan in 1879, its traditional customs and architecture are significantly different from the rest of Japan.

JAPAN

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The English word Japan is an exonym not used in the Japanese language. The Japanese names for Japan are Nippon and Nihon. They are both written in Japanese using the kanji. The Japanese name Nippon is used for most official purposes, including on Japanese money, postage stamps, and for many international sporting events.
Japan ( Nihon or Nippo Nippon-koku) is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of China, Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. The characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin", which is why Japan is sometimes identified as the "Land of the Rising Sun".
Japan comprises over 3,000 islands making it an archipelago. The largest islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyūshu and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of Japan's land area. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. Japan has the world's tenth largest population, with about 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the de facto capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.

Japanese island

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This country of over three thousand islands extending along the Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaidō, Honshu (the main island), Shikoku and Kyūshū. The Ryukyu Islands, including Okinawa, are a chain of islands south of Kyushū. Together they are often known as the Japanese Archipelago.
About 70% to 80% of the country is forested, mountainous, and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use. This is because of the generally steep elevations, climate and risk of landslides caused by earthquakes, soft ground and heavy rain. This has resulted in an extremely high population density in the habitable zones that are mainly located in coastal areas. Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, at the juncture of three tectonic plates, gives Japan frequent low-intensity tremors and occasional volcanic activity. Destructive earthquakes, often resulting in tsunamis, occur several times each century. Hot springs are numerous in Japan and have been developed as resorts.

Climate in Japan

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The main rainy season begins in early May in Okinawa, and the stationary rain front responsible for this gradually works its way north until it dissipates in northern Japan before reaching Hokkaidō in late July. In most of Honshu, the rainy season begins before the middle of June and lasts about six weeks. In late summer and early autumn, typhoons often bring heavy rain.
Japan is home to nine forest ecoregions which reflect the climate and geography of the islands. They range from subtropical moist broadleaf forests in the Ryukyu & Bonin islands, to temperate broadleaf and mixed forests in the mild climate regions of the main islands, to temperate coniferous forests in the cold, winter portions of the northern islands.
The climate of Japan is predominantly temperate, but varies greatly from north to south. Japan's geographical features divide it into six principal climatic zones:
Hokkaido: The northernmost zone has a temperate climate with long, cold winters and cool summers. Precipitation is not heavy, but the islands usually develop deep snow banks in the winter.
Sea of Japan: On Honshū's west coast, the northwest wind in the wintertime brings heavy snowfall. In the summer, the region is cooler than the Pacific area, though it sometimes experiences extremely hot temperatures, because of the foehn wind phenomenon.
Central Highland: A typical inland climate, with large temperature differences between summer and winter, and between day and night. Precipitation is light.
Seto Inland Sea: The mountains of the Chūgoku and Shikoku regions shelter the region from the seasonal winds, bringing mild weather throughout the year.
Pacific Ocean: The east coast experiences cold winters with little snowfall and hot, humid summers because of the southeast seasonal wind.
Ryukyu Islands: Ryukyu Islands have a subtropical climate, with warm winters and hot summers. Precipitation is very heavy, especially during the rainy season. Typhoons are common.

Japan : economy

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This Country economy is characterized by low overall taxation and overwhelmingly private sector economy compared to most Western countries, high economic freedom, close government-industry cooperation for economic growth, emphasis on science and technology, and strong work ethic.
Banking, insurance, real estate, retailing, transportation and telecommunications are all major industries. Japan has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the largest, leading and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles and processed foods. Construction has long been one of Japan's largest industries, with the help of multi-billion dollar government contracts in the civil sector. Distinguishing characteristics of the Japanese economy have included the cooperation of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and banks in closely-knit groups called keiretsu and the guarantee of lifetime employment in big corporations.
Japan is also home to some of the largest financial services companies, business groups and bank such as Sony, Sumitomo, Mitsubishi and Toyota. It is also home to the world's largest bank by asset, Japan Post Bank and others such as Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group , Mizuho Financial Group and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group. The Tokyo Stock Exchange with a market capitalization of over 549.7 trillion Yen as of December 2006 stands as the second largest in the world.

Study In Japan

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Education in Japan:

This Country is known for its well-maintained educational system and excellent achievement. In successive international tests of mathematics, Japanese children consistently rank at or near the top. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) is responsible for educational administration.
Primary, secondary schools and universities were introduced into Japan in 1872 as a result of the Meiji Restoration.in Since 1947, compulsory education in Japan consists of elementary school and middle school, which lasts for nine years (6 to age 15). Almost all children continue their education at a three-year senior high school, and, according to the MEXT, about 75.9% of high school graduates attend a university, junior college, trade school, or other post-secondary institution in 2005. Japan's education is very competitive, especially for entrance to institutions of higher education.
Higher education in Japan (university & college)
As of 1991, more than 2.1 million students were enrolled in 507 universities. At the top of the higher education structure, these institutions provide four-year training leading to a bachelor's degree, and some offer six-year programs leading to a professional degree. There are two types of public four-year colleges: the ninety-six national universities (including the University of the Air) and the thirty-nine local public universities, founded by prefectures and municipalities. The 372 remaining four-year colleges in 1991 were private.

Japanese & culture

2008-07-11T02:16:00.000-07:00

Japanese culture has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original Jōmon culture to its contemporary culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. Traditional Japanese arts include crafts : ikebana, origami, ukiyo-e, dolls, lacquerware, pottery. performances like : bunraku, dance, kabuki, noh, rakugo. traditions : games, tea ceremony, Budō, architecture, gardens, swords and cuisine. The fusion of traditional woodblock printing and Western art led to the creation of manga, a typically Japanese comic book format that is now popular within and outside Japan.
Manga-influenced animation for television and film is called anime. Japanese-made video game consoles have prospered since the 1980s.
Japanese music is eclectic, having borrowed instruments, scales and styles from neighboring cultures. Many instruments, such as the koto, were introduced in the ninth and tenth centuries. The accompanied recitative of the Noh drama dates from the fourteenth century and the popular folk music, with the guitar-like shamisen, from the sixteenth. Post-war Japan has been heavily influenced by American and European modern music, which has led to the evolution of popular band music called J-pop.

JAPAN : science & technology

2008-07-11T02:03:00.001-07:00

Science & technology in Japan
This Country is one of the leading nations in the fields of scientific research, particularly technology, machinery and biomedical research. For instance some of Japan's more prominent technological contributions are found in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, industrial robotics, optics, chemicals, semiconductors and metals. Japan leads the world in robotics production and use, possessing more than half of the world's industrial robots used for manufacturing. Japan is the world's largest producer of automobiles and home to six of the world's fifteen largest automobile manufacturers and seven of the world's twenty largest semiconductor sales leaders as of today.
Japan has plans in space exploration, including building a moonbase by 2030. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducts space and planetary research, aviation research, and development of rockets and satellites. It is a participant in the International Space Station and the Japanese Experiment Module (Kibo) is slated to be added to the International Space Station during Space Shuttle assembly flights in 2008.

JAPAN

2008-07-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

"JAPAN" The first signs of occupation on the Japanese Archipelago appeared with a Paleolithic culture around 30,000 BC, followed from around 14,000 BC by the Jōmon period, a Mesolithic to Neolithic semi-sedentary hunter-gatherer culture of pit dwelling and a rudimentary form of agriculture. Decorated clay vessels from this period, often with plaited patterns, are some of the oldest surviving examples of pottery in the world.The Yayoi period, starting around the third century BC, introduced new practices, such as wet-rice farming, iron and bronze-making and a new style of pottery, brought by migrants from China or Korea. With the development of Yayoi culture, a predominantly agricultural society emerged in Japan.

The Japanese first appear in written history in China’s Book of Han. According to the Chinese Records of Three Kingdoms, the most powerful kingdom on the archipelago during the third century was called Yamataikoku.

hotel in Japan (cities)

2008-07-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

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