3 guys from Northern Ireland visit Tokyo, Japan. Pretty short video, my camcorder stopped working in the heat. It was very hot, Tokyo’s hottest summer for a while.
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The wonderful online world is constantly modifying and changing as consumers learn to demand more; as companies try newer, more innovative approaches, the world of e-commerce and web shopping carts is forever changing and constantly evolving for the better. Japan is just starting to embrace online shopping and other money-making strategies online. This is the best time to emerge as the online shopping world is getting stronger and better every day. As of the present, there are over 60% Japanese who have internet access and the numbers are expected to increase over the next few years.
As designers and programmers integrate newer and more secure web applications, with the main objective of consumer security, ease of payment processing and of course confidentiality, the e-commerce software of the present is light years way ahead of those that existed just a few years ago. A few years back, online shopping in Japan was almost non-existent. But today, Japan is slowly but surely entering the online business. And with such an advance country, why not? As time continues, expect to see wonderful things from these Japanese shopping carts.
The importance of online business is offering a high level of online security in attracting customers to make a purchase from their websites. Identity theft is as real as the next crime, and quite frequently, hackers steal confidential information online and later manipulate it for fraudulent purposes. This is one of the disadvantages of online shopping, by purchasing a product; you put your privacy at risk. The mere fact that you are encoding credit card information that is confidential should make you wary. But web developers and programmers are working with security firms online to improve their batch processing systems and create the most secure system of transferring financial information for credit card processing. Companies like MasterCard and Visa have issued newer security requirements; they will reject payments from shopping carts that do not meet their security standards.
Also, it is very important to make the website multilingual to cater to your Japanese and global market. Always prioritize hiring a professional web translator for a better result. Web translation does not only involve word per word translation; the translation should make sense and should be understood by the reader. Do not narrow your shopping website to one race and one race only. The whole idea of online shopping is going global at a fast pace now. The internet is the key that would open the world; Japanese merchants should take advantage of that and go global with their business.
In the past, merchants had to accept checks and money orders and use online payment systems. Today, online shopping carts offer privacy and convenience to their customers. Shopping carts have revolutionized online shopping and Japan is taking advantage of this. Great things are expected for online shopping; because the more secure that people feel using them, the better money-making potential it is for the business. Surely, without the online shopping software of today, internet would be a lonely and much less profitable world.
In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked about the destinations I have been to. I try to give a good opinion on those places and offer some helpful advice. Here then, are my top suggestions for sites to take in during your holiday in Japan.
Made up of four major islands and surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands Japan has coastlines with varied scenery. The country also offers imposing mountains, which are very often volcanic and amazing valleys that encompass the onlooker with the magical world of nature. Being covered with over 70% of forest and mountains makes it unsuitable for any inhabitants. That however does not alter the fact that Japan is the thirtieth most densely populated country in the world. With many hot springs in this country, they have given rise to some stunning resorts. Tokyo, Japan’s city is a modern city of which is full of wonderful diversity. There are many sacred shrines and temples that hold there own amongst the imposing might of the skyscrapers. The Tokyo Disney Resort in Chiba, is a holiday and recreation resort which has become the most popular and most visited theme park in the world since it was opened in 1983. Mount Fuji is stunningly impressive and standing at a stunning 12,388 ft., has earned it the title of the tallest mountain in Japan. The Japanese revere this majestic mountain and use it as a symbol to the very spirit of their country. The best viewing place for Mount Fuji is Hakone and although it is almost always shrouded in clouds on a clear day the peak becomes visible. The adventurous among you will be pleased to know that there are 6 ascents to the peak of the mountain of varying difficulties. Depending on the weather you can climb in the months of April to October although the “official” climbing season is from mid-July to the end of August. Lake Ashi can be found in the volcanically active Izu National Park in Japan. The lake is breathtaking and was apparently formed in the caldera of Mt. Hakone 3000 years ago after the volcano’s last eruption. This is a popular tourist attraction which is well known for its hot springs and stunning views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. You will have the opportunity to take cruise boats resembling pirate ships along the lake where some small towns are located on the shore. Nikko is a small city at the entrance to Nikko National Park. Here you can experience the famous Toshogu shrine which is Japan’s most elaborately decorated shrine. Nikko National Park offers one of the most scenic landscapes, boasting mountains, stunning lakes, impressive waterfalls, hot springs. You can get close to the wild monkeys on one of the many walking trails. Hiroshima is the largest city in the Chugoku region on the largest of Japan’s islands and was rebuilt after World War II. You cannot mention Hiroshima without it conjuring up the reminder that it was the first place in history to be subjected to an atomic bomb by the United States of America. Thankfully in modern times, new buildings have grown all over the city. Now proclaimed as a City of Peace by the Japanese parliament, Hiroshima has become the seemingly appropriate place for holding international conferences on peace.
Thinking of a holiday vacation in exotic Asia but does not know where to go? This travel guide article introduces you to Japan, the country in which you can find buzzing cities where you can shop and party till the wee small hours of the morning or if you prefer, visit Japan’s almost nature perfect countryside and marvel at its awesome natural beauty. Japan, or sometimes referred to as “Land of the rising sun” is an island nation located in north-eastern Asia between the northern Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. The country has a land mass of approximately 377,870 sq km (145 896 sq miles) which is just a tad smaller than the state of California. The country is made up of four major island groups with more than 4,000 smaller islands surrounding the big four islands of Hokkaido to the north, Honshu, the main island, Shikoku which is the smallest of the four and Kyushu, as the southernmost island. Japan has a very homogenous culture and thus it is not surprising that there is only one official written and spoken language. However, to the delight of tourists and business travelers, many Japanese are able to understand English and speak the language to a certain extent albeit with heavy accent as can be seen in some Hollywood movies. The reason why many so Japanese can speak English is that the English language is the only foreign language all Japanese must learn as part of compulsory school education program. Japan has a population of over 125 million people and most Japanese live in densely populated urban areas such as Tokyo which is the capital of Japan. Tokyo has a population of about 12 million people. Tokyo,is a marvelous city of stark contrast which makes it as a very interesting and exciting city to tour. Tourists on holiday vacation are often enchanted with the glitzy lights of nightlife downtown Shibuya and Roppongi, homes to wonderful international and local restaurants, theme bars and karaoke clubs to dazzle you in contrast to the the tranquil serenity of Buddhist temples and sleepy side streets, where quaint local antique stores and old cafes beckon. Tokyo is also home to the first Disneyland theme park in Asia. The other one being in Hong Kong. Many tourists regard Japan as a food paradise haven. Japanese food is not only well known for its health benefits, it is also famous throughout the world for its painstaking presentation. It is certainly a culinary delight to indulge in Japanese food. You can find traditional smoky yakitori stalls where customers sit around makeshift tables, drinking ice-cold beer as the sun sets on a hot summer day, to high class restaurants, where kimono clad waitresses serve the freshest sushi and sashimi. The quality and the variety of food in Japan are so vast that you can hardly find such wide diversity and quality of food anywhere else in the world. Traditionally, having lunch would have been from the homemade bento box, however many Japanese restaurants these days are encouraging the trend to eat out at midday by offering great lunch set meals. This may include sushi sets with miso soup and green tea. Most Japanese have theirlunch seated by the counter so that they can watch the chef in action preparing freshly cut sushi served on a bamboo leaves. Tokyo is usually the landing city for vacationing tourists visiting Japan and is the launching pad to other tourist attractions in this amazing country. So if you are a tourist on a holiday vacation who loves taking in sights of natural wonders, who loves great food and plenty of nightlife action, then Japan could be your ideal holiday destination in exotic Asia. Chris Chew is an avid traveler and owns a website devoted to traveling in exotic Asia Tourist Attractions In Osaka and Tokyo Luxury Hotels
With Japan rated as the third largest coffee consumer in the world, it comes as no surprise that coffee shops (kissatens) abound, with Tokyo alone home to over ten thousand. Shops come in all sizes and styles, but the smaller versions usually include only a counter and a few tables that are often sole proprietorships run by a husband and wife team who are helped by a part time waitress. These establishments also often double as a small restaurant which offer sandwiches or a light meal during lunchtime. For breakfast a “morning set” is often available which usually consists of juice, coffee, eggs and toast. These mom and pop businesses are gradually being replaced by the bigger chain shops such as Detour, Tully’s, and Starbucks, which offer over the counter coffee, more spacious seating arrangements, and in the case of Starbucks a no smoking environment. This has proven to be a big selling point in a nation that currently has very few restrictions in regard to smoking in public restaurants and bars.
Others have striven to develop a unique theme to distinguish themselves from the competition. Music coffee shops for example featuring jazz, classical, or rock, have always been a favorite hangout for the younger crowd since their inception in the early 1960’s. Less mainstream but proving to be quite popular are the manga (comic book) coffee shops that have sprung up in recent years in Tokyo. Coffee is served gratuitously, and the customer pays only for the duration of time spent reading the thousands of manga provided on library type shelves lining the room. On a similar theme, “Maid Kissa” coffee shops feature beautiful young waitresses donned in maid costumes that resemble characters from famous Japanese comics. As the customer enters the premise he or she is greeted by an alluring “welcome home my master”. In addition to the verbal role play offered, maids pour coffee and tea for patrons, or engage in a game of cards upon request. Many of these coffee shops are decorated in the style of an English Mansion to simulate feelings of truly being “master of the house”. Some shops are subtly veering from the coffee shop image by referring to their place of business as cafes, often reflecting the owners personal taste in interior design and music, and emphasizing a European atmosphere where home style food and a great cup of coffee can still be enjoyed.
Despite the various themes employed by owners to attract customers, the main feature of the menu is still coffee. For purists looking for an exotic blend or a special roasting method, a growing number of shops are now offering patrons fresh ground coffee using in house percolating techniques they hope will lure customers away from the instant coffee shop franchises that have come to dominate the market in recent years. Whether you’re searching for a temporary sanctuary from the clamor of the city, or a quick pick me up first thing in the morning, coffee shops in Japan have something for everyone.
Fukuoka isn’t that small of a place. Actual numbers bring the population to about the 5 million mark, with the city having roughly 1.3 million people. With that amount of people around, you know there has got to be something to do. On any day of the week if you look you will be able to find something that interests you. There are often festivals in one area or another in Fukuoka city. With a little help from a friend or the domestic foreigner magazines and information centers you will be able to find out where the festivals are being held.
The center of Fukuoka city will have to be Tenjin (though others may argue it to be Hakata). It is the shoppers’ haven of the prefecture. Feel you need to do a little shopping for some nice named brands from Italy or France? head on over to Tenjin. Want to blow off some steam and hit a bar (including foreigner bars)? Tenjin is the place to be. Want to meet some new friends? Rainbow Plaza in… you guessed it, Tenjin, is the place to do just that.
Right next door to Tenjin is Nakasu. Nakasu hosts nightlife entertainment but tends to cater to the more affluent individual. However, Nakasu also has a huge shopping complex named Canal City which has so many shops that you wouldn’t be able to count them all. The complex holds many restaurants, two hotels, a large cinema and in the center of Canal City is an area called Sun Plaza where it is common to find street performers doing their acts.
Of course Tenjin and Nakasu aren’t the only place you can have fun. I live about 10 minutes away from Tenjin by subway in a town called Nishijin and I can do nearly as many things here as I can in Tenjin. Bowling, swimming, soccer, billiards, game centers, and even a movie theater are just a few of the things Nishijin and the nearby areas have to offer.
Yahoo Dome (formerly Fukuoka Dome) is located in Momochi which boarders the sea. Yahoo Dome is home to the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. The Hawks are a strong baseball team, beloved by the city and its residents. In fact, there are only two teams in Japan’s professional baseball league who attract more than one million fans to their home games per year, and the Hawks are one of them. When the Hawks don’t have a home game you can sometimes find other activities occurring in the Dome. Yahoo Dome hosts various flea markets and concerts throughout the year.
Food, food, food!
As far as I’m concerned, Fukuoka has the best food to offer in all of Japan (though I hear food in Sapporo is quite good). Fukuoka has its own well known dishes and of course the chefs here are well capable of recreating dishes found throughout the world.
Yatai
Hard Rock Cafe Fukuoka
Izakaya
Famous Fukuoka food
Fukuoka ramen
Mentaiko
Transportation
Unlike the nickname given to New York, Fukuoka does tend to get a little tired at night but usually not until quite late especially on weekends. One of the reasons for this in my humble opinion is the transportation shutdown at around midnight. That’s right, the subway, train, and bus system all but stops once you hit the AM. Which leaves the weary and, more often than not, drunk to either take a taxi home, walk, or I have even heard the “I will just stay up until the subway starts again at 6:00 before I go home” line used by those who just aren’t finished partying when its time for the transportation system’s last call. This isn’t just a Fukuoka special, for the shutdown happens throughout the whole of Japan.
Though the transportation system does shutdown at perhaps inconvenient times, it is a wonderful system. Perfectly clean trains, buses and subways (which are amazingly quiet) are the consequence of the shutdown for they are all cleaned during the wee hours of the morning.
Location
Fukuoka is found on the southernmost island of the four main islands in Japan. The name of the island is Kyushu. Fukuoka happens to be closer to Seoul, South Korea than it is to Tokyo. Fukuoka prefecture is located on the northern tip of Kyushu.
Tokyo, the soul of sun-rising country, is one of the most enchanting and striking destinations of the world. This fascinating metropolis is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan and a unique one in every sense. The rhythmic tunes of traditional heritage blend perfectly with the high-tech side of this charming city that also plays center role as the seat of Japanese government. The lively prefecture of Tokyo is not only about the city and its buzzing lifestyle but it is also about the rugged beauty of mountains and sub tropical islands.
Travelers can easily witness the colorful cultural side of this high paced destination in its festivals, art, cuisine, music and many notable sights. From the traditional Japanese art of pottery and ink painting to the varied forms of music and from the shades of festivals (Kanda Matsuri, Sanno, Cherry Blossoms etc.) to the famous shrines and temples, the each corner of this prefecture reflects the culture of Japan in its own way. The rest is filled by the aroma of Japanese flavors that leave you asking for more.
While it is true that Tokyo is a concrete jungle with towering skyscrapers but the real treasure of the prefecture lies in its numerous attractions. With vast array of magnificent sights dotted all over the region, this capital city will definitely win the hearts of the travelers with its charming and fantastic features. Temples, shrines, parks, scenic views, museums, theaters, amusement parks, renowned shopping and nightlife districts, sports and many more, the list of Tokyo’s attractive features goes on. In short, this is a destination where the age-old traditions glitter along with modern shine perfectly.
However, a trip to Tokyo is incomplete without enjoying the excitement of its vibrating nightlife. With the dusk, the flashing giant neon lights and paper lanterns transform it into one of the craziest destinations of the world. Whether it is bar, pub, disco, nightclub, dance club or just madness you are searching for, this lively fast paced world city has them all. There are number of nightspots spread throughout the city but each of them has its own atmosphere and price range. Some of the most happening nightlife areas of this sophisticated prefecture are Roppongi, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shimokitawaza, Koenji and Nakano.
Being a world renowned destination, Tokyo has also mark its footprints deeply in the world hospitality sector. Whether it is transport, tourism, business or accommodation, this lively city of East Asia gives tough competition to its opponents in every aspect. Hotels in Tokyo are not only one of the gems of the city but also reflect the sophisticated charm of modernity in its own language. Offering its visitors ample choice of accommodation, Tokyo Hotels are well known for their quality of hospitality worldwide.
From hotels of world renowned groups such as Hyatt, Intercontinental, Four Seasons, Hilton, Le Meridien, and many others to plethora of independent hotels, Tokyo offers excellent facilities for travelers. Whether you are visiting the city for business purpose or for memorable vacations, you can easily find excellent lodging destination as per your budget and need. Based on the factors like location, amenities, the rate of these hotels varies. So it is always advisable to do a bit research before opting for a hotel. |
Tokyo City
September 8, 2010, 9:53 pm
 Showers 24°Creal feel: 22°C
current pressure: 1007 mb
humidity: 83%
wind speed: 9 m/s NNW
wind gusts: 9 m/s
sunrise: 5:18
sunset: 17:59
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