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Seeing Miyazaki’s Japan

July 01, 2014 12:00 AM
When people want to learn more about a foreign country, they usually ask someone who grew up there—someone who has breathed the air for decades, who knows the country inside and out, who looks upon the country with respect and love. This type of person is the key to learning more about the country than any book or Wikipedia page could ever tell you.
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Spiritual Journeys

By Melina Galvez
December 07, 0020 12:00 AM
Religious tourism is the oldest form of planned travel in the world. Even now, it remains a prevalent industry, with around 300 to 330 million tourists visiting religious sites every year. Religious tourism has two different forms: visiting a religious site just for the sake of tourism or seeking spiritual strength through the visit to a religious site.
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Fairy Tales Around the World

October 14, 0020 12:00 AM
Once Upon a Time . . . we’ve all heard that before. From Cinderella to Snow White, fairy tales are a huge part of pop culture. However, there are so many wonderful stories across the world that are not very well-known. Each country has tales that have been passed down through generations, but we rarely hear about them. Here are some lesser known fairy tales from a few different countries.
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Goodnight, World Fables Around the Globe

April 08, 0020 12:00 AM
Where did China get its first cup of tea? Who invented boomerangs in Australia? How did African leopards get their spots? Though there are plenty of factual answers to these questions, we can often learn more about a country from its bedtime stories than its history books. After all, humans have used stories to explain their surroundings for thousands of years, passing legends down from generation to generation. Through these legends, we learn about the gods our ancestors worshipped, the traditions they held dear, and their relationships with the world and the people around them.
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Coast through History: The World’s Oldest Amusement Parks

March 23, 0020 12:00 AM
Are you in for a ride? Then coast through history with us and discover some of the oldest amusement parks in the world.
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I Spy . . . A Vending Machine?

March 07, 0020 12:00 AM
Few expect vending machine hunting to be one of the more exciting aspects of tourism—those few who do have probably been to Japan.A few years ago, one of my friends returned home from a visit to Japan. I asked him what he remembered best about the country, and he replied, “Vending machines.”This—for my anime-obsessed, devourer-of-Eastern-culture friend—was somehow the first thing out of his mouth.“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I replied. “Vending machines?”“Listen,” he said. “You don’t understand. They are everywhere in the city. To escape, I went to the country and visited a rice patty. Rice patty here, rice patty there, rice patties everywhere. And in the middle of it all? A vending machine. In the dirt. I have no idea how it got power or where it got restocks from. But I could buy cigarettes, alcohol, and underwear out in the boonies.”You never know what sort of bizarre and completely unexpected conveniences you might find while traveling. In case you find yourself randomly needing a puppy while traveling in Japan, but don’t have time to go to browse a pet store, here are six bizarre and unique vending machines to keep an eye out for.(I) First stop: Akihibara. If you like the quirky and unique, and you feel like making your hunt for vending machines easy, this should be your first stop.Not far from the Akihibara train station there is a hidden corner full of vending machines. Possibly most exciting are the two milk vending machines—both packed to the brim with completely unique milk products from across the country, some of which can only be bought from these vending machines. Help yourself to some ice-cream drink, different kinds of milk, or even milk coffee.But if you’re lactose intolerant (or otherwise not interested in cow juice), while your friends browse, you can amuse yourself by exploring the passive-aggressive signs that litter the area. One threatens to immortalize you forever on the internet if you use the corner as a bathroom—yikes!(II) That’s not all that Akihibara has to offer. Near the KFC is a vending machine known as the “treasure box.” If you think of yourself as a bit of a pirate—or really lucky—don’t miss this imposing, golden machine.This treasure box is a mystery machine—you put in your money, and you get out a random package. The contents can range anywhere from Nintendo’s newest video game system to a tiny coin purse. Are you feeling lucky?(III) After Akihibara, travel to Sendagaya to find a more personal vending machine—a proposal vending machine. You read that correctly. A proposal vending machine.Managed by the company “Jam Home Made,” this proposal vending machine sells rings, with real diamonds, for only nine thousand yen (plus tax)—about US $83, which is a steal.An added perk for those feeling homesick, the slick white walls of the room that hosts the vending machine makes you feel like you walked into an Apple store. If I feel the sudden urge to propose to someone while traveling Japan, I know where to go.(IV) Before I reveal to you our next location, imagine the situation: You’ve been sent by your company on a big business trip in Japan. You have your nicest suit on, and you aced your makeup. But while you’re standing at the train station it starts raining—pouring—and you realize the rain is going to ruin your outfit and makeup.If you ever find yourself in this sitution, hopefully you’re at the Suidobashi station, mildly famous for its umbrella vending machine. Maybe get two, just in case you lose one of them. Our last two vending machines can be found all over Japan if you have a keen eye.(V) We’ve all been there—after a few days of long travel, you’re having the time of your life, but you can’t quite shake how badly you miss your furry friends back home, and petting your travel companions is weird (not to mention trying to play fetch with them).In such a crisis, you need a puppy vending machine. Many pet shops in Japan can provide you with one, and don’t worry about the puppies—it’s perfectly humane. They each get a brightly-lit container with clear walls and some toys, and for your convenience, the price of each puppy is printed on their individual container. Who can say no to a puppy?(VI) Most vending machines sell drinks—which isn’t particularly impressive—but how many vending machines sell Coke slushies?You might need to search around for a bit, but Coca Cola has a few vending machines that sell sodas that freeze when you turn them upside down. Perfect for a hot day or a tired traveler—but my one question, why haven’t these been brought to the States yet?That’s just a small taste of the vending machines that you’ll encounter in Japan—and I didn’t even mention the canned bread vending machines or the fresh fruit vending machines, among countless others. For almost literally any need that you can imagine, Japan has a vending machine.And odds are that it’s just around the corner.—David 'Boo' Ludlow
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10 Libraries Every Reader Needs to Visit

October 03, 0019 12:00 AM
British Library, London, UK
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Om Nom: International Edition

May 07, 0019 12:00 AM
The stereotypical nagging parent says, “Keep your elbows off the table and chew with your mouth closed.”From a young age, all of us have been taught the “correct” way to eat. It’s a surprise to no one that the rules we learn (no elbows on the table, don’t slurp your soup/noodles/drink) are more a product of culture than any universal law.If you ate the way that is culturally appropriate in the United States, would it still be appropriate in other countries? Let’s take a little trip and find out. Japan Japan appreciates noisy eaters. Especially when eating noodles, you should slurp to show how good they are. One tip: it’s easier to slurp when you eat with chopsticks. If the idea of eating with chopsticks is intimidating, don’t worry—most Japanese restaurants and households also have forks available.Remember to pick up the bowl to eat when you can. You won’t make as much of a mess, and if you’re using chopsticks, you don’t have to work nearly as hard. In general, avoid leaning over your dish. The Japanese think it makes you look like an animal.Chopsticks are not always the utensils of choice. The Japanese use spoons with soups or with rice dishes that are paired with sauce. For example, both curry on rice and fried rice would be dishes eaten with a spoon. Brazil In Brazil, use utensils for everything—even for foods you would normally eat with your hands. If you have to eat without utensils, make sure to wrap yourfood in a napkin so your hands don’t make contact. Also, never eat and walk. If you buy something from a street vendor, stay there to eat it.Brazil has a very family-centered eating culture. Even the poorest family in Brazil will throw food parties for family events. When you take a bite of Brazilian food, taste the love cooked into it. India While they do have utensils, Indians believe that the flavor of their food is best enjoyed when eaten with their hand. However, when eating, be sure to use only your right hand. The left hand is considered dirty.In rural areas, they sit on the floor to eat. But at restaurants, they use chairs. Indians show their appreciation for a meal by cleaning their plate. As such, if you put something on your plate, you need to eat all of it. Otherwise, you signal that you do not like the food. Somalia Somalian food culture is highly influenced by its religious culture. In Somalia, the majority of the population is Muslim, meaning they follow some rigorous dietary restrictions. There are two main groups of food: halal, or accepted foods, and haram, or forbidden foods. Similar to the Jewish culture and religion, the main forbidden foods are pork products, blood, and animals which are not killed correctly.When visiting Somalia, generally avoid discussing food and food preparation with men, as they consider food to be a womanly topic. However, if you get the chance, compliment the person (likely the woman) who made the food—the various pancakes and fried breads of the Somalian diet are delicious. Italy Italians expect food to be eaten the way it is “meant” to be eaten. Unlike in restaurants in the US, where it is normal to ask for substitutions, the idea of changing a traditional food can be offensive to Italians. Those of you with food allergies and intolerances be aware of this. Italian meals are often com-posed of multiple courses, and even in Italian homes, each course is served on a different plate. They do not want the dishes to mix. A Final Thought This is just a brief overview of cultural food practices, but when you travel, do your research. You’ll find plenty of new ways to eat that you may never have considered before.—Sarah Birdsall
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Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama

March 13, 0019 12:00 AM
Every year, more than a thousand of the popular Pokémon Pikachu march in perfect sync through Yokohama, Japan, as part of a week-long festival. You may have seen some videos of them on YouTube, perhaps with the “Imperial March” playing in the background. This procession took Japan by storm for the first time in 2014 and has since become a major tourist attraction for Pokémon fans around the world.
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Japanese Animal Cafe: an Introvert's Paradise

February 23, 0019 12:00 AM
Have you ever wanted to be surrounded by hooting owls or stared at by sleepy felines? The Japanese certainly have, and like any good enterprising individual, they have worked to make their dreams a reality.
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Ice Capades

February 14, 0019 12:00 AM
From The Chronicles of Narnia to Frozen, people have long been fascinated by the harsh beauty of winter and by the wonder of snow castles. Beyond fairy-tale ice kingdoms, the world is full of genuine ice castles that you can visit and even stay in. Here are just a few of the incredible ice structures from around the world that bring storybook imaginings into reality.
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Gachapon Surprise! Gacha’ Get ‘Em All!

February 13, 0019 12:00 AM
In current western society, knowledge is a simple Google search away. If you don’t want to be surprised by traffic, you look it up. When you want to go to the movies, your pick your seats ahead of time. If you aren’t sure your local department store has something you’re looking for, you call and ask before you even leave home. If you really want to, you can live a life free of surprises.
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A Cyclist’s Dream Vacation

November 14, 0018 12:00 AM
The Shimanami Kaido trail in Japan offers a unique way to travel—by bike. At seventy kilometers, this cycling trail connects the country’s main island, Honshu, with the fourth largest island, Shikoku, while passing through six smaller islands along the way.
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Amezaiku: Japan's Sweet Tradition

April 07, 0018 12:00 AM
Over one thousand years ago, Japanese artisans sculpted sugary dough into small candy birds, presenting them as gifts for the spirits in early temples. This was the beginning of the cultural tradition of edible art called amezaiku. The word ame means “candy” and the word zaiku means “craft,” so amezaiku literally translates to “candy craft.” During the Japanese Edo Period (1603–1868), this craft became popular at festivals and street markets, giving the common population access to the candy. The ame shokunin, or master craftsmen, created their sculptures in front of crowds, and the candy became more than just a treat—it became a cultural event with a performance and a sweet reward. The sculptures have evolved from small candy birds to lovely, lifelike figures of both animals and fish that display the artistry and skill of the amezaiku masters.
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Geisha in Gion

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
Geiko Toshikana at Ryuhonji Temple. (kyoto flowertourism) “Next stop is the geisha district,” Peter said before remounting his bike and leading us across the street. I pedaled behind him and thought about what I knew about geisha. I knew that they wore kimonos. I knew that they painted their faces white. I knew that there was a Hollywood movie about a geisha that my mom wouldn’t let me watch. That’s all. And because that movie had been labeled “bad” in my middle school brain, geishas had been too. But I was about to learn the truth and come to respect and admire the geisha culture.
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Decline

January 06, 0018 12:00 AM
(photo by Richard Schneider) How Japan's Decreasing Population Will Change Travel
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The Shikoku Pilgrimage: A Traveler’s Guide

March 20, 0017 12:00 AM
A gentle brook bristles in the distance, and the soft plodding of travelers’ feet on damp moss fills the hush of the Japanese forest. Travelers dressed in white pack up their tents, and you join them as they shoulder their belongings and begin their journey. A dirt path winds along a crest overlooking miles of cascading rice fields. A bridge marked with mysterious symbols hangs over a dry riverbed with broken boulders like abandoned shrines. Finally, a stark red gate stands out among the overgrown green, signaling the entrance to an ancient temple.
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Honey: Four Corners of the Kitchen

February 18, 0017 12:00 AM
Known for its sweet taste, honey is as versatile as it is delicious. People have taken advantage of this ingredient for thousands of years, in uses ranging from medicinal cough remedies to savory sauces. Honey remains a staple food in cultures across the world.
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