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]]>Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto turns into a beautiful canvas of reds and yellows during the fall season, creating a mesmerizing spectacle widely known as “koyo.” It’s the perfect time of the year to wander through iconic spots like Kiyomizu-dera and Tofukuji, where ancient temples meet nature’s masterpiece.
Vermont, USA
Vermont is another noteworthy fall destination you really shouldn’t miss. Indoor pumpkin spice lattes are nice and all, but going for a scenic drive through Vermont’s Green Mountains is so much better. Watch maple trees paint everything in autumn shades and drive along Route 100, where every turn reveals a breathtaking scene.
New York City & Travel (@glamofnyc)Bavarian Alps, Germany
Last but not least are Germany’s Bavarian Alps. This area promises a fairytale-like experience filled with vibrant fall foliage. The Neuschwanstein Castle is surrounded by picture-perfect landscapes, and the Bavarian Forest National Park offers a serene escape into a real-life painting. Your Instagram feed will thank you.
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]]>Pripyat, Ukraine
In the shadow of the infamous Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Pripyat has stood frozen in time since the catastrophic meltdown in 1986. The abandoned city is eerily preserved, and its decaying buildings, empty streets, and rusted Ferris wheel create an otherworldly atmosphere that serves as an everlasting reminder of that fateful night. Radiation levels are now low enough that the area is safe to visit, but only through authorized guided tours.
ne, Chernobyl Zone (@chernobylzone)Aokigahara Forest, Japan
At the base of Mount Fuji, Aokigahara Forest has earned itself a reputation due to the number of people who choose it as a setting to take their own lives. Beyond its inherently tragic history, the forest is known for its dense foliage and winding paths, which, combined with its relative lack of wildlife, give it an unsettlingly quiet feel. Should you decide to venture inside, do yourself a favor and stick to marked paths.
Island of the Dolls, Mexico
Just outside the center of Mexico City, the canals of Xochimilco are dotted with thousands of little islands known as chinampas. One of these islands, known locally as La Isla de las Muñecas, is home to a chilling collection of thousands of dolls, which hang creepily from the trees. Local legend tells of a lone man who once inhabited the island and began collecting dolls as a way to pay tribute to a girl who passed away in the area.
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]]>The post The Best Desserts to Eat in Tokyo appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Wagashi
Wagashi is a confection made from sticky rice that’s been pounded into a paste and combined with other ingredients before being molded into distinct shapes. There are many different types of wagashi, and most of them are typically prepared using only plant-based ingredients, making wagashi the perfect treat for vegans. Enjoy it on its own or in the traditional Japanese fashion with a cup of green tea.
Taiyaki
Fish doesn’t exactly scream “dessert” in most cultures, but that didn’t stop the Japanese from creating a pastry shaped like a sea bream. Taiyaki is a popular street treat consisting of a fish-shaped cake filled with sweetened red bean paste, sweet potato, or chocolate. The best place to try it is in Tokyo’s Minato City neighborhood at Naniwaya Sōhonten, where they’ve been making traditional taiyaki for over 100 years.
Kakigori
If ice cream is your jam, be sure to try kakigori, a Japanese take on shaved ice sweetened with a variety of syrups and condensed milk. Some of the most common flavors include strawberry, lemon, and green tea, with fresh fruit, red beans, and even ice cream serving as popular toppings.
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]]>Mount Kita
Standing at 3193 metres (making it just a bit smaller than Fuji), this beautiful mountain is greener and more verdant than the famous Fuji. Hiking is relatively easy, and you can guarantee that the paths will be quieter and more peaceful than those on Fuji.
Mount Aino
The third highest peak in Japan, after Fuji and Kita, this mountain stands opposite Mount Kita. It’s possible to do a three mountains route that takes in Aino, Kita and Noutori, on which you’ll really make the most of the views available from the tops of these stunning mountains. Take care in winter, as heavy snowfall can make these routes more challenging.
Mount Hotaka
This stunning peak is located in central Japan, and is one of the mountains which makes up the Hotaka Mountain range. Several hiking routes are possible, although near the summit you’ll need good climbing and ice crampon skills.
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]]>Visit Kyoto
Kyoto is a special city with old temples, pretty gardens, and a bamboo forest in Arashiyama. In Kyoto, people also do traditional tea ceremonies, and there’s a place called Gion where you might see geisha. It’s an awesome mix of history and nature that you’ll never forget.
Cherry Blossom Trees
In Japan, spring is when cherry trees have pretty pink and white flowers, and they call it “sakura” season. Sakura time shows how beautiful Japan’s nature is, and it’s the kind of thing you really have to see to believe.
Have Fun in Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s most popular city, and it’s a mix of old and new. You can go up the Tokyo Tower, see cool stuff in Akihabara, and do countless other things. If you like tasting new cuisines, Tokyo has some of the best street food in the world, where you’ll find sushi as well as ramen. It’s a city where tradition and modern life come together.
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]]>The post Top 3 Museums Worth Exploring in Nagoya, Japan appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Nagoya City Science Museum
Nagoya is home to many kid-friendly attractions suitable for visitors of all ages, including this astonishing science museum. In addition to being home to one of the largest planetariums in the world, this museum houses many hands-on exhibits that cover a wide variety of different topics, from robotics to space exploration.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
Toyota is one of the most popular companies in Japan, and museums dedicated to this automobile manufacturer are scattered all around the country. Nagoya is home to its own Toyota Museum, which celebrates the company’s history and the role it played in Japan’s industrial revolution.
Tokugawa Art Museum
Nagoya is home to several pretty amazing art museums, and there’s more to this one than meets the eye. Located inside the tranquil Tokugawa-en Garden, this museum houses over 12,000 artifacts that trace Japanese history, art, and culture over the centuries.
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]]>Takoyaki
Not to be confused with teriyaki, which is a type of sauce, takoyaki are spherical dumplings filled with pieces of octopus meat. Literally translated as “grilled octopus,” the dumplings consist of a batter made from wheat flour and miso broth, and have a crispy exterior with a chewy inside. They’re traditionally served with Japanese mayonnaise and a Worcestershire-based takoyaki sauce, with a sprinkle of bonito flakes and spring onion for garnish.
Okonomiyaki
Originating from both Hiroshima and Osaka, okonomiyaki is a savory pancake with a soft, yet dense texture made from a wheat batter mixed with cabbage. They’re widely regarded as quite customizable and can be prepared with a variety of toppings ranging from meat and seafood to fried udon noodles. In Osaka, the ingredients are usually mixed to create a frittata-like pancake, while in Hiroshima, they’re layered a bit like a pizza.
Taiyaki
When you’ve had your fill of savory pancakes and actual fish, be sure to try taiyaki, a popular fish-shaped pastry for dessert. Taiyaki are typically filled with sweet fillings such as red bean paste, custard, or chocolate, and have a unique texture that strikes a satisfying balance between crispy and chewy. Vendors are easy to find around tourist attractions, making taiyaki a convenient option for travelers on the go.
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]]>The post Must-See Destinations in Japan for Nature Enthusiasts appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Gardens
Japan’s meticulously crafted gardens are a testament to the nation’s deep appreciation for nature’s tranquility. One of the most famous gardens is Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, a strolling garden filled with streams, bridges, and meticulously pruned trees. Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is another gem, where visitors can enjoy the serene ambiance of cherry blossoms during spring or vibrant foliage in autumn.
Forests
For a magical experience in what can only be described as an enchanted forest, head to Miyajima Island near Hiroshima. The island is lush with ancient trees, and deer and other wildlife run free. Additionally, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto and the moss-covered primeval rainforests of Yakushima Island in southwest Japan are also worth a visit.
Mountains
Japan is home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring peaks, including the iconic 3,776-meter summit of Mount Fuji. Hikers of all levels should also be sure to check out the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, a network of paths in the Kii Peninsula of varied lengths and difficulty. UNESCO recognizes the Kumano region as a World Heritage Site.
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]]>@traveller___bucketlist Japan is just another world #kyoto #japan #travel #visitkyoto #kyotojapan ♬ 可愛くてごめん (feat. かぴ) – HoneyWorks
One of the highlights of Kyoto is its magnificent collection of World Heritage sites. From the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple, with its shimmering golden pavilion, to the serene Zen gardens of Ryoan-ji Temple, the city is a treasure trove of architectural marvels and spiritual havens. Explore the historic districts of Gion and Higashiyama, where traditional wooden machiya houses line the streets, offering glimpses into Japan’s feudal past.
@voyapon Would you like to visit Gion during the sunset ? #kyoto #ilovejapan #japantourism #gion #japantrip #oldjapan ♬ Futari No Kimochi – Original – Kaoru Wada & Innuyasha
Kyoto is also renowned for its breathtaking cherry blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. Witness the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms in full bloom at Maruyama Park or along the Philosopher’s Path. During autumn, the city transforms into a symphony of colors as maple leaves paint the landscape with hues of red and gold.
@visit One of the top destinations to experience #cherryblossom season is #Kyoto #Japan
@1min.traveller #cherryblossomseason #kyotojapan #visitjapan #springishere #spring #japanesecherryblossom ♬ original sound – musiclair
Dive into Kyoto’s traditional arts and crafts. Participate in a tea ceremony, don a kimono for a stroll through Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, or try your hand at pottery-making. The city is a haven for art enthusiasts, with numerous museums and galleries showcasing traditional and contemporary works.
To truly savor Kyoto’s culinary delights, indulge in a kaiseki meal, a multi-course feast that showcases the delicate flavors and seasonal ingredients of Kyoto’s traditional cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Nishiki Market, a bustling food paradise where you can sample local delicacies and pick up unique ingredients and souvenirs.
A visit to Kyoto is like stepping into a living museum, where ancient traditions thrive amidst a modern backdrop. With its cultural treasures, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Kyoto offers a captivating experience that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler fortunate enough to explore its enchanting streets.
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]]>Pokémon with You
We have Japan to thank for giving us Pokèmon. Run by the East Japan Railway Company, the train is as yellow as Pikachu and features his little face. The Pokémon with You train was created to make the people of Tohoku smile, following the earthquake and tsunami which devastated the region in 2011.
Hello Kitty
Most girls had at least something from Hello Kitty while growing up. The sweet cat was first created in 1974, and the brand is now worth $89 billion. Even though Hello Kitty’s backstory involves her living in London, the Japanese proudly claim the character and have put her on their Shinkansen bullet train.
Anpanman
Imagine basing an entire series on sweet Japanese filled rolls. Anpanman was inspired by the traditional treats and has been around since 1973. What began as a picture book is now an anime series which has featured 1,768 characters over the years.
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