Matthew Firestone
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Big in Japan: Bye-bye, but not sayonara
This is a difficult post for me to write...After more than 18 months of blogging from the Land of the Rising Sun, I have unfortunately decided to retire my Big in Japan series.
First and foremost, and I have immensely enjoyed writing about all of the weird, the wacky and the wonderful randomness that comes out of Japan.
On that note, a big domo arigatou is in order for all of the readers who followed my postings, left comments, and encouraged me to keep on writing.
I would also like to thank the wonderful staff at Gadling - you all know who you are - for putting together the best damn travel blog on the web.
So, what's next? Good question (^_^)
I'm going to be retuning to southern Africa for a few months to work on some guidebooks for Lonely Planet. But, as they say in Japanese, this is merely bye-bye and not sayonara.
What's the difference you ask? Great question (^_^)
Sayonara translates to 'farewell,' and this is hopefully anything but. So, stay tuned, as there is a good chance I might make a return in the not too distant future...
Big in Japan: We're on vacation...
If you're stopping by to check on the latest installment of Big in Japan, we're sorry to say that we're on vacation...What do travel writers do when they're on vacation?
Simple.
They travel - just travel - and take a break from writing.
In January, we'll be heading to India for a little R&R, and we hope to take a much-needed break from all forms electronic communication.
Call it technological fasting if you will!
However, we'll be back and hopefully feeling refreshed in February, and we will definitely be continuing our weekly updates from the Land of the Rising Sun.
In the meantime, be sure to check out all of the wonderful news stories going on at Gadling.
And of course, have a very happy and healthy 2009 (^_^)
** Image courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons Project **
Big in Japan: Why your next ski holiday should be at Niseko
All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) gets some serious snow in the winters, though the reigning prince of powder is a small village by the name of Niseko (???).
While few North Americans have heard of Niseko, Japanese skiers and snowboarders alongside Australians and New Zealanders pack the slopes of this winter wonderland.
Because of its blessed location, Niseko experiences northwest to southeast Siberian fronts every winter. Translation: a whole lot of snow!
In fact, Niseko was recently named the world's second snowiest ski resort, boasting an annual average snow fall of 595 inches.
As you might imagine, that is some serious, serious powder!
Despite its village status, Niseko boasts four interconnected resorts, namely Hirafu, Higashiyama, Annupuri and Hanazono, which together form 2000+ skiable acres.
Still think there isn't any good skiing in Japan?
Big in Japan: Advanced dishes for true sushi aficionados
All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) arguably produces the finest quality sushi in all of Japan.
Before the economic bubble burst, back in the glory days of the Japanese economic machine, rich Tokyoites were known to fly back and forth to the island in a single day, just to indulge in fresh Hokkaid? sushi.
Clearly, we're not talking about your average California roll here!
In particular, Hokkaid? is famous for a few rare delicacies, which are something along the lines of advanced dishes for true sushi aficionados.
Think you got what it takes to move beyond spicy tuna maki? Keep reading!
Big in Japan: Hokkaido's best national parks
All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) may have wonderful cities, gourmet foods and a rich sense of history.
However, the real charms of the island are most often found far away human crowds, usually in the absolute middle of nowhere.
Indeed, much of Hokkaid? consists of national park land, and - if you have enough time, the right kind of gear and a true spirit of adventure - you can access some truly wild nature and wide-open space.
In our continuing series on the wonders of Hokkaid?, today's post is a brief run down of the best national parks on the island.
Since we don't have enough room to list them all, you'll have to keep reading to see which ones made the cut...
Big in Japan: Sapporo isn't just about beer!
All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) is firmly centered on the capital city of Sapporo (??).
Famous for liquid lager, miso ramen, the 1972 Winter Olympics and the annual Snow Festival, Sapporo is just as much a destination as it is a springboard for Hokkaid?'s vast wilds.
Voted one of Japan's most livable cities, Sapporo was designed by European and American architects in the late 19th century, and proudly boasts a wide grid of tree-lined streets and plenty of public parks.
You've got to be able to withstand the cold if you want to make through the Siberian winters up here, though fortunately Sapporites have plenty of tricks for staying warm, most of which involve copious amount of frothy brew.
Of course, Sapporo isn't just about beer, and there are a surprising number of tourist sights in the city.
Keep reading to find out...
Big in Japan: Hakodate, the gateway to Hokkaido
All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) is connected to the Japanese mainland through the modern marvel of engineering that is the Seikan Tunnel.
At length of 33.5 miles, with a 200 yard-deep and 14.5 mile-long undersea portion, the Seikan Tunnel is the deepest and longest undersea tunnel in the world.
While the journey underneath the Tsugaru Channel can be a bit claustrophobic at times, you soon emerge in Hakodate (??), the gateway to Hokkaid?.
Following the Kanagawa Treaty of 1854, Hakodate was one of the first ports to open up to foreign trade. As a result of this early internationalization, the city is a veritable living museum of late 18th and early 19th century European architecture.
Something akin to the San Francisco of Japan's far north, Hakodate is best explored by riding nostalgia-inducing trams though the hilly streets.
Keep on reading...
Big in Japan: A foodie's guide to the far north
All this month, Big in Japan is on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...The island of Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) is certainly a world apart from mainland Japan. Of course, if you happen to need a bit of convincing, just look at the menu!
Eating out in Japan is always a treat, though Hokkaid? is something of a paradise for aspiring gourmands. On that note, here is a quick (and delicious) foodie's guide to the far north.
Be sure to try the following:
A traditional dish of the Ainu, Japan's northerly indigenous population, ruibe (???) is a salmon that has been left out in snow, frozen solid, sliced up sashimi style, and served with the highest available grade of soy sauce.
While it's something akin to a fish popsicle, true chefs will only slice this delicacy with an abalone shell in fear of contaminating the flesh with a metallic taste.
Getting hungry? The list continues...
Big in Japan: Gadling goes to Hokkaido
All this month, we're on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan's northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous...Let's start off with a quick geography lesson, shall we?
Hokkaid? (???, literally North Sea Circuit) is Japan's second largest and northernmost island. If you're not Japanese, you might have trouble identifying this landmass, though you've most certainly heard of its most famous export.
Indeed, Hokkaid?'s capital is the production center for the delicious amber nectar that is Sapporo beer, though the island offers much, much more than mere alcoholic delights.
First settled by the Ainu, Japan's northerly indigenous population, Hokkaid? has been strongly influenced by Russia, Europe, America and - of course - Japanese mainlanders. Today, the island is thoroughly integrated into the modern nation, though it's largely unlike anything you might expect to find in places like Tokyo and Kyoto.
So, without further adieu, let's kick off our special series by taking a closer look at Japan's winter wonderland.
Big in Japan: FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Japan
On Monday, Big in Japan brought you news about the first female baseball player to be drafted into the big leagues....In keeping with the sports theme, today's post is aimed at spreading the word about the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Tokyo and neighboring Yokohama.
Somewhere along the way, America missed out on the soccer memo that seems to have been given priority status in just about every other country. In fact, we're pretty much the only people in the world that think football is played with elongated pigskins and not spherical black and white balls.
But there is time to get on the real 'football' bandwagon, and to perhaps do a bit of sightseeing in Japan while you're at it. In case you've been looking for yet another reason to visit this side of the Pacific pond, why not check out a bit of world-class footie in between shrines and sushi?
That's right - the FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Japan this December!!
Keep reading to find out more!
