Gadling

Unusual Tourist Attraction: Japanese City Unveils World's Largest Toilet

Jessica Festa — Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Asia, Japan, News, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel

While most travelers spend time visiting sites like churches, castles, parks and museums, Ichihara City in the Chiba Prefecture of Japan is hoping to bring in tourists with a new kind of attraction: the world's largest toilet. In fact, they're so hopeful that the unusual attraction will bring in travelers; they've spent 10 million yen (about $125,945) on the project.

The site, which sits in front of Itabu Station on the Kominato Railway Line, is actually your average-sized toilet; however, it's housed in a giant clear box and sits on an expansive 2,153 square-foot plot of land. While it doesn't provide much privacy on the property, there is a surrounding fence to hide the toilet from outsiders. The city is hoping the beautiful new toilet will provide an enjoyable reprieve for drivers and passengers of the train, as well as attendees of next year's Ichihara Art Festival.

Right now, the lavish restroom is only open to women, although the designer of the toilet, Sou Fujimoto, wants it to be open to the public for everyone to enjoy.

"I could enjoy the spectacular view while still feeling protected," the architect told the Japan Times. "No other toilet would allow you a feeling like that."

[flickr image via Britt Selvitelle]

Unusual Tourist Attraction: Japanese City Unveils World's Largest Toilet originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 20 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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8 Languages You've Never Heard Of (And Who Actually Speaks Them)

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, South Africa, Indonesia, Japan, Russian Federation, Finland, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Papua New Guinea, Peru

As anyone who follows my articles here on Gadling knows by now, I don't travel to relax poolside at a resort or sip a fancy drink with coconut oil. I travel because this world is a fascinating place.

While everyone has their own travel philosophy and reasons for wanting to get away, I know that for many travelers, one of the greatest joys of travel is experiencing other cultures and peeking into corners of the world, which are far removed from our own. This could range from immersing yourself in a culture with a different religion, cuisine, or something as simple as driving on the other side of the road.

More often than not, however, one of the largest indicators that we "aren't in Kansas anymore" is traveling to a place with a language that is different from our own. With linguists estimating there are over 7,000 languages spread across the globe, there is little to no chance of any traveler ever having the opportunity to properly experience them all. Furthermore, as Gadling blogger Kraig Becker points out, there are still uncontacted tribes in parts of the Amazon where we don't even know what language they speak yet.

Though situations like these are encouraging, the sad reality is that the majority of indigenous languages is critically endangered and will most likely not survive the next generation. According to the United Nations and UNESCO, not only does an indigenous language go extinct every two weeks, but up to 90% of the world's languages are likely to disappear in the next century if current trends continue.

While the Economist reports that recent advances in technology may actually be able to aid in the rescue and rebirth of languages, the fact of the matter remains that thousands of global languages are dying at a terrifying rate.

So, in a nod to the fascinating beauty of global tongues, here is a rundown of eight languages that you've probably never heard of, and are lucky if you ever hear.

Continue reading 8 Languages You've Never Heard Of (And Who Actually Speaks Them)

8 Languages You've Never Heard Of (And Who Actually Speaks Them) originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Museum Month: JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Laurel Miller — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: History, Learning, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, Japan, Thailand, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Budget Travel

History has never been my favorite subject, but once I began traveling in earnest, I discovered something. If I visited a destination, I usually became obsessed with its history or indigenous peoples. Unfortunately, I didn't discover this in time to save the downward trajectory of my GPA when I was a student, but it's made me sound infinitely more worldly in daily life.

I found the JEATH War Museum in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, purely by accident. Anything historical pertaining to war is a subject I normally avoid - I'm a girl like that - with the exception of the "Platoon" soundtrack. Thus, the most I knew about "The Bridge on the River Kwai," which is located in Kanchanaburi, is how to whistle the tune. The town and bridge are actually located at the confluence of the Rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai, at the headwaters of the Maeklong (Mekong).

I ended up there because I had a few days to kill prior to flying home, and it's less than a two-hour bus ride west of Bangkok. Kanchanaburi sounded peaceful, and is a popular getaway for backpackers and Thai urbanites. The main activities are dining in the many "floating restaurants" on the river, taking cooking classes, hiking in beautiful Erawan National Park and sightseeing (more on that after the jump).

I ended up meeting two fun Australian girls at my riverfront guesthouse, and we proceeded to spend the next three days together. On our first afternoon, I asked them how they'd ended up in Kanchanaburi, and they told me they were there to visit the JEATH War Museum and pay tribute. I looked at them blankly.

"The what?" I asked. They looked at me with pity, thinking, like millions of Aussies before them, that the American educational system is an abysmal failure (no argument there).

"The Japan, England, America, Australia, Thailand, Holland War Museum," one of the girls said patiently. "Y'know, it's dedicated to the thousands of Allied POWs who died while constructing the Bridge and Death Railway from 1942 to 1943."

Cue crickets chirping.

Continue reading Museum Month: JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Museum Month: JEATH War Museum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where Would You Travel Just to Eat?

David Farley — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Asia, Europe, North America, India, Japan, Thailand, Spain, Peru, Nightlife

It's a question that comes up again and again. Even more so in the last few years, as the industrialized world seems to become food obsessed. Not just with eating in general but also where it comes from (is it local?) and how it's grown. Our preoccupation with provenance is almost an existential crisis: it seems we have this growing need (no pun intended) to touch our food, to get closer to it, because technology is alienating us in an unprecedented way.

And so now, more than ever, we're traveling just to satisfy that craving - a simple desire and a deeper one. Okay, this is getting way too serious. The point is, when I attended a couple food-centric events recently for the Lucky Rice Festival and the James Beard Awards, both in New York, I asked the participating chefs and mixologists the question: where would you travel just to eat? Not surprisingly many of them were looking to Japan and Spain for their inspiration.

Here's how they all answered:

Continue reading Where Would You Travel Just to Eat?

Where Would You Travel Just to Eat? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Escorted Travel Adds Value With Private Experience

Chris Owen — Sun, 06 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, China, Japan

When travel planning calls for first-class accommodations, airfare, and guidance along the way, travelers often use a travel agent to help. Commonly accepted advice is to use one that specializes in the method of travel or destination you choose. Better yet, use one that offers escorted tours for an immersive experience like no other.

In China and Asia, Wendy Wu Concierge is a premium service offering luxury vacations custom built by destination specialists and the traveler to create a personal and unique experience.

"As one of the world's leading specialists in travel to China and Asia, we'll listen to every ambition and aspiration to provide a private experience that meets specific interests," says Wendy Wu Concierge on their web site.

Going first-class all the way has more benefits than one might imagine including:

Partnering with only the finest hotels, like Peninsula, Shangri-La properties, St. Regis and Banyan Tree hotels, ensures the highest levels of comfort and service.
Insider access includes a diplomatic airport transfer where clients are welcomed at the arrival gate with baggage assistance and fast-track service through immigration and customs.
A global partnership with Cathay Pacific with direct service from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York, to Hong Kong with onward connections to over 18 cities across China with its sister airline Dragonair.
When travel calls for a cruise, Wu uses 124 passenger Yangzi Explorer, ideally equipped to host special groups.

Continue reading Escorted Travel Adds Value With Private Experience

Escorted Travel Adds Value With Private Experience originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 06 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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People To People Partners With MTV, Give Back

Chris Owen — Sat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: North America, Japan, United States, Camping

People to People Ambassador Group will be sending over 100 students to Japan in July for the first time since a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit in 2011. This week, People to People launched the Act for Japan contest in partnership with MTV Act to give away one full tuition travel scholarship.

Platinum selling recording artist and People to People alum Jordin Sparks will act as the final contest judge selecting one student to travel to Japan to provide aid in communities devastated by the 2011 tsunami.

"MTV Act is all about connecting young people with opportunities to take action and celebrating incredible organizations like People to People," Liza Vadnai, director of public affairs for MTV said in a release. "We're honored to partner with them on this initiative, and know that this opportunity will be a life-changing experience for the winning student."

Continue reading People To People Partners With MTV, Give Back

People To People Partners With MTV, Give Back originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 05 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gifts From Abroad: What To Bring Your Family When You Come Home

Sean McLachlan — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Food and Drink, Asia, Europe, Japan, Greece

My wife and I travel a lot, sometimes together, sometimes separately. We both have careers that require us to travel and while it can be tough to be apart, at least we have the regular ritual of seeing what gifts from abroad are popping out of each other's suitcases!

My wife just came back from an astronomy meeting in Tokyo and brought back this haul of loot. The Japanese are masters of packaging, whether they're being stylish and traditional or garish and modern. I wonder what a supermarket full of this stuff must look like. The panda head cookies are especially good. I've always wanted a bag of decapitated pandas. The T-shirt is for her, because she knows I'm fond of her "especially cuteness."

What I forgot to include in this photo were the three bottles of sake she brought back. While I've always had my sake warm, she tells me it's often served cold in Tokyo and that regulars have their own monogrammed bottle reserved for them behind the bar!

When I came back from writing my travel series about Greece, I brought her and my son lots of olives since they both love them. I also brought back some honey from Sparta. My wife adores honey and it's a good gift to bring from abroad because it tastes different in every region. Of all the honey I've brought her from far-flung places, she's liked the Spartan honey the most.

You'll notice that we mostly bring back consumables. A great way to share the experience of your trip is to share some of the tastes. Also, we live in a European apartment (read: small) and we have too much stuff anyway.

What gifts from abroad do you like to give or receive? Tell us in the comments section!

Gifts From Abroad: What To Bring Your Family When You Come Home originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 04 May 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video Of The Day: Tokyo In Slow Motion

Libby Zay — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, Japan, Video

Just the same as New York or London, Tokyo is a fast-paced place. Filmmaker and Tokyo local Alex Lee has slowed down the hustle and bustle, artfully showcasing some of his favorite parts of the Japanese capital's most quintessential activities. The short video takes viewers on a trip through the city by foot, train and car, stopping to check out crowded trains, conveyor sushi restaurants, blinking arcades and even a baseball game. Stop and take a few minutes to see the vignettes Lee has captured - it might just inspire you to hurry up and book a trip to Japan.

Video Of The Day: Tokyo In Slow Motion originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Journey To The Gyre: A Trip Into The Heart Of The Pacific Garbage Patch

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Scuba Diving, Oceania, Japan, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism

The Pacific Ocean has been an active topic here at Gadling lately.

First there was the "Ghost Ship" found adrift off of Canada, then Dave Seminara's brilliant April Fool's Day report on the island of Nauru, and last week I waxed philosophical in Vagabond Tales about plastic bottles and what they mean for the people who inhabit the Pacific islands.

Now, to follow up on this topic, I was very pleased to be able to sit down with a woman about to head out on an incredible journey into the heart of the Western Pacific Garbage Patch. Her name is Cynthia Matzke, and starting on May 1 she and a team of researchers are going to sail across the western Pacific to document the marine debris situation. They will also maintain a constant lookout for rogue debris, which may have drifted off course from the Japan tsunami. While sifting through one of the world's largest aquatic landfills may not seem like your dream vacation, for people like Cynthia and myself who relish traveling into some of the stranger places on the planet, this is kind of a big deal.

As part of an expedition led by the Algalita Marine Research Foundation, the 5 Gyres Institute and Pangaea Explorations, Cynthia is going to be sailing where few humans have ventured before. It's a place with no passport control, no customs and immigration - just a lot of water and trash.

In a word, this is fascinating.

So Cynthia, first off, who are you? Why have you been chosen to head into the Gyre?

I was recommended by the Mayor's office here on the island of Maui to take part in the expedition. Over the last 14 years on Maui, I have been involved with such projects as the Great Whale Entanglement Response Network and research related to stranded green turtles. I've worked as an underwater videographer documenting coral reef disease as well as the head of Trilogy Expedition's monthly Blue 'Aina reef clean up campaign. I also was once embedded for nine months with the Makah tribe in the state of Washington as an environmental liaison during the aboriginal whaling issue of 1999.

Continue reading Journey To The Gyre: A Trip Into The Heart Of The Pacific Garbage Patch

Journey To The Gyre: A Trip Into The Heart Of The Pacific Garbage Patch originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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British Woman Prepares To Row Across The Pacific

Kraig Becker — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Paddling, Asia, Europe, North America, Japan, Canada, News

Last April we posted a story about Sarah Outen, an adventurous 26-year-old from the U.K. who had set out to circumnavigate the globe using nothing but her own power. Sarah called her journey the London2London expedition and over the past 12 months she has traveled by kayak and bike across Europe and Asia. Now she is preparing to embark on the next stage of her journey, a solo row across the Pacific Ocean.

Sarah is currently in Choshi, Japan, where she is busy making the final preparations to her 21-foot rowboat named Gulliver. That boat will be her home for the next seven months as she undertakes the physically and mentally demanding task of crossing the Pacific. If all goes as planned, and the weather is right, she'll set out tomorrow on a 5179-mile row that will eventually end in Vancouver, Canada.

This isn't Sarah's first ocean crossing under her own power. Back in 2009 she rowed solo across the Indian Ocean as well. That expedition took more than four months to complete and covered approximately 3100 miles of open ocean. The Pacific will provide a similar experience, albeit on a much grander scale.

After setting out from London last year, Outen paddled down the Thames River and crossed the English Channel in a kayak. Arriving on the shores of France, she climbed aboard a bike and began peddling east, crossing through numerous countries in Europe and Asia along the way. She arrived in Japan last October, but the Pacific is unforgiving in the autumn and winter so she has waited until now to start this stage of the journey.

After she completes her row across the Pacific, Sarah will once again return to her bike and continue her round-the-world adventure. The next stage will involve riding across Canada and the U.S. Finally, she intends to cap the journey by rowing across the North Atlantic and back up the Thames River, finishing where she started under the London Bridge.

I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

[Photo courtesy Sarah Outen]

British Woman Prepares To Row Across The Pacific originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wine: The New Drink Of Asia?

Kyle Ellison — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Asia, Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, Italy

No, there aren't vineyards suddenly springing up along remote portions of the Great Wall, inside the DMZ or on the upper slopes of Mt. Fuji. Of that much I am certain. There are, however, many people who live in these areas who are developing a notable penchant for wine and, all of a sudden, the big name wine growers are starting to take notice.

A recent news release discusses that although European wine exporters have seen a decline in their traditional markets in North America and Europe, the expanding palates of Asia are proving to be a welcome change of direction.

Evidence? The article uses the example of a South Korean wine importer perusing the stalls of a massive wine expo in Verona, Italy, who admits that Italian food and Italian wines are becoming more favorable in South Korea.

Also, according to statistics cited in the article, there was a 10% increase in wine consumption in Asia in 2011 bringing it to 5.5 billion liters, whereas estimates run as high as the continent being able to quaff a record 6 billion liters for 2012.

Meanwhile, in China, Benjamin Chau, deputy head of the Hong Kong trade development council believes that as a growing number of Chinese markets prosper, so too do their imbibing habits change. Historically drawn to strong liquor, Chau argues that as quality of life improves for many Chinese citizens wine is becoming a fashionable and more health-conscious drink of choice, which is often imported from vineyards in the West.

So how much emphasis is being placed on Asia as an emerging wine market? Enough that new Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti was told to be peddling a list of "Made in Italy" products while on a recent visit to Japan, South Korea and China. Seeing as Italy was the world's largest exporter of wine in 2011, I am sure multiple vintages and varietals were offered as part of the touring menu.

So is it time to trade in the sake for the syrah the next time you're in Tokyo? Should we swap the soju for sauvignon blanc while nibbling on kim bap in Seoul?

I'm not sure if I would go that far, but if this is a trend that continues to gain steam, it may not make for a far-fetched future.

Wine: The New Drink Of Asia? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tsunami powered ghost ship closes in on Canadian shores

Chris Owen — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, North America, Japan, Canada, Video, News

When last year's earthquake and resulting tsunami rocked Japan, the destruction of property and disruption to travel plans were immediate. Minor quakes after the initial tremor did little more damage. But a Japanese squid-fishing boat has been drifting across the Pacific Ocean all year and is now closing in on British Columbia's north coast.

"It's been drifting across the Pacific for a year, so it's pretty beat up," said marine search coordinator Jeff Olsson of Victoria's Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in a Times Colonist article.

The 150-foot tsunami ghost ship was sent out to sea by the weather event and first found drifting right-side-up about 140 nautical miles (260 km) from Cape Saint James on the southern tip of Haida Gwaii, an archipelago on the North Coast of British Columbia. A Canadian Coast Guard plane on a routine surveillance patrol spotted the ship on March 20, causing them to issue a warning to all vessels that the ship is an obstruction to navigation.

"The ghost ship is probably going to be pretty much worthless - nobody's going to want to have anything to do with it because of the huge costs that are going to be incurred [towing it to shore]," said Gray, senior captain with the Vessel Assist towing company reports the Times Colonist, adding "All that garbage, it's going to hit Alaska, it's going to hit B.C. and it's going to hit Washington."

Check out Antarctica in Pictures!

Gallery: Bowermasters Adventures: Antarctica 2012

Flickr photo by elmas156

Tsunami powered ghost ship closes in on Canadian shores originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exploring the must-see sites of Tohoku, Japan

Jessica Festa — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Photos, Asia, Japan

In the twentieth century, tourism was a major industry in Tohoku, Japan, due to its array of unique cultural offerings and beautiful landscape. However, on March 11, 2011, the region suffered much damage due to a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Now, a year later, the area is recovering nicely, and travelers will have no problem visiting the museums, parks, mountains, hot springs, and heritage sites of Tohoku.

So what exactly does Tohoku have to offer? For starters, it is an excellent place to learn about an untouched side of Japan. In fact, in the late 1800s, writer and naturalist Isabella Bird was so moved by the region's natural beauty, she nicknamed it "Japan's Garden of Eden." Additionally, there is something for everyone. Adventure travelers will love trekking the Kitayamazaki Cliffs, exploring Rikuchu Kaigan National Park and spelunking in the Ryusendo Caves. If you're looking for comfort, relax in one of the natural and curative hot springs. History buff? Museums, castles, sacred temples, and excavation sites abound.

To get a better idea of the beauty, culture, and history that Tohoku has to offer, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Exploring Tohoku Through Photos

Exploring the must-see sites of Tohoku, Japan originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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An introduction to the food and dining etiquette of Tohoku, Japan

Jessica Festa — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Photos, Asia, Japan

The Tohoku Region in Northeast Japan is comprised of six prefectures including Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata. It is an area of beautiful mountainous landscape, lively entertainment and, most importantly, a delicious food culture. Although the region endures a harsh climate, it still manages to produce some extraordinary cuisine.

Before visiting the area, it is important to become familiar with the dining etiquette in Japan:

Meals are usually eaten at a low table on a tatami floor. Be sure to remove your shoes before entering the room and kneel down at the table.
Before eating, say "Itadakimasu" (I gratefully receive), and after finishing say "Gochiso sama Deshita" (Thank you for the meal).
Eating in Japan is a communal activity, and various dishes are usually shared among the group. Moreover, when drinking alcohol it is customary to serve each other instead of serving yourself, so keep your eyes peeled for empty glasses.
When eating noodles, slurping is considered polite, as is finishing every bit of food in your bowl.
On the other hand, burping, blowing your nose, bathroom talk, playing with chopsticks, pointing chopsticks or spearing food with chopsticks is considered offensive.
Don't stick chopsticks into your food or pass food from your chopsticks to another person's, as these are funeral traditions.
When you're finished eating, lay your chopsticks down with the tips to the left.

Now that you know how to eat, you're ready to see what you can eat. Check out the gallery below for a visual journey through Tohoku's traditional cuisine.

Gallery: An Introduction to the Local Cuisine of Tohoku, Japan

An introduction to the food and dining etiquette of Tohoku, Japan originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the artists of Kanazawa, Japan

Jessica Festa — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Photos, Stories, Asia, Japan

Kanazawa is an often overlooked destination in Japan, as travelers often assume the city has little to offer. In reality, the area has a breathtaking landscape, rich culture and a plentiful arts scene that has been around for generations.

Kanazawa's thriving arts community dates back to the sixteenth century, when the powerful samurai family the Maeda clan brought hundreds of artisans from around Japan to the area. Over the following 500 years, the arts flourished -- most notably in mediums of lacquer, gold leaf, ceramics, glass, silk and metalwork.

Today, Kanazawa's artists and artisans still practice these traditional crafts. Furthermore, the city supports an active geisha culture, Noh theatre, an energetic poetry community, and a rapidly expanding network of contemporary artists. For tourists, this means the opportunity to visit working studios, meet the artists, understand the process, and in some cases, try a workshop for themselves. Kanazawa's artists are proud of their community and feel the city's small size encourages a strong support system that is hard to find in larger cities.

To learn more about art in Kanazawa and to meet some of the local artists, check out the gallery below.

Gallery: Understanding Art in Kanazawa, Japan

Meet the artists of Kanazawa, Japan originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 reasons to visit Kanazawa, Japan

Jessica Festa — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Climbing, Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Asia, Japan, Ecotourism

One of the most overlooked destinations in Japan is Kanazawa. Although it is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, many tourists have not heard of the city or use it only as a quick stopover to other places. In reality, Kanazawa has a legacy in the arts, a rich cultural heritage, and many unique offerings that can't be found anywhere else in the country. To help you learn a little more about the area, here are 10 reasons to visit Kanazawa, Japan.

A vibrant art culture

Kanazawa has a long history as a town of artisans, originally invited into the area by the Maeda clan during the Edo period from 1603 to 1868. Some traditional art forms still found in the area include:

Lacquerware and maki-e, which is lacquerware decorated with gold leaf or gold powder. You can see an example of lacquerware, created by artist Masaru Nishimura, above.
Pottery, including suzuyaki, a naturally occurring black "glaze" on pottery, and kutani-yaki, a five-colored glaze painted in flower and nature patterns
Silk weaving thanks to the production by silkworms that live in pairs in the same cocoon
Kaga yuzen silk dyeing, which involves the complicated but beautiful processes of pattern transfers, paste coating, coloring, steaming, and rinsing
Kaga-nui embroidery, the delicate stitching technique used to create kimonos
Zogan wood inlay, where different materials are laid on top of one another
Mizuhiki craft, which is comprised of paper-string weaving

One of the unique aspects of Kanazawa's art culture is that there are so many types of local art and artisanal crafts in a relatively small area. If visiting the region, one good idea is to visit a studio and see a craftsman at work, which you can learn more about by clicking here.

Continue reading 10 reasons to visit Kanazawa, Japan

10 reasons to visit Kanazawa, Japan originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Students travel to Japan, help recovery efforts

Chris Owen — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, News, Travel Health, Travel Security

Travel to Japan was disrupted last year when a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11. The disaster brought an alarming death toll, fear of nuclear explosion and travel alerts cancelling hundreds of flights and stranding tens of thousands of travelers. But that disaster also elicited enormous response from people all over the world who pledged their help to the affected area. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragedy, recovery is well under way but there is a lot of work to be done. One of the organizations helping in the effort has students traveling to Japan for an immersive foreign travel experience like no other.

People to People Ambassador Group will be sending over 100 students to Japan in July for the first time since the devastation. These students were so committed to traveling to Japan that they've waited a full year to be able to make this trip.

People to People's Spirit of Japan program puts student ambassadors in the heart of Japan, on an immersive itinerary that provides an immersion in a rural Japanese community where students will work at local schools and farms in the ravaged Tohoku area. The idea is to lend a hand to a host community, providing much needed help doing everything from assisting farmers in clearing their fields to teaching local students English. Working side by side with local citizens during a home stay with a Japanese family is part of the experience as participants offer up close and personal time with those actually affected by the natural disaster.

It is all part of People to People's mission to get students involved and raise their global awareness with immersive experiential learning through travel.

Continue reading Students travel to Japan, help recovery efforts

Students travel to Japan, help recovery efforts originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unusual aphrodisiacs from Asian countries

Jessica Festa — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Photos, Stories, Asia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam

Wondering how to get you or your partner more in the mood for sex? Instead of opting for expensive pills or unnatural remedies, why not learn from the Asian culture and try one of these libido-boosting aphrodisiacs? From dangerously poisonous fish to fertilized duck embryo or snake's blood, it is clear some people really will try anything to have good sex. While these odd ingestants may be useful for people in Asia, I'm thinking that others may want to stick to increasing their libido the old-fashioned way: getting drunk and watching porn.

Balut

Balut is a common finger food in Southeast Asia and is literally an almost-developed duck embryo that is boiled alive and eaten in the shell. If you want to try this delicacy for yourself, head over to the Philippines, where it is most common, or Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia. It's a very popular food to enjoy at bars while drinking a beer, which makes me wonder if it's the Balut making people horny or the alcohol.

Continue reading Unusual aphrodisiacs from Asian countries

Unusual aphrodisiacs from Asian countries originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 03 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eight Underground Cities

Dan Morgridge — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, Europe, Oceania, Japan, Jordan, Russian Federation, Turkey, Poland, Middle East

As a rule, people generally prefer to live above ground. Whether it's claustrophobia, prohibitive construction costs, or just enjoyment of the sun, people have generally stuck with above-ground structures across the globe. In instances where above-ground cities have subterranean components, they are often public transit systems, municipal works, or just plain old sewers.
Yet every once in a while, some far-fetched city planner or wealthy tycoon will decide that the cheapest real estate is just one floor down. This gallery collects some of the most eye-popping examples of underground zoning - whether it's ancient catacombs repurposed for modern use, a billionaire's dream, or just an organic growth of cities with imposing population density, these underground creations make the Morlocks look downright shabby.

Petra

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Eight Underground Cities originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video of the Day: Japanese folding trick

Mike Barish — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, Japan, Photo of the Day, Video of the Week

Travel experts love to share tips on the best ways to pack. Heck, we've done tons of posts on packing tips. However, thanks to the sorcery in this video from Japan, we've discovered the best way to fold our clothes. Of course, first we have to understand what the hell is happening in the video. We've watched this thing a dozen times and still have no idea how these shirts are getting folded so perfectly. We'd love to have our clothing pack down so tightly and neatly, but we're having a hard time following once that twist and flip move happens. Guess we're just going to have to shove our gear in our packs, as usual, and spend our days attempting to fold the fitted sheets for our mattresses. Are there any Japanese videos for that?

Video of the Day: Japanese folding trick originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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