The Medieval Castles of Japan

When we think of Medieval castles we seldom think about Japan. But Japan went through a very long period of feudal warfare and as a result hundreds of fortress like castles were built. They look significantly different than their European counterparts but functionally they are much they same. They were meant to protect the people inside from all sorts of dangers. This article reviews some of the medieval castles in Japan and talks about their tricks and techniques for fortification.

There are some interesting aspects that you will notice among most of the castles in Japan. Most of them have a shrine at the very top of the hold. And all of them use stealth as another tool in their arsenal of protection. A good example of this is the trick of making the castle look like it has five floors while in reality it has six floors. This missing floor was a perfect place to hide materials and troops from the enemy.

As in any culture that has a long history you can visit many of the sites that pepper the whole of Japan and you can see castles in various stages ranging from pristine and still in the condition they were built, to rebuilt, to just remnants and walls.

There are three major castles in Japan that are considered to be the best examples of castle building throughout the centuries. They are Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Kumamoto Castle. If you are visiting Japan and want to experience the best castles you should visit at least one of these three.

Himeji Castle

This is the number one castle in Japan and a must see even if you are not a castle enthusiast. It sits perched upon a hill and because of its dramatic look and white color it is often referred to as the White Heron Castle. It has a very long history and the first fort was built on the site in 1333. The structure, as it currently stands was completed in 1618.

There are a number of unique things about this castle including a complex series of gates and mazes which made it very difficult for attackers to gain entrance to the main fortress. There are also several ghost stories that have grown up around it; the most famous of which is the story of the serving girl named Okiku who was betrayed, tortured, and thrown into the castles well.

Himeji is open to the public and people are given the freedom to roam the grounds both inside and out as they wish. There are also a limited number of English speaking tour guides available. This is a wonderful experience of Japan and about an hour by train from Kyoto.

Matsumoto Castle

This castle is located a short distance from Tokyo so it is a good place to visit if you are not going to be spending a lot of time in the country or if you have budgeted your time very tightly. The keep of this castle was completed in 1504 so it has a very long history. It also is quite dramatic in appearance because it is a flatland castle that is perched right alongside the water, and even juts out into the water. Matsumoto is a great example of stealth in castle building because it is one of the castles that looks like it has five floors but really has a sixth floor that is a secret.

Kumamoto Castle

This is a castle that has a remarkable history. It was originally built in 1607 and in 1877 it was the site for the last remnants of the Samurai revolt and civil war in Japan. Much of the structure was destroyed by fire during the revolt. It spent almost a hundred years in ruins but has recently been rebuilt to its original beauty and opened to the public. The interior of the castle towers is now a museum and it is filled with many of the splendors of architecture and design of the period it was built in. Kumamoto was also used by the famous director Akira Kurosawa in his 1985 film “Ran”.

The whole of Japan is peppered with many castles and you don’t have to stay on the mainland to see them. If you take a trip to the island of Okinawa you can visit some fine examples that are a bit different than those on the mainland.

Shuri Castle

This is a fine example of the development of a structure over centuries. Shuri was the capital of the island of Okinawa and the castle was the seat of government. So it retains not only its massive fortifications but it also has a certain opulence and beauty that one would expect of the home of a ruler of a kingdom. It was almost completely destroyed during World War 2 but since has been totally reconstructed and sites in the middle of a complex site called Shuri Castle Park. If you are traveling to the island of Okinawa this is the one castle you should visit.

Don’t overlook the many Ruins

One of the most interesting things about the castles of Japan is the plethora of ruins that are still in reasonably good shape.

Nakagusuku Ruins

This is a world heritage site on the island of Okinawa that is well preserved. It is approximately 400 years old and while it is in ruins much of the stone structures are still intact and the layout of the castle is clearly seen, particularly in the concentric walls that defended the hold. It sits on the top of a hill and it has a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. This ruin is well worth a visit. And nearby is an authentic Japanese home that is now kept as a museum. It is called the Nakamura house. If you visit Nakagusuku it is well worth it to also visit the Nakamura house which is only five minutes away. It was the home of several generations and is a good example of how the Japanese lived centuries ago.

There are literally hundreds of castles in Japan built over the course of several centuries and in various states of repair. You can visit any part of the country and find a castle or a ruin not too far away. These structures are a remarkable testament to the history of the country. And while they look quite different than their European counterparts they still did the same job in the same ways.

About the Author:

For lots more Medieval Castle information, articles, pictures and videos visit the authors website at: The Medieval Castles

For a daily dose of all things Medieval visit his blog: All Things Medieval - Never Give A Sword to A Man Who Can’t Dance

Japan florist : send flower to japan, japanese florist

Travel Japan – Enjoy the Adventure

Japan is one of the Asian cities that must be seen. It is simply breathtaking to behold in its scenery and full of fun and exciting things to experience. Many come to the Islands of Japan and find they have so much to do, it is impossible to pack it all in to one vacation. From the large amount of attractions, the rich colorful history, and the beauty of the land itself, there is something to appeal to every traveler. You can still see the past traditions mingled with the new ways of today.

There are so many cities in Japan that one might find it hard to decide on an exact destination. Each city has its own special personality to consider. Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Fukuoka are some of the more polar cities most world travelers have heard of. Tokyo is the most up to date city in Japan and has sites to see such as the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Disneyland Tokyo.

Other sites around Japan include the Nijo Castle, The Golden Pavillion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and The Museum Of Kyoto. Hiroshima is, in itself a historical place as it was the area to be destroyed because of the first atomic bomb. The list continues on and on of great places to see and great things to experience while here in Japan.

For those who want a more detailed list of thing you can do, the list below should give you a pretty good idea.

· Try meditating at one of the many Buddhist Temples in the area.

· See Sumo Warriors wrestle it out in this ancient sport.

· Be a part of a tea party which is tradition in Japan.

· For the adventure seeker, a climb up Mount Fuji might be the right activity.

· Smell the Cherry blossoms on the tree.

· Fish in one of the great waters here.

· Have some authentic sushi and wash it down with real sake.

· Take part in one of the many festival through the city.

There are too many great things to do on your vacation in Japan. The best thing to do is to plan in advance. But if you’re the adventuress type, you can simply buy your tickets and set off for your own personal experience to Japan. See what you can find to do in this magnificent area of the world.

About the Author

if you would like to learn more about Tokyo tours and traveling to Japan please visit Travel Japan

Japan florist : send flowers to japan, japan florists

Caribbean Vacations: Safety Tips For Tourists

Are you are gearing up for a trip to the Caribbean? Whether you are traveling to Jamaica, the Bahamas, or another popular destination in the area, you are and should be excited. Safety is probably one of the last things on your mind, but it is something you should still consider. The Caribbean is a very safe place to travel to. In fact, that is a reason why it is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. With that said, all tourists, regardless of where they travel to, should practice safety and caution.

So, how can you ensure you have a good and safe Caribbean vacation? Follow a few of the travel tips below.

Choose your overnight accommodations wisely. In this popular vacation area, you have many staying options. These include Caribbean hotels, vacation rentals, vacation resorts, and all inclusive resorts. Traditional hotels are nice and usually very cheap, but most times you simply just get a roof over your head. With all inclusive Caribbean resorts, you get more. These resorts are designed so that you never have to leave. They are loaded with fun activities, multiple bars and restaurants, fitness centers, swimming pools, spas, and so forth. Most of your staying options are safe, but all inclusive resorts are the safest and best way to go.

Research area attractions and activities beforehand. Although all inclusive resorts are designed so that you never have to leave, that is part of the fun. Do you want to get out and sightsee? If so, do a small amount of research ahead of time. Many travel websites allow tourists to rate and review popular attractions. Not only can you ensure you visit a water park or hiking trail that is safe, but also it enables you to spend your money wisely. Do not waste time visiting an attraction where other tourists rated it a waste of time or money. To find these online travel websites that allow rating and reviews, perform a standard internet search with a phrase like this “Negril Jamaica attractions.”

Opt for guided tours. The number one reason for tourists leaving all inclusive resorts is to sightsee. In fact, keep your Caribbean resort and inclusions in mind. Do not waste money to rent snorkeling gear when your hotel already included these rentals in with the cost of your stay. However, sightseeing is another story. If you want to spend the day sightseeing, opt for a guided tour. Remember, you can research these tours online to find the best quality tour for the lowest price and to make a reservation. Tour guides are not only familiar with the land and the history behind it, but they are the safest way to travel.

Do not look like a tourist. This will be hard, as you want to take pictures and videos of your vacation. When sightseeing, do so in moderation. It is best to wear regular clothes. Yes, that shirt that says “I traveled to Jamaica,” is cute, but save it to wear once you arrive back home. Although popular Caribbean vacation destinations are safe, tourists are at risk for theft. Try to blend in, travel with a group, and leave all valuables in your in room safe.

Speaking of valuables, leave them at home. It is not uncommon for some tourists to pack their life in a suitcase or two. Yes, you want to be able to check your email, so you may bring your laptop computer. You have a long flight, so you may bring an iPod or a portable DVD player. These items are okay, but keep their costs in mind. Would you be able to afford a replacement? If not, consider leaving them at home. Otherwise, keep these valuables in your carry on luggage and use your in room safe. Not all Caribbean hotels and resorts offer in room safes. If yours does not, speak with management to determine a safe alternative.

Finally, use your best judgment. As previously stated numerous times, Caribbean vacations are safe to take. Regardless of where you vacation, what type of hotel or resort you stay at, and whether you sightsee or not, you should have an enjoyable time. Just don’t put yourself in questionable situations, such as traveling alone at night and carrying all your money in cash.

About the Author: Super Clubs, at http://www.SuperClubs.com, can help you make your Caribbean travel plans.

Buy Flower : Flowers italy, Flowers japan, flowers to japan

Is Your Discount Caribbean Vacation Package Really a Discount?

If you want to travel to the Caribbean, whether it be Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, or another beautiful destination in the area, you want to save money. For that reason, you, like most other tourists, will automatically look for Caribbean discount vacation packages. These packages are easy to find, but caution is advised. Cheap travel packages are supposed to save you money, but they don’t always.

So, how do you ensure your discount vacation package actually provides you with a discount?

Do business with a reputable company or travel website. Many tourists turn to travel agents and online travel websites. Although it is easy to book a Caribbean vacation on your own, many like the outside help from an expert. That is okay, but make sure you are doing business with a trustworthy individual or website. A small amount of research online will let you know. Be cautious of travel agents in your community with a bad reputation or a poor track record. Be cautious of online travel websites that are known for adding on large hidden fees.

Go directly to the source. When it comes to discount travel packages, many first time tourists mistakenly believe they need to visit a third party travel website. That is not the case. In the Caribbean, you can get travel packages directly through the resorts. The Breezes, Starfish, and Hedonism Resort lines all enable you to do so. By going directly to the source, you eliminate the intermediary. For example, if you decide to stay at a Breezes resort, visit Breezes.com to make your travel plans. Make your arrangements as a travel package.

Opt for an all inclusive resort. In the Caribbean, you have many staying options. There are Caribbean hotels, vacation rentals, traditional resorts, and all inclusive resorts. All of these options come highly rated and recommended, but all inclusive resorts are your best chance to save money. They do cost more upfront, but you should get a better deal in the long run. This is because your stay includes more than just a room. You also get food, drinks, tips, qualifying airport transfers, some forms of onsite entertainment and more. Airfare can be included too, but this is optional.

Choose your all inclusive resort wisely. Since food, drinks, tips, and onsite entertainment are already included in the cost of your stay, you paid for them. To save the most money, choose the resort that is perfect for your needs. Do you want to scuba dive, snorkel, and windsurf? If so, opt for a resort where these are included as onsite entertainment. You pay to do these activities once or twice, but you are rarely prohibited from doing them more. This results in you saving money and getting a good deal.

Compare the individual components of your preferred Caribbean vacation package. The best way to ensure you are truly getting a discount is to dissect your vacation package. To get started, look at the inclusions of your discount travel package. You already know you get food, drinks, tips, and a room. Closely examine on the onsite activities. For example, a beachfront resort is likely to include snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing.

In keeping with comparing your discount vacation package, you now know each component of the package and its overall cost. Start dissecting the package and estimate the cost of each individual component. This is easy with airfare and resort room. Just request a standalone quote. Then, estimate the cost of food, drinks, tips, and entertainment. You can call a local beach rental shop to see how much rental gear costs for snorkeling. Contact the resort in question and inquire about the price of your favorite meal. Use this as a guide. Total up each individual cost. For you to truly get a discount, your cheap vacation package should save you money.

Remember, cheap discount Caribbean vacation packages should save you money. Unfortunately, they don’t always. Take half an hour to an hour to individually dissect and compare your preferred travel package. If you aren’t saving money, skip the purchase and look elsewhere. The best way to get a quality, yet cheap trip to the Caribbean is to make your travel plans in advance, opt for an all inclusive resort, and go directly to the source.

About the Author: Want to save money on your next Caribbean vacation? If so, Breezes, http://www.Breezes.com, is the way to go.

Buy Flower : flowers australia, Send Flowers Germany, flowers germany, Send flowers italy

The Benefits of All Inclusive Honeymoons

Are you planning your honeymoon? If so, you have thousands of well known and popular destinations to choose from. Not only that, but you also have many booking options. If you are still looking for that perfect destination, look no farther than the Caribbean. In terms of booking your honeymoon, look no farther than all inclusive travel packages. Why? Continue reading on for five reasons why all inclusive honeymoons are the way to go.

1 – The Destinations to Choose From

As previously stated, the Caribbean is a great honeymoon destination. Not only that, the area includes a lot of beautiful land and islands. You can choose from Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic. Regardless of which Caribbean destination you choose, you will find yourself in paradise. The beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and tropical weather will leave you feeling as if you stepped into a fairytale. In this area, romance is all but guaranteed.

2 – The All Inclusive Resorts to Choose From

To have an all inclusive Caribbean honeymoon, you need to stay at an all inclusive resort. Luckily, you have many to choose from. For the largest selection of inclusive resorts, Jamaica is your best destination. There, you will find at least six all inclusive and super inclusive resorts.

Since you are planning the honeymoon of your dreams, make sure your honeymoon is truly a dream come true. To do so, examine your resort options. Opt for the Caribbean resort that is the perfect fit for your wants and needs. For example, do and your new spouse enjoy the water? If so, opt for a beachfront resort where waterskiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving is not only available, but also included in the cost of your stay.

On your honeymoon, you want both romance and convenience. For bars and restaurants, look at the onsite selections. Some resorts may have one or two restaurants to choose from, but others may have five or more. Look for the perfect mixture of convenience and luxury.

3 – The Ease of Planning

As previously stated, all inclusive honeymoons involve all inclusive resorts. When making your travel plans, the cost of your stay should include your room, food, drinks, tips, some forms of entertainment, and qualifying airport transfers. If it is your preference, airfare can be included too.

You are in the middle of planning a wedding ceremony and reception. You do not have days or weeks to compare hundreds of Caribbean resorts, airlines, restaurants, and so forth. By opting for an all inclusive resort and travel package, you automatically save time. You can still compare resorts, but opting for super or all inclusive automatically eliminates the lesser quality accommodations.

4 – Enjoyment

Enjoyment is important for a honeymoon. On your honeymoon, you should have no worries. An all inclusive honeymoon gives you this. As previously stated, qualifying airport transfers, food, drinks, tips, and many onsite activities are included in with the cost of your stay. This enables you to sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself. There is no having to worry about watching what you eat or drink in fear of going over your budget. You already paid for these items.

5 – Romance

Not only is enjoyment important for a honeymoon, but romance too. As previously stated, you will get both because all inclusive travel translates into carefree and worry free travel. However, you should also know that all inclusive resorts are designed for romance. In the Caribbean, you will find adult only resorts. These establishments prohibit individuals under the age of 14, 16, or 18. This alone should give you comfort and peace of mind. You can express your love and appreciation for each other without worrying about a five year old on a family vacation watching your every move.

Not only can you have the Caribbean all inclusive honeymoon of your dreams, but you can also have a destination wedding. In fact, some all inclusive resorts give guests free wedding ceremonies with a short minimum stay, often only five or seven days!

In short, if you want to have a Caribbean honeymoon, there is only one way to travel. That is all inclusive. With an all inclusive travel package, you preplan and prepay for a good percentage of your trip. This means no worries. You are paired with a luxury all inclusive resort that is designed so that you never have to leave. Whether it be relaxing on the beach, enjoying an afternoon of scuba diving, or staying in bed all day, you can do it in the Caribbean with an all inclusive honeymoon.

About the Author: Let Breezes, at http://www.Breezes.com, help you plan the Caribbean honeymoon of your dreams!

Buy Flower : Malaysia florist, flower delivery malaysia, Flowers malaysia, Australia flower delivery

Siena, Italy – Medieval Life and Horse Racing

Italy has many well-known travel destinations such as Rome. Less publicized destinations such as Siena are even better.

Sienna

Located roughly an hour outside of Florence, Siena is one of my favorite places in Italy. When you think gothic architecture and medieval town, you think of Siena. Built as a fortified city behind large, thick walls on a small mountain, Siena oozes history. Cars are barred from much of the city, so you can meander down ancient brick alleyways below towering wall-to-wall residences.

In Siena, you’ll find a relaxed way of life, two music schools and just a general feel of what Italy must have been like in the past. Head to the Piazza del Campo in the heart of the city and grab a seat in a café. As you gaze across the city, you can view the Duomo Cathedral that towers over the city. Unlike other cities, the cathedral does not contrast with the buildings around it. All of Siena retains the gothic medieval architectural style and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better gothic example in Europe.

The best way to experience Siena is to simply stay there. Like wine, Siena improves the longer you stay. Daily explorations lead to surprising little shops, incredibly friendly people and a general feeling of peace.

Il Palio

If you prefer a little action on your trip, Siena has an event that rivals any in Europe. The Il Palio bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo is a sight to be seen. The fun starts well before the race when various neighborhoods challenge each other. The challenge comes in the form of bands walking through “enemy” neighborhoods in the middle of the night and making an unholy racket. Eventually, each neighborhood produces a horse and rider for the day of the race. Bareback, the riders race for neighborhood pride among an absolutely screaming crowd of people. The running of the bulls has nothing on this event.

If you visit Florence while in Italy, take the time to spend a couple days in Siena. In fact, blow past Florence and go immediately to Siena.

About The Author

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.

Worldwide Flower Delivery : italy florists, italy flowers delivery, florists in italy

Italy – Naples and Sorrento

Italy is really two countries in one with the wealthy, historic north dominating. To get a taste of the south, Naples and Sorrento are your destinations.

Naples

If ever there was a city with a reputation, it is Naples. Dirty, nasty, crime infested and fanatical are all words thrown around when describing. In this case, the descriptions are true and it is GREAT! The place is a madhouse and colorful beyond description. Crime is a problem, but you will be fine if you use common sense.

Naples is all about “real.” You will not get that odd touristy sensation you find in the cities to the north. Naples is about living now, now in the past. The people can be gruff, but are also a heck of lot more colorful than you will find elsewhere. If you get in trouble, just bring up the subject of football (soccer) and you’ll suddenly have friends for life.

The best way to experience Naples is just to explore it. The action is on the street, not in museums. If you’re hankering for picture opportunities, the glass dome over the Galleria Umberto I is a good spot. You can also climb above the city to take scenic pictures of the coast and madness of Naples.

If you are really pining for a tourist fix, Pompeii and the looming Mount Vesuvius are close by. Pompeii, of course, was buried in a Mount Vesuvius explosion, literally freezing everything in place. Ah, you already know the story.

Sorrento

If Naples overwhelms you, head around the bay to Sorrento. Sorrento is similar to Naples with one notable exception. It is all about the tourist and making them comfortable. Frankly, it is hard to see how Naples and Sorrento can co-exist, but they do. In Sorrento, you can stay at ancient resorts where service is the name of the game. The beaches aren’t so hot, but you can rent jet skis and such to invoke your inner tourist.

Southern Italy often gets a bad rap as a rough place riddled with crime. To some extent it is true, but seeing Italy without the gloss of the north is worth it.

About The Author

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Travel journals are great travel accessories and travel gifts for student travel, family vacations and adventure travel. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more travel articles, travelogues and travel stories.

Worldwide Flower Delivery : italy florist, italy flower delivery, send flowers to italy, send gifts to italy