from
www.prokerala.com
A fire early Wednesday in an Osaka sex shop left 15 patrons dead, emergency authorities said.
The blaze broke out in a video sex shop on the ground floor of a seven-storey building. The bodies of 15 men were found in individual, private viewing cabins after the fire, which took about an hour and a half to extinguish, Japanese media reported.
Another 10 men and one woman were rescued from the blaze, with three of them suffering serious injuries
jap
japantravel
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Who is eligible for a JAPAN RAIL PASS?
1. You are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing,under the entry status of "temporary visitor."
"Temporary Visitor" entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc." If you apply for a "stay for sight-seeing" when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "Temporary Visitor," as shown below. Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JAPAN RAIL PASS.
2. You are a Japanese national living in a foreigncountry,
a.who is qualified to live permanently in that country, or
b. who is married to a non-Japanese residing in a country other than Japan.
Note: Persons meeting conditions a or b above must be required to show proof of same at the point of purchase of an Exchange Order and obtaining a JAPAN RAIL PASS.
Also note: The former condition about a Japanese national "who has been living in a foreign country for ten or more years" is discontinued from 1 April 2004 purchase
There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS: Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS.See "JAPAN RAIL PASS validity", for services that can be used with a JAPAN RAIL PASS
The above are yen (or ) prices for a JAPAN RAIL PASS Exchange Order; the actual cost in local currency is calculated at the time the Exchange Order is issued. Note that the purchase exchange rate may differ from the exchange rate in effect when you actually visit Japan.
The local currency price, applicable exchange rate, and issue date for an Exchange Order are specified on the Exchange Order itself. PASS prices for children apply from age 6 to and including age 11. Prices are subject to change. The applicable price is the price valid on the date when an Exchange Order is issued.
"Temporary Visitor" entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc." If you apply for a "stay for sight-seeing" when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "Temporary Visitor," as shown below. Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JAPAN RAIL PASS.
2. You are a Japanese national living in a foreigncountry,
a.who is qualified to live permanently in that country, or
b. who is married to a non-Japanese residing in a country other than Japan.
Note: Persons meeting conditions a or b above must be required to show proof of same at the point of purchase of an Exchange Order and obtaining a JAPAN RAIL PASS.
Also note: The former condition about a Japanese national "who has been living in a foreign country for ten or more years" is discontinued from 1 April 2004 purchase
There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS: Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS.See "JAPAN RAIL PASS validity", for services that can be used with a JAPAN RAIL PASS
The above are yen (or ) prices for a JAPAN RAIL PASS Exchange Order; the actual cost in local currency is calculated at the time the Exchange Order is issued. Note that the purchase exchange rate may differ from the exchange rate in effect when you actually visit Japan.
The local currency price, applicable exchange rate, and issue date for an Exchange Order are specified on the Exchange Order itself. PASS prices for children apply from age 6 to and including age 11. Prices are subject to change. The applicable price is the price valid on the date when an Exchange Order is issued.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Travel to Japan on a budget
Too often people consider Japan too expensive for a vacation, but that doesn't have to be so. With a little preparation and some helpful hints, anyone can experience the magic of the Orient on a budget.
Before doing anything, the cardinal rule of vacation in Japan is research. Head to a local bookstore and pick up an inexpensive travel guide. You might be tempted to purchase a book with a wealth of pictures and fun facts, but for the serious traveler, these are best avoided. Try to find a book that is content intensive, giving concrete information about hotels, restaurants, and sights
For less expense and hassle, try to avoid planning your trip in August, early January, or late April through early May. These are important festival times for the Japanese, and most hotels are likely to be booked. Those that aren't might charge more, so unless you want to participate in one of the major festivals avoid these times for your trip.
When purchasing your plane tickets, start by checking around the internet. After getting a clear idea of what is out there, call your local travel agent. Many agents have special deals with the airlines, and can get you a discounted deal.
Also, if you plan to do a lot of travelling outside of Tokyo, be sure to buy a Japan Rail Pass. These passes can be purchased in one, two, and three week increments. These tourist-only passes that Japan Rail sells let you ride the bullet trains and smaller Japan Rail trains free of charge, shaving hundreds of dollars off your trip!
Booking hotels is a major consideration. The least expensive places to stay are usually Ryokan. A Ryokan is a Japanese inn, providing bamboo mat floors and simple mattresses to sleep on. They provide one of the best experiences of the Japanese lifestyle. Freestanding, wooden, ultra-traditional Ryokan can cost hundreds of dollars a night, but Ryokan affiliated with the Japanese Inn Group generally offer a less costly alternative. These inns may be situated in more modern surroundings, but they retain all the calm, peaceful spirit of the original.
If nightlife is your thing, however, be aware that most Ryokan have curfews. In that case your best bet is to shop around at local business hotels, looking for the best rate. Try to get a location close to a major subway stop. Your tired feet will be glad you did!
You've probably heard all of the rumors about how expensive food in Japan is. While it's true that classy restaurants can charge well over one hundred dollars for a meal, consider eating in smaller, family run establishments. There are numerous little eateries serving traditional Japanese meals like sushi, udon, and nabe, at a fraction of the cost of the larger restaurants. These restaurants provide a cozier atmosphere anyway, with a chance to observe the locals.
Yes coffee, soda, and alcohol are all outrageously priced in Japan, but once again there is a cheap and novel solution: Vending Machines! The Japanese are obsessed with vending machines. You'll find them serving most drinks, cigarettes, toiletries, even books and video tapes! You'll see these machines virtually everywhere, giving you ample opportunity to find and purchase what you need.
For day trips, use your guidebook to find the best in temples, museums, and other attractions. These low cost day trips provide some of the best education in Japanese culture.
Finally, be sure to visit cities outside of Tokyo. With the Japan Rail Pass you'll have the opportunity, and there is simply so much to see. Kyoto is a city steeped in Japan's traditions and history, and Hakone is a beautiful land of forests and mountains close to the famous Mount Fuji. Both destinations provide must see excitement for your trip through Japan.
Follow all of these suggestions, and you are garunteed a budget vacation that you will never forget
FROM - /www.essortment.com
Before doing anything, the cardinal rule of vacation in Japan is research. Head to a local bookstore and pick up an inexpensive travel guide. You might be tempted to purchase a book with a wealth of pictures and fun facts, but for the serious traveler, these are best avoided. Try to find a book that is content intensive, giving concrete information about hotels, restaurants, and sights
For less expense and hassle, try to avoid planning your trip in August, early January, or late April through early May. These are important festival times for the Japanese, and most hotels are likely to be booked. Those that aren't might charge more, so unless you want to participate in one of the major festivals avoid these times for your trip.
When purchasing your plane tickets, start by checking around the internet. After getting a clear idea of what is out there, call your local travel agent. Many agents have special deals with the airlines, and can get you a discounted deal.
Also, if you plan to do a lot of travelling outside of Tokyo, be sure to buy a Japan Rail Pass. These passes can be purchased in one, two, and three week increments. These tourist-only passes that Japan Rail sells let you ride the bullet trains and smaller Japan Rail trains free of charge, shaving hundreds of dollars off your trip!
Booking hotels is a major consideration. The least expensive places to stay are usually Ryokan. A Ryokan is a Japanese inn, providing bamboo mat floors and simple mattresses to sleep on. They provide one of the best experiences of the Japanese lifestyle. Freestanding, wooden, ultra-traditional Ryokan can cost hundreds of dollars a night, but Ryokan affiliated with the Japanese Inn Group generally offer a less costly alternative. These inns may be situated in more modern surroundings, but they retain all the calm, peaceful spirit of the original.
If nightlife is your thing, however, be aware that most Ryokan have curfews. In that case your best bet is to shop around at local business hotels, looking for the best rate. Try to get a location close to a major subway stop. Your tired feet will be glad you did!
You've probably heard all of the rumors about how expensive food in Japan is. While it's true that classy restaurants can charge well over one hundred dollars for a meal, consider eating in smaller, family run establishments. There are numerous little eateries serving traditional Japanese meals like sushi, udon, and nabe, at a fraction of the cost of the larger restaurants. These restaurants provide a cozier atmosphere anyway, with a chance to observe the locals.
Yes coffee, soda, and alcohol are all outrageously priced in Japan, but once again there is a cheap and novel solution: Vending Machines! The Japanese are obsessed with vending machines. You'll find them serving most drinks, cigarettes, toiletries, even books and video tapes! You'll see these machines virtually everywhere, giving you ample opportunity to find and purchase what you need.
For day trips, use your guidebook to find the best in temples, museums, and other attractions. These low cost day trips provide some of the best education in Japanese culture.
Finally, be sure to visit cities outside of Tokyo. With the Japan Rail Pass you'll have the opportunity, and there is simply so much to see. Kyoto is a city steeped in Japan's traditions and history, and Hakone is a beautiful land of forests and mountains close to the famous Mount Fuji. Both destinations provide must see excitement for your trip through Japan.
Follow all of these suggestions, and you are garunteed a budget vacation that you will never forget
FROM - /www.essortment.com
Shinjuku West - The Business District
Streams of screaming neon, high pitched shrieking sounds; people, people everywhere - silent and robotic. There's no room, there's no escape - earthquakes yet skyscrapers, it's hot, it's humid, it's calm, it's still for this is Shinjuku - a business and shopping district in the west of Tokyo and the ultimate, overwhelming experience. Shinjuku Station is a good place to start. It's box- like yet convoluted but over two million people successfully pass through each day! That's quite an achievement! So, with getting lost all part of the fun, there are three main exits. Take the "East Exit" for the high street shopping area, the "South Exit" for the Times Square Shopping Centre and the "West Exit" for the skyscraper and business zone.
Shinjuku West - The Business District
Once the site of a water-filled reservoir, the land on the west side of Shinjuku Station is now dominated by skyscrapers.
For maximum "salary-man" and "office-lady" impact, it's best to hit the streets around rush hour or lunchtime.
Beginning in Shinjuku Station, follow the signs to the "West Exit". You should then emerge onto an open-square area surrounded by department stores, banks and insurance companies. The two funnel like constructions at either end are air vents for the station below.
Using the pedestrian walkway that runs along the front of Odakyu Halc department store, make your way towards Fuji Bank. In the streets behind the bank you'll find what is now considered to be one of the best areas in Tokyo for buying electronic and photographic equipment. Work through the streets in a westerly direction until you come to a main road. Just over this road and opposite the post office, you'll find the Keio Plaza Hotel. Today, compared to its neighbours it's small, but in 1971 this was Shinjuku's tallest building. It's 170 meters high and has forty seven floors.
From the front entrance of the hotel, head off in a northerly direction. As one road over-passes the other, look to the left for a good view of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. At the end of the overpass you'll see some steps. These lead down to the concourse of the Mitsui Building. Finished in 1974, the building is 209 meters high and has 55 floors. Inside, together with shops and restaurants, you'll find the Pentax Forum. This is an exhibition space for photographs and photographic equipment (open daily, except public holidays 10:30 am to 6:30 pm).
Next look for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. With Notre Dame in Paris apparently and clearly the inspiration, you won't mistake it. The building, the fourth tallest in Japan, was finished in 1990. It's 296 meters high and thanks to special shock absorbing pillars and posts, it's supposed to be fully earthquake proof. There are two observation galleries, one in each tower at 45 floors up. Entrance is free and the panoramic view is fantastic. On a clear day, you can even Mount Fuji and Yokohama! (Open: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am to 5:30. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays (if the day before was a public holiday) December 29th - 31st and January 2nd - 3rd inclusive).
Shinjuku Chuo (Central) Park is next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It's not particularly picturesque, but you may find it socially interesting - much of it is a shanty town inhabited by down and outs. On some Sundays a flea market is held in the entrance.
Just over the road from the park you should be able to see the Century Hyatt Hotel. With this and the Tokyo Metropolitan Building facing you, turn left and walk towards the set of traffic lights. At the traffic lights turn right, and then make your way back east to find Shinjuku Station. On the way, just past the Hilton Hotel, notice the large red "LOVE" statue next to the I-Land Patio. The I-Land Patio can be quite surreal at times - the sound of gushing water, piped ambient music; shiny, metallic furniture. But the restaurants have nobody in them; the outside tables have nobody at them! It's an empty space - quite bizarre for Tokyo!
Shomben Yokocho ("Piss Alley")
Not as the name suggests, "Piss Alley" is in fact a collection of ramshackle huts and restaurants located between the train tracks and the side of the Odakyu Department store. In 1999 when a fire broke out in a ramen shop, the area was almost completely destroyed. Now however it's been re-built, and as the character has been retained, at night it still remains one of the city's most atmospheric places to wander.
Shinjuku Eastmouth
Shinjuku Eastmouth is the high street shopping area. It's also where you'll find "Kabukicho", the red light district.
From inside Shinjuku Station, follow the signs to the "Central East Exit". Once out you'll see "My City". Somewhat unfortunate in appearance, the building was finished in 1964. The inside is divided into a mass of small shop units.
Studio Alta
The two main shopping streets are Shinjuku Dori Avenue and Yasukuni Dori Avenue. Don't forget too, all the little streets in between. Studio Alta, with its giant TV screen, is directly opposite My City. As a popular rendezvous point, the entrance is often so crowded that meeting the person you're supposed to be meeting is really no option at all.Strip clubs, hostess bars and pachinko parlours occupy Kabukicho. But here too, you'll also find many mainstream cinemas together with Koma Stadium, a venue for traditional music and dance (tickets available on the door). To get to Kabukicho, cross over Yasukuni Dori Avenue in the direction away from Shinjuku Station.
Shinjuku Southmouth
A breathtaking building at dusk, the Times Square Shopping Centre stands on land that was once occupied by tumble down wooden shacks and drinking places. Finished in 1996, inside you'll find a branch of Tokyu Hands the famous arts and crafts shop, and Kinokunia which sells English books.
Shinjuku West - The Business District
Once the site of a water-filled reservoir, the land on the west side of Shinjuku Station is now dominated by skyscrapers.
For maximum "salary-man" and "office-lady" impact, it's best to hit the streets around rush hour or lunchtime.
Beginning in Shinjuku Station, follow the signs to the "West Exit". You should then emerge onto an open-square area surrounded by department stores, banks and insurance companies. The two funnel like constructions at either end are air vents for the station below.
Using the pedestrian walkway that runs along the front of Odakyu Halc department store, make your way towards Fuji Bank. In the streets behind the bank you'll find what is now considered to be one of the best areas in Tokyo for buying electronic and photographic equipment. Work through the streets in a westerly direction until you come to a main road. Just over this road and opposite the post office, you'll find the Keio Plaza Hotel. Today, compared to its neighbours it's small, but in 1971 this was Shinjuku's tallest building. It's 170 meters high and has forty seven floors.
From the front entrance of the hotel, head off in a northerly direction. As one road over-passes the other, look to the left for a good view of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. At the end of the overpass you'll see some steps. These lead down to the concourse of the Mitsui Building. Finished in 1974, the building is 209 meters high and has 55 floors. Inside, together with shops and restaurants, you'll find the Pentax Forum. This is an exhibition space for photographs and photographic equipment (open daily, except public holidays 10:30 am to 6:30 pm).
Next look for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. With Notre Dame in Paris apparently and clearly the inspiration, you won't mistake it. The building, the fourth tallest in Japan, was finished in 1990. It's 296 meters high and thanks to special shock absorbing pillars and posts, it's supposed to be fully earthquake proof. There are two observation galleries, one in each tower at 45 floors up. Entrance is free and the panoramic view is fantastic. On a clear day, you can even Mount Fuji and Yokohama! (Open: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 am to 5:30. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Closed: Mondays, Tuesdays (if the day before was a public holiday) December 29th - 31st and January 2nd - 3rd inclusive).
Shinjuku Chuo (Central) Park is next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It's not particularly picturesque, but you may find it socially interesting - much of it is a shanty town inhabited by down and outs. On some Sundays a flea market is held in the entrance.
Just over the road from the park you should be able to see the Century Hyatt Hotel. With this and the Tokyo Metropolitan Building facing you, turn left and walk towards the set of traffic lights. At the traffic lights turn right, and then make your way back east to find Shinjuku Station. On the way, just past the Hilton Hotel, notice the large red "LOVE" statue next to the I-Land Patio. The I-Land Patio can be quite surreal at times - the sound of gushing water, piped ambient music; shiny, metallic furniture. But the restaurants have nobody in them; the outside tables have nobody at them! It's an empty space - quite bizarre for Tokyo!
Shomben Yokocho ("Piss Alley")
Not as the name suggests, "Piss Alley" is in fact a collection of ramshackle huts and restaurants located between the train tracks and the side of the Odakyu Department store. In 1999 when a fire broke out in a ramen shop, the area was almost completely destroyed. Now however it's been re-built, and as the character has been retained, at night it still remains one of the city's most atmospheric places to wander.
Shinjuku Eastmouth
Shinjuku Eastmouth is the high street shopping area. It's also where you'll find "Kabukicho", the red light district.
From inside Shinjuku Station, follow the signs to the "Central East Exit". Once out you'll see "My City". Somewhat unfortunate in appearance, the building was finished in 1964. The inside is divided into a mass of small shop units.
Studio Alta
The two main shopping streets are Shinjuku Dori Avenue and Yasukuni Dori Avenue. Don't forget too, all the little streets in between. Studio Alta, with its giant TV screen, is directly opposite My City. As a popular rendezvous point, the entrance is often so crowded that meeting the person you're supposed to be meeting is really no option at all.Strip clubs, hostess bars and pachinko parlours occupy Kabukicho. But here too, you'll also find many mainstream cinemas together with Koma Stadium, a venue for traditional music and dance (tickets available on the door). To get to Kabukicho, cross over Yasukuni Dori Avenue in the direction away from Shinjuku Station.
Shinjuku Southmouth
A breathtaking building at dusk, the Times Square Shopping Centre stands on land that was once occupied by tumble down wooden shacks and drinking places. Finished in 1996, inside you'll find a branch of Tokyu Hands the famous arts and crafts shop, and Kinokunia which sells English books.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)