travel in osaka

Towel manufacturer associations in Osaka Prefecture and the Shikoku region both claim to be the top producers in the country, but base their claims on different calculation methods.
With a longer history in towel production, Osaka Prefecture used to be the runaway market leader before World War II. In the late 1950s, however, Shikoku overtook Osaka, thanks to success in making cotton blankets.
But the towel gap has narrowed in recent years, with 9,381 tons produced in Shikoku and 9,209 tons in Osaka Prefecture last year. The combined volume accounted for 99 percent of domestic towel production.
The Osaka Towel Industrial Association in Izumisano in the prefecture, which has 102 member firms, cites the volume of towels brought to dye houses as its production figure.
On the other hand, the Shikoku Towel Industrial Association in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, with 132 members, calculates production by using the yield rate, which shows the percentage of cotton yarn that is actually turned into towels without being wasted. The association multiplies the amount of yarn by the yield rate to calculate towel production.
The association had set the yield rate at 84 percent until 2007 but gradually raised it to 90 percent in 2008, 94 percent in 2009 and 95 percent in 2010. It is known that humans have inhabited what is now called Osaka since more than 10,000 years ago. Around the 5th century A.D., Chinese culture was introduced to Japan via the Korean peninsula, and Osaka became the center of politics and culture of Japan.
In the 7th century, the first capital of Japan, modeled after the capital of China, was established in Osaka. Thereafter, though the capital was subsequently moved to nearby Nara and Kyoto, Osaka continued to flourish uninterruptedly, serving as the gateway of culture and trade.
Around the end of the 12th century, political power fell into the hands of the warrior class and Japan entered an age of civil strife; however, Sakai (south of present-day Osaka City) developed as a free city of the type seen in medieval Italy. Furthermore, in 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who accomplished the great task of unifying the country, chose Osaka as his base and constructed the magnificent Osaka Castle, making Osaka the political and economic center of Japan.
In the 17th century, though the political center shifted to Tokyo, called Edo at the time, Osaka continued playing a vital role in managing the nation's economy and distribution of goods, and was therefore named the "Nation's Kitchen". During this period, a broad town-based culture flourished and reached maturity in Osaka. Private schools, such as Kaitokudo and Tekijuku not under the educational dictates of the government, also took root in Osaka. In this way, open-mindedness and a vigorous enterprising spirit were nurtured, forming a rich setting for a soon-to-be modern metropolis.
Then, in the 19th century, the confusion brought on by the Meiji Restoration as well as the building of a modern state dealt Osaka merchants a severe blow. However, Osaka rose from this hardship and developed into an industrial area, emerging as a modern district. Recovering again from devastation by repeated air raids during World War II, Osaka, as a commercial center of Japan, has played a major role in distribution, trade, and industry.
Osaka is now making the next leap forward to becoming an international city for the exchange of goods and information between people from all over the wo
The Osaka side argues the yield rate should be set at about 90 percent. "Using this rate, Shikoku's towel production should've been less than 9,000 tons in 2009, meaning Osaka Prefecture was the top production center," an association official said.
The Osaka association printed the phrase "Japan's largest towel production center" on a promotional poster at the end of last year.
If Osaka really is on top, it would be the association's first No. 1 billing in half a century. "[The title] will enhance our name recognition and encourage towel producers," the official said.
However, the Shikoku association still boasts on its Web site of being the nation's largest towel production center.

travel in nagoya today

Nagoya is located at the heart of central Japan, some 1,5 hours by train south of Tokyo. Some of the scenic areas of the region include Nobi Plain, and the Omo River valley. As the nucleus of this central area, Nagoya, with its population of more than 2.15 million, is one of Japan's major cities, and an important industrial and cultural center.
The main sight in town is undoubtedly the Nagoya Castle, famous for the golden dolphins adorning its rooftop, was constructed in 1612 and a new castle town formed. Nagoya is actively preparing for a future in which lifestyle, technology, and culture work together to create a harmonious environment.

The nearby Shikemichi quarter is well worth a visit. Its history dates back to the days of commodities merchants of the 18th century. Old warehouses, private homes, temples and shrines remain to this day.

Downtown Nagoya is bustling and busy. It's a good place for shopping but it often leaves the visitor out of breath. The Hisaya Odori Park is the place to head for then. It consists of a series of parks in the downtown area and it's great for relaxing a bit.
The implementation of an efficient and convenient transportation system made up of railways, ports, and canals led to the rapid development of these industries. In 1907, Nagoya Port was opened and along with the reinforcing of the connecting Shinhori River helped popularize Nagoya merchandise throughout Japan. Nagoya established itself as a modern commercial and industrial city. During World War I (1914-1918), the demand for metals, machinery, and the heavy industry continued to increase. Nagoya stepped in to meet the demands. In the 1930’s, exports from Nagoya increased remarkably, especially in heavy industries. As a result, employment in related areas such as machinery and metals boomed.

　

Around 1920, the automobile industry began to lay its foundations with the announcement of the "Chukyo Detroit Plan". Five companies worked together and produced a domestic passenger car in 1932. Later this automobile industry was succeeded by the famous Toyota Motor Corporation. The airplane industry started at about the same time. Before and during World War II, Nagoya was the largest industrial center for production of military materials. More than 10,000 Zero Fighters, 60% of the national total, were manufactured here.

　

The central water supply system began in 1904 and by 1923, drains and sewers had been installed in the central part of the city. Four sewage plants were built between 1930 and 1934 to ensure the purity of the rivers. In the early 1900’s, the City constructed and improved the city road network. Between 1908 and 1924, five main streets were constructed. Together with the opening of the Nagoya port, rivers and waterways were also improved, bridges were built or repaired, and special consideration was given to the efficiency of water transportation.

　

Approximately one-fourth of Nagoya was destroyed during World War II. Almost half of the population evacuated the city and most city functions were brought to a standstill. However just 45 days after the war ended, the City Assembly approved an extensive reconstruction plan. It was to be a long and arduous assignment. This plan included everything needed for a modern city such as city streets, subways, parks, and greenery. One of the central features of the plan was the construction of two 100 meter-wide roads and nine 50 meter-wide road which would serve as the main routes for automobile transportation in a city of two million people.

　

In the public transportation sector, construction of a subway system linking Nagoya Station and Sakae began in 1957. Subway construction has moved along at a rapid pace over the last 40 years. In order to fulfill the responsibilities for the Tokyo Olympics, the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Nagoya to Kobe Expressway were completed in early 1964. An efficient and convenient bus network has also been set up throughout the city.

　

In September 1959, the most severe post-war disaster struck Nagoya. The Ise Bay typhoon struck the southern part of the city, flooding the entire area. The west bank of the Shonai River collapsed, and 1,851 residents were killed, 118,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and over 530,000 people were made homeless by the catastrophe. The city implemented a comprehensive relief effort and at the same time, received help and support from its sister-city, Los Angeles, and many other cities both in Japan and overseas. In order to prevent a recurrence of such a disaster, the city has taken extensive measures to improve the breakwaters in the port area, and to strengthen and heighten the embankments along the rivers in the city

Osu is perfect for shopping or to visit one of the many museums in the area. The last sight not to be missed is the Atsuta Shrine. One of the three major shrines in Japan along with Ise and Meiji. Atsuta Shrine houses the Kusanagi (grass-mowing) Sword, one of the three Sacred Treasures of the Imperial Family.


Sakae is a busy shopping area, and recently has added a new Apple store, for those in need of a little free internet.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a sport and nature lovers paradise and also offers some of the largest and most Can't decide if a tour or activity is right for you? Viator travelers have reviewed thousands of tours and things to do: what they love, what they like and what they think could be better. Make the most of your next trip with the following Japan traveler reviews.beautiful cities in Japan. Hokkaido offers the spectacular Sapporo Snow Festival, skiing and snow boarding mountains, river rafting, hiking and hundreds of wonderful and relaxing Japanese style “Onsens” or natural hot spring baths. The people are friendly and the food and sea food is perhaps the freshest and most delicious in all Japan.The Japan Labor Review is a quarterly journal of research in the field of labor studies. For the purpose of providing valuable information on Japanese labor issues to the broad range of overseas readers, articles are selected, edited, and published by an editorial board of the Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training.

japan tour part 2

There has been some concern that Japanese travelers are not adequately protected against malaria, especially when compared to Western travelers. Multi-national studies of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding malaria risk have previously been conducted in travelers.

We conducted a KAP study in Japanese travelers using the same standardized questionnaire as the previous studies. Unlike those studies, questionnaires could not be distributed at departure lounges/gates at international airports, and therefore, travelers were sourced from several different study sites, targeting different populations.

A total of 212 Japanese travelers who had visited malarious areas were enrolled, of which 63.2% had visited Asia and 28.3% visited sub-Saharan Africa. Significant shortcomings in KAP were noted with respect to lack of knowledge about symptoms of malaria, poor awareness of malaria risk at their destination, and non-adherence to adequate antimosquito measures. Chemoprophylaxis use was lower among Japanese travelers than travelers from other countries, even when confining to those traveling to sub-Saharan Africa.

Japanese travel medicine providers and general practitioners who engage in pre-travel consultation should raise awareness of travelers about the seriousness of malaria, the need for improved compliance with chemoprophylaxis, and the importance of being properly prepared prior to departure

Fukuoka Japan

Fukuoka is considered as one of the oldest cities of Japan. Located in Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is formed by the fusion of Hakata the port city of Japan and Fukuoka. As among the oldest city of Japan Fukuoka city still follow traditional Japanese culture and customs that can be clearly reflected in the surroundings as well as in the cuisines. Fukuoka Travel Guide offers lot of information about the history, geography, culture and attractions of city to the tourists.
The places that one must visit in Fukuoka are the Nokonoshima Island, the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, the Tohori Park, Museums, Marine Park Uminonakamichi, Sky Dream Fukuoka, shrines and temples, which are many in number, Fukuoka Dome, the Canal City etc.

Fukuoka is also home to innumerous hotels. One may have varied choice of accommodation that ranges from budget hotel to five - star hotel or from cheap hotels to resorts that provide you with the perfect ambience required to spend good times with friends or family.

As far as shopping is concerned you need to make a trip to the Canal City, the most famous shopping complex of Fukuoka. The other places to visit for shopping purposes are the Tenjin Underground Shopping Arcade, Kawabata Shopping Arcade, Marina Town and many others. At these shopping malls you can pick up a souvenir of your choice.

The cost of food at most of the restaurants at the Fukuoka is within one's budget. At the local restaurants one can try out the Mizutaki, (water# skimmed chicken stew). The local food stalls also serve variety of Japanese cuisines. One can try out the Ramen (a whitish soup made out of a broth of boiled pork bones) garnished with leaf mustard and red pickled ginger. At the Fukuoka city one must try out the cod roe or the spicy mentaiko.

For transportation within the city you can opt for the bus service, that is quiet frequent or can hire a taxi. If you want to avoid the bus or a taxi, then you can avail the subway trains


An ancient and key point of exchange between Japan and the rest of Asia. A cradle of culture.

Fukuoka is situated in the northern extremity of Kyushu, facing the Sea of Suo to the northeast, the Sea of Genkai to the northwest, and the Sea of Ariake to the southwest. As the prefecture borders the Korean Peninsula to the continent of China with a strait in between, Fukuoka was the first place in Japan to be exposed to the culture of the continent. Ever since the Government-General of Kyushu, Dazaifu, was set up in the 7th century, Fukuoka has grown as the hub of the Kyushu region.


In Dazaifu, the ancient capital of the Kyushu region that lasted for 500 years, is Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine, where about 6,000 red and white plum trees of 200 varieties and 30,000 irises of 50 different varieties lie, as well as other seasonal flowers that can be enjoyed. As Tenman-gu enshrines the god of academic achievement, it is visited by many people, students seeking luck in their entrance examinations mostly, all year round. Also, the prefecture has scenic spots such as the Senbutsu limestone cavern, a national natural treasure with beautiful stalagmite and stone pillars, as well as Space World, the world's first space theme park.

The city of Fukuoka, also known as Hakata, is not only the center of administration and economy in the Kyushu region but also a terminal for air routes and railroads. The Hakata Dontaku is a colorful port festival held in summer each year. Highlighted by a parade of children in traditional dress, men and women in fancy costume, and 'te-odori' dancing (dancing with nothing in hand) people through the streets, this event draws more than 580 groups and about 31,000 citizens,

nakoya so cool

Nagoya
Nagoya City breathes history, as testified by the epic movies (such as Shogun and Ran) centred around Nagoya Castle. But it was Expo 2005 that put Nagoya on the world map. A total of 121 countries participated in the event, which attracted more than 22 million visitors over the six months of the Expo. Post-Expo, Nagoya is positioning itself both as a centre for hi-tech industries and as a tourist gateway. Toyota Cars, old and new famed ceramics Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples dolls and robots castles, feudal villas and farmhouses pearls, art and a plethora of shopping and nightlife.

The City Nagoya successfully lives up to the expectations placed upon it as Japans fourth largest city. The “Greater Nagoya area” (a 100 km-square area with Nagoya City at its centre, encompassing the three prefectures of Aichi, Gifu and Mie) is indisputably THE manufacturing hub of Japan, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and automobile manufacture. But the city is not all about industry and industriousness. Nagoya is poised to become the transport hub of Japan, with Chubu Central Japan International Airport (CENTRAIR), Japan’s first 24-hour airport, just 30 minutes by fast rail from downtown Nagoya. In Nagoya, super-modernity blends seamlessly with timelessness. As former home to the Edo-era shoguns (Emperors) of Japan, the whole city breathes history. In a bid to boost tourism to Nagoya, the area stretching from Nagoya Castle to Tokugawaen has been dubbed “The Cultural Path”, billed as a living testimonial to 400 years of Nagoya history. The Cultural Path is lined with many historic buildings that have survived from the Edo (1603-1867), Meiji (1868-1911), Taisho (1912-1925) and Showa (1926-1988) periods. Just hanging out in Nagoya is one of life’s supreme pleasures. Check out Central Park with its striking TV Tower. Walk the streets of Nishiki precinct, a Soho or Montmartre on steroids. Then step back 250 years, on a trip out of town to the super-scenic Kiso Valley. Within a loose triangle formed by Sakae, Yaba-cho and Osu Kannon stations is the city’s principal shopping and entertainment district called Sakae. Here streets are lined with department stores, huge malls and an endless choice of eating and drinking venues. The port district is going through some major redevlopement too and now hosts a number of museums and attractions.

Read more about Nagoya:
The City, Do & See, Cafés, Eating, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping, Sleeping, Essential Information

1300th Anniversary of Nara Capital

In 2010, Nara is celebrating its 1300th anniversary!
In ancient times, Japan's Imperial Palace would move with the ascension of every new Emperor. This tradition was discontinued in 710, when Heijo, present day Nara, was selected as the site of the country's first permanent capital. Despite the intentions to make it permanent, Heijo-kyo (Nara Capital) lasted less than a century. Because the city's large temples exerted too much political influence, the capital was eventually moved to Nagaoka in 784 and then to Kyoto in 794.

On the 1300th anniversary of Heijo-kyo, some major reconstruction works have been carried out on the former grounds of Heijo Palace, and various special events will be held. Anniversary related events started from January 1, 2010, but the celebration will not be in full swing until April 24, when the main venue is opened on the former grounds of the Heijo Palace.


Reconstruction of historic buildings

After the capital had been moved out of Nara, the palace structures were moved or abandoned, and within a relatively short time period there was little evidence left of the area's glorious past. For the following millennium, the former palace grounds were mainly used as rice fields until major excavation works were started in the 1950s.

In 1998, the South Gate and the East Garden of the former palace grounds were reconstructed and opened to the public. And for the big anniversary in 2010, the former Imperial Audience Hall has been reconstructed and will be opened to the public in April. The palace grounds will serve as the main venue of the celebrations.

Apart from the palace grounds, some of Nara's major temples have been engaging in renovation and reconstruction projects as well. In time for the anniversary, Toshodaiji Temple, southwest of central Nara, finished the extensive renovation of its main hall, which lasted for almost a decade. And Kofukuji Temple in the city center has completed excavation works and the construction of the foundation for the reconstruction of its main hall, which had been lost in the past (to be completed in 2015).

Events

The main celebrations and events will be carried out from April 24 to November 7, 2010 on the former grounds of Heijo Palace. Among the announced events and attractions are exhibitions on the history of Nara, a life-size replica of a ship used for diplomatic relations with the Asian mainland, parades, hand-on experience opportunities and music and light shows.

The events and reconstructions surrounding the anniversary create an additional reason to visit Nara in 2010, besides the city's regular historic sights and annual events. Some events will also be held in other locations of Nara Prefecture, the cradle of Japanese civilization, such as in the lesser known towns of