Page 39 - Asia & North Pacific

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Providing Fascinating Travel Experiences
Why visit Japan?
Land of all contrasts, Japan offers an eclecticism like no other. From electric and high-tech megalopolises to the tranquil serenity of Buddhist places through a most inventive gastronomy: there are many reasons to decide to prepare a trip to Japan.
A country with a warm welcome: If there is indeed an adjective that characterizes the Japanese is the politeness. Smiles, irreproachable service in shops and restaurants, discretion and punctuality are real reasons for happiness for the Western tourist. Cleanliness is also an undeniable quality of Japanese: the presence of rubbish on the ground is rare, public toilets are always impeccable and local cuisine simmered in immaculate premises.
Exquisite gastronomy: This luxury is also reflected in a gastronomy that is akin to a real lifestyle. As in China, rice remains the basis of Japanese cuisine and is suitable for all sauces: with curry, chicken, seafood, vegetables ... Out of the trilogy maki, yakitori and sushi, this Inventive cuisine offers many other delights. Like fried noodles, ramen or udons (shrimp noodles). If for you this is a first then you will certainly keep a memorable memory.
Sumptuous landscapes: Country with a thousand gardens, Japan is also reveals itself in its nature. When spring comes, the Japanese look forward to the blooming cherry or sakura. A real national event called hanami. If there is a place where the waltz of the seasons is not an empty word it is indeed the Japanese garden: rocks, plants, lakes and pontoons intermingle in a real symphony. To explore places less influ- enced by human influence, national parks are also a must visit.
Thousands of temples and shrines: Japan's places of worship and gardens are a crucial part of the country's charm. Often built in places of great serenity and surrounded by nature, they are one of the corner- stones of Japanese culture. Places of worship for some and subject of wonder for the visitor, they punctuate the horizon of their porticoes and arabesques. Designed by inventive builders, they sometimes nestle in the heart of cities, where we least suspect their presence.
Discover Onsen and Sento: In Japan, bathing is much more than a hygienic act, it is an element anchored in the Japanese culture for millennia. The sento are especially in the cities, at the time they permit- ted the Japanese to make their toilet because all did not have a bath- room. Theonsenarenaturalsourcesofhotwater.Therearemanyin volcanic areas and are mostly outdoors. These are mostly little corners of paradise, with their ryokan and gourmet cuisine.
Why Japan?
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