Blogs from Japan, Asia - page 9

Tour Day 128, Cruise Day 26 – Shimizu, Japan – We had a notably topsy-turvy night getting to Shimizu, and, indeed, the captain announced we had aborted our first approach to the harbor because of the persistent high winds. Our second approach was successful, we arrived under brilliant blue skies and were greeted by a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. My shore excursion didn’t begin until 1200 hours, so I circled the ship on the walking deck, watching the docking proceedings and taking several pictures I hope you enjoy. “Nihondaira Outlook & Kunozan Toshogu Shrine“ Shore Excursion Begin this spiritual day with a coach ride to Nihondaira Park Outlook -- a Prefecture Natural Park and the perfect spot to take in views of Suruga Bay and magnificent Mt Fuji (weather permitting). Board the scenic ropeway (cable ... read more

Tour Day 122, Cruise Day 24 – “Ground Zero & the Atomic Bomb Museum” Shore Excursion – Nagasaki, Japan – Nagasaki was opened to foreign trade in 1570, and flourished as the sole portal through which Western culture entered Japan during the isolation period. Along with Christian culture, foreign learning found its way into the country - particularly in the fields of shipbuilding, mining, printing and medicine. In addition to its many historic places, the city and its surrounding area are also very rich in scenic beauty. Today you will visit Nagasaki Peace Park, created in remembrance of the atomic bomb explosion on August 9, 1945. Conclude with a trip to the Atomic Bomb Museum and Hypocenter before returning to the pier. . Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency for any purchases. This tour ... read more

Kate Springer of CNN: Almost every year since she was a child, Hokkaido resident Naomi has looked forward to her family’s traditional Christmas meal: a KFC “party barrel” brimming with salad, cake and lots of fried chicken. “In Japan, it is customary to eat chicken at Christmas,” says the 30-something Japanese woman. (Not my idea of a tradition!) “Every year, I order the party barrel and enjoy it with my family. I like the delicious chicken and the cute picture plate that comes with it as a bonus.” Naomi, who asked only to be identified by her first name, and her family are far from the only Japanese residents who enjoy KFC for Christmas dinner. Every year since the mid-1980s, life-size Colonel Sanders statues – dressed as Santa during the holiday – have welcomed droves of ... read more

Japanese spirits have come a long way over the last few years. Whether it's url=https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeout.com%2Ftokyo%2Fshopping%2Fbest-japanese-gin&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cb3717cc915e74448e29708dbf2cc6cf1%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638370732055017663%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Xw0WXZoF8n29XcHFyTglk3z7FEw7MV%2FavzuCRiOCaJ0%3D&reserved=0craft gin or a coveted bottle of url=https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.timeout.com%2Ftokyo%2Fbars-and-pubs%2Fthe-best-japanese-whiskies-you-can-still-buy&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cb3717cc915e74448e29708dbf2cc6cf1%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638370732055017663%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D... read more

After a long hiatus from hosting due to the pandemic of the past several years, we are back on the high seas again and loving it. A lot of water has passed under the bridge in those intervening years. Zoom calls became a way of life for keeping in touch with friends and relatives. It was the longest stretch of time since we have been married that we have not traveled somewhere in the world. During the quarantine we got to know our new home in Florida and were grateful for the comforts it offered like a swimming pool, hot tub, ping pong table and a lovely lanai overlooking our lake and 160 acre nature preserve. But travel is definitely in our blood and by 2023 it was time for us to hit the road. In ... read more