2024-03-27,28 Kobe and Kyoto

Detailed description of Kobe and Kyoto

Kobe, 1.5 million inhabitants, is located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is also considered one of Japan's most attractive cities. It has been an important port city for many centuries. Its port was among the first to be opened to foreign trade in the 19th century.

In 1995, Kobe was hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which killed over 5000 people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Today the city is completely rebuilt, and few signs of the terrible event remain.

The Nunobiki Herb Garden is a stunning 40-acre botanical. It boasts over 75,000 herbs and flowers of 200 varieties.  

The Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum was opened in 1984 with the objective of collecting and conserving ancient tools as an example of Japanese cultural heritage.

Kyoto (京都, Kyōto) served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is one of the country's ten largest cities with 1.5 million inhabitants and a modern face.

Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.

Sanjusangendo is a temple famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.

Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall. The temple is a UNESCO world heritage sites.

Others port to be visited in Japan

Detailed description of Kobe and Kyoto

2024-04-01 Himeji, Japan

Detailed sescription of Himeji.

Himeji (500 000 h.), a vibrant city is synonymous with its iconic castle, Himeji-jo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But beyond the castle walls, Himeji offers a wealth of experiences, from historical and cultural treasures to natural landscapes and modern conveniences.

Towering over the city, Himeji Castle stands as a testament to Japan's architectural prowess. With its elegant white exterior, intricate design, and complex defense systems.

The serene Koko-en Garden garden is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. Stroll through its manicured landscapes, admire its ponds and teahouses.

Detailed sescription of Himeji.

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2024-03-26, 04-02 Kochi, Japan

Detailled description of Kochi

Kochi (300 000) was once a center of Japanese samurai culture, and there are many historical sites to explore, such as Kochi Castle and the Katsurahama Beach Park. Kochi Castle, built in 1603, is one of Japan's finest surviving castles. Katsurahama Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Kochi is also home to the Kochi Castle is one of only 12 castles in Japan to have survived the fires, wars, and other catastrophes of the post-feudal era, and it is a designated National Treasure.

The Kochi Prefectural Makino Botanical Garden  was established in 1958 in honor of Tomitaro Makino, a famous Japanese botanist. It houses over 3,000 species of plants.

Detailled description of Kochi

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2024-04-03 Hiroshima, Japan

Detailed description of Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city in Japan with a rich and complex history. It is best known for being the first city in the world to be struck by an atomic bomb on August 6, 1945, during World War II.

Despite this tragic event, Hiroshima has rebuilt itself into a thriving city and is now a symbol of peace and resilience.

Shukkei-en Garden beautiful is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. It is one of the most famous gardens in Japan.

Hiroshima Castle was built in the 16th century and is one of the most famous castles in Japan.

Detailed description of Hiroshima

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2024-03-19 Naha, Okinawa, Japan

Detailed description of Naha

Okinawa is the only subtropical area in Japan, and with its geographical location and background of once being an independent State called the Ryukyu Kingdom between the 14th and the 19th centuries, it has developed a unique culture (influenced mostly by China, Japan and Korea), rich history and natural diversity for all to enjoy.

Naha (300 000h.), the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. There are many interesting things to see and do in Naha, from exploring its historical sites to enjoying its beautiful beaches.

The Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum (Okinawa Kenritsu Hakubutsukan Bijutsukan) is the largest museum in the prefecture and houses a collection of artifacts and artworks that tell the story of Okinawa from its ancient past to the present day.



Shuri Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important historical and cultural landmarks in Okinawa. The castle complex includes a number of buildings and structures, including the main hall (seiden), the north and south halls (hokudin and nandin), the royal residence (naha), and the Shurijo Gate.



Shikinaen garden was completely destroyed during World War II, but it was painstakingly restored in the postwar years. In 2000, the garden was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.

Sefa-Utaki is a sacred site located in the town of Nanjō on the Okinawa main island. It is considered to be the most sacred place in the Ryukyu Islands, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Detailed description of Naha.

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2024-05-15 Juneau, Alaska

Detailed description of Juneau

Juneau

Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a beautiful city located in the southeastern part of the state. It is known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities. 

Mendenhall Glacier

Juneau is home to the Mendenhall Glacier, which is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska. 

Juneau is a great place to go whale watching. Humpback whales, orcas, and gray whales are all commonly seen in the waters around Juneau.

Juneau has a number of cultural attractions, including the Alaska State Museum, 

and the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church.

Detailed description of Juneau

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2024-05-14 Sitka

 Detailed description of Sitka

Sitka

Plan to be on deck when your ship sails into Sitka Sound, particularly if it's a sunny day: The views of the town from the ship are beautiful.

Sitka is an Alaskan city (8,500 h.) and borough near Juneau, the state capital. It was part of Russia until 1867 and St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral is topped with an onion dome. The 1842 Russian Bishop’s House is nearby. Sitka National Historical Park is the site of Russia’s defeat of the indigenous Tlingit people and has a trail dotted with totem poles.

St. Peter's by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, is Gothic Revival structure, built of stone and wood, with a modest bell tower topped by a pyramidal roof.

The Alaska Raptor Center is a raptor rehabilitation center in Sitka. The mission of the Alaska Raptor Center is to promote and enhance wild populations of raptors and other avian species through rehabilitation, education and research.

Detailed description of Sitka

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