Japans Bullet Train

Posted on Sunday, June 19, 2011

Japan Railways opened up a new line in Kyushu, Japan on the Shinkansen bullet train line. It is an extension of the Tohoku Line. This new line enables travel from Shin-Osaka to Kagoshima to be made in only 3 hours and 45 minutes, having cut down the time by about 77 minutes, making it the fastest train in Japan. This service is called “Mizuho”. The trip from Hakata to Kagoshima now takes 1 hour and 19 minutes instead of about 2 hours and 12 minutes.  The new complete line is 159 miles between Hakata and Kagoshima, and it puts the historic landmarks and nature of Kyushu in easier reach.

The bullet train experience is actually quite relaxing. Most of the bullet train stations have shopping malls, souvenir booths, and food courts. Prior to boarding a Japanese bullet train, you will choose a bottled tea and a bento box, which is a Japanese single-portioned meal that usually consists of rice, fish or meat, and pickled or cooked vegetables, and it usually comes in a sectioned box. Once in your seat, you can recline back, stretch your legs, and put your meal on the provided countertop if you like. Surprisingly, the ride is very smooth despite the extreme speeds.

Once in Kagoshima, there are plenty of things to do. If you’re hungry, I suggest that you check out Shin Kushiya, a Japanese charcoal grill restaurant. ‘Kushiyaki’ means ‘grilled skewers’ in Japanese, and is one of the many things served at Shin Kushiya. Many different types of meats, fish, seafood, and vegetables are put onto skewers and grilled to perfection. Other foods available are sashimi, sushi, salads, agemono (fried foods and tempura), rice and noodle dishes, and specialty desserts.

Another place to visit is the Senganen Gardens, a gorgeous landscape garden with stunning scenery. It’s open daily from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and for only 1500 yen, you get access to the garden, the Shuseikan Museum, a tour through beautiful former residential buildings, tea, and a snack. If you’d rather just check out the museum and gardens, it’s just 1000 yen, and the museum is covered in the admission fee for the gardens. The Shuseikan Museum is dedicated to the Shimazu clan, a family that ruled Kagoshima for nearly 700 years until the end of the feudal age in 1868.

Also located on the grounds of the Senganen Gardens is Sakurajima, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, and is the symbol of Kagoshima, and is a must-see. It is always, constantly smoking, and even has frequent minor eruptions. The most recent of Sakurajima’s eruptions took place in 1960. A strong eruption in 1814 resulted in large quantities of lava transforming the former island into a peninsula. If you have a few hours, you can take a bus tour to Sakurajima to see its distant and impressive lava fields that were created by eruptions in the past.

About Sichuan Province

Posted on Thursday, October 28, 2010

Home to the famous Chengdu Panda Reserve, the Leshan Grand Buddha and the magnificent Nine Villages Valley with its crystal clear lakes and lush forests.

Mandarin Chinese For Travelers

Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Word                                Spelling                                 Pronunciation

Makeup and the Japanese Geisha

Posted on Friday, July 31, 2009

In Japan, makeup plays an important role in the tradition of Geishas. One of the most involved aspects of a Geisha is the application of the required makeup. The customary white powder base, red lipstick and black eyeliner must be applied precisely and meticulously. Once applied, the makeup creates the illusion that the Geisha is wearing a mask.

There are different levels of a Geisha, indicated by the manner in which the lipstick is applied. According to some historians, it is tradition that a Geisha will not color in her top lip during her first year. An established Geisha will wear the top lip completely colored in, and the bottom lip will be a stripe that goes through its center.