Airasia X fly to Osaka from November 2011

Airasia X, the long haul low-cost affiliate of AirAsia, will begin flying to Osaka, its second destination in Japan after Tokyo from Nov 30, 2011.

The airline will fly direct from Kuala Lumpur to Kansai International Airport in Osaka from 30 November 2011 onwards with four non-stop weekly services.

The Osaka service will be operated on the Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a configuration of 12 Premium Flat Bed seats and 365 economy seats.

This flight is absolutely a good news for tourist who has a big desire to explore Japan but limited in budget. Airasia X has been known for its low cost flight.

Why choose Osaka ?

Osaka is Japan third largest city, and has a great combination between the modern skyline and traditional Japan house.

Osaka’s highlights include Osaka Aquarium, the famous shopping and entertainment district of Minami, Osaka Castle and Sumiyoshi Taisha - one of Japan's oldest shrines. The city is also a gateway to historical Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital renowned for its beautiful temples, shrines and Gion geisha district; and the port city of Kobe, both of which are less than 30 minutes away by train.

Photos of Osaka taken from Airasia Facebook :

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Mount Hakodate Ropeway and Night View

Mount Hakodate, Mount Hakodate ropeway, Mount Hakodate hokkaido, Mount Hakodate japan, Mount Hakodate city, Mount Hakodate view, Mount Hakodate fare, Mount Hakodate access, Mount Hakodate restaurant, Mount Hakodate nightview, Mount Hakodate bus, Mount Hakodate cost,

Mount Hakodate (函館山) is a mountain in Hakodate, Hokkaido famous for the specatular views from the mountain. Mount Hakodate is a 334 meter high, wooded mountain with a nine kilometer circumference at the southern end of the peninsula on which much of central Hakodate is located. Its location allows an unobstructed view of both the city and the Tsugaru Strait.

Using Mt Hakodate Ropeway (a kind of Gondola) with 125 persons, passenger can view a beautiful Hakodate port and the city streets of Hakodate to Tsugaru Strait an Shimokita Peninsula. When the weather is fine, you can see the Onuma Park and Mt. Komagatake, as well as the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori Prefecture in the distance.

The night view from the peak is said to be one of the three best in the world with Naples and Hong Kong, and the summer Hakodate Port Festival fireworks, the winter bay area Christmas illumination, and other events provide a beautiful scene of the city being gradually lit up, and it is truly a “million-dollar night view.”

Mount Hakodate nighlife view is also among the best night views in Japan, together with Nagasaki's Mount Inasa and Kobe's Mount Rokko.

Since 1964, Mount Hakodate has been assigned National Reservation for Birds and Animals; there are about 600 species of plants, and about 150 species of animals reside in Mount Hakodate. Also there are the memorial monuments of a zoologist Thomas W. Blakiston, who discovered a distribution limit of Japanese animals in Tsugaru Strait, and a topologist Tadataka Inoh, who published the first surveyed map of Japan. There are souvenir shops, a restaurant with the finest view, and an events hall where 12 monitors produce a multi-vision presentation that introduces the four seasons of Hakodate.

The ropeway to the peak of the mountain departs from the Motomachi District, a 5 minute tram ride from JR Hakodate Station. Alternatively there is a direct bus from the station to the peak during the warm seasons of the year. There is also a hiking course to the top that takes about an hour. The cable car station is about ten minutes walk from "Jujigai" streetcar stop. The Mt. Hakodate Ropeway station is situated near the top of the Nanbuzaka-slope; the Nanbuzaka-slope lies next to the city hall branch office of Suehiro-cho (old Marui-Imai department store). The cable car, which rides 125 people, departs every five minutes in rush time.


Mt Hakodate Ropeway

ACCESS TO MT. HAKODATE
By ropeway
The Hakodateyama Ropeway departs from the Motomachi District. The ropeway's lower station can be reached in a 10 minute walk from the "Jujigai" tram stop (3rd station, 5 minutes, 200 Yen from Hakodate Station) or by direct Hakodate Bus from Hakodate Station (10 minutes, 230 Yen, every 30 minutes in the evening only).

The cost for a ropeway ticket is 1160 Yen for a round trip and 640 Yen for a one way trip. The ropeway operates from 10am to 10pm (until 9pm during winter, from 9am during the Golden Week and summer holidays).

By Bus
From late April to mid November, direct buses by Hakodate Bus operate between Hakodate Station and the summit of Mount Hakodate every evening, taking 30 minutes and costing 360 Yen for the one way journey. Day passes are valid on this bus. There are departures every 20 minutes. Fewer departures in autumn.

By Car
There is a toll free road to the summit of Mount Hakodate. However, the road gets closed to individual car traffic in the evenings between 17:00 and 22:00 from late April to mid October.


Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Fares

Adult : 640yen (One Way), 1,160yen (Round Trip)
Child : 320yen (One Way), 590yen (Round Trip)


Mt. Hakodate Photos :


Mt Hakodate at Day


Mt Hakodate at Night


Mt Hakodate Ropeway


Mt Hakodate Ropeway


Mt Hakodate Ropeway


Mt Hakodate Souvenir Shop


Mt Hakodate Restaurant Genova
From the top of Mt Hakodate you can see a dreamlike world unlike any other place in the world. The views are spectacular and it is the most comfortable observatory restaurant you'll find at the 2nd floor of the building named "Genova".

Watch Cable car ride up to Mt Hakodate Video here

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Shopping at Gotemba Premium Factory Outlet

Visiting Tokyo (or Japan) will not complete without doing some shopping. Tokyo is the world fashion place, and there are also a lot of department stores and shopping centres. Although shopping in Tokyo will damage you a lot of money, but Tokyo is still world well known shopping paradise for its Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku, Daikanyama, Harajuku.

If you want to try something different shopping place and at a cheaper price, then you can visit Gotemba Premium Factory Outlet.

Gotemba Premium Outlet (御殿場プレミアムアトレット)



Gotemba Premium Outlet actually is the most famous popular outlet mall, located in Gotemba City near the foot of Mount Fuji. However, it is quite far from Tokyo central and will take more than 2 hours by train and bus.

Gotemba Premium Outlet is the biggest factory outlet stores in Japan with total area of 350 thousands meter squares, with about 200 outlets stores ranging from international top designer brands to local famous brands.

The goods here are 30%-40% off the normal retail price, if it is during sale seasons, the pricing will fall even to 70% off! By the way, it is very near to Hakone, so you can stop by here after your Hakone trip on the way back to Shinjuku.

Gotemba factory outlet is an upscale outlet mall which housed many international top designer brands like Armani, Balenciaga, Banana Republic, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and many more. But the real good bargains from sportswear brands Nike, Adidas and Puma that will make your trip worthwhile!

Introducing some famous outlet stores in Gotemba Premium Outlets here:

1. Beams Outlet

If you are the Beams fans, you must not miss out the outlet shop here as it is the largest Beams outlet in Japan, it has all brands in Beams Group, the goods sale here are so many and you need to search it slowly, you will definitely get what you want with a very value bargain price.

2. Nike Outlet

The biggest Nike Outlet and has everything about Nike. So you will not miss out any cool gears and clothing if you are Nike fans!

3. Vivienne Westwood

It is not usual to see Vivienne Westwood setup outlet to sell the products, but you will find it here in Gotemba Premium Outlets. It has promotion and discount for old season fashion goods and apply some new arrival promotions for latest season fashions.


How to get Gotemba Factory Outlet

The Gotemba Premium Outlets are located on the outskirts of Gotemba City not far from Hakone. A free shuttle bus operates every 20 minutes between the mall and JR Gotemba Station, stopping at the Tomei-Gotemba IC (interchange or expressway exit) along the way.

There is a free shuttle bus service which operates from 9.30am to 10.40pm at 20 minutes interval. It picks up passengers from JR Gotemba Station (Otome Exit) via Tomei Gotemba Interchange to Gotemba Premium Outlets.

1.From Shinjuku Station
By Bus: At Shinjuku Station West Exit, board the Odakyu Hakone Express Bus to Gotemba Premium Outlets (approx. 100 minutes). Return ticket price: $2800 yen (adult), $2000 yen (kid)
By Bus: At Shinjuku Station’s New South Exit, board Gotemba Premium Outlets Liner (approx. 95 minutes)
By Train: At Shinjuku Station, board the Odakyu Line “Romance Car” Express Train Asagiri (approximately 95 minutes) to reach.

2. From Tokyo Station
By Bus: Tokyo Station’s Yaesu South Exit, board the Gotemba Premium Outlets Liner (approx. 85 min.)
By Bus: Tokyo Station’s Yaesu South Exit (Bus Stop No.1) board the Tomei Highway Bus (approx. 100 min.).

3. From Hakone
At Gora Station board the bus to Hakone Sengokubara (approx. 30 min.). At ?board Hakone Sengokubara to Gotemba Premium Outlet.

4. From Yokohama
At Yokohama Station’s Yokomana, East exit, board the Fujikyoko where you can get Gotemba Premium Outlets Yokohama Shopping Bus Tour. (approx. 90mins)


Gotemba Premium Factory Outlet


















Watch Shopping at Gotemba Premium Factory Outlet Video here

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8.8 Earthquake and Tsunami hits Sendai and Tokyo

A big earthquake followed with deadly Tsunami has just rock Japan, especially at Sendai, Honshu Island on March 11th 2011. The biggest earthquake, 8.9 magnitude, to hit Japan in 140 years struck Friday, triggering a 10-metre tsunami that pounded the country’s east coast and prompted advisories along Canada’s West Coast.

A 10-meter tsunami was observed at Sendai airport in Miyagi prefecture, which has been flooded, with waves sweeping along cars and buildings as they traveled inland.

Bullet train services to northern Japan were halted, rapid transit services in Tokyo were suspended and some nuclear power plants automatically shut themselves down.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan believed that there had been no radiation leaks to the best of his knowledge and in a televised address, he extended his sympathy to the victims of the disaster and said an emergency response headquarters had been set up.

Tsunami warning soon be released to more than 20 countries including Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, and Taiwan. Don't play and estimate the Tsunami hits. Still fresh in our mind a massive Tsunami crashed Aceh, Indonesia last 2004 and killed more than 100.000 peoples.

How many victims in Sendai Tsunami ?

Hundreds were believed to be dead following the disaster, and the extent of the destruction along a lengthy stretch of Japan’s coastline suggested the toll could rise significantly.

The Red Cross in Geneva said the wall of water was higher than some Pacific islands and a tsunami warning was issued for almost the entire Pacific basin.

Another unnerving report was that the Japanese government had ordered the evacuation affecting 2,000 residents near a nuclear plant in Fukushima.

Earlier the government declared an atomic power emergency but said no radiation leaks were detected among its reactors. The plant had shut down but a reactor cooling system failure had led to the evacuation order.

The quake was the biggest since records began 140 years ago, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. It surpasses the Great Kanto quake of Sept. 1, 1923, which had a magnitude of 7.9 and killed more than 140,000 people in the Tokyo area.

The 1995 Kobe quake caused $100 billion in damage and was the most expensive natural disaster in history. Economic damage from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was estimated at about $10 billion.


Sendai and Tokyo Tsunami and Earthquake














Watch Japan Sendai Tsunami and Earthquake at (March 11, 2011) Video here

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Kabuchiko Tokyo Red Light District at Shinjuku

Everyone who goes to Tokyo must not miss Shinjuku. As well as Shibuya, Shinjuku is very identic with Tokyo, famous for its skycrapers and high building. Shinjuku is a paradise for shoppers. It has more department stores than anywhere else in Japan. The most famous are Takashimaya-Times Square, Isetan, Mitsukoshi, Marui, My City and Odakyū.

The Shinjuku station is one of the most important junctions in the whole transport system: it is estimated more than 2 millions people travel by the three underground lines, the two private urban railways and the JR railways each day.



Big electronics shops are only more numerous in Akihabara. But Shinjuku boasts the biggest of them, such as Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera.

Music lovers will find their happiness at Tower Records. Note that the Shinjuku branch of HMV closed in January 2010.

Shinjuku Red light District Kabukichō 歌舞伎町



Kabukichō (歌舞伎町?) is an entertainment and red-light district in north east Shinjuku beyond Yasukuni-dōri Avenue. For those who want to seek a night life pleasure or just to have a drinking establishments, then Kabukicho is a must.

Kabukichō is the location of many hostess bars, host bars, love hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightclubs, and is often called the "Sleepless Town" (眠らない街). The district's name comes from late-1940s plans to build a kabuki theater: although the theater was never built, the name stuck.


It is Shinjuku's entertainment district par excellence and one of the hottest places in Tokyo, with hostess bars, adult video shops, soap lands (massage parlours), strip bars and love hotels.

Kabukicho is very famous for its hostess bars, make it Tokyo most famous bars besides at Ginza, Roppongi, and Akasaka.

Kabukicho Photos :


Kabukicho Bar


Kabukicho DVD Shop


Hostess Club


Kabukicho Red Light District


Kabukicho Street



Watch Kabuchiko Red Light District at Tokyo, Japan Video here

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Miyazaki famous beach and resort at Kyushu

Miyazaki (宮崎市) is the capital city of Miyazaki Prefecture, located on Kyushu Island. Different with another regions in Japan, Miyazaki has a good climate. With one of the warmest climates on the main islands of Japan combined with attractions such as resorts, beaches and sports facilities.

Tourism has been focused on in Miyazaki City, utilizing its southern-island atmosphere, centered on the Phoenix Seagaia Resort: a total activity facility housing hotels, golf courses, and hot springs.

Miyazaki City is also near attractions such as Takachiho to the north and Kirishima to the southwest, which are both important sites of Japanese mythology and beautiful places to enjoy nature.


Miyazaki Downtown

Visiting Miyazaki means visiting its beach. Miyazaki has so many beautiful beaches, some of them are Aoshima Beach, Sun Beach Hitotsuba, Shirahama Beach, Urashiro Beach, Kumanoe Beach, Sumie Beach, Odotsu Beach, Isegahama Beach.

Miyazaki Attractions and things to do

1. Miyazaki Shrine & Environs

The most important shrine in town is Miyazaki Shrine (Miyazaki Jingu), 2-4-1 Jingu (tel. 0985/27-4004), located about a 10-minute walk west of JR Miyazaki Jingu Station. It's dedicated to the first emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu, a somewhat mythical figure who established the Yamato Court in 660 B.C. and is believed to be the ancestor of every reigning emperor since.


2. Heiwadai Park

About a 15-minute walk northwest of Miyazaki Shrine is Heiwadai Park, where you'll find the Peace Tower, built in 1940 in celebration of the 2,600th anniversary of the mythological foundation of Japan; it purportedly contains artifacts that once belonged to the first emperor.

3 Haniwa Garden


At the far end of Heiwadai park is the Haniwa Garden, a collection of over 400 replica haniwa (burial statues) depicting animals, warriors, dancers, boats and houses arranged along a walking path through the trees. During the Kofun Period these clay statues were placed around burial mounds in tribute to the deceased.


4. Aoshima Island

Aoshima Island is a small, beautiful island just off of the coast of the resort beaches south of Miyazaki City. Aoshima is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is ringed by white beaches surrounding a subtropical jungle at the island's center.


5. Seagaia Resort




The Phoenix Seagaia Resort is the World's Largest Indoor Water Park. It is a massive ocean side resort spanning nearly 10 kilometers of coastline just north of central Miyazaki City. More than just a collection of hotels, Seagaia is a symbol of Miyazaki's resort heritage and offers its guests a wealth of things to do.


6. Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History (Miyazaki-ken Sogo Hakubutsukan)
7. Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum (Miyazaki-kenritsu Bijutsukan)


Miyazaki Photos :


Miyazaki Shrine. This shrine is located in a cave on a cliff next to the ocean. People come here to pray for long and happy marriages, easy childbirth, healthy children, and safety at sea.


Miyazaki Map


Watch Aoshima Island (青島) at Miyazaki, Kyushu Island, Japan Video here


Aoshima Island is located in the south east of Kyūshū and is well known for it's natural coastline (devil's washboard) and it's Shrine, hidden in the jungle.

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