Sarah Deschamps and Hiroshi Saito

Modern Tokyo Times

The different vibes of Tokyo fashion are always in heavy demand both internally and internationally therefore the Style Arena website is a must place to check continuously for latest images and news. Images on Style Arena highlight the “real Tokyo” and the interactive knowledge of the respective individuals being highlighted provides powerful information. This applies to the current trends and favorite boutiques of each respective individual. Therefore, Style Arena provides a stylish fresh approach with complete professionalism at all times.

Style Arena http://www.style-arena.jp is currently highlighting Japanese Punk vibes in the New Tribe sector. Once more, each image highlights the stunning and changing fashion vibes of a craze which is reaching the streets of Tokyo from an independent angle. This complements the mainstream reality of much of Style Arena which focuses on powerful fashion districts within buzzing Tokyo.

The five main fashion districts whereby photos are uploaded frequently apply to Daikanyama, Ginza, Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya. These five delightful districts provide a lovely ambience to Style Arena based on the distinctiveness of each fashion zone.

After all, the buzzing independence of Harajuku is internationally famous therefore vast numbers of fashion lovers all over the world are fascinated by the unique vibes emanating from this fashion district. Meanwhile, Shibuya is also recognized for being a vibrant youth district for fashion lovers and whereby “Shibuya girls” are known by their own special styles and delightful haircuts. Of course, in Harajuku and Shibuya you also have exquisite mainstream fashion and a plethora of boutiques catering for different styles.

Daikanyama is very different because this fashion district is quaint and off the beaten track for international fashion lovers who visit Tokyo for the first time. However, within Tokyo this lovely district is known for independent fashion styles, elegance and having a warm atmosphere. Also, the lifestyle of Daikanyama is highly desirable therefore this place is in high demand when it comes to a place to call home. Therefore, by providing images of individuals who adore the Daikanyama fashion scene, it is interesting to note the differences in favorite boutiques and trends among some of the people interviewed,

Ginza and Omotesando are two districts which are known for the crème de la crème of Japanese and international fashion. This reality means that you will find many adorable European and American boutiques which mix freely with exquisite Japanese boutiques. These two fashion districts are extremely wealthy and the architecture is also another lovely feature of Ginza and Omotesando. 

Tokyoites are fully aware that Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya naturally flow together alongside Aoyama which is another amazing fashion district. In the backstreets of Omotesando and Harajuku you will also find independent styles and the vibes of American street fashion can be felt heavily in the backstreets of Omotesando. Therefore, you have a lovely synergy to the entire area which links these fantastic fashion zones into one enormous fashion hub.

Daikanyama is not so far away from Shibuya by train therefore Ginza is the one fashion district which is highlighted by Style Arena which stands out by its location. Like already stated, Ginza and Omotesando share many similar themes when it comes to high fashion. However, with the interplay between Omotesando and Harajuku being so strong and the same applies to Shibuya in terms of distance; then the focus on Ginza does provide another lovely angle to Style Arena.

In another article by Modern Tokyo Times about Style Arena it was stated that “Style Arena is extremely easy on the eye and clearly all the appropriate information is provided. This applies to respective individuals who highlight their favorite fashion companies and other important areas. The photo images also highlight many different angles and clearly great care is being taken. However, it is the easy available information which provides the “in boutiques” which is a huge winner.”

Overall, Style Arena is a must place to visit for fashion lovers who adore the rich angle of this sector in Tokyo. At all times this website is updated with lovely images and latest news whereby other fashion districts are highlighted. The user friendly nature of Style Arena and the language angle which reaches out internationally sums up the entire professionalism of this exquisite website.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both main writers.

http://www.style-arena.jp

http://www.style-arena.jp/street/individual/dt/5533

http://www.style-arena.jp/street/individual/dt/5541

Images in this article are not from Style Arena.  Please click on the Style Arena website to view the latest trends of Tokyo. These images belong to MODERN TOKYO TIMES

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Sarah Deschamps and Kanako Itamae

Modern Tokyo Times

Tokyo is an enormous city which attracts Japanese tourists, international tourists and business people all year round. This ultra-modern city means many things to different people because for some it is all about modernity but to others they want to dig deep and see the rich culture of Tokyo and Japan. Of course, for others it is a mixture of both and for busy business people it may just be a flying visit because of the nature of commerce.

However, irrespective of the reason why people visit Tokyo or if you are a Tokyoite, the gardens in Tokyo provide a place to relax, to look at sunning nature, to understand aspects of Japanese culture, and more important, to escape the “madding crowd.” Therefore, the gardens of Tokyo are not only therapeutic but the richness and style is a wonder to behold because you can feel continuity, a fusion of ideas, and feel the passion of Japanese gardeners who put everything into their work in order to create a different world

Rikugien Gardens and Kiyosumi Gardens are just two of the many gardens to visit in Tokyo and both provide a different ambience. Also, both gardens are located in quiet parts of Tokyo because Komagome and Kiyosumi Shirakawa are a million miles away from the fashion orientated districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku. This aspect makes a welcome change because the pace of life is much slower but you still have many quaint shops in Komagome which cater for handcrafts, antiques, and local goods.

Komagome is extremely close to Ikebukuro and Ueno by the Yamanote Train Line and in a way Rikugien Gardens is a perfect link. This applies to the bustling nature of fashion and commerce in Ikebukuro and the many museums located in Ueno. Also, in Ueno you will find the fashion scene in full flow and a major park which is the central theme to this lively and important part of Tokyo.

However, Komagome is a sleepy suburb but a great place to relax because of Rikugien Gardens and nearby is Kyu-Furukawa Gardens. Therefore, garden lovers have the opportunity to visit both stunning places because they are in close proximity.

All the main gardens in Tokyo are beautifully maintained and Rikugien is extremely spacious. This enables individuals to follow the main route around the exquisite pond or to walk around more natural parts of this garden by relaxing in quiet areas. The winter period, spring season, and late autumn are most relaxing because you have no dreaded mosquitoes bothering you unlike in the height of summer whereby you need mosquito spray.

Another lovely aspect of Rikugien Gardens is that you can rest and drink delicious traditional Japanese tea and eat a scrumptious small Japanese sweet. The location of the small resting place is located near to the pond and the scenery is truly stunning. Therefore, while drinking delicious Japanese tea you can feel the spirituality of Rikugien and this simplistic pleasure creates a lovely feeling for tourists who want to feel the old Japan.

Kiyosumi Gardens is equally beautiful and to reach Kiyosumi Shirakawa you need to take either the Toei Oedo Line or Hanzomon Line. Also, in Kiyosumi Shirakawa and the surrounding area you have many museums to visit and a good guide book will enhance your visit.

In a past article about Kiyosumi Gardens by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “The Iso-Watari section is a real treat because the stepping-stone pathways lead across the pond where it is shallow. For children, it is a time of fantastic pleasure because they can enjoy playful times and be connected with nature at its best. Also, for adults, the “child inside” comes flooding back when you walk on the stepping-stone pathways and at all times you will have opportunities to see fish in the pond.”

“Inside Kiyosumi Gardens you also have stylish buildings and this applies to the Ryotei building and Taisho Kinenkan. These buildings heighten the cultural aspects and ambience of Kiyosumi Gardens. Therefore, if you enjoy photography you can combine architecture and nature together and of course each angle provides a new image to treasure.”

Kiyosumi Gardens is a place where individuals, friends, or groups touring Tokyo, can sit back and look at sublime views. Also, the little pathways by stepping stones are an enthralling feature of this exquisite garden. Given this, the pamphlet guide in different languages is most welcome because it highlights important factors about Kiyosumi Gardens.

Japanese gardens are also spiritual and philosophical and each garden may have a different angle. This applies to the fusion of the respective garden with Buddhist elements, Confucian aspects, Taoism factors or being Japan, a mixture of all and of course the role of nature in the indigenous faith of Shintoism is powerful. Given this, the background of each garden is often very intriguing because Japanese gardens connect “the self” with nature. Also, space, layout, monuments, and other aspects, are meant to transcend everyday life therefore you can clearly feel the therapeutic nature of gardens in Japan.

The entire area provides many hidden treasures and this applies to the Fukagawa Edo Museum, Basho Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Morishita Culture Center. Therefore, it is important to check respective websites to see what options are available to you when you visit this part of Tokyo.

Koto City highlights a different to the ultra-modern city of Tokyo by focusing on culture, art, haiku, music, history and other rich traditions. Kiyosumi Gardens is a lovely central point to your visit and the different museums open up a new world and this applies to either tradition or the modern vibes of the Museum of Contemporary Art.

The gardens highlighted in this article are truly beautiful therefore please visit the links provided below.

Please visit the links below for more information about the gardens highlighted

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html Rikugien Gardens

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/kiyosumi/    Kiyosumi Gardens

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/kyu-furukawa/ Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

More tourist information about places named

http://www.kcf.or.jp/fukagawa/event_list.html   Koto City Fukagawa Edo Museum

http://www.kcf.or.jp/basyo/index.html  Basho Museum

http://www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng/  Museum of Contemporary Art

http://shintomin.com/xoops/modules/chapox2/content.php?lid=12   Morishita Culture Center

ALL IMAGES FROM MODERN TOKYO TIMES

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Tomoko Hara and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

The Agora Gallery is holding three current art exhibitions whereby domestic and international artists are on show. Each exhibition appeals to three different themes which flow through the diversity of the Agora Gallery. Therefore, if individuals adore contemporary art through the lenses of many angles, then the current exhibitions which run until April 16 will be richly rewarding.

If you view (http://www.agora-gallery.com/) the user friendly website of the Agora Gallery then clearly you are witnessing a delightful contemporary fine art gallery. Agora Gallery became fully establish in 1984 and since this period endless new exhibitions have promoted national and international artists. Naturally, being based in New York, then innovation flows throughout the veins of the Agora Gallery. O

On their website it is stated that the “Agora Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery established in 1984, dedicated to the promotion of national and international artists, providing original fine art to established and emerging collectors and catering to special events in support of fine art organizations that foster social awareness and promote environmental issues. The gallery is also the publisher of ARTisSpectrum Magazine and the sponsor of ARTmine.Com.”

The exhibition titled East Meets West: An Exhibition of Fine Arts from Asia; provides a very strong Japanese angle apart from Jenyshin who was born in South Korea. Artists on show in this exhibition apply to Susumu Hasegawa, Kenji Inoue, Yasuyuki Ito, Jenyshin, Noriko Kinouchi, Takashi Kogawa, MIKIKO and Masakazu Tatebayashi. Therefore, you have a very intriguing list of artists which provide their own unique angles to art, whereby different backgrounds and influences flow within their own respective dynamics.

MIKIKO provides a wealth of different themes and ideas which can be seen through her adorable art. The Agora Gallery comments about MIKIKO that “Japanese artist MIKIKO explores the complexity of female archetypes in oil on canvas with meticulous accuracy and supple grace. Whether poised in domestic interior space, flanked by nature-based imagery or caught in the nurturing dance of mother and child, her magnanimous female subjects – lovers, mothers, fairies, gypsies and queen bees – bear powerful symbolic and mystical properties.”

Noriko Kinouchi expresses her ideas in a very creative way which touches people inside. On the Agora Gallery website its states that “Japanese artist Noriko Kinouchi is a pioneer in the digital art world. She creates works of art that are rich in color, deep in meaning, and playfully thoughtful. The result is images that are immediately engaging to her audience. Kinouchi is focused on precision and perfection, and she consistently produces work with a high level of craftsmanship.”

Susumu Hasegawa, Kenji Inoue, Yasuyuki Ito, Jenyshin, Takashi Kogawa and Masakazu Tatebayashi, all provide intriguing angles to their respect art work just like the two artists selected above. Jenyshin states that “I love to express my feelings through color.” Agora Gallery continues by stating that “The colors in her paintings range from subtle blacks and grays to intense reds and yellows. Her subject material covers an equally broad territory, moving from contemplative portraits to exuberant abstractions.” 

Masakazu Tatebayashi states that “Having found my style means that the artworks I create can convey my ideas directly, with a clarity and appeal and power that I simply never found any other way.” He continues by stating that “The forms that I choose, the ways in which I work, all unite to allow me to express the feelings of a person – and of every person.”

The artist Kenji Inoue provides his own style whereby different emotions and thought patterns will flow naturally from viewing each individual artist in this thrilling art exhibition. Agora Gallery comments about Kenji Inoue that his “compelling canvases explore otherworldly terrains that merge the realms of the human imagination with the familiar landscapes of emotive expression. He brings together color, line, and form in new ways to construct these fantastical worlds, combining elements of the surreal and the abstract to create vistas breathtaking in scope yet infused with a weightiness of meaning that is left to the viewer to discover and interpret.”

Yasuyuki Ito certainly highlights the enormous differences within each individual artists and this applies to the color schemes and array of ideas on show. Therefore, the Agora Gallery states that the “eye-popping oil paintings are feats of formal balance: in color, line and space, each work manages to fill the senses while retaining an innocent simplicity of form. Ito’s images — palm trees blowing in an island breeze, a candy-colored mandala, a highly stylized river made up of interlocking blue rectangles — are lively in their exuberance, but reach deeply in symbolic significance. Soaring birds, roads winding into the distance, and details of flower petals all work with Ito’s underlying theme of creative freedom and what he calls “original beauty.” 

Susumu Hasegawa according to the Agora Gallery “has created an extraordinary body of work. Shape and color materialize the foundation of his thought. Using photography, acrylic and ink, Hasegawa renders a bounty of colorful forms and words, only to tear or cut them apart in order to revive them as collage compositions. The results are extraordinary. At first we may see a mishmash of paper, but exploring deeper we find a hidden logic and subtle beauty.”  He currently resides in Kyoto therefore contemplation and deep thinking within simplicity, despite the professional nature of his art, may be influenced by the rich culture of this amazing city?

The final individual to highlight in this intriguing and delightful exhibition is Takashi Kogawa. He expresses that he was influenced by Picasso, Matisse and Mondrian. Takashi Kogawa states that “Mondrian in particular had a strong impact on me – the beauty to be found in the balance he achieves with line and color is truly an inspiration. I developed this idea in my own work, building up a picture through the use of unstable lines, circles and color plane. I then allow each viewer to interpret my work freely, bringing their own ideas and background to the process.”

If individuals adore art then the three current exhibitions at the Agora Gallery will appeal greatly. This is based on the diverse nature of the themes and artists on show. Also, the reason for focusing on the East Meets West: An Exhibition of Fine Arts from Asia is based on the Japanese angle in relation to Modern Tokyo Times. However, the other two exhibitions provide their own unique angles and clearly the three current exhibitions bless each other. All three exhibitions run until April 16.

All the images in this article belong to the Agora Gallery.

Agora Gallery information

http://www.agora-gallery.com/ Agora Gallery website

http://agoraartgalleryblog.com/ Agora Gallery blog

https://www.facebook.com/AgoraGalleryNY Agora Gallery on Facebook

http://www.artisspectrum.com/ ARTisSpectrum

https://twitter.com/Agora_Gallery Agora Gallery on Twitter

http://www.youtube.com/user/AgoraGallery Agora Gallery on youtube

http://www.agora-gallery.com/galleryinfo/chelsea_location_information.aspx Map

Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 6pm
530 West 25th Street, New York, NY

PLEASE CHECK THE LINKS BELOW ABOUT ALL THE ARTISTS IN THIS ARTICLE

http://www.art-mine.com/artistpage/susumu_hasegawa.aspx

http://www.art-mine.com/artistpage/kenji_inoue.aspx

http://www.art-mine.com/artistpage/yasuyuki_ito.aspx

http://www.art-mine.com/artistpage/jenyshin.aspx

http://www.art-mine.com/artistpage/noriko_kinouchi.aspx

http://www.art-mine.com/artistpage/mikiko.aspx

http://www.art-mine.com/artistpage/masakazu_tatebayashi.aspx

http://www.art-mine.com/artistpage/takashi_kogawa.aspx

Modern Tokyo Times

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Michel Lebon and Kanako Itamae

Modern Tokyo Times

Tokyo is internationally famous for state of the art buildings, modern infrastructure, and being an economic powerhouse. Lifestyle in this mega-city is richly rewarding because each district will provide something new. However, if you want to feel the raw energy of a buzzing fashion district which is fused with stunning architecture and places to relax, then look no further than the Harajuku and Omotesando.

The districts of Harajuku, Omotesando, Kitasando and the area surrounding Yoyogi Park and Meiji-jingu, are extremely sophisticated and diverse. This notably applies to fashion, architecture, shrines, stunning garden, art galleries, and so much more. Indeed, the main street connecting Harajuku and Omotesando feels like the Champs Elysées but with clear Japanese cultural aspects.

Harajuku and Omotesando are internationally famous for fashion and rightly so. After all, you have so many stunning boutiques and famous Japanese and international brands based in this part of Tokyo. On top of this, you have many backstreets to relax and find new boutiques and explore street fashion shops. This is the beauty of fashion in Harajuku and Omotesando because you are spoilt for choice.

From kawaii culture to the crème de la crème of famous international brands, followed by buzzing street fashion in the backstreets of Harajuku and Omotesando. This adorable mix also can be felt within the lifestyle of the entire area because life is more sedate within a few minutes of the main areas. In truth, this is the beauty of Tokyo because within minutes of a very busy area you will find tranquility and relaxation when the housing area starts.

The backstreet area of Omotesando going towards Shibuya is blessed with many lovely boutiques and street fashion can be felt clearly. Mixed with the fashion scene are restaurants and pleasant walks. Not surprisingly, the quality of life is very high therefore this part of Tokyo is a very desirable place to reside. Also, despite the closeness of many amazing fashion districts the “deep areas” of Harajuku and Omotesando are really tranquil and pleasant.

Harajuku and Omotesando are amazing parts of Tokyo because of the richness of architecture, the beautiful Meiji Jingu shrine, relaxing in Yoyogi Park, scrumptious restaurants, stylish bars, art galleries, places of worship, and a host of other reasons. Therefore, the cultural angle to this fascinating part of Tokyo is extremely intriguing and for individuals who have the economic means to reside in this part of Tokyo, then it is an excellent place to reside. After all, the richness of diversity and the vibrant atmosphere is a wonder to behold and it certainly enhances the quality of life.

Open green spaces in Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Jingu are richly appreciated by locals. The Meiji Jingu is a stunning Shinto shrine and the entire complex is beautiful. Also, away from the Shinto places of worship you have an adorable garden in the grounds of this amazing place. Alternatively, Yoyogi Park is a living park whereby you will see a mixture of shoppers, tourists, local people enjoying a stroll, joggers, students studying and relaxing, children playing, and so forth.

The Takeshita-dori in Harajuku is a magnet for trendy teenagers and young adults. Alternatively, Omotesando Hills shopping mall caters for different age ranges and you have many exquisite Japanese and international boutiques in this lovely building. The architecture of Omotesando Hills shopping mall stands out and inside the atmosphere matches the intended desires of the original designer. This means that you have a lovely designed building and a nice shade of light inside which is truly enchanting.

Inside Omotesando Hills shopping mall you have adorable boutiques which include Adore, Anterpima, Betsey Johnson, Black Fleece, Escada Sport, Tour H. creer (Merveille H.), Yves Saint Laurent, Zara, Tracy Reese, Kiwa Sylphy, iliann loeb, Milly, Tiara, Apartment Department, Martinique Le Conte, Patrizia Pepe Firenze (Incontro), Oriental News and so many other delightful companies. This lovely shopping mall is a must place to visit for fashion, to eat scrumptious food and to visit other types of shops which cater for various things.

Harajuku and Omotesando fashion is a mixture of exquisite brands, adorable boutiques, kawaii culture, Lolita girls, streetwise fashion vibes, mainstream fashion, elegant styles, and independent fashion. From Yves Saint Laurent to 6%DOKIDOKI the fashion angle is so diverse and rich. This increases the natural ambience of Harajuku and Omotesando.

Therefore, providing you have the economic means, the Harajuku and Omotesando areas are fantastic places to reside. The quality of life is top notch and individuals can enjoy the buzzing fashion scene to relaxing walks. People are simply spoilt for choice therefore both districts enrich the quality of life enormously.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both writers

http://www.omotesandohills.com/english/  

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3006.html

http://www.metrocity.nl/tokyo/streetfashion/harajuku-fashion/

http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/  

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://www.moderntokyotimes.com

Hiroshi Saito and Tomoko Hara

Modern Tokyo Times

Japan is blessed (http://www.alpen-route.com/english/) with so many amazing places to visit that tourists are literary spoilt for choice. Familiar names for international tourists will apply to Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, and countless other places like beautiful Koyasan in Wakayama. Therefore, with so many places to pick and choose it is difficult to pick one special place because you have so many fantastic places to visit.

If you adore stunning nature whereby you can relax and see the majesty of this world then Kurobe Lake and the beautiful prefecture of Toyama is highly recommended. Toyama prefecture is relatively small but despite this the area is a wonder to behold because of stunning nature throughout this delightful part of Japan. In the north you will find the Sea of Japan and Toyama is bordered by Ishikawa prefecture, Gifu, Nagano and Niigata.

One very special place is the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route which attracts around one million visitors each year. This amazing place is known internationally because of the stunning scenery and abundant places to visit and enjoy a special holiday. Prior to 1971 the remoteness of the area meant that it was difficult to travel around but since this year the transportation system opened up a real gem of an area.

Despite this, the local government of Toyama desired to maintain a natural balance between sublime nature and creating a tourist trade which would benefit the local community, tourists and preserve nature and the amazing environment. Therefore, you have major areas which protect wildlife and all development projects took enormous care in creating an environment which enhanced all angles. The end result of this well thought out plan is that you have a destination place which tourists desire to visit because they also understand that the natural environment remains un-spoilt.

The stunning (http://www.info-toyama.com/english/index.html) mountain range of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is an enormous pulling power because the scenic views will literally melt the heart. This special route is approximately 90 kilometers long and this exquisite natural paradise is called the “roof of Japan.” The North Alpine mountain range is a place where seeing-is-believing and if you have never been to this part of Japan before then once bitten always smitten. Another special feature is the transportation system which enhances everything and this applies to the train system, cable car, ropeway, highland bus routes and trolley bus. Therefore, depending on when you travel to this part of Japan you can see the first signs of new life during the spring period, feel the increasing power of the sun throughout the summer time, witness the adorable red leaves of autumn and view the first snow falls which changes the landscape quickly. However, the area does close during the real cold winter time because the snow falls are too deep and dangerous.

In an earlier article by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “If you want to witness magnificent ‘Snow Walls’ then you must visit between the middle of April to the end of May. The ‘now Walls’ are very beautiful and it is an amazing experience and clearly this season is very popular. It must also be added that the Murodo-daira area of Tateyama on average reaches roughly seven meters of snow during the winter season. Also, in some areas you have snowdrifts reaching around twenty meters and the region gets some of the heaviest snow falls in the world.”

“The Kurobe Dam is a major tourist attraction and from June 26 to October 15 you can witness the water discharge from the dam which is spectacular to say the least. Therefore, this central point is a lovely place to visit and the panorama views are amazing and this applies to the Tateyama Mountain Range and the North Alpine area.”

Another lovely feature of the Kurobe Dam is that you can enjoy boat trips on Kurobe Lake and gently walk around parts of the lake at your own pace. In every direction you will see adorable views which will last long in the memory. The Kurobe Gorge is beyond your wildest dreams. Also, the Kurobe Gorge Railway transportation system will enhance everything. This applies to providing amazing views while you travel in this adorable part of Japan. The ropeways and cable cars which connect everything also blend naturally within the environment and this is because of the care of the local government.

Throughout Toyama you have so many amazing places to visit that the following places are only a partial list. Therefore, it is essential to check all the websites provided in this article and to search around carefully. This partial list applies to the stunning Kurobe Valley; the fascinating Gokayama Village which is rightly a World Heritage site; the Unazuki-onsen which is a pearl of a place to visit because it soothes the body and mind; the Zuiryu-ji Temple which connects people with the bigger picture in life; the amazing Shogawa-kyo Valley area; and a host of other amazing places to visit.

Another (http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/toyama/) important website to visit is the Japan National Tourism Organization because this website provides essential information about Toyama Prefecture. Also, like the name implies, the Japan National Tourism Organization provides information about tourist destinations throughout Japan.

Toyama prefecture is very special!

Lee Jay Walker gave support to both writers

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/toyama/index.html

http://www.alpen-route.com/english/

http://www.kurotetu.co.jp/en/index.html

http://www.info-toyama.com/english/index.html

http://www.alpen-route.com/english/Highlight_theater/index.html

http://www.kurobe-dam.com/

http://www.alpen-route.com/english/map/index.html Alpine Route Map

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/destinations/

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Olivier LeCourt and  Hiroshi Saito

Modern Tokyo Times

Koyasan is located in Wakayama Prefecture and the stunning nature throughout the year is extremely beautiful. The rich legacy of culture and religion is still alive and Mount Koya provides amazing views. Therefore, you can understand why Kukai chose this mysterious and remote part of Japan.

Nara is where Japanese high culture came alive and Kyoto followed and enhanced the richness of Nara. However, Koyasan is also special and the Kansai region is extremely rich and varied.  The remoteness of Koyasan does not hinder tourism because this place is thriving during the holidays and for religious people it is a place of pilgrimage throughout the year.

Shingon Buddhism is still potent in Koyasan and irrespective if you are religious or not, you can still experience and feel the power of religion and nature.  International tourists flock to Kyoto and Nara, and rightly so because both places are blessed with a rich culture, but a visit to Koyasan would be the icing on the cake because something magical exists in this place.

The architecture, temples, nature, mysterious graveyard, and the entire environment is a real treasure. Therefore, you can leisurely wander around and experience a traditional culture which is still alive in this part of Japan.

Shingon Buddhism and visual images of Buddha alongside sublime art and magnificent architecture all comes together. Garden layouts also relate to time and space and have a spiritual dimension.  Each aspect seems natural and even when no meaning is meant it is easy to think about the bigger picture.

If you are religious then God’s Eden may not be perfect and clearly the failure of humanity throughout history is evidence of this. However, in Koyasan, just like in all nations which have places of rich culture and faith, you have a magical place which is a real gem.

In another article about Koyasan by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “The non-religious may believe that God is an illusion and this may be so; however, in places like Koyasan you can feel “a magical atmosphere.” The “old world” survives within “modernity” but preserves its rich culture and maintains a rare spirituality.”

“Kukai (774-835) who became known as Kobo Daishi established the first monastery in the ninth century on mount Koya (Koya-san).  The Shingon sect had a different thought pattern within the many schools of Buddhism and Kukai believed that enlightenment could be attained in one lifetime.”

“Kukai was a searcher and he visited China and during his stay he studied Esoteric Buddhism.  Initially, he prayed for peace and prosperity because he could not find inner-peace within city life, therefore, he searched for a place where he could meditate and become even more spiritual.” 

“When Kukai saw the stunning nature of Koyasan it was clear to him that he had found the place which he desired.  The mountains meant that he was cut off from everyday city life in this period and the sublime beauty of nature added to the mysterious feel of Koyasan.”

The heart of Koyasan still beats and Buddhists and non-Buddhists will gain from visiting this mysterious place. Culture, religion, and architecture, all comes together and the backdrop of Mount Koya is extremely beautiful.

Kukai certainly made a wise choice and legend abounds that he still wanders around Mount Koya. This applies to Kukai being transformed into an eternal Samadhi and awaiting the next Buddha Maitreya appearing in Koyasan.  Therefore, he wanders around and patiently waits for the dawn of a new time.

Koyasan is simply amazing!

Lee Jay Walker gave support to both main writers

http://www.shukubo.jp/eng /  (stunning Koyasan)

http://www.koyasan.org/          (Information about Koyasn)

http://www.visiblemantra.org/kukai.html  Kukai and information

http://ww2.coastal.edu/rgreen/  Kukai and information

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Kanako Itamae and Olivier LeCourt

Modern Tokyo Times

Tokyo is a huge mega-city which caters for so many different lifestyles and in Komagome you can find peace and tranquility. This applies to two beautiful gardens within walking distance and many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines which dot the landscape. Indeed, it is difficult to imagine that Komagome is in the middle of Ikebukuro and Ueno on the Yamanote Line. After all, in Ikebukuro you have an amazing fashion and commercial district. Meanwhile in Ueno you have a mixture of cultural attractions, street wise fashion, and this part of Tokyo is a real melting pot and extremely vibrant.

Despite this, in Komagome you can leave all your stresses behind and enjoy the tranquility of this lovely area. The gardens of Rikugien Garden and Kyu-Furukawa Garden are real treasures because both are well maintained and provide fantastic places to relax. It is also noticeable that many elderly people reside in this part of Tokyo and the same applies to being a strong family area.

The sedate pace of life in Komagome highlights the diversity of Tokyo because you have so many special areas where life changes quickly. In Komagome you also have many traditional shops selling special goods and for artists it is a great place to reside. The temples and shrines also increase the tranquil aspect of Komagome and several are very large and worth visiting.

Like previously mentioned, Komagome is a million miles away from Ikebukuro and Ueno despite being so close when it comes to travelling by train. Yet the family run business aspect of many small companies provides a nice warm feel. Therefore, it is pleasurable to browse around shops which cater for ceramics, antiques, traditional utensils, Japanese sweets, Japanese dyed garments, clothing, folk art stores, and other types of shops which open up a different Tokyo.

Lifestyle wise, if you want to find tranquility within Tokyo and have the option of visiting beautiful gardens and quiet religious places, then Komagome provides this in abundance. The pace of life soon eases stress and it is easy to forget that you are in a bustling mega-city. For this reason, this part of Tokyo provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

The Rikugien garden is extremely beautiful with the central theme being the walk around the pond which is sizeable. Also, you have many paths to escape on busy days and this option appeals greatly to Tokyoites and tourists alike. Within Rikugien you have many treasures related to the layout of the garden and special places to visit.

In a past article about Rikugien by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “Another added bonus of Rikugien is that you can drink traditional Japanese tea and eat a small Japanese sweet, while being surrounded by stunning nature. This is most rewarding because the lovely taste of traditional Japanese tea matches the serenity and adorable views which are provided by this exquisite garden.”

Similarly, the Kyu-Furukawa Garden creates another dimension because the closeness to Rikugien means that both gardens enrich the Komagome area of Tokyo. This garden is different in layout despite the importance of the pond. The feeling is more rugged apart from the rose garden section but this adds to the charm of Kyu-Furukawa Garden.

Also, another lovely feature of Kyu-Furukawa Garden is the building designed by Josiah Condor (1852-1920). The architecture takes you back to a British theme and stands out in Tokyo. Architectural wise, the building blends in naturally with the surroundings and both gardens focus on space, minimalism, time, and fusing Japanese concepts within the world of nature.

If you adore living in a mega-city but desire to reside in a place whereby you can escape from the madding crowd, then Komagome is a great location. This means that lifestyle wise this part of Tokyo is extremely rich. Also, for Tokyoites and tourists it is clear that Komagome comes high on the list because of the beautiful gardens and other features related to this district.

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/kyu-furukawa/

Please visit the above links for more information about both gardens

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com 

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Walter Sebastian and Lee Jay Walker

Modern Tokyo Times

Wakayama prefecture is a perfect place to visit for tourists who adore culture, architecture, the richness of Buddhism, the indigenous faith of Shintoism, stunning beaches, an amazing castle, and because of multiple other factors. Also, the closeness of Wakayama to Nara, Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, means that the entire Kansai region is a wonder to behold. Therefore, Kansai is a perfect location for tourists to enjoy the uniqueness of Japan.

If individuals are fascinated by the richness of Buddhism, Japanese architecture, culture, history, and adore stunning mountains, then the Negoro-ji complex of Buddhist temples is a must place to visit. After all, the pace of life in the modern world for many people is too quick and quality time is needed in order to refresh the mind, soul, and to connect with history, art, and culture.

Negoro-ji also further compliments the religious aspect of Wakayama because Koyasan and the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes in the Kii Peninsula are fantastic places to visit. The marvel of Wakayama is truly amazing because “another heart beats” strongly in special areas where nature, religion, history, culture, art, and other positive aspects of life can be found in abundance.

Negoro-ji in history is also extremely fascinating because the foundations of a major retreat for the Buddhist faith began in 1087. The individuals who laid the foundation stones for this amazing area were En no Gyoja and Hofuku-Choja. Indeed, the original name of the area was Hofuku-ji and given the natural beauty of the Katsuragi Mountains then it is clear why the area was picked.

Kakuban (1095-1143) is a very important person in the rise of the region because this holy Buddhist leader of the Shingon sect left a complex legacy. He revered Kukai (774-835) who was the founder of Shingon Buddhism but the times of Kukai and Kakuban were very different because divisions had emerged within Shingon Buddhism. Therefore, while the importance of Kakuban can’t be denied for increasing the significance of Negoro-ji, it is also factual that schisms increased during his time because of many factors.

Despite this, Kakuban was focused on the future therefore he laid the foundation stone for the construction of Enmyo-ji and Jingu-ji. These two new buildings were built within the Negoro-ji temple grounds. After the death of Kakuban the Negoro-ji area continued to expand and thousands of temples were built in and around this Buddhist complex.

Therefore, for hundreds of years the chants of Buddhism were powerful and many amazing temples were built. Also, Japanese gardens will have enhanced the serenity and the mountain peaks were deemed to be sacred. This period of history also witnessed the growing power of high culture within elite communities and for several hundred years after the death of Kakuban the future of Negoro-ji looked promising.

However, just like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi also clashed with Buddhist sects who had military prowess and political ambitions. In 1585 the forces of Hideyoshi burnt nearly every temple to the ground apart from the odd exception and the main Pagoda surviving the devastation. Therefore, in this period of history in Japan it is clear that the central forces of Nobunaga and Hideyoshi feared the power base of several Buddhist sects.

Under Tokugawa Yorinobu in 1623 the grounds of Negoro-ji once more would witness a more serene period because he allowed the reconstruction of the grounds to take place. The area in time would gradually be transformed throughout the Edo period and in modern times you can see how this reconstruction created a stunning place to visit.

Therefore, for modern tourists or people who go on pilgrimage to holy places in Wakayama, it is difficult to imagine such past violence in history. After all, today you can hear Buddhist chants in Negoro-ji, view exquisite architecture, enjoy nice walks, and view tranquility in every direction. However, from an historical point of view it is clear that central forces in history in the sixteenth century did fear the power of Buddhism and because of this Negoro-ji paid a heavy price.

Yet time is a great healer and today you can only visualize a period of serenity in history. Also, people can only marvel at the stunning temples, exquisite architecture, and how nature and religion seems at peace with each other.

Negoro-ji is an amazing place to visit because places like this are the “heart of Japan” and with Koyasan and Kumano Kodo being based in the Kii Peninsula, then you have many choices to plan an extremely intriguing holiday. Not only this, the castle in Wakayama and the stunning beaches of Shirahama await and the same applies to other amazing places to visit in this beautiful part of Japan.

http://www.negoroji.org/

http://www.pref.wakayama.lg.jp/english/charm/01.html

http://www.nk-kumano.com/ (Nachi Katsuura)

http://www.shukubo.jp/eng/ (Koyasan)

http://www.kumano-experience.com/01/en/ (Kumano Experience)

http://www.sekaiisan-wakayama.jp/english/index.html (Wakayama)

http://www.nanki-shirahama.com/eng/index.html (Shirahama)

http://farstrider.net/Japan/Castles/Wakayamajo.htm (Wakayama Castle)

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Sarah Deschamps and Kanako Itamae

Modern Tokyo Times

The pace of life in all major cities throughout the world can sometimes catch up on people therefore gardens are important places to unwind and refresh the soul. Of course individuals visit beautiful gardens for many reasons but for people who suffer from stress or feel trapped by life, then gardens are a rich oasis of much needed tranquility. Therefore, the stunning beauty of Koishikawa Korakuen in Tokyo and other adorable gardens are highly valued by Tokyoites.

Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the elite gardens which are based in Tokyo because of its rich cultural past, which makes it stand out amongst the crème de la crème of gardens in this mega-city. Of course, other gardens like Chinzan-so provide a place to escape, unwind, and see the bigger picture. However, the richness of gardens like Korakuen and Chinzan-so are very special because of the natural beauty on show and the fusions of culture and ideas which have made these gardens so special.

Japanese gardens are internationally famous because of space, simplicity, ethics, religion, time, architecture, fusions of ideas, and other important areas, which naturally blend with the landscape. The richness of the layout and special meaning is a wonder to behold. Therefore, international tourists lap up this splendor because it is a fantastic way to feel the richness of Japanese culture.

Likewise, for Tokyoites who have to face the morning rush hour madness and the over busy trains after 5pm on a daily basis, then the gardens of Tokyo are an oasis of tranquility and escapism. Even in the mega busy district of Shinjuku you have a stunning garden to escape the madding crowd.

From an historical point of view Korakuen is also very special because the foundation of this garden dates back to 1629. Also, the influence of China is all around this garden because in the past scholars and holy men from both nations blessed each respective society.

This means that the landscape of this adorable garden is based on the mixture of the inter-mingling of Chinese and Japanese philosophy, which was very powerful in the Edo period because of past connections between both cultures. This fusion of ideas is truly amazing and it is a clear reminder that in historical terms, both China and Japan have enriched both societies. After all, for vast periods of history famous scholars and holy men from China were welcomed with open arms.

In a past article about Korakuen garden by Modern Tokyo Times it was stated that “Korakuen derives its name from a Chinese text which states “a need for those in power to worry about maintaining power first and then enjoy power later.” This can be found in Hanchuen’s “Gakuyoro-ki” and Mitsukuni who began constructing the garden found great wisdom in these words. Therefore, Mitsukuni took the name Korakuen for this garden which means “the garden for enjoying power later on.” 

Therefore, if you close your eyes and let the breeze touch your face or the strong rays of sunshine touch your skin during the summer season, then in this brief moment you will feel that you have been transported to a different reality. This is based on the ambience of Korakuen being extremely refined because of the stunning backdrop of nature in all directions. Also, if you have a very creative mind then you can feel and sense all the positive aspects of Tokugawa high culture – whereby nature, ethics, beauty, philosophy, religion, and other important areas, all blend naturally together because of the magnificent surroundings.

The stunning architecture and design in Korakuen is also extremely elegant and within the grounds you have places to escape and refresh the soul. Therefore, for individuals of all ages the gardens of Tokyo provide a welcome place to relax and they certainly enhance the lifestyle of this ultra-modern and buzzing city.

Lee Jay Walker gave guidance to both writers

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/index.html  (Please view the garden)

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_003.html  (Please view the garden)

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Hiroshi Saito and Michel Lebon

Modern Tokyo Times

Tokyo lifestyle is an amazing experience for Tokyoites, tourists and expatriates. The wealth of choices and things to do are boundless in this mega-city. Another amazing feature is that unlike many famous international cities in the world, this ultra-modern capital is extremely safe compared with certain no-go areas in parts of London, Paris, Los Angeles, and so forth, which all have zones of danger. Therefore, the Tokyo “magnet” keeps on drawing people to this fantastic city because of the richness of the lifestyle.

If individuals adore fashion then the choices are endless in this high octane city. The first recommendation is Omotesando because this part of Tokyo shares the same “fashion hub” which belongs to Aoyama, Harajuku and Shibuya. The sheer size of this enormous “fashion hub” is a wonder to behold.

In Aoyama and Omotesando you will find the crème de la crème of fashion companies and of course Harajuku and Shibuya are equally blessed with some of the finest boutiques to be found in the world. The main difference is that while Harajuku and Shibuya have a noticeable youthful angle which endears teenagers and young adults, the Omotesando and Aoyama angle is mainly based on sophistication.

In saying that, the backstreets of Omotesando are also blessed with independent boutiques which cater for young adults. This especially applies to the casual angle and the power of American fashion mixed with Tokyo fashion can be felt richly. However, the main emphasis in Omotesando and Aoyama applies to the age group between the middle of the twenties to the early forties. Of course, individuals who are younger and older are fully catered for despite the above age group being the target area.

Indeed, the sophistication of some of the boutiques and high price ranges in Aoyama and Omotesando – means that purchasing power of the most exquisite designer clothes is the main focus and not specifically the age group. Of course, this will exclude the target angle being teenagers within the main areas which are blessed with adorable boutiques of extreme quality. Therefore, more mature adults will have ample opportunities to buy adorable items and purchase other top quality fashion goods in Omotesando and Aoyama.

The electric vibe of Omotesando is most noticeable because it is a place to explore and enjoy. Omotesando Hills and Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku (Omohara) have altered the landscape of old Omotesando. However, both fantastic malls cater for fashion lovers and other areas related to lifestyle in Tokyo.

One major feature of major cities like Tokyo and Osaka is the reality of anime and otaku culture. In Tokyo you have many fantastic places to visit in order to fulfill your anime and otaku love affair. One essential shop to visit is Mandrake which is the number one company in Japan for secondhand items related to anime, manga and otaku culture. This company can be found throughout Japan.

Mandrake (http://ekizo.mandarake.co.jp/shop/en/) caters for magazines, hentai comics, art books, cosplay, photography, Bishojo figures, Yaoi doujinshi (brand new and second hand), and a host of other areas. The CEO of this company commented that “Our mission is to take over the world using manga and otaku things” While Mandrake can be found throughout Tokyo and Japan, the store in Nakano in Tokyo is special because of its history related to this vibrant company.

Another fantastic company to visit is Animate which is located in Ikebukuro. Indeed, Ikebukuro fashion is also fantastic. This notably applies to fashion malls including Lumine, Esola, Marui, Parco, Tobu Department Store and Seibu Department Store. Also, you have other areas which focus on casual fashion therefore Ikebukuro is awash with fashion companies catering for many different styles.

Turning back to Animate then Patrick Macias in The Guardian (UK newspaper) states that Animate is“specifically catering to female otaku.”  He further comments that the “Eight floors are mostly populated by otaku teens and young adults, and filled with the requisite anime goods and merchandise, but the real selling point here is the large selection of homoerotic-themed manga and novels from the “boy’s love” genre, a popular and influential subculture within a subculture.” 

Animate (http://www.animate.co.jp/) also appeals because unlike the relentless hustle and bustle of this scene in Akihabara, this store is a treasure by itself within a vibrant fashion district in Tokyo. The angle of catering for female otaku is also an added bonus along with selling products which cater for otaku fans in general.

Overall, it is clear that Tokyo lifestyle is extremely diverse and this article only delves into a small area of life in Tokyo. However, Tokyo lifestyle is blessed by the reality of fashion and otaku culture irrespective if this angle appeals to individuals or not. Without such a vibrant fashion and otaku culture then Tokyo wouldn’t be the same place.

Lee Jay Walker gave support to both main writers of this article

All fashion images taken by Modern Tokyo Times.

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Tomoko Hara and Joachim de Villiers

Modern Tokyo Times

Tourist numbers in Japan grew by 34.6% in 2012 compared with the figure of 2011 therefore this bodes well for 2013. Of course, the aftershocks from the tragic 9.0-magnitude earthquake which triggered the brutal tsunami on March 11, 2011, reverberated strongly. This also applies to the nuclear crisis in Fukushima which was triggered by the destructive earthquake and tsunami. However, after extremely hard work on behalf of many organizations and with the stunning beauty of Japan to fall back on, alongside a unique culture; then tourist numbers rebounded in 2012.

The Japan National Tourist Organization (http://www.jnto.go.jp/) was clearly pleased by this development because the figure of 8.368 million people is the second highest ever. Data first began to be compiled in 1964 and clearly it would appear that a new record is in the offing either in 2013 or in the very near future given the growing demand for travel to Japan.

It must also be stated that 2012 also witnessed a continuing negative global economy for the majority of the developed world. Also, regional tensions with China and South Korea emerged over disputed territory. Yet despite the gloomy international economy and other negative factors in 2012, tourists still flocked to Japan. On top of this, the strong yen was also a negative factor for people in Europe, America and other parts of the world.

Hopefully, visitors to Japan will also travel to areas outside of the main tourist destinations because you have so many special places to visit throughout the entire country. Likewise, the stunning beauty of the countryside in Fukushima is a wonder to behold and the same applies to all areas which were hit by the brutal events of March 11. After all, areas hit the hardest by the tragic events of March 11 need internal and international tourists to help in the regeneration of their respective local economies.

Tourist numbers increased to their highest in seven Asian countries since records began and this positive reality is a cause to celebrate. Therefore, despite tensions with China the number of visitors from this nation reached a record high. The other six nations which also witnessed a major increase were India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Of course, the crisis within the Eurozone meant that it was most unlikely that any European nation would witness a new high. After all, unemployment and currency issues will have dampened international tourism for many individuals throughout this powerful economic zone. Similarly, unemployment and the weak dollar in America meant that this nation was also most unlikely to reach a new high.

South Korea accounted for the highest number of tourists to Japan with just over two million visitors. However, the overall number was still down on the figure of 2010 and this will be based on internal issues, the won and yen rate and the territorial spat with Japan will not have helped. Despite this, it is hoped that regional economic issues will witness a spurt in Northeast Asia and that greater regional diplomacy will ease tensions. After all, the soft power of Japan and South Korea are both extremely attractive – and the growing awareness of issues related to this is growing in both nations.

Japan is hoping to top the ten million mark in 2013 but anything over the nine million mark will be a bonus because the global economy still remains weak. Of course, it is hoped that the target of ten million will be met.

Below this paragraph you have many amazing websites to click on in order to take a glimpse of stunning Japan. Of course, this list is only a partial list but these links highlight the beautiful reality of Japan alongside the rich culture and heritage of this nation. Also, the modern reality of Japan is another amazing feature and fashion in Tokyo and Osaka, and other major cities, is a wonder to behold. In truth, Japan provides so many options and for this reason all tourists to this nation will be richly rewarded for visiting this amazing country.

Lee Jay Walker provided guidance to both writers

All images taken by Modern Tokyo Times

http://www.jnto.go.jp/ Japan National Tourist Organization

http://www.nk-kumano.com/ Amazing beauty and culture of Kumano

http://narashikanko.or.jp/en/  Nara City Sightseeing Information Center

http://www.alpen-route.com/english/ Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

http://feel-kobe.jp/_en/ Vibrant Kobe

http://visithiroshima.net/ Hiroshima

http://www.sekaiisan-wakayama.jp/english/index.html Amazing Wakayama

http://www.go-nagano.net/ Nagano

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/fukushima/urabandai.html Fukushima in all its beauty!

http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/tochigi/nasu.html Stunning Nasu in Tochigi

http://www.okinawastory.jp/en/ Okinawa

http://www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/ Mount Takao in Tokyo

http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html Beautiful Gardens of Tokyo

http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/ Osaka

http://www.hakone.or.jp/english/index.html Hakone

http://www.kyoto.travel/ Kyoto

http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1101.html Hokkaido

http://www.nagasaki-tabinet.com/mlang/english/ Nagasaki

http://moderntokyotimes.com/2012/04/05/japan-tourism-glimpses-of-beautiful-japan-in-kurobe-and-wakayama-part-one/

http://moderntokyotimes.com/2012/02/29/japan-tourism-and-culture-hakone-jinja-historical-treasure-museum-and-mount-fuji/

http://moderntokyotimes.com/2012/05/02/japan-tourism-and-fukushima-abukuma-do-koriyama-and-urabandai/

http://moderntokyotimes.com/2012/09/09/kobe-tourism-and-lifestyle-great-place-to-visit-and-reside/

leejay@moderntokyotimes.com

http://moderntokyotimes.com

Laura Leiva

Modern Tokyo Times

There are plenty of unusual attractions and destinations around the globe, but perhaps The Racetrack is one of the most perplexing. Located in the Death Valley National Park between Last Chance and Cottonwood Ranges, a mysterious event takes place – rocks move across a flat, desolate lakebed by themselves.

Those who make a trek to the park are sure to enjoy the quiet beauty found in California’s desert landscape. Death Valley National Park, located about five hours east of Los Angeles near the Nevada border, is full of natural wonders. The Badwater Basin is one of the lowest points in the world – coming in at 282 feet below sea level, and is the lowest point in North America. While many visitors from around the world come to see the barren landscape, no trip to the National Park is complete without a visit to the Racetrack.

The journey to the Racetrack Valley is best done in high-clearance vehicles, as the rugged terrain is not suitable for most cars. Surrounded by Joshua trees, the road to the Racetrack starts close to the Ubehebe Crater – the road provides visitors an up-close look at the landscape, but don’t be surprised by the bumpy ride! After traveling 20 miles on the road, visitors will come to Teakettle Junction – drivers will need to keep going straight to reach the Racetrack, as the left road takes visitors to Hidden Valley, while the road on the right side goes to a lead mine last used during the First World War, called Ubehebe Lead Mine.

The Racetrack and Grandstand is located 26 miles from the starting point and leads drivers to a parking area, which visitors may use as they explore the attraction. Hikes of varying lengths give visitors breathtaking views of the Racetrack, in addition to the surrounding landscape. For those who want to enjoy the National Park and partake in a longer hike, there is a six-mile trail to the Ubehebe Peak. This trail isn’t for everyone, however, as it features a gain in elevation to 1,800 feet!

The Racetrack lakebed itself is two miles wide and three miles long. The spectacular region dates back 10,000 years, and the playa where the Racetrack now sits, also known as a lakebed,　was once filled with water during various changes in the　climate. Throughout the thousands of years and drier climate　conditions, water evaporated, leaving behind mud hundreds of　feet deep. While the lakebed is flat, visitors will see trails left behind in the sand by moving rocks – to see them best, visitors are encouraged to drive two miles south of the Grandstand parking lot. Once there, a short, half-mile hike will bring visitors to the perfect viewing spot of the traveling rocks.

While the exact cause of the moving rocks is unknown, experts suggest the combination of wind and rain help move them across the playa. Still, when visitors see the massive rocks and the fact that some have traveled more than a thousand feet, they will surely be fascinated with the unexplained phenomenon!

http://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm

http://www.looktours.com/deathvalley1.html

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