Nikko

STEPPING into the ancient, forested sanctuary of Nikko feels like stepping back in time 400 years – before the Western influence, before the steel-reinforced concrete apartments, before the buzzing illuminated signs and back to a quieter and more beautiful time.

Nikko is a town at the entrance to Nikko National Park, most famous for Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Nikko is a UNSECO World Heritage site that is only two-hours north of Tokyo. While it is possible to visit during a day trip from Tokyo, I feel that rushing through a place like this will ruin half of what is special about Nikko – the serene, picturesque Japanese experience that everyone who visits Japan craves.

Nikko had been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu was built in the 1600s, and Nikko National Park continues to offer scenic, mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails.

Nikko and the Okunikko area around Lake Chuzenji, in particular, are well known for their beautiful autumn colors (koyo). In the average year the colors start descending from the higher elevations of Yumoto Onsen in early October, are best around Lake Chuzenji and the Irohazaka road in mid to late October and reach the town of Nikko in the first half of November.



The main attractions of Nikko are the old temples and shrines, most of which were built over 400 years ago. Granted, there are much older temples and shrines in Japan, but while they have survived, the area surrounding hasn’t; It’s a little hard to feel the connection to a 1300 year-old temple, when you’re hearing the industrial sounds of heavy traffic and seeing the visual pollution of the neighbouring concrete buildings, and their connected jungle of overhead power cabling.

In contrast, Nikko is set in a remote and mountainous area, surrounded by giant trees, pristine rivers and mountains. While there is a city nearby, the actual location of the temples and shrines is enveloped within a fortress of ancient pines, stretching up to dizzying heights that even light has a hard time penetrating. As you walk around this ancient site, you’re removed from all modern stimuli and teleported back to an era of shogunates and samurais.

If you’re lucky, you may even spot some wild monkeys roaming around.The temples and shrines within are the most spectacular that I have seen in Japan. The colours are vivid, the wooden carvings are elaborate and the scale is unmatched. There are many famous carvings, including the ‘hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil’ trio of monkeys and a carving of an elephant based purely on a written description. It’s far too easy to spend several hours looking at the details.

There is more to Nikko than just old buildings. The area surrounding is almost as popular with Japanese tourists, especially during the brief cherry blossom period in spring, and the equally brief and stunning autumn colours that set the region ablaze in vivid hues of red and yellow. One of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, the 97m-high Kegon Falls, also happens to be high in the hills surrounding Nikko.
Travel is only half experienced if local food is ignored. Nikko is famous for yuba, which is the skin that forms on the surface of heated soymilk. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be eaten raw, added to soup or even fried. There were several places to try Nikko yuba in all it’s variations, which I did and recommend. Raw it’s a little sweet, in soup it’s delicious and fried… just mmm. Apart from yuba, the other specialty of the area is
soba noodles.



In my mind, Nikko is the ultimate Japanese experience. It is a culmination of exquisitely preserved cultural heritage set amongst equally exquisite and ancient natural surroundings.

This truly sets Nikko apart from any other location in Japan.

Due to the special tourism partnership between Nikko and Kutchan, the Tourist Information Center in Kutchan has a variety of brochures on the area should you desire more information.

Where: Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
Getting there: Trains frequently leave from Shinjuku and Asakusa in Tokyo.
When: Beautiful and popular in all seasons.
Cost: ¥1000 for combination entry to the temples/shrines

NZ: Northland revels in international tourism awards

NORTHLAND

New Zealand’s Northland region is enjoying the international tourism spotlight having won a series of significant awards for the best coastline, dive spot and luxury lodges in the world.

The Tutukaka Coast north-east of Whangarei has been named one of the top three coastlines in the world, by the prestigious National Geographic Traveler magazine.

And 23 miles off the same coast, the world-famous Poor Knights Islands marine reserve has been declared one of the world's top 10 places to see nature at its finest.

Further north in the Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest, on Tapeka Point near Russell, has been rated the world's top luxury coastal hotel and The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay, has been awarded ‘best resort in the Australia and Pacific region’ by Condé Nast travellers.

Poor Knights Marine Reserve
The accolade for the Poor Knights came after a visit by Emmy-award-winning director and producer of wildlife documentaries Nick Stringer, who compiled his top 10 list for England's Guardian newspaper.

He rated the Poor Knights as the ninth best place in the world to see nature, and said the journey to the historic islands was well worth making.

Stringer, who spent several days in the Bay of Islands region, said it was a memorable visit that included seeing killer whales, dolphins and the Tolkien-esque landscape, but was mostly focused on diving at the Poor Knights.

"Its volcanic origins have created precipitous cliffs, spectacular drop offs, caves, arches and tunnels, while the converging water currents have resulted in a unique biodiversity," Stringer said.

"Subtropical and temperate marine life coexist with more than 125 species of fish, soft corals, vibrant anemones, ecklonia kelp forests and mating sting rays, to name a few."

He said it was not hard to see why French undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau rated it as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

Tutukaka Coast
Tutukaka - a natural harbour on the subtropical north-eastern coast of the North Island - is the gateway to the Poor Knights Islands.

National Geographic Traveler put the Tutukaka Coast in the top three coastal regions in the world - placing it second equal with the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales.

The magazine described the region as "offering a mix of land and water-based ecotourism opportunities with long stretches of sandy beaches alternating with intimate bays, steep cliffs, and deeply cut natural harbours".

Tutukaka Marina is the base port for dive companies and other tourist operators who offer game fishing, recreational diving, line fishing and sightseeing trips.

The National Geographic panelists commented on the coast's "high aesthetic appeal - virtually all natural". They also noted that limited tourism development protected Tutukaka’s natural appeal.

"This is mainly a divers’ and bush walkers’ destination, and should stay that way."

The region has a rich Māori history and early Māori pa / fortified villages should also be well protected, according to National Geographic.

Eagles Nest luxury retreat
The Northland retreat Eagles Nest - billed as "somewhere between seven stars and heaven" - has been named the world's top luxury coastal hotel.

Set within a 30ha estate near Russell in the Bay of Islands, the luxury hideaway scooped the title at the 2010 World Luxury Hotel Awards in Thailand.

The awards are considered the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels worldwide.

Owners Daniel and Sandra Biskind said the recognition reinforced the New Zealand luxury sector as being among the best in the world.

"We feel profoundly honoured by this global award - especially considering that Eagles Nest is a relatively young and uniquely different property."

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart stayed at Eagles Nest early this year, and Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher reportedly spent time there last year. The property was also the setting for part of season 13 of US reality TV show ‘The Bachelor’.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
Condé Nast Traveler readers have chosen The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, in Northland’s Matauri Bay, as the No. 1 lodge / resort in Australia and the Pacific in their 2010 survey.

Nearly 26,000 readers voted, ranking hotels on activities and facilities, food and dining, location, overall design, rooms and service.

Kauri Cliffs ranked No. 3 on the ‘Top 100 Hotels Overall’ list, scoring 98.4.

Owned and developed by New York’s Robertson family, Kauri Cliffs is the sister property to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke's Bay in the North Island, and recently opened Matakauri Lodge, at Queenstown in the South Island.

All are members of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux collection, and have won a number of international awards.

Background: Poor Knights Islands

A unique combination of geographical and natural elements - warm currents sweeping south from the Coral Sea, a micro climate and thousands of years of separation from the mainland - has helped to create the unique biodiversity found on and around the Poor Knights Islands.

The marine reserve stretches nearly a kilometre out from the islands, and the land rising from the water is designated a nature reserve.

The 11-million-year-old islands are awaiting World Heritage status and claim to have the world’s largest sea cave. Volcanic origins provide a myriad of spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels - remnants of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ eruptions.

Separation from the mainland, has allowed species to evolve differently - resulting in larger specimens, and a variety of unique flora and fauna not seen elsewhere in New Zealand. More than 1,000 tuatara specimens - a reptile referred to as the world’s only surviving dinosaur - live in the Poor Knights.

Surprisingly, given the apparently inhospitable nature of the craggy islands which have no fresh water source and are not easy to land on, the islands also have a fascinating human history.

Up until the early 19th century, Māori inhabited the Poor Knights - up to 400 people at a time lived in fortified pa sites and worked in the terraced gardens. Stone walls are still intact and visible on the islands today.

Both main islands were inhabited, but each by a different hapu / family tribal group. Since an invasion around 1820 the Poor Knights have been strictly tapu / sacred, and have been uninhabited ever since.

World's Happiest Countries

No. 1: Denmark



Population: 5.5 million
Life Expectancy: 77.8 years
GDP Per Capita: $34,600



With a high standard of living, negligible poverty, and a broad range of public and social services, it's easy to see why Denmark tops the happiness map. There's a high level of education; public schools are top-quality and private ones are affordable. The low population gives the nation a strong sense of identity. And Denmark's physical beauty forms a great backdrop to daily life. The weather is a bit tough, though.

No. 2: Switzerland



Population: 7.5 million
Life Expectancy: 80.5 years
GDP Per Capita: $32,300



Smack in the middle of Europe and surrounded by picture-postcard scenery, Switzerland ranks second among the world's happiest countries. It has a low crime rate, good infrastructure, and a wealth of outdoor activities, from skiing in the Alps to boating on Lake Geneva. Home to the International Red Cross, the World Health Organization, and parts of the U.N., it's not surprising that the Swiss devote a large portion of private and public money to health care — spending an average of $3,445 per person. It's pretty peaceful, too: years of political neutrality have sheltered the Swiss from the conflicts of their neighbors.

No. 3: Austria



Population: 8.2 million
Life Expectancy: 79 years
GDP Per Capita: $32,700



Another Alpine hotbed of happiness, Austria also boasts beautiful scenery and a surprisingly rich cultural scene. Like many of the world's happiest countries, it boasts a strong health-care system, as evidenced by the long average life expectancy of its citizens. Strict environmental regulations are starting to pay dividends, says Oskar Hinteregger, of the Austrian National Tourist Office. He credits the country's happy mood to its relaxed atmosphere, efficient public transport system, and general cleanliness. Austria does have some poverty, though: nearly 6%.

No. 4: Iceland



Population: 300,000
Life Expectancy: 80 years
GDP Per Capita: $35,600



There's more to Iceland than hot springs and Björk. The tiny country's extensive welfare system plays a big part in its citizens' happiness. The Icelandic government offers a broad range of services, such as generous housing subsidies, and with very little poverty, wealth is evenly distributed among Icelandic society. Literacy is high and unemployment, at 2.1%, is low.

No. 5: Bahamas



Population: 303,800
Life Expectancy: 65.6 years
GDP Per Capita: $20,200



Bahamanians know how to enjoy life. “Maybe it's our 'Bahama Mamas,' our sweet sea breeze, our conch salad, and fun loving people,” suggests Kendenique Campbell-Moss, a senior executive at the Bahamas Tourism Ministry. Although the poverty rate, at 9.3%, is relatively high, the beautiful weather and laid-back lifestyle keep Bahamas' citizens smiling. Campbell-Moss also reckons the fusion of African and European cultures, strong family values, and Christianity contribute to the happy vibe in the Caribbean country.

No. 6: Finland



Population: 5.2 million
Life Expectancy: 78.5 years
GDP Per Capita: $30,900



It's dark and cold in the winter and has some of the highest taxes in Europe. But that doesn't get in the way of Finns' overall happiness. High quality medical care — at little to no cost — contributes to the country's high average life expectancy. The country's free educational system is one of the best, resulting in a 100% literacy rate. Poverty is rare; so too, is extreme wealth. “Our beloved government makes sure that taxes are high enough to prevent easy ways to riches,” says Jaakko Lehtonen, director-general of the Finnish Tourism Board. “Finns think a good salary is two cents higher than your neighbor's; it's enough to make you feel wealthy and subsequently, happy,” he says.

No. 7: Sweden



Population: 9 million
Life Expectancy: 80.50 years
GDP Per Capita: $29,800



Taxes are high and the winter is trying. But social equality, one of the best welfare systems in Europe, and a great work/life balance keep Swedes smiling. Parents get extensive maternity and paternity leave, and child care is heavily subsidized and available to all. Sweden also has unusually transparent government and a strong emphasis on ensuring the freedom and equality of its people. “Ordinary citizens in Sweden have the right to see the prime minister's official mail, and they often exercise that right,” notes Susanna Wallgren, of the Swedish Tourism Board.

No. 8: Bhutan



Population: 2.3 million
Life Expectancy: 55 years
GDP Per Capita: $1,400



Here's a surprise: The small Asian nation of Bhutan ranks eighth in the world, despite relatively low life expectancy, a literacy rate of just 47%, and a very low GDP per capita. Why? Researchers credit an unusually strong sense of national identity. Plus, the country has beautiful scenery and a largely unspoiled culture, thanks to strict governmental limits on tourism, development, and immigration. Pretty counterintuitive, but Bhutan seems to have found a recipe for happiness.

No. 9: Brunei



Population: 380,000
Life Expectancy: 75
GDP Per Capita: $23,600



It helps to have oil. Wealthy and politically stable, Brunei's government plays a major role in its citizens' happiness. The same family has ruled the Southeast Asian nation for more than six centuries, providing free medical services and education. Even university-level education is paid for by the government, which also subsidizes rice and housing. That ensures virtually nonexistent poverty.

No. 10: Canada



Population: 33 million
Life Expectancy: 80 years
GDP Per Capita: $34,000



Canada may sometimes feel overshadowed by its giant neighbor to the south, but a strong sense of national identity and abundant natural beauty help make the sprawling and sparsely populated country one of the world's happiest. Canada also punches above its weight economically, with a huge $1.1 trillion GDP and per-capita that ranks among the world's highest. It also has strong health care and a low crime rate.

No. 11: Ireland



Population: 4 million
Life Expectancy: 77.7 years
GDP Per Capita: $41,000



Once so poor that its citizens fled by the millions, the Celtic Tiger has enjoyed unprecedented economic growth over the past dozen years. Credit membership in the European Union and a can-do attitude has raised standards of living and even lured former immigrants back home. The excellent education system, open economy, and relaxed pace of life all contribute to the overall happiness of the Irish.

No. 12: Luxembourg



Population: 474,500
Life Expectancy: 79 years
GDP Per Capita: $55,600



Luxembourg's position proves that sometimes money can buy happiness. It has the highest GDP per capita in the world. And with great access to education, 100% of the population is literate. The people of Luxembourg should find comfort in their surroundings, too. Mercer Resource Human Consulting ranked the city-state as the safest in the world in 2005.

Rio De Janeiro The Carnival

The famous carnival it is considered to be Rio de Janeiro's main event and it takes place during the peak of the summer when Cariocas are at their very best. The festivities that take place during the carnival attract thousands of people from all over the globe. The carnival lasts for 4 days, starting on Saturday and ending on Tuesday. The roots of the carnival are somewhat uncertain but most of the people agree with the fact that it started as a pagan celebration in ancient Greece or Rome.

Carnival balls were imported from Italy to Rio de Janeiro at the end of the 19th century and they shined during the 1930-1950 period, with famous balls at the Municipal Theater and at the Copacabana Palace. The well-known samba parade took off in the 1930s at the Praca Onze and later on at the Av. Presidente Vargas. The samba found its stable home in 1984 at the Sambodrome, a structure in the center of Rio de Janeiro. In the present, the samba parade is broadcasted to a lot of countries and in all of the Brazilian states.

Other interesting attractions include the street carnival festivities which are free and a lot of fun. A "don't miss" is the Banda de Ipanema which was founded in 1964 and in the present it is considered to be a significant part of the cultural heritage attracting more than 15,000 people each and every year. This euphoric event where people gather around and start dancing, singing and partying is the result of very long months of hard work. The Mangueira Carnival Ball is the perfect opportunity to experience the atmosphere and the music of one of the most popular traditional schools - Mangueira without having to visit its rehearsal space. This group is very complex as it has drummers, samba dancers, the flag bearer and her escort. One of the most famous nights at the Rio de Janeiro carnival is the gay costume ball as it gathers a truly exotic collection of costumes. It is a remarkable flamboyant crowd with hundreds of queens and their admirers.

We will continue this article by sharing three golden rules regarding the Rio de Janeiro carnival:

- It is highly advisable to avoid reserving tables right near the dance floor as you will be spending the entire night telling people to stop dancing on your table and go away;

- Also we recommend not bringing a lot of things with you because the more things you have, the more you will have to worry about. If you want to take pictures, we recommend using disposable cameras;

- The very first thing any carnival participant must do once he/she passes the door is to buy dozens of tickets for drinks. If however you don' connect with words, try the bottom up sign as it is universally understood.

All things considered, the Rio de Janeiro carnival is one of the biggest parties in the world where people gather around to dance, have fun and enjoy one another's company.