Tokyo – Japan & Mt Fuji

If you are looking for places of interests that have something from beautiful gardens to theme parks, or fine art galleries to the biggest fish markets in the world or whatever from a city, then Tokyo in Japan might interest you.

Tokyo has over 30,000 residents, making it the largest metropolitan area in the world. In fact, Tokyo is one of the busiest cities on the planet, if you are there, you would agree with me that the pace of life there never seems to slow down but at breakneck pace.

Tokyo Tower

Besides a tourist attractions hot spot with a rich variety of cultural attractions and many places to see and places to visit, Tokyo has some of the best shopping in the world, you may find them in places like Ginza, Shibuya, Ikebukero and Shinjuku.

The Meiji Shrine

If you are interested to know more about Japanese history dated back from 1,500 years, then visit Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, there has twenty galleries filled with artifacts waiting for you to explore. Also, the National Museum of Western Art nearby has a large collection of Impressionist works, and other institutions there include the Municipal Art Gallery, the National Science Museum, the National History Museum and the Gallery of Far Eastern Art.

As for popular centre for nightlife, I suggest you to visit Shinjuku. In addition, Shinjuku is also home to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which has both Japanese and European style gardens, and a tea-house where visitors can take part in the traditional tea ceremony while Ginza is home to the Kabuki-za Theatre.

If you happen to visit Asakusa, you will find places to see and places to visit like the Sensoji Temple, the Five Storied Pagoda and Nakamise, a traditional shopping arcade, as well as the Hanayashiki Amusement Park. As I know, Harajuku is a place where the young like to hang out. Azabu-Juban is upmarket and Akihabara is the place to head to buy electronics. Don’t miss to take a traditional bath in the hot springs in Azabu-Juban.

Other tourist attractions, places to see and places to visit that you might not want to miss:

• The bullet train;
• The trip to Mt Fuji. Mt Fuji is Japan most recognizable landmark and is situated about 100 km west of Tokyo;
• The Meiji Shrine;
• Shomben Yokocho; and
• Tokyo Tower.

Other things you might want to know about:

Taxi door – do not try to open the taxi door, as Japanese taxis have automatic door-opening systems.

Crossing the street – use care because in Japan, driving is on the left.

Tattoos – don’t flaunt your tattoos, as it is forbidden in many hot springs and other places of interest.

Japan Rail Pass – I suggest you to get it as the pass will offer you unlimited travel on Japan Railways trains, and is definitely less expensive than a regular round-trip ticket. However, this pass is only available to people with tourist visas and not other visas like student, business and diplomatic visas.

Greet with a bow – it is interesting to know that Japanese of all ages bow in greeting each other, and is something not to be surprised if you see them bow even on the telephone!

When to visit those places of interest? Any time of the year.

Samarkand in Uzbekistan - The Rome of the East

What is there to see in those places of interest in Samarkand? I would say, you will have incredible architecture, an enduring history and a dazzling mixture of cultures for you to explore.

You may want to know that Samarkand, which is strategically located in the Zarafshan Valley in Uzbekistan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and most important cities of Asia. Further, it serves as a key entry point on any visit to places to see and places to visit in Central Asia.

The Registan ('sandy place') - a huge square in the centre of the city, consists of three huge madrassas, i.e. Ulugh Beg Madrassa in the west, Sherdar Madrassa in the east, and Tilla-Kari Madrassa in the middle, are sparkle with turquoise mosaic patterns and decorated inside and out with glazed bricks, mosaics and carved marble, representing the finest of Islamic art and architecture in the world.

Those have been to these tourist attractions have agreed that it is home to a dazzling array of architecture and culture, and Samarkand is majestic and beautiful to be seen, felt and touched. I believe that is the reason why Samarkand is acknowledged by tourists and travelers as ‘the Rome of the East’, ‘the pearl of the Muslim world’ or ‘the Land of Scientists’.

Uleg Beg Madrassah

I believe its dazzling array of architecture and culture is the result of being rule by the Persians, Alexander the Great, Arabs, Genghis Khan, Timur Gurkani (Tamerlane or Tamburlaine the Great), Turks and Russians, leading it to develop a culture consisting of Persian, Indian and Mongolian influences with a splash of both Western and Eastern cultures.

Among the many places of interest, places to visit and places to see that I feel you should not miss, shall include the following:

Gur Emir Mausoleum - the blue, ribbed dome that dominates the skyline of central Samarkand which houses the remains of Timur (i.e. the man that made Samarkand the capital of his empire and turn it into a magnificent centre of mosques and mausoleums) and his family. Do take a look at the broken, gigantic slab of dark green jade commemorating this once mighty ruler, it is said to be the largest jade stone in the world.

Bibi Khanum Mosque - restored by the Russian Government after earthquake damage in the nineteenth century. Its dome is considered to be the largest in the Muslim world and the multi-coloured decorated roof is one of the largest and most grand in Samarkand. With an impressive main gate of 35 m or 115 ft high, and looms above a noisy, crowded market brimming with colourful fruits, vegetables and locally grown spices.

Shah-i-Zinda - the tomb of the living king. This beautiful shrine is one of the oldest structures in Samarkand and is a popular pilgrimage site. In fact, it houses the shrine of Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, Qusam ibn Abbas, who brought Islam to the region.

When is the best time to visit those tourist attractions and places of interest? April to June, or September to October.

Makalu – Natural Beauty in the Ice-Capped Top

Do you want to challenge yourself to climb one of the highest mountains in the world and witnessing the spectacle natural beauty from the ice-capped top? But be informed that Makalu trek is one of the most difficult in the Himalayas due to its narrow, exposed ridges and steep sides, nevertheless, it is not the hardest summits to reach.

Don’t let this discourage you as climbers from a Japanese expedition have completed this difficult route on 23 May 1970.

Base camp below Makalu peak.

Makalu, being the fifth highest mountain in the world and lies 22 km east of Mt Everest, and with an isolated peak soaring 8,463 m (27,766 ft) into the sky is resembled a four-sided pyramid. Its stunning peaks provide the backdrop for the Makalu region, which is an amazingly pristine area in the north-western corner of the Sankhuwasabha district. To the west, it is bordered by the Everest region, to the north by China, to the east by the Arun River and to the south by the Sabha River.

You may want to know that Makalu is designated as a national park and conservation area in Nepal to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

I believe if you were there, you will have the chance to meet with the ethnic groups of Rai, Limbu and Sherpa, and have your photo taken with them. In fact, most of the people live in the lower hills with the highest concentrations in the southern most third of the district, close to the Arun River.

Anyway, be careful of what you eat and drink while visiting those places to see and places to visit in Nepal, for example, leafy vegetables are known to carry parasites, so avoid those of dubious origin. Also, try not to drink tap water or beverages with ice, which often is made of local water.

Well, only you can imagine the views from the ice-capped top and the spectacle from the Arun Valley if you are there in spring or autumn! Do enjoy but not over challenge yourself to this interesting place, although some said tourist attractions is secondary!

Hanoi - and French Connection

What is there so special about Hanoi? Was it to see Ho Chi Minh's embalmed body in his imposing Lenin-style mausoleum?

Hanoi, being the most influential city in Vietnam for the past thousand years, is in fact Vietnam's cultural centre, as every Dynasty has left its Mark there. Further, with a host of interesting monuments and cultural sites, i.e. including over 600 temples and pagodas, and with French colonial style of architecture to be seen everywhere, I am sure is a must places to visit, places to see in every travelers’ mind.

Do you know that Hanoi is also labeled by some as 'Hanoi Hilton'? This as I know was because American prisoners were kept in those notorious old French prisons during the Vietnam War. Unfortunately these tourist attractions are now largely demolished but with part remaining as a museum.

One-Pillar Pagoda

You may want to know that Vietnam was invaded by the Chinese in the 15th century and the French in the 19th, and Americans were ejected from South Vietnam in the 1970s following violent insurgencies, and all of them have left their mark, especially the French. That I think is the reason why in particularly the French has influenced the character of modern Hanoi, with their colonial style of architecture to be seen everywhere, in particular the grand colonnaded opera house, St Joseph's Cathedral, the Hanoi University, Vietnam State Bank building, the Presidential Palace, the Hotel Sofitel Metropole and elegant boulevards like Phan Dinh Phung Street.

What are the not to be missed places of interest or tourist attractions? Besides those interesting museums like the National History Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts and the Revolution Museum, you may want to consider:

• Hoan Kiem Lake - Hanoi’ landmark, is close by and there are regular day and night markets;
  
  
• Flag Tower - Hanoi's famous, think was built in 1812 (if I am right). The Flag Tower was used as a French military post then, but now proudly flies the Vietnamese flag;
  
  
• The wonderful Hanoi Citadel - dating from the time of the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225);
  
  
• The large West Lake - a popular area for people to relax away from the Hanoi’s hustle and bustle. I suggest you to hire a rowing boat to really enjoy yourself there;
  
  
• Temple of Literature - this historic was founded in 1070 as a Confucian temple and is the site of one of the world's earliest universities; and
  
  
• One-Pillar Pagoda - one of the finest wooden pagodas in Hanoi and is on stilts over a lake.

When to go to those places to see and places to visit? I think winter (from November -April) for Hanoi’s cool temperatures, partly also not much rain is the best as summers are hot and wet there.

However, beware of the traffic as crossing the street in Vietnam is always dangerous because traffic lights including red lights are often ignored and one-way streets are trickled with traffic flowing the wrong direction. I think the concept of traffic and lanes still raw in Vietnamese although traffic lights are all over Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Shanghai – The Oriental Paris

Feel like to dine at fantastic restaurant, visit cultural museums and look at stunning modern and traditional architecture? Or perhaps shop among one of the top fashion hot spots in the world?

If so, Shanghai which sits on the estuary of the Yangtze River, and the largest industrial city in China, should be one of the places to visit in your travel plan. To many people surprised, Shanghai is in fact a fascinating, frenetic city in which the best of traditional and modern China combine.

The Bund

Whether you are interested in modern skyline, world-class shopping and food, the culture or traditional buildings, many who has visited those places of interest there would agree that it is among the finest in China. Think that is the reason why it is also known as ‘Hu’ or ‘The Oriental Paris.’

For sightseeing and shopping, the areas around People's Square and along the Huangpu River have much to offer. However, Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road are where the best fashion shops are to be found. But if you are looking for antique shops, cafés or the marvelous old French Concession area, I would suggest you to go straight to Huaihai Road. For foot-weary shoppers, a toy train is available to transport them from one end to the other while shopping on Nanjing Road, sound great right? But not sure do you need to pay for it at the time of this writing.

Yu Yuan Garden

If you wish to admire the historical buildings and for great views across the river to Pudong, then don’t miss to wander along The Bund, a tourist attractions and a major financial hub today where it was once home to American, British, French, Japanese and Russian banks and trading houses. You will be able to see locals gathering on the promenade at dawn to practice qi gong, tai chi, kung fu as well as ballroom dancing. In fact, tourist will usually queue up on the docks for scenic riverboat tours.

If you want to break from the frantic pace in Shanghai, and looking for a serene and calming atmosphere, one of the places to visit is Yu Yuan Garden (‘Yu’ means ‘peace and health’ to Chinese). Although it may not be a great tourist attractions to some, but it is beautiful, and a tranquil area, with bamboos, stone bridges over waterways, ponds with koi and rock gardens all in one.

Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe

Among the old buildings and places to see in Shanghai are the Longhua Pagoda, the Jade Buddha Temple and the Tomb of Lu Xun. Before I forget, Chongming Island, Zhujajiao Water Town and Qibao Ancient Town are also places of interest that are worth visiting. How about cultural highlights and performance? Head on to the world-renowned Shanghai Museum and the performances in the Shanghai Grand Theatre, both are just amazing!

You may want to know that Shanghai offers culinary delights focusing on the traditions of Beijing, Yangzhou, Sichuan and Guangzhou plus its own local dishes. In fact, those went there commented that its restaurants are among the finest in China and that cutting-edge international cuisine can be enjoyed in a stylish surrounding! Whatever it is, don’t miss the steaming hot Shanghai dumplings!

When is the best time to visit those interesting places? Although it is a year-round destination, but summer is its peak travel season and also that air pollution can be a problem too, hence, spring or early autumn would be most ideal. Be aware that the number of road fatalities is incredibly high in Shanghai and the driving there might make your hair-raising!

Other tourist attractions, places of interest and places to see that you might not want to miss:

• The residences of Sun Yat-Sen and Chiang Kai-Shek; 
• The Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe; 
• The Art Deco Sassoon House; 
• The vast and fascinating antiques market in the French Concession; and  
• The glittering view of Pudong at night.

Some local customs that you might want to take note of:

• The Chinese aren’t very touchy feely, meaning that you should opt for greeting with handshakes over European-style cheek kissing, and limit public displays of affection to hand holding.
   
• The Chinese like to order dishes for several around a table when eating together, instead of ordering individual main dishes. For example, five people eating together might order a whole or half chicken, a fish dish, vegetable, fried rice, fried noodles, or some type of meat so that everyone can reach for it.
   
• Noisily slurping up soup and noodles, as is belching and to hold the bowl close to your mouth and shovel in contents without any qualms is a norm. In fact, covering the tablecloth in crumbs, drips and even spat-out bones is a sign that shows you enjoy your meal.
   
• Never point or play with your chopsticks while eating, or to place them on top of your rice bowl, or leaving your chopsticks standing up in a bowl of rice, these acts are considered bad manners. 

However, if you want to gain an insight into Chinese culture and traditions, I suggest you wander down the side streets where you will have the chance to gain the best insights of it as inhabitants go about their daily lives.

Hope you enjoy your trips to these tourist attractions and places of interest in Shanghai, and want to explore many other places to visit, places to see in other parts of China too.

Online Maps - Tourist Attractions, Places of Interest, Places to See, Places to Visit and Interesting Places

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