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I’m pretty sure every Tokyo guidebook has Tsukiji Fish Market penciled into the “top sights” chapter – after all, it was one of the largest wholesale fish markets in the entire world. It was also the site of the insanely competitive tuna auctions held before dawn (we’re talking millions of yen shelled out at 2 AM), huge slabs of fish bartered over by restaurant owners.With the moving of the famous Inner Market to its own plot in the newer, modern Toyosu Fish Market, visitors have started to ask whether Tsukiji is still worth visiting. In my honest opinion? Yes.While narrow alleys and soaking wet grounds of the Inner Market are no longer accessible, the bustling cluster of the Outer Market still remains a huge draw for anyone interested in sushi, seafood or cooking. History is rooted in th
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It is both exciting and intimidating traveling to countries with vastly different culture and language. Japan, for one, varies in English hosting ability from region to region. It also operates on a strict set of cultural practices and social rules that confuse even multi-trip visitors. Luckily, we’ve prepared a quick guide that highlights things to keep in mind.Starting with general Japan travel know-how’s before digging into everyday do’s and don’ts, here are some tips to make your traveling to Japan smoother. There are also some useful Japanese phrases for basic communication.Cities to visit for the first-timer Japan is a patchwork of metropolitan cities and small towns, scattered amid mountains in a kaleidoscope of attractions. Tokyo of course, is the first choice for first-time visit
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No doubt you have your own image of Japan, whether it’s a mecca of anime and video games, a fashion hub, cultural hoard or fast-paced, glittering cities. Also known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”, Japan is perhaps the most traveled of East Asian countries, due to its diverse geographical terrain and seasonal attractions. Capital Tokyo and laid-back Osaka are favorites of city-dwellers, whilst Kyoto lures with heritage and Hokkaido with snow-laden mountains. There’s something for everyone in this 10-day itinerary for Japan. Japan is also known for its long-reigning monarchy, history rife with imperial wars and rapid development. As a result, visitors are gifted with remnants of royal residences and traditional complexes, alongside temples and shrines dedicated to local deities. Fest
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Japan is a country shrouded in mystery and tradition, of movement and technological growth, the home of anime and capsule hotels, and the setting for the weird and wonderful. The annual cherry blossom envelopes the country in an elegant blanket of soft pink beauty, meanwhile Mount Fuji stands with a striking force overlooking the country’s capital, goading visitors to give their best shot at reaching its peak.Carved in every possible way by its deep Eastern ideology, Japan is a country that deserves a place on every wanderer’s bucket list. Whether it is the authentic cuisine shaped by centuries of change that calls your name, or snow sports in the most stunning of landscapes, Japan promises to win your heart.The other beauty of this country is that it is possible to fully immerse yourself
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So you have booked your first trip to Italy and are really excited at the prospect of exploring this wonderful country – and you can be sure you are going to have a great time. But if it is your first time, there are a few things you should know that will make your trip go without a hitch. To help you plan your trip, take a read of this guide to essential tips for your first trip to Italy.1. DrivingIf you are going to be spending your vacation visiting the major cities, it is highly unlikely that you will need to hire a car. Public transportation in urban areas is generally of excellent quality, so this will be sufficient to get around. However, if you are going to be traveling to more rural areas, a car is handy.The most important thing is to check whether you are eligible to drive in It
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My Experience of Tasting Food at Mercado de Campo De OuriqueCampo de Ourique is a residential neighborhood of Lisbon which very few tourists visit. It is the home of the first food market in Lisbon. And unlike other in food markets, food court and produce sale is all done in the same hall. You will be able to see the daily life of fish, meat, flowers, and other fresh produce sellers. Quieter during the week and lively on the weekends Mercado de Campo de Ourique is a great place to escape the crowds and try different types of cuisines including typical Portuguese. The post Food Tasting at Mercado de Campo De Ourique appeared first on Hortense Travel.
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Italy is a country of outstanding natural beauty, there are thousands of amazing historical, archaeological and architectural sights to see, and the food is simply to die for. Two of the most popular destinations that travelers don’t miss are Florence and Pisa. Both located in the stunning region of Tuscany, these two enchanting cities are located just an hour’s train ride away from each other, making it perfectly feasible to combine them both into a two-day trip. Here’s A Guide on What to See in Florence and Pisa.What to Do Florence?Florence is the capital of the Tuscany region and considered to be a cultural, architectural and artistic wonder. There is plenty to see here, some of which may require advance booking, so keep this in mind when you are planning your trip.Piazza del Duo
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Italy is definitely a destination where travelers of all types can find something for them, but if you really have money to spend, this is where Italy comes into its own. Italians are known for being smart, well-dressed and sophisticated, so it should come as no surprise that in pretty much every city and region of the country, you will find upmarket districts and towns. While these are great to visit, if you want to extend your stay, you can opt to book yourself into one of the many luxury hotels that Italy is famed for. If you are looking to add a bit of bling to your vacation, here is an insider guide on where to stay in Italy – the best luxury areas and accommodation. Where to Stay In Italy?RomeMonti and Villa Spalletti Trivelli Dimora d’EpocaAs Rome’s most famous quarter, you w
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Maremma is the unknown part of Tuscany. The one that you won’t find in X places you need to visit in Italy before you die. But its natural beauty, polite locals, stunning beaches and great cuisine should push it to the top of your list. Especially if you prefer uncrowded and back-to-the-roots Italy. Geographically, Maremma is the coastal area of Western Central Italy, bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s located only 2 hours by car from the international airport of Pisa, Maremma is very accessible yet unadulterated. Best Places to Visit in The Amazing Maremma Region of Tuscany:Castiglione della PescaiaOur journey began at L’andana 5* Hotel. The hotel is located close to Castiglione della Pescaia – a small coastal town that becomes alive in the Summer months and turns sleepier as soon
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You probably know that there are a million fantastic reasons why Italy makes such an amazing travel destination. It is a country with one of the best cuisines the world has to offer, its wine is second to none and its history is long and varied, making it an incredibly fascinating place to visit. However, one of the main reasons that so many people head to Italy on their vacation is that it is astoundingly beautiful. From its breathtaking coastline to imposing mountains, everywhere you go in Italy, you will see stunning landscapes and pretty city scenes. Of course, there are some places which are more beautiful than others in Italy, so if you are planning on booking your next vacation, you will want to know where exactly you can find the most gorgeous destinations. To help you out, here i
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The vast majority of travelers head to Italy during the hot summer months but you should consider visiting in Winter. Let me tell you why. Whether you like to spend your holiday skiing or basking in some winter sun, whether you enjoy wandering around the festive markets or marveling at all the masks during Carnival, you can be sure that you will find something for you during a winter vacation in Italy. Here is The Ultimate Guide to Taking a Holiday in Italy in Winter.Snowy Christmas in the DolomitesWhile skiing and snowboarding are popular activities among Europeans and abroad, it seems that in recent years there has been less snowfall in many countries, reducing the chances of actually getting on the slopes. However, the same cannot be said for the Dolomites in the north-east of the coun
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It might not be the first destination you think of when considering visiting Portugal in winter but Portugal is actually a fabulous choice at this time of year. While many countries in Europe feel the temperature drop and get blanketed in snow, Portugal, for the most part, remains a balmy paradise, ideal for those seeking a bit of winter sun. In addition to this, it is a time when the crowds are fewer and accommodation and transportation are cheaper, so you will get to enjoy all the sights and attractions without battling the hordes and at a great price too.But if Winter is the offseason, is there actually anything to do in Portugal during the cooler months? You will be pleased to know that the country is just as delightful with a multitude of things to do in winter than it is in summer.
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Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.―Norman Vincent PealeChristmas in Europe is celebrated with lots of joy, laughter, and steaming emotions. It’s absolutely awe-striking to see and experience the extent to which the festivity of this holiday is celebrated and entertained on The Old Continent. It’s an absolute treat not just for locals but for travelers, as well.Here are some of the best places in Europe to indulge in the holiday joy of Christmas during the month of December!Vienna, AustriaVienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Austria and it is one of the heartiest places in all of Europe to celebrate Christmas. The highlight is the Christmas Market located at the city hall square. It simply turns the place
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It’s that time of year again – 2019 is coming to an end and we are all starting to think about where we would like to travel next year. But while there are loads of countries which regularly top lists of places you should travel this year, it seems that the same ones come up year after year. What if you want to travel somewhere completely different, somewhere that when you tell people where you are going, they say ‘where?!’ It might feel like the world has got a lot smaller in recent years and that it is really hard to find places off-the-beaten-path, but if you are searching for somewhere unique for your vacation next year, you will be pleased to know that there are some corners of the world which still receive relatively few visitors, making them perfect for an original holiday. If you
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Italy is definitely a destination where travelers of all types can find something for them, but if you really have money to spend, this is where Italy comes into its own. Italians are known for being smart, well-dressed and sophisticated, so it should come as no surprise that in pretty much every city and region of the country, you will find upmarket districts and towns.
