vacationing in Florida. Here

Florida Travel Vacation Guide - Accommodations, Attractions and Retirementinfo and more!. Accommodations Attractions Real Estate Theme Park Tickets Disney Savings Magazine Golfing Golfing Hot Deal Retirement Cruise Lines Weather USA 3000 Car Rentals Amtrak Customer Care Articles QUESTIONS? Contact one of our Representative! Last updated: The ultimate, one-stop guide to vacationing in Florida. Here you'll find everything you need to plan your holiday in the sunny south, including the best links to Florida's attractions, accommodations, car rentals, weather, and more! 2005 2006 Check out our Electronic Brochure for Best Rates on Accommodations! Call: 1-800-430-2435 (All prices are in US funds) US - Sarasota location: 866-929-7121 / 941-955-2500 CAN - Ontario location: 800-430-2435 / 519-658-8105 ACCOMMODATIONS Your best resource for affordable vacation accommodations throughout Florida. Narrow your choices down by choosing a region, followed by a specific city. You'll find a listing of Florida accommodations ranging from vacation homes and condos to five-star resorts and hotels. ATTRACTIONS Florida is the place to visit if you're looking for fun in the sun! You'll discover an endless list of things to see and do - from kiddie rides to the newest, wildest roller-coasters. Orlando, home to Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Escape, is rated No.1 for theme parks. RETIREMENT There's no better place to spend your leisure years! With its wonderful climate, endless attractions and amenities, and expertly-designed adult living communities, Florida offers a retirement lifestyle that most only dream about. CRUISE LINES If your idea of a dream vacation involves lying under a cloudless blue sky, indulging in fine cuisine and dancing until the wee hours, then consider a cruise departing from one of Florida's four ports. WEATHER If you're looking for a vacation destination known for its balmy breezes, sunny skies and warm temperatures, then the Sunshine State is the perfect choice. Florida Web Guide Arts and Entertainment Health Events Maps Education Recreation and Sports Employment Shopping Government Society and Culture Links Florida Travel Magazine LOOK INSIDE Our Magazine is designed for people who love all that Florida has to offer! Order Now! We're here to help! 1-800-430-2435 More... Currency Converter CVBs RV Info Camping Temperature Charts Moving South? Timeshare Quick Find Accommodations Northern Florida Central Florida Central East Florida Central West Florida South East Florida South West Florida Attractions Northern Florida Central Florida Central East Florida Central West Florida South East Florida South West Florida Other Topics Car Rentals Weather Links Retirement Cruise Lines RV Info Articles Magazine Camping Timeshare

Argentina Travel Info: General

Argentina Travel Guide - Internal Flights in Argentina Home Transportation Argentina Domestic Flights Domestic Argentina Flights Argentina is a very big country and travelers that want to experience the many highlights of the country will probably need to purchase internal, or domestic, flights in Argentina. There are a number of airlines that offer flights from Buenos Aires to almost all domestic destinations in Argentina for about $125 to $350 USD each way. Be sure to book flights in advance, even during the low season, because many flights get sold out quickly. Aerolineas Argentinas is the nation's best domestic flights carrier. The airline offers multiple flights per day to most destinations and has proven to be much more reliable than the competition. The domestic airport in Buenos Aires is called Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), or simply referred to as "Aeroparque" by the locals. The airport is small, convenient, and only 20 minutes from the city center(the Obelisk) by taxi. The international Ezeiza (EZE) airport also serves some domestic destinations. Ezeiza is about 45 minutes from city center. Be aware that very few cities have direct flights between each other (excluding Buenos Aires), so to fly from one destination to another you will most likely have to fly to Buenos Aires and make a connection to your next destination in Argnentina. Destinations and Flight Distances Map: To first-time visitors to Argentina it is often quite difficult to understand what kinds of distances are involved in travelling the country. The map on the following page was created to help you better plan your vacation. Internal Argentina Flight Map Arranging Flights: If you would like to arrange flights within Argentina, there are very few inexpensive ways to go about doing that. One good option is to buy the flights from AR Tourism, LLC before travelling. The internal flights will cost a fraction of the price you would pay if dealing directly with the airline. AR Tourism - Domestic Argentina Flights More Domestic Argentina Flights Information: Find all the information, in real-time, about the flights to and from all airports in Argentina. At each airport, you can also look up how to get to the airport or what car rental agencies are located there. Website Get the most from your Argentine vacation. Let the travel professionals at AR Tourism arrange the perfect vacation for you, while saving you money and eliminating the inconvenience of handling overseas arrangements. AR Tourism - Argentina Vacation Travel Agency Argentina Regions | Patagonia | Iguazu Falls | Perito Moreno, Calafate Buenos Aires Guide | Side-Trips | Recoleta | City Center Argentina Golfing Guide | Argentina Skiing Guide Sitemap © 2005 AR Tourism, LLC FOR MORE INFO: eMail: info@allaboutar.com Introduction to Argentina Travel Info: General Information Transportation Travel Facts Safety Planning a Trip Argentina: Buenos Aires Regions in Argentina Sports Activities People & Culture Argentine Tango History of Argentina Other Stuff: About Us Links

Hotel Travel

UK hotels, travel and heritage - Britain Express UK travel guide Travelling in England, Scotland, or Wales? We've been there - and if we haven't been there yet, it's on our list! The UK Travel and heritage guide SITE MAP England | Scotland | Wales | History and Culture Accommodation UK Hotels From the leafy lanes of a peaceful village to the excitement of London, we've got the perfect hotel for your UK stay, with over 5000 budget, family, and luxury hotels in every area of the country. Find hotel accommodation in England , Scotland , and Wales . Hotels Search Please enter a place name, postcode, airport, tourist attraction, etc Dates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 January February March April May June July August September October November December 2005 2006 2007 Nights 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 35 Rooms 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 England - most popular Bath Birmingham Blackpool Brighton Cambridge Lake District Manchester Newcastle Stratford upon Avon Windermere York all England locations >> London Hotels Budget Mid-range Luxury London Hotels Central London Gatwick Airport Heathrow Airport all London hotels Scotland Edinburgh Glasgow Borders Highlands all Scotland hotels Wales Cardiff Swansea North Wales (Snowdonia) Pembrokeshire (South west Wales) all Wales hotels Self catering cottages The Britain Express Self catering cottages guide offers online booking at over 1400 self catering holiday cottages throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. Browse Self catering cottages: England London Devon Cornwall Lake District All England self catering >> Scotland Central Highlands Northwest and Highlands Perthshire, Tayside and Fife Stirling, Loch Lomond, Trossachs & Western Isles All Scotland self catering >> Wales North Wales Pembrokeshire All Wales self catering >> Bed & Breakfast - a good friend at BedandBreakfasts-UK.co.uk has put together a lovely directory of British B&Bs. Highly recommended. Attractions in England, Scotland, and Wales UK Attractions - find places to visit by location or by type of attraction. By Location Explore thousands of attractions in England , Scotland , and Wales . By type of Attraction: Ancient Sites Castles Cathedrals Gardens Museums Historic Houses (stately homes) Roman sites Our favourite Villages But there is more to experiencing the UK ... Countryside National Parks National Trails Heritage Coasts Tourist Information Centres in the UK England Scotland Wales Travel Services Car rental Instant, no obligation quotes on rentals throughout the UK. Train timetables and tickets Rail tickets and real-time train timetable information. UK Travel Directory Links to thousands of travel resources throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. To the best of our knowledge this is one of the largest online resources of information on travel in the UK, with listings covering everything from official regional tourist boards to local village websites. England Wales Scotland B&B Hotels Tour Operators Car Rental Walking Holidays Waterways Holidays All categories .... Your Personal Guide to the UK Welcome to my world! My name is David Ross, and I'm proud to be the Publisher of Britain Express, a labour of love, and a celebration of British heritage and culture. My family and I travel to hundreds of UK destinations each year, from famous attractions to quiet villages, and bring you back our considered opinion on each location. Come exploring with us! UK Regional Travel Guides England - Most Popular : Lake District Cotswolds East Anglia West Country London Northeast and Yorkshire All regions of England Virtual Tour of England - for a quick overview of what to see in each region of England. Most popular England County Guides Cornwall Cumbria Derbyshire Devon Dorset Gloucestershire Isle of Wight Kent Norfolk Northumbria Oxfordshire Shropshire Somerset Wiltshire Yorkshire All English County Travel Guides In-depth City Guides Cambridge Chester Oxford Winchester York London Travel Guide Scotland Highlands Borders Dumfries and Galloway Grampian Fife All Scotland regions Wales North Wales Pembrokeshire Cardiff Anglesey Swansea and the Gower Peninsula All Wales regions Virtual Tour of Wales - planning your first trip to the land of the red dragon? Start here! History and Culture Prehistoric Britain Roman Britain Anglo-Saxon Era The Middle Ages The Tudor Era Stuart Britain Georgian Britain The Victorian Age Timeline of English Monarchs English Culture What makes England so ... English? From hedgerows to the history of tea, pastimes to traditional crafts. British Battles The major battles fought on British soil - who fought them, why, and what was the outcome? History of Wales British Biography Our look at the lives of famous people in the fields of art, architecture, science, and literature throughout British history. From Chaucer to Tennyson, Christopher Wren to William Shakespeare. English Architecture The story of English architecture and historic building styles, from prehistoric monuments to Victorian Gothic, with our suggestions for the best examples from each period to visit in England. London History From the Romans to the Blitz, our look at the colourful history of London. New St Michael's Mount Photo Gallery Images of magical St Michael's Mount in Cornwall Tintagel Castle Photo Gallery Images of Tintagel, reputedly the birthplace of King Arthur. Castle Howard Built by the Earl of Carlisle, one of England's finest stately homes York Minster this great Gothic cathedral is the widest in England. Special York Minster photo gallery Photos of Temple Church, London 13th century church founded by the Knights Templar Fairfax House, York a virtual tour of this historic Georgian townhouse in York Gatwick Airport Guide Hotels, airport parking, flight information, Gatwick Express, and more. Heathrow Airport Guide Hotels, airport parking, and Heathrow Express information. Arbor Low Prehistoric Derbyshire stone circle Haddon Hall Perhaps the finest medieval manor in England Heritage Corner Chatsworth, Derbyshire in the 17th century "The Duke's house stands on a little rising ground from the River Derwent which runs all along the front of the house and by a little fall made in the water which makes a pretty murmurring noise; before the gate there is a large Parke and severall fine Gardens one without another with gravell walkes and squairs of grass with stone statues in them ..." Ordnance Survey maps 10% Discount on all Ordnance Survey maps + Plus + Free shipping Contact Britain Express - About us - Privacy policy Britain Express Limited is a UK corporation, Registered in England No. 5251831 Little Rissington, Gloucestershire, England Also from Britain Express Hôtels au Royaume Uni

Germany Travel Stories Germany

Germany Travel Stories Archives: BootsnAll Travel Network Visit other BootsnAll sites: BootBlog | Bali | London | Australia | Written Road | Travel News Daily Home | Ask an Insider | Members Forum Plane Tickets | Youth Hostels | RTW Guide About Us | Advertising | Contact | RSS | Staff First Time Visitor? Home » Germany » Germany Travel Stories Germany Travel Stories A Wurst Case Scenario - Rothenburg, Germany Lee Hammerschmidt samples gritty, grimy, lumpy...blutwurst. The Heart of the Black Forest - Black Forest, Germany Jen D. Rodriguez finds the heart of the Black Forest when staying at the Familie Sum. Don't Go to Berlin - Berlin, Germany Berlin is a city full of drunk, ornery, rude, tourist-haters. According to Leif Pettersen, it is a city that will take your money and dignity and give you nothing in return. Is This the Train to Oktoberfest? - Munich, Germany When Joanna Grome heads to Oktoberfest, she's surprised to learn that the party starts on the train. Writer's Block in Germany - About 20 km southeast of Stuttgart, Germany Andrew Jenner takes on Germany - and finds the best fodder for travel writing is right under his nose...literally. How I learnt to love the Cathedrals! - Cologne, Germany All it takes is a couple of dollars - and drinks - for Arvind S to appreciate cathedrals. The story of Berlin and Kabaret - Berlin, Germany Arvind S knows discovers there is more to Berlin - and cabarets - that he ever expected. On a Murder Charge! - Garmisch, Bavaria, Germany Pete Day and his friends are picked up for murder in Bavaria. Scenic Koblenz - Koblenz, Germany Namrata Singh discovers the picturesque little towns that dot Germany's famous Rhine River. Danke for the Memories: Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany David M Weber shares his experiences and tips to help future travelers to Oktoberfest survive, and even enjoy it. Cheating Death in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains - Germany Novice rock-climber Christine Wynne experiences some free-climbing in the heart of Eastern Germany. Beer, Toys and Lebkuchen - Germany Recovering from stolen luggage, Joseph Koch makes the most of his time in Germany. 9: No One Told Me I Needed a Bathing Suit - Diary of a Single Girl - Frankfurt, Germany Ria doesn't care how hot and steamy it is, she turns a cold shoulder to stripping off in the German spa. So a Glaswegian Talks German to a Dutchwoman Part 1 of 2 - France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechenstein Natives beware: Scott and his friends confused foreign languages all over Europe back in 2001, and are plotting to return. So a Glaswegian Talks German to a Dutchwoman Part 2 of 2 - France, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Liechenstein Natives beware: Scott and his friends confused foreign languages all over Europe back in 2001, and are plotting to return. My Favorite Drives - Germany Ever since Jeff P. Porterfield was legally able to put his foot down on an accelerator, he's been striking out on the road in an attempt to feel freedom and experience new surroundings Chasing the Sun #3: Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, France From ferry gambling to storks in Waddeweitz, Bamberg smokebeer to flooding in Prague, Bid and Renee see a little of everything. The Year of Living Differently #12: For Butter or Wurst - Enns, Austria to Witten, Germany While her Europe trip was not turning out terribly exciting, Trisha was happy to be able to catch up in person with friends she'd met on the road. Another Day in the Life - Germany Philip Blazdell does his best to dispell the myth that jet setting all over the world on other people's money and calling it work is all glory. Do you believe him? Europe by Auto: Kilometers of Fun If you have a sense of adventure and have an explorer's heart, driving through Europe can be a rewarding experience, according to Laura Foy. A Stay in the Penthouse - Osnabrack, Germany A stopover in Osnabruck leads Dave Zimmerman to a great hostel and a town rich in good food, things to do, and interesting people. Eastern Germany: In the Middle of Europe, but Not Well-Known - Eastern Germany Since 1989, beaches, mountains, castles, gardens and great hiking are now more accessible. Joe Browne suggests some highlights. Germany Stands Tall - Germany Samantha Ehrlich feels like everyone in America is in a rush, while Germany has grown into a traditional, but modern society. It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #12 Episode Twelve: Bavaria Revisited Guns, Gummy Bears and Huge Pretzels We arrive at the Termond's house four hours later than planned. We found out that it is possible to catch a train from Kempten to Waltenhofen, but it only... It Doesn't Matter Which Road You Take #9 Episode Nine: Munich European Washers and Apple Vendors We wake up the next morning and pack our bags for Austria. Actually, we are stopping in Munich first, but saying that we are packing our bags for Munich does not... München: the BMW museum in the rain The BMW museum is quite a show, especially for enthusiasts, but beware of "museum syndrome". European Travelogue #12: Berlin, Germany Finishing up the city tours. European Travelogue #4: Munich, Germany Mmm....beer!!! European Travelogue #3: Stuttgart, Germany Clean, organized but very ordinary place. European Travelogue #2: Mainz/Frankfurt (including The Rhine), Germany Entering the country of Oktoberfest. Berlin, Germany Info Brandenburg Gate Let me start off by stating that I love Berlin. This city, which has had so much recent history as well as a more turbulent past, is undergoing gigantic changes since re-unification. I was amazed at the... Munich, Germany Munich (map), home of the Oktoberfest, is located in Bavaria in the south of Germany. The Oktoberfest is held from the last week in September to the end of October. Getting There Munich is well served by the German... Stuttgart, Germany Stuttgart (map) has the reputation of being one of the few cities totally flattened by Allied bombing during the Second World War, because of it's industrial strength. As a consequence, the buildings here are all less than fifty years... Black Forest, Germany There is so much more to this region than trees, cakes and felt hats. Home » Germany » Germany Travel Stories Book It! 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Japan travel discussions ski

::Metropolis Tokyo :: JAPAN TRAVEL - City of Peace Japan Today Specials | Classifieds | Jobfinder | Tokyo Guide | Directory | Forum Friends Home Feature The Small Print Faces & Places The Goods Travel Tech Know Sports Cars & Bikes Arts & Entertainment Music Japan Beat Clubbing Art Stage Books The Agenda Listings TV Movies Dining Out Sake Wine Tastemaker Table Talk Local Flavors International Dining Restaurant Review Bar Review Classifieds Jobfinder Horoscope Mailbox The Last Word Photo of the Week Archive About Us Subscribe Search Distribution Points latest Japan travel discussions ski resorts JR 18 Pass Visa Questions Saving $ to visit Japan.... help me out Travelling to India - Do I really need vaccinations? cheap hotel with rotemburo Going to Okinawa, pls help in recommendations Amita Buddha Nagoya International Airport? More forum topics Trip tips Shinkansen trains connect Tokyo station and Hiroshima (4.5hrs, ¥18,550 one-way), while overnight buses leave from Tokyo Station’s Yaesu south exit (12hrs, ¥21,200 round-trip). Hiroshima’s sites are easily negotiable by foot, but the city’s tram system connects the main JR station with the city center and beyond. Hotel 28 Hiroshima (082-247-2811) is a centrally located, functional business hotel. At ¥4,000 for a small single room, this is possibly the city’s most reasonable offering. For something more upmarket, the ANA Hotel Hiroshima (082-241-1111) offers twin rooms for ¥20,000. Some guidebooks recommend the World Friendship Center (082-503-3191), run by an anti-nuclear NPO (¥3,500/p including breakfast). The Hiroshima City Hotel and Ryokan Union can be contacted at 082-261- 0074. There are two city information desks at the JR Station and another excellent facility at the Rest House inside the Peace Park (082-247-6738). The Hiroshima Convention and Visitors Bureau: www.hiroshima-navi.or.jp The Hiroshima Interpreter and Guide Association at www.urban.ne.jp/home/higa ADVERTISERS : Flight Shop A'cross Travellers Bureau 03-5467-0077 No 1 Travel CAN Tour Four Seasons Travel 03-5907-5220 JAL Story and Beltop Travel Service Just Travel 03-3362-3441 Hit Travel TRAVEL ARCHIVE: 611: City of Sand From crowded markets to placid mosques, Cairos attractions are legion 609: On the edge Hateruma Island offers a primeval slice of sand and surf 607: Land of calm Get a glimpse of unspoiled Asia in the lush countryside of Laos 605: Just like heaven Nokogiri-yama in chiba is as appealing as Nikko or Kamakura, and just as accessible 602: Place your Bets Macau pays its respects to history while keeping a keen eye on the future 598: Bring it on Peak season can’t come soon enough for hotelsin southern Thailand 596: Rhythm City Cuba In the island nation’s largest port, the common language is music 594: City of Peace Sixty years after the infamous attack, Hiroshima is a site of remembrance 592: Big sky country Endless vistas and mysterious shrines await in rural Mongolia 590: Hidden pleasures Kyoto’s little-visited gardens justify a trip all their own 588: Another Country While maintaining its cultural distinction, the Basque homeland of Bayonne offers the best of Spain and France 586: Stepping into the past Beaches, museums—and painted ladies—await visitors in Atami and Ito 584: Getting to the Roots of Kuala Lumpur In quiet parks and bustling markets, Malaysia’s capital reveals its past and future 582: The great outdoors Shinrin Koen in Saitama offers year-round fun for space-deprived Tokyoites 580: Seoul, revisited Ancient and modern worlds collide in the Korean capital, a city of futuristic architecture, tranquil palaces and fiery cuisine 576: Ancient treasures Explore untouched 900-year-old temples in Myanmar’s Bagan region 574: The High Life Squeeze a last bit of fun out of winter in the mountains of Nagano 572: The Other Side of Cape Town Township tours offer a vibrant glimpse of daily life in South Africa 570: White day Yuzawa offers beginners a chance to ski before the snow melts 568: City of spice Take a gastronomic tour through India’s food capital 566: Life Cyclist An around-the-world biker makes a pit stop in Tokyo 564: Forest in the Clouds Rainswept trails and lush beauty await in Costa Rica's Monteverde nature preserve 561-2: Geisha for a day Kyoto's makeover studios offer visitors a new twist on tradition 559: Southern comfort Indonesia’s most vibrant village replenishes heart, mind and soul 557: Show time Nagoya is a city of potential heading into Expo 2005 555: Waterworld Float across the watery heart of Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan 553: Mountain dew A retreat restores the senses in the highlands of Fukushima 551: Turquoise baths Warm, white sand meets an ocean of blues in a remote corner of the South Pacific 549: Sea world A grueling 25-hour boat ride ends in the idyllic island chain of Ogasawara 547: Train spotting The Trans-Siberian Railway is an epic journey that begins right at Japan’s doorstep 545: In praise of slowness Yunishigawa offers a leisurely glimpse into Japan's illustrious past 543: Block party A guide to fun on the fringe at Hong Kong’s nightlife district of Lan Kwai Fong 537: The middle way Andrew McHugh embarks on a timeless pilgrimage in Tokyo’s tranquil backyard. 533: The simple life City slicker Matthew Reiss takes a breather along Shikoku’s Shimanto River. 529: The lost world In search of an ancient civilization swallowed by the sea, Carlo Niederberger plunges into the waters off Yonaguni. 525: Nature trails Hakkakuso in Tateyama offers a jumping-off point for cycling, swimming, and the well-preserved charm of Japanese fishing villages. Steve Trautlein heads to the coast. 521: High tea Cha and music have long been Nagasaki's two great passions. Simon Rowe hops on a tram to sample the Kyushu city's delights. 517: The hill is alive Grab your coats and your wallets for a tour of the best of Osaka with local boy Simon Rowe. 513: A walk in the woods Matt Button heads to Hokkaido and revels in the serenity of Daisetsuzan National Park. 507: Time and again The history of Arima runs as deep as its hot springs. Stephen Mansfield soaks up the local ambience. 503: Riverside retreat The rustic Okayama town of Takahashi offers the casual visitor a release from the world. Stephen Mansfield enjoys the time on his hands. 499: Tropics of interest Urban escapees in search of a little anonymity are drawn to Ishigaki-jima. Simon Rowe finds out why. 495: City by the sea Once a pirate haunt, the port town of Onomichi in the Inland Sea still houses an intriguing array of temples, and a surprising number of cats and cat lovers. Stephen Mansfield goes exploring. 491: Easy streets Ocean breezes, smiling faces, exotic markets, and a laid-back pace. Catherine Pawasarat finds Japanese-style relaxation on the shores of the Noto Peninsula. 487: Into the wild John McGee plumbs the depths and scales the heights of Tohoku's grandest national park. 483: Green Peace Home to Kyoto-style gardens and the Peace Museum for kamikaze, Chiran offers a healthy dose of history and culture. Stephen Mansfield takes a walk. 479: Walk in the woods Take a step back in time with a leisurely stroll through the forests and towns of the Kiso Valley. Mary King sets the pace. 475: Pilgrim’s progress Simon Rowe braves the storms and heads down to Shikoku’s “Typhoon Ginza,” Cape Ashizuri. 471: Companions of the sea Life in the Seto Inland Sea town of Tomo-no-Ura revolves around its fishing industry. Stephen Mansfield experiences the salty charm. 467: Monuments to history Once a refuge from wars, Yamaguchi has survived the blight of modern urban development, Stephen Mansfield observes. 463: Land of the giants Simon Rowe goes hiking on Yakushima Island, home to tropical beaches, granite hills, and the world's oldest-and largest-cedar trees. 459: Northern exposure Home to king crabs, towering snow sculptures and one of the country's biggest beer companies, Sapporo is the center of life on Hokkaido. Simon Rowe hits the city streets. 456: In from the cold Simon Rowe and Masami Hamada fight off the winter chill in the warm waters of Kinosaki 452: Keeping the peace David Capel visits the quiet hamlet of Matsumoto, home to Japan's oldest existing castle. 448: Past into present Stephen Mansfield takes the road less traveled and turns up in the historic samurai homestead of Obi 444: Chariots of ire The annual Nada Fighting Festival 440: Hook, line and sinker Summertime and the fishin' is easy-in Ichikawa village 436: Peaks and valleys Stephen Mansfield ventures into the picturesque calderas of Kyushu's Aso-Kuju National Park 432: Water's edge Seto Inland Sea the place for epicures and adventurers 428: Block party Renowned for its legendary temples and manicured gardens, Kyoto is one of Japan's top tourist destinations 424: Honshu's holy hotels Simon Rowe seeks serenity and a satisfying meal alongside the monks of Koya-san 420: High Art Since its opening five years ago, a reclusive sect's stunning museum has attracted wide international acclaim. 416: Fire and brimstone Hot water and Japanese hell come together in Oita Prefecture 412: Snowed in Finding peace and a warm bath in the mountains of Gunma 408: Edo elegance Old world artisans keep tradition alive in Honshu's Kurashiki 401: Bird's eye view Mary King mingles with the ghosts of Himeji Castle. 397: It takes a village Feed your spirits in Honshu's seaside town, Amanohashidate 393: Bathing Apes For a scenic dip with rare, furry primates and ready to primp for your pictures, head to Jigokudani Onsen. Mary King gets in to hot water. 389: God speed The mother of all Shinto temples, Ise Grand Shrine 385: Hattoji Highland hamlet 380: Nagasaki Remembrance of things past 378: Kawagoe From modern Tokyo to "Little Edo" 376: Tottori Tottori's stunning landscapes 375: Kyushu Bed and bath under the volcano 373: Ryogoku Land of the giants 372: Osaka Universal Studios Japan 371: Osaka Amerika-mura: Osaka's funky town 369: Mie Mikimoto Pearl Island 368: Takarazuka Hyogo-ken's all women theater group 365: Kawasaki Kawasaki's annual fertility festival 364: Aomori A day on Fear Mountain 362: Nagano Chill out snowboarding 361: Asuka One foot in the grave 356: Yamanashi Hakushu's hidden treasures 355: Waseda Tram Trip A streetcar named... 352/3: Aomori Jesus in Japan 351: Kumamoto Under the volcano in Kyushu 350: Sado Island Explore the forgotten charms of Shukunegi ISSUES 348- ISSUES 298- By Rob Gilhooly City of Peace Sixty years after the infamous attack, Hiroshima is a site of remembrance Photos by Rob Gilhooly There are things we put off: things that are difficult to tackle, troublesome, or unsavory. For 15 years since first coming to Japan, I have put off visiting Hiroshima. Having seen other examples of the terrors of war—Ho Chi Minh’s War Remnants Museum (in those days less ambiguously named the American War Atrocities Museum), for example—I decided Hiroshima could wait. This year, however, marks the 60th anniversary of the bombing, a suitable time, I thought, to stop putting it off and confront the world’s most damning testimony against nuclear warfare. For two days I roamed the city’s broad boulevards and narrow alleyways, crossing the many bridges that link several islands formed by rivers snaking through the city’s heart—a striking geographical feature that helped seal Hiroshima’s fate. For the most part, Hiroshima today is a succinct example of how Japan rose from the ashes of war and rebuilt itself to become the economic power it is today. There’s a bustling business zone, ubiquitous nighttime neon and a bubbly soapland district. Red-faced business-folk tumble out of eateries serving okonomiyaki, the savory pancake that locals will tell you is Hiroshima’s contribution to world cuisine, while a few hundred die-hard fans cheer on the local baseball team, the Hiroshima Carp, doing overtime battle with the Yokohama Bay Stars. Yet, there are ample reminders of that tragic morning in 1945 when the Enola Gay off-loaded the “Little Boy” bomb and blew what was then a little-known provincial city straight onto the map of global consciousness. At the entranceway to Fukuro-machi Elementary School, which was recently turned into a museum, an enlarged panoramic photo—the first to be snapped after the bombing—reveals the scale of the destruction. The city, quite simply, is desolate. Inside the school, messages penned on the stairwell by desperate survivors appealing for information about missing relatives are testimony to the anguish they suffered. The authors have been traced, and their heart-wrenching stories imaginatively documented. Across the river, at the city’s main museum, there are copious more reminders of individual tragedies: charred lunchboxes, ripped school uniforms, melted bottles, a step from the entrance of the Bank of Japan, blackened where a vaporized blast victim had been sitting. There’s nothing on the shock scale of Ho Chi Minh’s museum here—no pickled Agent Orange specimen or images of torture and execution—but enough to turn stomachs of those not yet desensitized by “Nuke the f***ers”-style Hollywood flicks or Al Jazeera-style churn-alism. From the second floor, a long glass-fronted corridor affords a panoramic view across the city’s Peace Park and the nearby cenotaph. Under this memorial—a graceful arc of granite that frames the nearby Peace Flame—a chamber houses tomes listing the names of the 230,000-plus victims, many of whom died from radiation-related illnesses. Here I chat at length with Yuriko Anno, 79, who visits weekly from Ninoshima, a nearby island where thousands of hibakusha, as the A-bomb victims are known, are buried, to pray for relatives and friends who perished. Anno survived because she was transporting family belongings to a new home some 30km away when the bomb was detonated. Like many of Hiroshima’s peace proponents, she expresses bitterness over Japan’s continued endeavors in nuclear power development and recent conflicts in which her country has been involved as “peacekeepers.” “Someone once said, ‘The only thing we have learned from history is that we never learn from history,’” she remarks. “Anyone who believes in war as a solution to anything should come right here.” By now we have meandered through the Peace Park, past the Flame of Peace and the Children’s Peace Monument, where a group of school kids are solemnly chanting prayer and draping countless rows of colorful paper cranes in deference to Hiroshima’s most famous child, Sadako Sasaki—the leukemia victim of “1,000 Cranes” fame. We come to a halt by the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which under rather different circumstances would likely have been replaced by a searing shiny structure housing collars and ties. Yet this is the original Ground Zero, now a World Heritage Site and the symbol for which the city is known worldwide. More commonly known as the A-Bomb Dome, it is the only remaining physical evidence of the attack. Its burnt and mangled shell serves as a chilling reminder of the A-bomb’s destructive force. As Anno continues her tale—of how her sister was killed instantly in the grounds of her school—I try to imagine the sight of a 1 million Centigrade force capable of buckling a meter-think iron girder, of wiping out an entire city in a micro-second or imprinting a human shadow on stone. I can’t. So I turn to the only item of comfort at hand, face the music and press the shutter. Would you like to comment on this article? Send a letter to the editor at letters@metropolis.co.jp . Discuss travel with METROPOLIS readers at http://forum.japantoday.com top