Asia Travel Tips =

Asian Gay Travel and Lesbian Travel Resources by Utopia gay asian travel agents hotels holiday tours * lesbian accommodations accomodation guesthouse * guides venues clubs * utopia Celebrating 10 YEARS of Service to Asia's Gay & Lesbian Community! Utopia Gaydar User Search AIDS/HIV ACCOMMODATION ASIAN NEWS ARCHIVE SAFER SEX TRAVEL TIPS HOTLIST MESSAGE CENTER POSTCARDS EMAIL US A-SHOP ASIAN TRAVEL GALLERY MEMBERSHIP WOMEN'S SPACE Promote your business with Utopia Australia China/Hong Kong Cambodia Indonesia Japan Korea Laos Malaysia Mongolia Myanmar Nepal Philippines Singapore Sri Lanka Taiwan Thailand Vietnam Utopia : Asia Travel Tips = travel agents, accommodations, hotels, tickets, tours, guides, venues, clubs = Recommended by TIME MAGAZINE Selected Net link of Hot Web site of and Best Info pick of -- -- Explore by country or follow one of the excellent links below: Accommodations in Asia Asian Lesbian Resources Instead of a hotel, consider an apartment! Moveandstay - Serviced Apartments in Asia Australia Accommodations -- Qbeds Australia's queer accommodation directory Gay Travel in Australia message forum Brunei Gay and lesbian Travel in Brunei message forum Cambodia Accommodations Cambodia Adventures by Club Sanook Private, any-time tours for gays and lesbians to explore the fabled Angkor Wat, Siem Riep and Phnom Penh. Email . Gay and lesbian Travel in Cambodia message forum China Accommodations Explore China with Club Sanook Private tours with local guides. Email . Gay and lesbian travel in China message forum East Timur Gay and lesbian Travel in East Timur message forum Indonesia Accommodations Indonesia Adventures by Club Sanook Private, any-time for gays and lesbians to explore the fabled Borobudur, Bali and Yogyakarta. Email . Gay and lesbian travel in Bali message forum Gay and lesbian travel in Indonesia message forum Japan Gay and lesbian travel in Japan message forum Korea Gay and lesbian travel in Korea message forum Laos Laos Adventures by Club Sanook Private, any-time tours for gays and lesbians to explore ancient Lunag Prabang and Vientiane. Email . Gay and lesbian travel in Laos message forum Malaysia Accommodations Gay and lesbian travel in Malaysia message forum Mongolia Accommodations Gay and lesbian travel in Mongolia message forum Myanmar / Burma Gay and lesbian travel in Myanmar message forum Nepal Gay and lesbian travel in Nepal message forum New Zealand Accommodations Gay and lesbian travel in New Zealand message forum Philippines Accommodations Gay and lesbian travel in Philippines message forum Singapore Accommodations Gay and lesbian travel in Singapore message forum Sri Lanka Accommodations Gay and lesbian travel in Sri Lanka message forum South Asia Taiwan Accommodations Gay and lesbian travel in Taiwan message forum Thailand Accommodations Thai Friends Explore Thailand with capable, serious, English-speaking guides, many of them students, who are interested in introducing you to Thai culture and gay life. Email . Lost Horizons Gay-friendly, eco-tour holidays and upcountry resort retreats in Thailand. Email . Thailand Adventures by Club Sanook Unique, small-group tours for gays and lesbians to explore Thailand's magnificent beaches, bustling markets, cultural treasures and famous hospitality. Email . Gay and lesbian travel in Thailand message forum = BANGKOK -- area code (66-2) = Gay and lesbian travel in Bangkok message forum = CHIANG MAI -- area code (66-53) = Gay and lesbian travel in Chiang Mai message forum = PATTAYA -- area code (66-38) = Gay and lesbian travel in Pattaya message forum = PHUKET ISLAND -- area code (66-76) = -- Gay and lesbian travel in Phuket message forum = SAMUI ISLAND -- area code (66-77) = D.J. Paradise Tour 126/18 Moo 3 Tambon Maret 077-418-891, FAX 077-418-892, email . Gay-owned tour operator and travel agent. English and French speaking. Saai Travel Service 124/1 M.1 Chaweng, 230-477 Specializes in arranging diving trips. Japanese speaking. Gay and lesbian travel in Samui message forum Vietnam Accommodations Vietnam Adventures by Club Sanook Private, any-time tours for gays and lesbians to explore Vietnam's magnificent beaches, unspoiled natural wonders, cultural treasures and friendly folk. Email . Gay and lesbian travel in Vietnam message forum Gay Asia/Pacific Links Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree Message Board for GLBT AQUARIUS SAUNA, POOL & GYM in tropical Patong Beach, Phuket... get the full story All smiles at the 2005 Bangkok Pride Parade. get the full story UTOPIA GUIDE TO THAILAND: the gay and lesbian scene in 18 cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui & Pattaya! find out more ASIA -Dec27,2005 The recipients of Asia's leading gay human rights commendations, the 6th Annual Utopia Awards, are announced for 2005. get the full story CHINA -Dec24,2005 Beijing's first gay pride festival cancelled by police due to lack of a permit. get the full story THAILAND -Dec6,2005 The Thai Cultural Monitoring Department calls police over realisitic descriptions of "negative subjects" including "gay performances" get the full story AIDS/HIV + ASIAN NEWS ARCHIVE + SAFER SEX + TRAVEL TIPS + WOMEN'S SPACE + HOTLIST + MESSAGE CENTER A-SHOP + ASIA TOURS + GALLERY + MEMBERSHIP + ACCOMMODATION + POSTCARDS ADVERTISE + ABOUT US + EMAIL US Australia + Cambodia + China/Hong Kong + Indonesia + Japan + Korea + Laos + Malaysia + Mongolia + Myanmar Nepal + Philippines + Singapore + Sri Lanka + Taiwan + Thailand + Vietnam All original content © 1995-2005 by Utopia Asia

South America Travel

Patagonia Argentina / South America. Travel, destinations, sightseeing, photos and more ! Versión en Español English Version Search this site Contents T ourist Info Travel with us! F.A.Q. and Tips Background Info The Climate Patagonian Cooking Photo Gallery Wallpapers Community Patagonia Forum Pata-Postcards Subscribe Participate Related Links The Perito Moreno Glacier detachment: will it happen soon again? No matter the diverse explanations coming from the experts, for most of us mortals it is almost a miraculous event that, in the middle of global heating, the Perito Moreno Glacier continues advancing . It is already the third consecutive year that it manages to lean over the border of the Peninsula and gets to cut the passage of waters, necessary condition for this phenomenon to take place. Read the details here The most famous Glacier on Earth Recall the last time it happened New Exclusive Tour! In search of the Spirit of the Glaciers Lakes, mountains and fun Read on... In Bariloche the high season extends throughout the whole year, a known fact. Nevertheless, in order for the summer to be complete we propose these new excursion options, combining the pleasure of contemplating wonderful landscapes with the emotion of feeling the protagonists of a unique adventure. Extreme South Tour (new!) Info on this Tour... A virtual visit... This is currently our most requested Tour Program. It is an ideal option in order to master two of southern Patagonia’s major sites: first, a visit to the majestic Glaciers with their magical, blue ices (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and finally, Ushuaia’s charm, at Tierra del Fuego, the uttermost End of the World. The Extreme South of the World is waiting for you with its thrilling, amazing and unmatchable landscapes. Salta, the "very beautiful one" Read on... Salta is simultaneously a city and a province. Due to its particular location, forming some sort of a ring between the Andes Mountain range to the west and the Argentinean-Paraguayan chaco to the east, it comprises an enormous climatic and geographic variety, not to mention its colonial scent and impressive landscapes filled with contrasts. Learn Spanish in Tierra del Fuego More info... A very stimulating and new option: To learn Spanish at the "End of the World"! This programme allows you to combine pleasure and study. Our packages include different options; you can choose from stays of different lengths with varied class schedules. Including, of course, excursions and the exclusive lodging facility of Hostería Tierra de Leyendas. The quality and warmth of Ushuaia's teachers is already being known worldwide. Do not miss this opportunity! Home | Our Travel Agency | Tourist Info | Sports and Adventure | Pata-Postcards About us | Contact us | Terms and Conditions of our Travel Services | Terms of use of this website © 1999 - 2005 Patagonia-Argentina.com - All Rights Reserved. PATAGONIA-ARGENTINA.COM "Planet Earth, the way it used to be" La Tierra, como solía ser S.A. 956 Libertad St. Local 15B Buenos Aires - Argentina (C1012AAT) TE-FAX: +54 (11) 5236 - 4164 / 65

Cruise Vacation Guide: Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Line Specialists, Itineraries and Special Guides Norwegian Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Agents, Norwegian Cruise Specials Norwegian Cruise Vacation Guide: Norwegian Cruises Tours Virtuoso Norwegian Cruise Cruise Consultants Norwegian Cruise Vacation: Call 1-800- 330 8820 to book NCL America Cruises NCL America Hawaii Cruises NCL America Freestyle Hawaii Norwegian Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations Cruise Specials Alaska Cruise Specials Bahamas & Florida Cruise Specials Bermuda Cruise Specials Caribbean Cruise Specials Hawaii Cruise Specials Mexican Riviera Cruise Specials Panama Canal Cruise Specials Itineraries Norwegian Alaska Cruises Norwegian Bermuda Cruises Norwegian Caribbean Cruises Canada,New England Cruises Norwegian Europe Cruises Norwegian Hawaii Cruises Norwegian Panama Canal Cruises South America Cruises Norwegian Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Hawaii Cruises: In this section you will find great Norwegian Cruises to all the destinations. There are a lot of romantic Norwegian Cruise honeymoon destinations. If fine cuisine is important try our Norwegian Cruise culinary vacations. Ask our Norwegian Cruises Specialists about oue exclusive specials. You can inspect the Norwegian Cruises fleet on this site---You will find everything here except the sunscreen. We guarantee you that our Norwegian Cruise Specialists will provide you with every up to the minute special available!. You can get a lot more than you pay for with us---like free shore excursions, free upgrades, past passenger rates, even pre and post hotel packages, business or first class air discounts. Each of our Norwegian Cruise Specialists are extremely knowledgeable, with over fifteen years of industry experience on the Norwegian ships serving as sales managers and consultants. We are experts in the art of cruising, will serve as your advocate and will always available to you. Norwegian Cruise Line America Escape to Paradise Norwegian Cruise Line's Freestyle Cruising , the policy of freedom and flexibility ensures a hassle-free vacation that rivals the finest land-based resorts. Anticipate the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line's newbuilds, the Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Star, purpose-built for Freestyle Cruising, offering year-round cruises in Hawaii and exploring Canada/New England and the Caribbean. NCL has completed its plans to convert the existing fleet to Freestyle ensuring guests the highest level of service and maximum enjoyment on each cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line's Freestyle Dining It's your choice! Choose what time you dine. Where you dine, and whom to dine with. Endless dining choices have been added to each ship. Choose a different style of food and restaurant theme for every night of your cruise! Learn more about Freestyle Dining and "Set Yourself Free" on your next cruise! Norwegian Cruise Lines entire fleet* has been converted to accommodate a whole new concept in cruising-Freestyle Cruising. Imagine a world-class resort on the high seas, where unobtrusive, one-to-one attention indulges your every whim. At-your-pleasure Norwegian Cruise Line's dining lets you eat virtually when, where and with whomever you choose. And nearly unlimited freedom and flexibility provides you with a truly relaxed, hassle-free vacation. With Freestyle Cruising, the sky's the limit. Where in the world would you like to go? Europe? Bermuda? Alaska? The Caribbean? Perhaps you've always wanted to voyage to the bottom of the world? Cruise the Hawaiian Islands? Or revel in the riotous colors of fall foliage along the New England and Canadian coast. With a heritage of seafaring excellence, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a considerable array of itineraries to some of the most exciting destinations in the world. All told we visit over 150 ports, in 40 countries, on four continents. We make romance on Norwegian Cruise Line the norm. Norwegian Cruise Line Honeymoon/Anniversary Packages Whether you've sealed it with a kiss, or vow to do it all over again, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a romantic way to embark on, or continue a life of wedded bliss. Our honeymoon and anniversary packages are filled with special touches like breakfast in bed, a Bali-press massage for two, or a cozy dinner with views of paradise. Life is a romantic destination. Let Norwegian Cruise Line take you there. Norwegian Majesty--- You deserve the Royal Treatment! The moment you see her, you'll understand why she commands such a loyal following. The Norwegian Majesty has always been stylish and sophisticated. Now she's also been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d - adding 110 feet that's filled with new staterooms, a second pool and dining room, a new casino, another outdoor bar, NCL's hallmark Le Bistro restaurant, a coffee bar and lots more deck space. And everything else has been spruced up and refurbished. The Majesty now gives you even more room to roam, more sparkling places to enjoy and more quiet corners to relax in. T ravelwizard.com is highly recommended by Don Ho, the King of Hawaiian music. What ever you do don't miss Don Ho's incredible show if you are vacationing in Hawaii. Travelwizard.com has recently been featured on numerous Discovery Travel Channel specials. Look for us next on the "Honeymoon Adventures Specials" and the, "Honeymoon Hotspots Specials." No one delivers a better luxury cruise experience than our luxury cruise consultants who have dedicated their careers to the cruise industry. When you complete our, "Norwegian Cruise Planner" We will assign one of our professional cruise consultants to your request. They will be a specialist with the cruise line you requested, will contact you promptly with all your options, and will give you their direct phone number so you can always easily contact them for additional advice, or assistance in case of an emergency. Note: The Norwegian Cruise prices listed in this guide are published fares - we often have cruise specials at substantially lower rates. Please use our "Cruise Vacation Planner" and our agents will tell you about all available specials. We are a member of Virtuoso - Specialists in the Art of Travel. Described by Conde Nast Traveler as "a network of the finest agencies...a reliable indicator of experience, knowledge, and industry clout." We are recommended by the Discovery Travel Channel, the Today Show, Conde Nast Traveler, ESPN TV, Fine Living TV, and Neiman Marcus Awards Program and National Geographic. During this time of price volatility in the travel and cruise industry, please be advised the pricing can fluctuate within the same day. All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until you make a deposit. Click here to book your Luxury Norwegian Cruise Vacation Click here to submit a vacation planner to our Virtuoso Travel Specialists Client Testimonials about our services Search Your Vacation, Tour or Cruise Norwegian Cruise Information Norwegian Cruise Ships Norwegian Cruise Dining Norwegian Cruise Activities Norwegian Cruise Services Norwegian Fleet Other Helpful Travel Links Helpful Cruise Info Contact Us Free, Full Service Norwegian Cruise Cruises Vacation Planners Click here to save money, time and stress planning, making reservations, or booking your Luxury Cruises vacation with our full service Virtuoso Cruise Consultants . We are recommended, authorized Virtuoso Luxury Cruises Specialists, and will arrange every little detail to make sure you have a wonderful, carefree vacation experience at no extra charge! You may call our Luxury Cruises Consultants, but first--- we'd really appreciate it if you complete our " Cruises Vacation Planner" so we have all your requirements beforehand and are prepared to present you with all your options and up-to-the-minute specials. Thank you very much! Call 1-800 30 8820 to book your Norwegian Cruise vacation. For Luxury Vacations: "Worldwide Luxury Vacation Planner" For Luxury Tours: "Worldwide Tour Planner" After you've completed your vacation planner you may call 1-800 30 8820 to book your luxury vacation. Thank you very much! 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All of our promotions are subject to change without notice. As a result, prices will not be guaranteed until booked. State of California seller of travel License # 2061139-40 We are on the Better Business Bureau Honor Roll. Travel Agent Opportunities Contact Information Advertise with Travel Wizard 1998 TravelWizard.Com, Norwegian Cruise Dept. All rights reserved.

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

cruise vacation! Nearly 17,000

Cruise Vacation Travel Planning Through Cruise Travel Agents Why Plan your Cruise Vacation With a Travel Agent? Because travel agents, particularly those affiliated with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), are the traveler's best resource for planning a cruise vacation! Nearly 17,000 travel agencies across the U.S. and Canada are affiliated with CLIA. These travel agencies join CLIA for sales and cruise product training, for information on current cruise vacation trends and to be kept informed by CLIA's 19 member cruise lines on cruise news and special offers. By being a CLIA affiliate these travel agencies have chosen to specialize in cruise vacations and, by doing so, they are especially qualified in helping you choose the perfect cruise and getting you the best vacation value. CLIA affiliated agencies take advantages of many CLIA programs in order to better serve their customers including: Attending up to 13 three-hour CLIA classroom training programs Viewing up to 14 CLIA training videos Completing CLIA'S internet based training courses Studying the CLIA cruise vacation textbook Attending CLIA's advanced training academy - The CLIA Institute Attending CLIA endorsed cruise conference for training seminars and familiarization with cruise lines and cruise ships. And, many travel agencies are proud to have CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellors on staff. Earning the designation of an Accredited Cruise Counsellor or Master Cruise Counsellor, these travel agents have completed a rigorous curriculum of cruise sales training and have personally sailed, or inspected, a wide variety of cruise ships. By working with a CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor, you can be confident that many of the cruise vacations they recommend are based on personal experience. To find a cruise specialist in your area, look for the dark blue and gold CLIA seal, which designates an "Official Travel Agency of the Cruise Industry". Or, click onto the Cruise Expert Locator on this web site to find a CLIA affiliated travel agency and a Certified Cruise Counsellor. Our last bit of advice - take a vacation from planning your vacation - visit a CLIA affiliated travel agency soon because - You haven't lived until you've cruised! Search for any city or US zip code Search by Destinations All Destinations Africa - Southern Alaska Antarctica Australia/New Zealand Bahamas Baltic/Russia Bermuda Black Sea British Isles/Ireland Canary Islands/North Africa Caribbean Costa Rica Cruises to Nowhere East Coast Europe - Western Far East/Orient Greek Isles/Aegean Hawaii India Israel/Egypt Mediterranean - West Mexico New England/Canada Panama Canal Red Sea/Suez Canal River - Amazon River - China River - Europe Scandinavia, North Cape South America South Pacific/Tahiti Southeast Asia Trans-Atlantic Trans-Pacific West Coast World Cruises Search by Cruise Lines All Cruise Lines Carnival Cruise Line Celebrity Cruises Costa Cruises Crystal Cruises Cunard Line Disney Cruise Line Holland America Line MSC Cruises Norwegian Coastal Voyage Norwegian Cruise Line Oceania Cruises Orient Lines Princess Cruises Radisson Seven Seas Cruises Royal Caribbean International Seabourn Cruise Line Silversea Cruises Swan Hellenic Windstar Cruises Search by Length of Cruise All Cruise Lengths 3-7 days 8-14 days 15-21 days 22+ days Why choose a CLIA Certified Cruise Counsellor? Find a CLIA affiliated travel agent in your area Search Tips Site designed by RampageInteractive / Web Services by TheDestination Group Digital