 | | | Liberating and enchanting, with a tinge of serenity! These words are what came into my mind when I think of Tetayama Kurobe Alpine Route. Trust me, the place is just like how I have described, only better! If you don’t believe me, check out the photos our colleagues have taken during their “Mission” trip there!
Here are a few facts you should know before you plan to head down to Tetayama Alpine Route.
Opening Period:
Please note that this route is only open from mid-April to November every year. On the other hand, the snow walls can only be visible during mid-April to mid-June! So don’t get the dates mixed up if you don’t want to miss such a spectacular sight. But don’t worry, even if you have missed the visiting period of the snow corridor, you can always take a ride on the Gondola and chair lift to view the magnificent Northern Japan Alps. A scenery that would totally take your breath away!
Transportation:
To fully enjoy the entire Alpine Route, there are a few transportations that you must take in order to cover all the attractions there! From cable cars to trolley buses, you will get to experience all sorts of transport services when you are there. But the most interesting has got to be the Tateyama Ropeway! It may look like a cable car, but it is actually an aerial lift! In fact, this particular ropeway in the Alpine Route operates without any support towers between the lower and upper stations, making it the longest one-span ropeway in Japan! Believe it or not, it can hold up to 80 people per cabin. So take the chance to glance out of the windows and simply be bewitched by the awesome view of the entire Alpine mountain range. All you have to do is just sit back and enjoy the rides!
Climate:
Don’t forget to bring your rain gears along, for the weather on the mountains can be really unpredictable! But most importantly, a thick jacket is a must if you have no intention of shivering in the cold at an altitude of more than 3000 meters above sea level! For all the ladies out there, better prepare some sun block lotion, as the sun rays can be really strong at such a high altitude.
Despite the wonders of what the Alpine Route tour can offer, I know they are definitely not enough to satisfy your cravings for more sightseeing and entertainment! Right here in Japan, you get to see and do so much more! Take a look at what else you can do in…
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Kyoto :
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Other than geishas, one of the must-see attractions in Kyoto has got to be the Kiyomizu Temple. But before you step into the temple, slow down and observe the surrounding olden architectures along the Kiyomizu-Zaka Street leading up to the temple. There, you will be able to find all sorts of traditional items, ranging from potteries to silk fans, which, by the way, make superb souvenirs. And if you are lucky, you might even bump into a geisha!
Once you enter the temple, you will instantly be overwhelmed by the peaceful atmosphere around. Don't forget to grab this chance to make a wish at the main temple. Here are a few easy steps to follow when making a wish, the Japanese-style!
- Ring the bell
- Throw your coin (a 5cent yen if you want to wish for fate) into the offering box
- Bow twice and clap your hands together twice
- Make your wish before you take a final bow
When you are there, you definitely would not want to miss out a family/group photo at the broad terrace attached to the main part of the temple. Resembling a spectacular performance stage, this structure is actually supported by 139 pillars without any nails! The view it offers is spectacular and differs according to the seasons! Speaking of seasons, you might want to take a look at your entrance ticket. Even the designs for their tickets changes according to the seasons! So don't throw the tickets away! They can be considered as a collectible!
And if you think that is all Kiyomizu Temple has to offer, then you are absolutely wrong! As you continue walking along the path, you will come across the Otowa Waterfall. Take a sip of the streaming water if you want to be blessed with longevity, success in school and of course, love luck! Why not, right? |
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Nagano :
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Have a fruity experience here at Nagano when you visit their fruit farm for fruits picking! Different fruits are available for picking during different seasons.
- April / May - Strawberry (Helps to reduce the risk of cancer and heart attacks)
- June - Cherry (Provides pain relief for people who suffer from arthritis)
- July - Peach (Helps body develop resistance against infectious agents)
- August / September - Grape (Activates enzymes that help to slow down aging process)
And you get to pick and eat these fruits all at the same time right here in the farm. How convenient! Best thing is that these fruits are all low in fat and high in fibre. So don't worry about getting fat, make sure you eat to your heart's content! |
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Mt Fuji :  | |
You probably don't know this, but you will be surprised that Mt Fuji, as gigantic as it may be, can only be viewed on 201 days of a year! So count yourself lucky if you manage to even catch a glimpse of this big beauty. And if the weather is right, you get to ascend to the highest station at Mt Fuji at 2305 meters above sea level! Feel the cool breeze brush against your cheeks and take time to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Located just around the corner near Mt Fuji, there are several lakes which provide awesome views. Great for a picnics and fishing! Also, if you have time, you might want to patronize the hot spring hotels around this area for a refreshing onsen bath.
Many people might have missed this out, but situated at the foot of Mt Fuji lies a shopping paradise for all! Gotemba Premium Outlets features over 200 outlet stores, making it one of the largest outlet centres in Japan! Ran out of cash? Fret not, they accept credit cards! |
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Tokyo : | | |
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They say Tokyo is a shopper’s heaven! I can’t agree more! If you like high end boutiques, Ginza has it all. If you love Japanese fashion, head down to Shibuya for affordable street wear. When your feet get sore and you ran out of things to buy, find a seat near the famous Shibuya cross junction and observe the fashionable dressing styles of the locals.
And Shibuya is not only famous for its shopping districts! Have you heard of the movie “Haichiko: A Dog’s Story” acted by Richard Gere? This touching story of an extremely loyal dog is based on a true story originated right here in Shibuya. If you walk towards Shibuya Station, you will not miss the statue of a dog sitting upright, “waiting ever so eagerly for his owner to return home”. Definitely worth being deemed as a symbol of loyalty!
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