5 Most Beautiful Castles in Japan

Castles in Japan may not fit the Western concept of an ancient citadel, but although they look completely different than castles in Europe, they were built for much the same reasons. They began to appear in the Land of the Rising Sun during the 15th century when the country was dissolving into warring states. Later, they were built as places of governance and as homes for feudal lords, or daimyo. At one time, there were as many as five thousand castles in Japan; today, there are around 100, with only a dozen that have survived from the feudal era. These structures of wood and stone offer visitors a rare glimpse of Japan’s feudal past.

1.Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

Considered the most impressive of extant feudal-era castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is located west of Kōbe, the capital of the Hyōgo Prefecture. The fortress is commonly called the White Heron Castle because the castle’s white-plastered towers resemble a snowy egret in flight. Built in 1601 on the site of an earlier castle, the hilltop castle consists of 83 structures centered on the Tenshu-gun, a complex of keeps and connecting buildings. The primary keep is a six-story structure that’s visible from nearly any location in Himeji City. The castle has been featured in several films, including the James Bond adventure film “You Only Live Twice” and “The Last Samurai,” starring Tom Cruise.

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2.Matsumoto Castle

Matsumuto Castle, Tokyo, Japan

Located in a mountainous region to the northwest of Tokyo, Matsumoto Castle is set on a structure of stone surrounded by a large moat. Constructed in 1590, the multi-storied castle is trimmed in black, earning the fortress its nickname: Crow Castle. The castle’s main keep, or donjon, is the oldest in Japan and offers sweeping views of the Hijiri Kōgen mountains. Although Matsumoto is a hirajiro, a flatland castle, it was built for fortification. There are openings to fire arrows or drop stones on invaders throughout the keep. 

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3.Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle ,San'in Region, Japan

The only castle remaining in the San’in Region on the southwest coast of Japan’s main island, Matsue Castle is unique it that it never saw military action, although it was constructed in a defensive, watchtower style. Built in 1611, the hilltop fortress was completed after the last great feudal war. Most of the castle complex was dismantled in 1875, and only the main keep and the ishigaki, or stone walls, are extant. During the 1950s, reconstruction of the fortress began. The castle’s nickname, “The Black Tower,” reflects the keep’s striking ebony color. Visitors can tour the keep and the grounds, and there are boat tours offered around the outer moat as well.

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4.Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle, Japan

Hikone Castle offers visitors a real insight into how Japan’s castle complexes looked during their heyday. The original gardens, gates and guard houses have been as carefully preserved as the main keep. The Hikone complex contains structures and materials gathered from other castles in the country. After 20 years of construction, the hilltop castle was completed in 1622. The castle remained under control of the Ii daimyo feudal lords until 1868. The nearby Hikone Castle Museum displays Ii dynasty treasures, including armor and musical instruments.

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5.Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle, northern Japan

A hilltop castle in northern Japan, Hirosaki Castle is known for its five original turreted gates, fortified moats and sprawling grounds. Completed in 1611, the original five-story donjon was destroyed by fire in 1627. A three-story watchtower was then re-structured to serve as the primary keep. The surrounding grounds, gates and moats draw even more attention than the keep, and offering visitors a relaxing, garden setting. Planted with more than 2,500 cherry trees, the grounds play host to one of Japan’s largest cherry blossom festivals each spring. 

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- Source: http ://www.touropia.com/castles-in-japan/
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7 Most Beautiful Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are among the best loved of Greece’s 6,000 islands, famed as much for their startling beauty and year-round temperate climate as well as for their rich history. With their rugged shorelines, soaring mountains and deep Mediterranean blue waters, they owe their dramatic landscapes to the seismic activity that tore the islands from the mainland eons ago. Inhabited since the Paleolithic Era, the islands are filled with cultural attractions that let visitors peer into Greece’s historic and mythological past, and with such beautiful scenery, they’re also popular destinations for outdoor activities. Supported by a modern infrastructure, the Ionian Islands are ideal for those simply looking for rest and relaxation too.

1.Corfu

Corfu, Ionian Islands,Greece

The northernmost and most popular of the Ionian Islands, Corfu is an island closely linked to the history and mythology of Ancient Greece. Also known as Kerkyra, Corfu has a tradition of tourism that dates back more than 130 years. The island where Odysseus stopped before returning to Ithaca is famed for its cultural institutions and for its picturesque beaches and resorts. Corfu also reflects the diverse cultural and architectural influences of the many foreign empires that ruled it down through the centuries from Roman to Byzantine, Venetian, British and French. The Old Town of Corfu has some of the best historic sights, including the 15th-century Old Fortress and Spianada, a huge parade ground and park surrounded by stunning 19th-century architecture, such as the Saint Michael and George Palace.
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2. Zakynthos

Zakynthos , Ionian Islands, Greece

Kefalonia’s nearest island neighbor to the south, Zakynthos is the third largest of the Ionian Islands. Also known as Zante, the island is known for its varied coastline, which ranges from rugged cliffs on the west coast and caves to the north to sheltered sandy beaches to the south and east. Beaches along the southern Vassilikos peninsula are some of the island’s most popular destinations. A boat trip to view the Blue Caves on the northern tip of Cape Skinari is a can’t-miss activity. In the early morning the blue color of the sea is reflected in the cave’s overhanging arches. 
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3.Kefalonia

Kefalonia , Ionian Islands, Greece

Also known as Cephalonia, Kefalonia is the largest of Ionian Islands and one of the most scenic. The island’s capital city Argostoli stands like an amphitheater overlooking the Koutavous lagoon, a nature reserve that is both a stopping point for migratory birds and Loggerhead turtles. The Melissani Lake cavern near the island’s main port, Sami, is a must-see natural attraction. Once a place of worship for the god Pan, the lake is fed by seawater flowing in underground from the opposite side of the island. Encircled by mountains, Sami Beach is worth a visit as well. The pretty white-stone beach is also less crowded than the more popular Myrtos Beach on the island’s west coast. 
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4.Ithaki

Ithaki , Ionian Islands, Greece

Forever linked to Homer’s tale of Odysseus, Ithaki, also known as Ithaca or h, is considered the home island of the famous Greek hero. Some of the sights mentioned in the ancient folklore, including the Arethoussa Spring and Cave of the Nymphs, are within walking distance of the capital city of Vathy. Vathy is home to most of the island’s best cultural attractions too, including the Folklore and Maritime Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the cathedral of Panaghia, which boasts a Crucifixion icon believed to have been crafted by Spanish Renaissance painter El Greco. 
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5.Lefkada

Lefkada, Ionian Islands, Greece

Surrounded by two dozen islets, Lefkada connects to the Mainland of Greece by a floating pontoon bridge and a long causeway. The easily accessible island is a popular vacation destination, offering visitors an array of recreational, natural and cultural attractions. The island’s west side has the best beaches while the windy south is a favorite spot for kite surfing and paragliding. The town of Lefkada features the island’s most interesting cultural institutions, which include the 12th-century fort Agia Mavra and the Charamogleious Eidiki Lefkadiaki Library. The Archeological Museum features an impressive collection of artifacts dating from the Paleolithic Era to the 4th century A.D. 
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6.Paxi

Paxi, Ionian Islands, Greece

One of the smallest of the Ionian Islands, Paxi is just 13 km (8 miles) in length and can only be reached by boat, which makes the island a popular stopping point for yachts. Also known as Paxos or Paxoi, Paxi draws visitors looking for a more exclusive vacation experience, and with its luxury resorts and boutique shops, the island has plenty of attractions to delight even the most cosmopolitan traveler. There are gorgeous beaches to enjoy in Paxi too, and the south coast features around 40 sea caves to explore. The ancient Venetian fortress of Agios Nikolaos is also worth a visit. 
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7.Kythira

Kythira, Ionian Islands, Greece

Part of the original seven Ionian Islands, Kythira lies near the southern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. Over the island’s long history, its strategic maritime location attracted seafaring merchants and conquerors from all over the known world, resulting in a culture that is more varied than other Ionian Islands. From 13th-century Byzantine frescoes found on the walls of a cave in Mylopotamos to Minoan bronze idols unearthed on atop the mountain of St. George, the island’s archeological treasures reflect the island’s cultural diversity. In addition to Kythira’s beautiful beaches, the Mills region in Mylopotamos with its watermills and ponds is well worth exploring as well.
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- Source: http ://www.touropia.com/ionian-islands/
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The Top 5 Attractions in Singapore

Singapore is a small island country located in South Eastern Asia. Although the density population in this city state is on the higher state, its lush greenery, parks and natural reserves make it a very popular holiday destination. The city is an amalgam of the India, Malay and Chinese culture and provides soul food for the traveler for whom every place is a learning experience.

A trip to Singapore remains incomplete if you have not visited any of these places.

1.Singapore River

Singapore River

The Singapore river is where the new and old exist in perfect harmony. It is also a place where the past and present collude. The North Bank belongs to history and it is said that Raffles built his colony here. Even today you can find many central Government buildings here. The South however belongs to the new high rise buildings and skyscrapers that belong to banks and other important offices. Between the two banks lie the hot happening hotspots of Singapore such as Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.

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2.Orchard Road

Orchard Road, Singapore

This road is a paradise for the shopping tourist. To the North of the Singapore river and to the West of the central business district, is the Orchard road which is also a network of glitzy, glamorous shopping malls. The orchard trees lining the road provide succor from the sharp sun-rays of the Equatorial Sun.

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3.China Town 

China Town, Singapore

Every place has a little history attached to it. As you wander along the streets of China town, you begin to see a little bit of China everywhere. There are tiny shops selling everything from tiny plastic Buddhas, dried seas horses to other quaint knick knacks. China town provides home to performing arts. During your stroll through the pedestrian mall of Trengganu Street, if you are lucky enough you might catch a glimpse of those live rehearsals. You can bargain to your heart's content and fill your bags with traditional knick-knacks and accessories. The street food here is bound to tickle your palette and you will remember the local flavors for many days to come.

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4.Little India

Little India, Singapore

You cannot label Little India as just another tourist attraction. With its gaily colored temples and colorful idols, this place recreates the Indian flavor while preserving the quintessential Singapore architecture and art. The shophouses here bear the icons of Singapore, but the boards are in Hindi, Bengali and Tamil. Most of these shops sell saris, spices and gold bangles. Incense smoke wafts into the streets even as you tap your feet to the latest Bollywood numbers.

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5.Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island, Singapore

Sentosa Island is for the child within you. If you combine Sentosa island with other tourist attraction, the tickets work out much cheaper. The Tiger sky tower here offers a bird's view of Sentosa, Singapore and Southern islands. Playful, frolicking leaping and diving into the waters will delight you at Dolphin's island. The walk through aquariums in sharp contrast with the Dolphin island offers you a glimpse of the ocean with sharks and other big fishes in its huge tanks Sentosa islands is for those of you who want to soak up in the tropical sunshine and take way a little bit of sea and surf along with you.

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Whether it is Singapore or any far flung on the other side of globe, travel today is an expensive affair. Expedia Voucher Codes Singapore makes things easier and economical for you. For what use is travel if instead of happy memories, it leaves a gaping hole in your pocket?

- Source: http ://EzineArticles.com/8630911
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8 Amazing Kenya Safari Lodges and Camps

Safari Lodges and Camps are a fantastic type of accommodation to enjoy a holiday in Kenya. These are usually in places very close to the wildebeest migration routes which means that visitors get to see these amazing wild animals close-up. Staying in a lodge really helps tourists get back to nature and experience the real Kenya. This list presents the best luxury camps and Safari lodges in Kenya, as rated by visitors. 

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1.Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge ****

Sitting in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro surrounded by endless grassland and a kaleidoscope of wild animals the Amboseli Serena is the classic Hollywood image of Africa. The lodge is renowned for its reforestation program, and visitors can help to preserve the Amboseli ecosystem by planting a tree. To date more than 750,000 seedlings have taken root over a 9 year period and many visitors have been able see the difference this one simple act can make. It is rated as the best among the Kenya safari lodges. 

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2. Mara Intrepids Club ****

The Mara Intrepids Club has 30 tents spread across a large riverside site. They are arranged in small clusters making a number of mini-camps within the club grounds ensuring privacy and peace. The tents sit on a shady raised platform, with extensive views over the riverbanks where a large variety of animals come to drink.

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3.Muthaiga Safari Camp *****

Muthaiga Safari Camp lies on the South Eastern border of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp is composed of seven tents and two villas.The tents are built amongst the trees ensuring privacy and each has a veranda with a spectacular view. All the tents are individually styled and have their own bathroom, with piped hot water , electricity and a veranda set with a table and chairs. Guests can enjoy themselves with game driving, a walking safari, day fishing trips at Lake Victoria, cultural community visits and scenic flight over the Maasai Mara flying just 50 feet above the migrating herds. 

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4.Fairmont Mara Safari Club ****

Surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, the Fairmont Mara Safari Club is the embodiment of tented luxury. Each of the 50 tents at Fairmont Mara Safari Club is superbly furnished with its own private bathroom and a veranda overlooking the hippo and crocodile-filled river. A spacious outside deck overhangs the river and leads to a heated pool, complete with bar and private massage tents. Guests can choose from a wide range of activities including game drives and balloon safaris over the Mara.

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5.Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort ****

Situated at Lake Naivasha’s southern shoreline in Africa’s Great Rift Valley, the resort blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings. The air-conditioned establishment comprises 84 guest rooms and features a hairdressing salon, a games room, a TV lounge and a children’s playground. Guests may dine in the restaurant and sip their favorite drink in the bar. 

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6.Shimba Hills Lodge Hotel **

Access to the Shimba Hills Lodge is an adventure itself. Arriving at the Reserve’s gate, guests transfer to safari cruisers and drive to within walking distance of the lodge. The last few hundred meters are covered on foot. There are a variety of walks into the bush accompanied by an armed guard. Early morning game drives by land crusier are also available. The open fronted dining room allows unrestricted game and bird viewing and an elevated walkway extending well into the forest gives visitors a rare few moments alone with nature. All rooms are comfortably and uniquely furnished.

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7. Sarova Mara Game Camp ****

Also located in the Maasai Mara, Sarova Mara Game Camp offers front seats to a great wildlife spectacle. The rolling plains around the Camp are teeming with wildebeest, gazelles and zebras, during the Great Migration months and the Camp is situated right in the center of their migration path. Sarova Mara Game Camp is also a great choice for those seeking a richer experience of Maasai Mara that goes much beyond just game drives. Activities and experiences range from luxury tented living to bird-watching, mini golf, sport fishing and a unique insight into the Maasai culture at the nearby Maasai village. 

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8.Mara Serena Safari Lodge ****

The Mara Serena Safari Lodge is located in the Masai Mara Game reserve. Set high on a hill with long views over the savannah and down to the hippo-filled Mara Rive it stands center-stage to the legendary migration of the wildebeest. The hotels features 74 rooms, a swimming pool and a sundeck. Activities include 3 game drives daily with dedicated wilderness guides, guided nature walks or bird-watching walks, dinner in the bush and breakfast by the hippo pools. 

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 - Source: http ://www.touropia.com/kenya-safari-lodges/

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Best Animal Experiences in the UK

1.Tea with Tigers

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne, UK

Remember the Tiger Who Came to Tea? He ate all the food in Sophie's house, drank all the water in the taps and then left never to be seen again. Now the tigers are inviting you to join them for tea, and the good news is that there's plenty of food to go around. At Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, visitors can take afternoon tea in the Treetops Café after enjoying a special guided tour with a member of the park's Cat Team. The team will provide interesting information on tigers (like did you know that their skin is striped as well as their fur?), and they'll also answer any tiger questions that you might have. Afterwards you can walk across the Big Cat Walk to get some close-up souvenir snaps of these majestic cats before exploring the rest of the park.

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2.Walk with Wolves 

Wolf Conservation Trust, Beenham, UK

If you've ever wanted to meet a wolf close up this is your chance. On the outskirts of Reading, volunteers at the UK Wolf Conservation Trust in Beenham, head into the surrounding countryside with two fully grown wolves on metal leashes in front of them. The Trust owns the surrounding countryside - it has to take precautions to make sure that the wolves don't encounter any dogs. Larger canines often like to play-fight, a fight that could potentially be fatal to them when faced with a tooth-baring wolf. While on the walk, there are plenty of photo opportunities and visitors may even get the opportunity to stroke the wolves, not as you would a dog. Wolves must be stroked on the underside of their stomach so that you're submitting to them.

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3.Meet the Meerkats

Meerkats enjoying with People

Not everyone likes their wild animals, well, wild. If you're interested in meeting some of Africa's cutest critters, there are several experiences that allow you to get up close and personal to meerkats whether it's in Hertfordshire, Chester or Preston. Although the experiences differ from location to location, most experiences will have you chatting to members of the meerkat team and preparing the meerkats' lunch for them. When you walk into their pen sprinkling food, you'll see the naturally inquisitive meerkats are more than happy to pop up and say hello. After you've met the meerkats, you can take a stroll around the rest of the safari park, and meet the rest of the animals.

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Whatever type of animal you like, you're bound to find an animal experience that suits your needs. So before you start planning exotic trips to experience your favourite animal first hand, why not look at the experiences available closer to home?

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 - Source: http ://EzineArticles.com/8624650

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