Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

When compared with other national parks and natural reservoirs in the United States, theBering Land Bridge National Preserveis amongst the most serene because of its remote location. However, its location still does not hinder tourists from dropping by the area especially those who are much interested with the Bering Land Bridge that is known to be the connecting bridge between the lands of Asia and the North American during the ice age.

Each and every tourist who sets foot at the preserve is being embraced by the geological wonders of the site. Also, they can’t help but be in awe of the historical significance of the area which dates back up to thousands of years ago. For those who are not too keen on prehistoric ages and geological land formations, much can be done and enjoyed in the area. There is a famous hot spring sitting on the park known as the Serpentine Hot Spring. Up to date, it is one of the most anticipated parts of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve tour. The scenery and the serenity it brings never fail to fascinate every traveler from any nation.

Although the park has been present for more than three decades now, it never lost its unique touch. Back when it was originally coined as a national monument in December 1978 up until today when it serves as a nautical highway and an abundant fishing spot across the border of Russia and the United States, the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve never fails to captivate any lookers.

Surely dropping by the perfect spot of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve is one adventure of a lifetime you should not miss out on especially if you are along the coasts of Alaska. With the vast information and historic preservation that the park contains, it is definitely a must-visit.

Bering Land Bridge National Preserve

Old City of Bern

A medieval fog rolls in, and find yourself in the Old City of Bern. The Old City rises above a narrow hill encomapassed about on three sides by the Aare River. From its construction in the 12th to 15th century, time stands still in this place. The Old city features Switzerland’s tallest cathedral, bridges, churches, and Renaissance fountains. Many old buildings stand as a fine example of Swiss architecture. In 1983, UNESCO recognized the Old City as a World Heritage Site because of how the Swiss blended the old and the new. And because of this, many of its buildings have been tagged as Swiss Cultural Properties of National Significance, among them are:

The Munster of Bern
A Gothic cathedral located to the south. The construction of the building started in the year 1421 but the bell tower was finished in the year 1893. The bell tower is Switzerland’s tallest tower and it measures 100 meters high. The tower features a massive bell that weighs about 10 tons.

Zytglogge
The Zytglogge is a major landmark and features a medieval clock tower, Switzerlands third oldest clock. This tower was built in between the years 1218-1220.

Nydegg Church
The Nydegg Church was built on the site of ruined castle in between the years 1341-1346. A clock tower was added in the year 1483 and the central nave was added again in the year 1504. In 1529 the church was converted to a warehouse, and again in the year 1566 it reverted back to a church.

The Old City of Bern has 100 fountains that are crowned with statues. These fountains were built in the 16th century and served as the main water source for the people of that period. The major fountains are:
• Gerechtigkteitsbrunnen
• Mosesbrunnen
• Venerrunnen
• Simsonbrunnen
• Lauferbrunnen
• Anna Seiler Brunnen
• Kindlifresserbrunnen

Old City of Bern

Mauritania

An interplay of ocean and dunes, where the Saharan dunes end as the wild coasts begin, these are what you can expect to see when you visit Mauritania. It’s deep canyons, its grandiose dune fields, its eye-grabbing plateaus, its ancients cities, the virginal coastlines and the seas of sand that are even larger than some European countries are a few of the things that make this place such an exciting place to visit.

Some of the places you should never miss when you visit Mauritania is the Parc National du Banc d’Arguin, which is easily one of the world’s best when it comes to bird-watching and the Nouadhibou, this regions gateway and fishing port that will offer you the freshest and bountiful seafood. Some of the most exciting activities that you can participate in during your journey are trekking, camel riding and even hot-air ballooning.

The best time to give Mauritania is between November thru March where the temperature during daytime is around mid-20°C and is quite ideal for touring. At night, it may get very cold, so be ready with clothes that will keep you comfortable.

Aside from the beauty of landscapes and nature that have been mentioned and the adventurous activities this place can offer you. You will also enjoy the strong historical heritage Mauritania is rich with. So if you are into ecotourism and would love to have a real good time traveling, then Mauritania is clearly the place to be.

Mauritania

Colon

Not happy with your previous vacation? InColon, both wild and endangered species will merge into one sanctuary. Three of the most visited location in Colon will be discussed here to serve as your comprehensive guide to the diverse locality.

Chagres National Park, located at the east of Panama Canal, covers hundred thousands of hectares of the city. You can see the Lake of Alajuela flowing peacefully up to Cerro Azul. On top of it, you can catch a sight of the entire Panama City in one perpetual gaze. To get here, it will just take you thirty minutes from any highway of Colon and after that, you can enjoy the breathtaking sites of the city.

Bocas Del Toro Grottoesis an island cavern where different species of bats live. This coral rock cave is well explored by tourists all over the world. However, you should wear only light clothing for this expedition and flashlights in your pocket to guide you at night.

Island of Birdsor Swan’s key to other people, is a sanctuary for various types of birds in Panama. Pelican, seagulls and frigates are some of the common animals you can see on your trip. To be able to enjoy your stay in the island, don’t forget to hang your binoculars on your neck and bring with you your handy camera to take hold of the exquisite occasion.

Colon is named after Christopher Columbus’ last name. The bright voyager truly deserves this honor and will carry on his legacy to other explorers. Even you can witness this great expedition once you decided to pay a visit to the wondrous city of Colon.

Colon

Colossus of Rameses II

Perhaps one of the most well preserved statues of a Pharaoh is the Colossus of Rameses II. A 33.8 ft (10 m) statue made out of limestone was found by the Italian Giovanni Caviglia in 1820.

It is presumed that the huge statue was an unfinished work of a skilled artist for Rameses II since the Pharaoh had a fondness of making sculptures of himself more than any other Egyptian royalty. This sculpture is just one of the structures he he’d erected along the entire stretch of Nile.

The tall structure is now housed in a mini museum in Memphis. The statue is cut at its knees but it is still magnificent to view with its original colors faintly intact. The marble surface is observed to have a finely finished cut, which can be only be accomplished through the hands of a skilled artist.

A look at the statue will make you conclude of how the Egyptian art pictures the anatomical features of Egyptian kings. The shoulders are always broad and the muscle and bone structures tend to be exaggerated.

The markings found at the shoulders and chest of the statue are inscriptions of the Pharaoh’s name as a sign of the statue’s ownership. Also noticeable are epithets with message of commendation for the king to the Egyptian gods.

Tall statues like this one are made to stand as “guards” to important places. In this instance, Colossus of Rameses II is one of a pair that was presumed to stand at Ptah monumental temple.

Aside from the tall statue, the open-air museum features other artifacts like the sculpture of Bes, god of Childhood and fertility, and other ancient statues.

Colossus of Rameses II was once offered by Muhammad Ali to the British Museum. However, the museum declined because shipping the whole figure to London is expensive and extremely difficult.

Colossus of Rameses II

Halong Bay

Halong bay is very popular for its legend. It is said that a lot of sailors who have passed by have seen either a snake or a dragon appear near the islands. Also, known as Luc Thuy, Van Don or An Bang, the name Halong Bay was only recognized during its first appearance on a French maritime map.

The French explorers where the ones responsible for spreading the legend of Halong bay and making it popular around the world; since then, most tourists and even other sailors claim that they have also witnessed the appearance of the sea creature.

What You Should Not Miss

It will be hard not to see one of more than a thousand limestone islands situated in Halong Bay. To take a closer look, you can easily rent a ‘junk’ which is similar to a Chinese sailing vessel.

Sailing along the bay for several hours or even overnight is an attraction that most tourists, and even locals, enjoy. Most tourists will also rent their own junks which you will eventually bump into from time to time.

Most of the islands in the bay have their own names and you can actually go island hopping with your junks. However, it is advised that you take a guide with you when island hopping to ensure your safety.

What You Should Know

It is advised that you purchase a tour package for Halong Bay so that you will not have any problems anymore when it comes to purchasing individual passes and tickets. Different prices for packages are also available which can cater to your needs yet the amenities and the quality of the service will mainly depend on the price you will be paying.

If you plan not to purchase a package, most hotels in Halong Bay offer cheaper packages that mainly include a tour of the islands. First class hotels will also offer additional activities included in each packages like kayaking, helicopter rides, swimming, and deluxe service from imperial junks.

Halong Bay

Wadi al Salam

The Wadi al-Salam cemetery in the city of Najaf is one of the most popularly visited landmarks today. The city welcomes two million visitors from the neighboring Muslim countries every year. Because of this, many neighborhoods have now been converted into high-rise hotels, providing immediate accommodations, that is, as long as you don’t mind sleeping beside the cemeteries.

The popularity of the city can be credited to the tomb of imam Ali bin abi taleb, the fourth caliph and the first imam who is revered by so many in the Muslim faith. This is why the Wadi al-Salam cemetery has been a famous destination for devotees and even families who would like to have the distinction of being buried in the valley of peace.

The recent influx of people have persuaded the people of the city to make the necessary arrangements to be able to offer accommodations for the visitors who travel to the site from as far as Pakistan and India. You will know that you have arrived in Najaf as soon as you see large signs of different colors.

The Wadi al-Salam cemetery is one of those interesting destinations in Iraq to visit. If you have become weary of taking different day tours to ancient ruins, then head on to Najaf and experience history in the making by visiting the second largest cemetery in the whole world.

Wadi al Salam

Douala

Being the commercial capital of Cameroon, paying a visit to the city of Douala is a must. With the perfect tropical climate, you can come here and enjoy the great deals this city has to offer. In fact, this kind of climate will give you an illusion that you are not in Africa as the heat of the temperature does not rise that much even during summer.

In this great climate, you can witness a large variety of African wildlife, particularly in the Lobeke National Park. This city is also a home to the Baka pygmies, the most indigenous of all people in the world.

Also, you can take a tour to the highest point in western Africa here in the city. Mount Cameroon, an active volcano as well, is open for climbing expeditions. In addition, the areas just along the bank of the famous Wouri River are a must-see. There are many developed places along the river that provide a breathtaking view of the gulf of guinea in mango swamps.

Other great places to see in the city are Eko Market, Hotel Akwa Palace, La Nouvelle Liberte, La Pagode, and Joseph-Francis Sumegne.

So if you wish to experience a great Africa adventure without much heat, you can always experience this adventure in the tropical city of Douala.

Douala

Old Town San Diego

California is a modern state. Clearly, progress has set in, with a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment districts all around, that have mostly become visitor attractions. What most people are not aware of is that, much like anything else, California has a history. However, unlike anything else, California’s rich history can still be experienced through a unique place inSan Diego’sOld Town.

Museums, tours, and culinary experiences are sure to be found in Old Town. This is mainly the reason why this location is frequented not only by the residents of the San Diego area, but also by visitors from other states and other nations. The Old Town, being a celebratory spot for the history of California, serves as a unique venue for many special events. But every night is an event in the Old Town because of the entertainment brought by the many restaurants located here.

Most cuisines available in the area are Mexican and Spanish, brought on by the historical value of the place. You cannot help but just marvel at the distinct architecture and ambiance of Old Town as it takes you back to the day when Spanish settlers once inhabited the space.

Tours are available, both free and paid, when going to San Diego’s Old Town. Guided tours are amazing as they show visitors around wearing costumes for that authentic feel of a forgotten era. For those who get tired walking, there is a trolley tour that lasts for two hours, with engaging hosts on the bus, providing additional entertainment alongside the culture brought by the Old Town itself. One last area not to be missed is the Tequila Museum where you can learn about not the commercial kind of tequila, but the real deal. Come to the Old Town and experience an authentic San Diego, California experience!

Old Town San Diego

Galle

Are you wondering where you can experience a Dutch ambiance when you are in Sri Lanka? Well, you can, and you can enjoy it as much as you want when you visit Galle, Sri Lanka. It is a place of splendor and excitement where Asian and European flavors mix, not only on the native dishes, but also in the culture that is carefully preserved by the locals of the city.

When you find yourself standing in this city and you are looking forward to get the most of the Dutch ambiance, never fail to visit the Dutch Fort, which is considered as a historical landmark of the world. The walls and the pathway are perfect reminders of the accounts of the past, and it continues to amaze visitors from different parts of the globe.

To enjoy an amazing architectural spot in Galle, you can try to visit the Dutch Reformed Church. It has colorful wall paintings and well-detailed carvings on its ceiling, while the Southern Coastal Belt is a perfect spot for walking and enjoying the fair weather of the city. The Clock Tower that stands at the corner of the coastline is also a photo perfect site.

The Ahangama is another must-see site. If you want to enjoy the romantic sunset with your loved one, you can try to visit this place. And not only that, you can also be amazed with how the local residents harvest the sea through silt fishing.

The last spot to visit before leaving Galle is the Koggala Lake. It is a perfect spot for bird watching and some romantic dining experience.

Galle

Visegrad

What does Visegrad, Hungary remind you of? Aside from a picture perfect sight of the Danube River, you will be able to visit places you only thought happened in storybooks. Yes, castles and palaces that is so magnificent to look at especially at night.

When you visit Visegrad this year, you will have to arrange you itinerary since it is not enough that you stay here for just a day. There are so many things to do and see while you are at this place. For starters, wonder why more and more tourists happen to visit Visegrad and keep on coming back for more? Their food is great as well as that homey feeling even though you are freezing a little. Do take note that the weather conditions in this place is quite challenging.

If you live in a humid area or a tropical place, you will get a shock of your life since the temperature is quite low here — around 4 degrees Celsius. So better bring along your ear muffs and mittens to make you feel comfortable and warm. Your boots should be durable and thick too so that you would not have blisters due to the weather.

There are towers and observation decks at the Citadel. This is one of the tourist spots in Visegrad. Since more and more tourists are attracted to the old ways in a particular country, the Citadel was built in the late 1700s and just by the thought of it, the ruins must be cordoned off to the public but a surprising note brightens any tourist’s smile since it is open for everyone everyday.

What most tourists love about Visegrad is the way their architectural designs are presented to the public. Not all countries allow tourists to peek in archeological finds but this place? Tourists have the freedom to witness the masterpiece of people who lived in the 1800s. One example would be the Solomon Tower. It is now a historical museum but just by looking at its exterior and interior designs you will see a Romanesque disciple of Art.

Visegrad

Taif

Found in the Mecca Province of Saudi Arabia is the city ofTaif. The city is characterized by the agricultural activities that produce honey and grapes primarily. Aside from the rich agricultural resource that it offers, the city of Taif also presents a number of scenic spots that the tourists will surely enjoy. Here are some of them:

At the Southern tip of the city lies the Al Rudaf Park, which is a vast natural park where clusters of trees embellish the wrinkled but breathtaking granite rocks. Children will also enjoy the small zoo situated in the vicinity.

Located on the northern part of the district is the Rock Carving Site, which serves as a home to the Okaz Souk, the most-famed and largest pre-Islamic gathering place or souq. This kind of place used to serve as a venue for commercial, political and social gatherings. It also served as a setting for competitive recitation of both prose and poetry.

The remains of the Turkish Fort nestled near the Rock Carvings. According to legends, Lawrence of Arabia fought in the fort in 1917. Lots of battles were said to have happened on its ground and graves could still be found until now.

Taif’s regional museum called Shubra Palace is located in a building which dates back to the 1900. It is believed that the palace served as the lodging for King Abdul Aziz in the 1930s.

Al Shafa, a small village that is gifted with rich agricultural reserves, rests high upon the mountains of Sarawat. Taif’s fruit gardens are located in this sleepy village. If you also want to experience a camel ride, this is the perfect place to be.

The sanctuary of Muhammed, Wadi Mitna, in 619 AD is also situated in the heart of this city. According to history, the prophet went to this place for the support of the Tawfiq and Hawazeen but was stoned. Later, however, he was provided shelter by his fellows in a small house that is now recognized as a mosque.

So if you really want to experience culture, history and fun all at the same time, this city has a lot to offer. In terms of climate, the district is blessed with hot and dry temperature that could shoot up to 40 °C during summer.

Taif

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

For tourists who want to bring back breathtaking photos as souvenirs from their China vacation, the scenic and spectacular Yuanyang Rice Terraces is the perfect travel spot to go. Professional photographers are among the main visitors to this site. Oftentimes, day-trippers who visit the area will see tripods abound, along with other photography equipment, ready to shoot the magnificent landscape of cascading rice fields.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces is located south of Kunming with a distance of 300 kilometers. You can reach the site by renting any vehicle. There are no railroads near the location so visitors are recommended to rent vans and cars for your convenience and safety. You can also wait for the bus near Beijing train station if you prefer a cheaper transportation means.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces may not be as popular as the Great Wall of China, but people who appreciate privacy, solitude, and contemplation can definitely enjoy its picturesque landscape. The location’s high mountains and rolling hillside is a perfect combination of balance and beauty that can leave you in meditative silence. If you want a travel spot that’s not too crowded, then you should definitely check out Yuanyang Rice Terraces.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces is a man-made rice field landscape completed by the Hani ethnic tribe 1,000 years ago. The hard work and perseverance of the Hani people long ago is being preserved by the new batch of rice farmers through practicing farming concepts such as ecology, land preservation, and irrigation.

The best time to go to Yuanyang Rice Terraces is either at sunrise or sunset. There is magic when you see the sun’s rays hitting the surface of water on every rice field. In case you’re too late for either a sunset or a sunrise, just look at the sky’s reflection. Both scenarios will leave you breathless no matter what location you’re located and what time you’ve arrived to witness the terraces’ natural beauty.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Malé

Male is the capital of Maldives. In the past, it was called the Sultan’s Island.
Currently, it is the seat of government, the commercial center, and the home to many religious and historical landmarks of the country. It has an area of about 1.77 square kilometers and has a population of over 6,000. It is definitely the most populous and busiest island in the whole archipelago.

There are a number of magnificent landmarks you should not miss when you are in Male, Maldives. For one, there is the Grand Friday Mosque. It is the largest in Maldives which includes an Islamic Center. The mosque is famous for its golden dome which adorns the face of Male. The mosque can accommodate more than 5,000 worshippers at one time.

Other significant sites in Male are the Presidential Palace (Mulee-aage), the tombs of the legendary saints, and the National Museum located in the Sultan Park. This museum bears the many memories of the archipelago’s glories in the past.

Now, if you wish to know more about the capital and how people live their daily routines, the best places to go are the markets. The fruit and vegetable market, as well as the firewood market, are colorful and busy places you would enjoy. They are immaculately clean until the clock strikes around 4 in the afternoon when the fisher-folk start arriving with their day’s catch.

Lastly, Male is also a great place to shop for imported items, although almost every shop also sells local handicrafts. If you wish to give unique presents to friends when you get back, then you will surely find great buys here.

Malé

Genoa

Genoa, Italy is the capital of the northern Italian Region of Liguria and considered a historical port city. It may be reached from other Italian cities, such as Milan, Turin, Rome and Tuscany by riding the train that has two main stations in Genoa, one in Brignole and another in Principe.

An airport in Genoa, the Aeroporto di Genova, on the other hand, caters to several daily flights to and from London, Munich, Paris, Madrid and other major European cities. Euroline coaches also service those who would like to travel to Genoa from other nearby countries in Europe. Getting around Genoa, Italy is also easy as cars are readily available. If you prefer to travel by boat, many ferry services are available in the port of Genoa. One offers rides from Barcelona, which takes about 18 hours, and from Tangiers that takes around 46 hours.

When you get to Genoa, Italy, you will be treated to a wide array of museums and historical sites. Among these are the Sea and Naval Museums, the Museum of Modern Art, the Ethnographicla Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, the Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art, which houses the largest oriental art collection in Europe; the Doria Museum of Natural History, the Cathedral Museum and the Ligurian Archaeological Museum.

Genoa, Italy is also where the Museum of St. Augustine is located. This is a convent that has an extensive collection of beautiful medieval artwork. The Luxoro Museum, on the other hand, has a private collection of not only art pieces but also furniture or artistic value.

Right at the heart of Genoa is the largest historical center in Europe that is made up of small streets and alleys called Caruggi. A walk along these streets will take you back in time and give you a feel of the old city and its rich history.

And speaking of historical tidbits, you may want to visit the house where Christopher Columbus was said to have been born in Piazza Dante. And then you may ask your tour guide to take to the oldest European lighthouse, the Lanterna, which is also a popular symbol of Genoa.

Churches also abound Genoa, Italy and each of these architecture are very-well crafted and has a great history behind it. Among these are the churches of San Giovanni di Pre’, San Donato and Santa Maria del Castello.

With all the breathtaking sites to see and things to experience here, you are guaranteed to have a grand time in Genoa. So hurry and book your vacation to this amazing Italian city now.

Genoa

Botswana Pula

In Botswana, people make use of the currency called Pula. Such currency is held dear by the country’s people. Why so? Pula was named after the meaning of rain in Setswana. This is due to the fact that rain is very much scarce in the country of Botswana where the Kalahari Desert pretty much takes up most of the country’s land. Such scarcity had caused the people of Botswana to care and value the rain so much.

This value has placed a second meaning to the currency – one that is associated with the word “blessing”. The country’s people foresee the rain as a blessing and therefore derived their currency name from these two meanings. Compared with other currencies, this particular currency is said to be unique for having evolved from within the hearts and beliefs of the people themselves.

Botswana pula is further subdivided into 100 thebe. The word thebe means shield. The currency code for this, according to the ISO standard, is BWP. This currency was introduced by replacing the South African rand in the year 1976. Despite economical devaluation, Botswana pula still remains as one of the strongest currencies used in Africa. Such power even reached the usage of this currency by people in other countries, particularly Zimbabwe.

During its birth as Botswana’s official currency, coins were greatly introduced with denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 thebe plus 1 pula. Most of the thebe coins were made with copper-nickel except for the 1 thebe, which was struck in aluminum, and the 5 thebe, which was in bronze. These coins were first shaped round with the exception of 1 pula which was in scallop form.

Later in the year 1981, dodecagonal 2 thebe coins were introduced and were made from bronze. But this latest type of coin was soon abolished in the year 1985. People never did expect that in the near future changes to the coins’ actual creation would happen. A switch of materials to be used in reproducing such coins came about in the year 1991. The old bronze 5 thebe was now given a new look with a bronze-plated steel. The copper-nickel 10, 25, and 50 thebe was then changed to nickel-plated steel coins.

The colors and materials of such coins were not the only ones to change in the years to come. Their shapes were also changed eventually – that is, in the year 1998. The 1 and 2 thebe were eradicated as a denomination, while the smaller seven – sided 5 and 25 thebe coins were introduced. On the other hand, the new 10 and 50 thebe coins remained to be in their former round shape form. Lastly, by the year 2000 the bimetallic 5 pula was then changed to a coin that had a cupronickel center within a brass ring.

In 1976 banknotes were also introduced as representations of this currency. The following denominations of notes were as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20. By 1991 and 1994, the 1 and 2 pula were changed to coins while 50 and 100 notes were given birth in 1993. In 2000, the 5 pula note was replaced by a coin.

Dynamic appearance and innovations were introduced in this currency in the year 2006. Some of the notes, particularly the 1, 2 and 5 pula, were actually demonetized, but people were still given the chance to change them to the new currency in the central bank within a five year deadline.

With the many dynamic processes that this currency had experienced across numerous years, its great meaning and valued weight to the people of Botswana still remains. The current rate of one US dollar is 6.69 pula.

Taoyuan

Located in Taiwan’s nerve center, Taouyuan, Taiwan have several places and attractions to boast. The city enjoys a scenic coastline beauty which draws many tourists. The city also has several huge shopping malls, good coffee shops, and many cheap South Asian cuisines and eateries. These places can be found within the Taouyuan border and can be easily reached through bus. This city is also known as one of the busiest commercial sector in Taiwan. With more than 34 international air lines that connects to 56 main cities in the world, Taouyuan stands as Taipei’s main gateway.

The natural landscape beauty of Taouyuan, Taiwan is already one of this city’s attractions to the tourists. With a host of peach trees and cerulean sea coast, this city also offers a lot of places that are worth visiting. Here are some of the most interesting places that can be seen within the Taouyuan border.

• The Cihu Mausoleum
• The Tauliao Mausoleum
• The picturesque range of Jiaoban Mountains
• The Wood District of Lalashanshen
• The Shimen Reservoir

Taouyuan is also rich in history. By the time the Japanese occupation relinquished Taiwan to the ROC government, the country was divided into three areas namely the Hsinchu County, the Miaoli County and Taouyuan County. Taouyuan town was then designated as the capital of Taouyuan County.

Taouyuan, Taiwan also offers wide choices of hotels. The locations of these hotels are very strategic and offer a great view over the city. Hotel’s in Taouyuan allows their guest to reach many establishments that is located within the city conveniently. Ideal for business travelers and vacationers, hotels in Taouyuan boasts of their affordable prices and well equipped facilities.

Taoyuan

Himeji Castle

The Himeji Castle is situated in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. It contains 83 buildings which are made with wood. Norimura Akamatsu, who was the ruler in 1333, constructed a fort where the castle stood. The fort was expanded further by Sadanori, the son of Norimura Akamatsu, in the year 1346.

During the Onin wars, the castle was severely damaged. Toyotami Hideyoshi took hold of the castle in the year 1580, and a three floored building was built in that place by Kuroda Yoshitaka. In the year 1600, Sekigahara Battle occurred and the Himeji Castle was handed to Ikeda Terumasa by Tokugawa Leyasu, to restore the Himeji castle. It took nine long years to bring back the Himeji Castle to its original shape.

Himeji was known to be the last construction during the Edo period. After that, Sakai Tadasumi descendents held the Himeji Castle until the Meiji Restoration. In the year 1868, the government of Japan took control of the castle. During War World II in 1945, bombings were held twice at Himeji Castle, causing severe damage to the castle. Later in 1956, the restoration of the castle started again.

The castle has a great structure and it is also called “White Heron” due to the fact that the walls comprises of white plaster. The white plaster is used as a fireproof.  Compare to the other castles in Japan, the construction of the Himeji Castle is made of wood only. The Himeji Castle is constructed 45.6 meters high on the top of sea level, and on the hill known as Himeyama.

The Himeji Castle provides a great scenic beauty, from the walls base, the shape of fan curve can be seen. Also, there are beautiful green lush gardens in the Himeji Castle. The interesting factor at the Himeji castle is the design of the tower, where many people lost their way even though the directions are exactly marked.

Traveling to the Himeji Castle
Its just 20 minutes walk from the Himeji Station and a 5-minute ride from Otemae-Cori Street. The castle opens from 9:00 am and closes at 4:00 pm in the evening. The entry fee is 600 yen.

Himeji Castle