If you’re an avid traveler, it’s a good idea to look for places to visit in Japan. This is perhaps one of the best countries to go to because it has something for everyone. This is the place where you can shop, dine, enjoy cultural sites and frolic in resorts all in one visit. Here are five of the most recommended places to check out.

Nagano

For ski and snow sports enthusiasts, the prime spot to go to is Hokkaido. Since this is a top destination though, it is also usually the most crowded and the most expensive winter spots. A great alternative to it is Nagano. The place has excellent slopes and the quality of the powder is just as good as that in Hokkaido. You get to enjoy as much skiing as you want without having to worry about crowded spaces and costly accommodations.

Incidentally, Nagano is also the destination of choice for people who visit Japan for working holidays. This is because resorts here provide free accommodations, meals and ski passes to foreigners on working holidays.

Kyoto

If you are a culture and history buff, there is no better place to head to than Kyoto. It has some of the best preserved historical feudal spots in the country because it escaped the widespread destruction that happened during the Second World War. It is home to 17 UNESCO world heritage sites such as the Kozan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Ninna-ji and Tenryu-ji temples. You probably need to set aside a couple of days to complete a tour of these 17 sites.

Okinawa

Of all the places to visit in Japan, Okinawa is perhaps the best destination for summer. It has a subtropical climate which makes it a great place to go to even in January and December when northern regions are blanketed in snow. Aside from the excellent climate, Okinawa also has the best beaches for sunbathing and very clear waters for scuba diving. They say a holiday in Okinawa is almost like a vacation in Hawaii.

Tokyo

As the capital city, Tokyo is a logical place to start sightseeing. It is perhaps aptly described as the center where various modern and historical elements come together in a delightful mix. Modern diversions here include Disneyland and the Ueno Park Zoo but you can also immerse yourself in authentic culture and history in the Asakusa Kannon Temple and the Imperial Palace.

Osaka

If you don’t like the idea of diving into the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, you might want to go to Osaka instead. This is actually the third largest city in the country but the atmosphere here is less hurried than in the capital city. The place also has a strong historical and cultural flavor that you can sample in places like the Sumiyoshi Shrine and the Osaka Castle. (more…)

They call it the jewel of the Indian Ocean and if you have visited the small island nation of Sri Lanka then you will agree with the people who have awarded it with this title. Small does not always mean limited and certainly not in the case of Sri Lanka because within this small country you will find such a huge diversity and natural beauty that it will make you gasp. It has every thing that you can ask for in a complete travel destination ranging from its soft sandy beaches to the lush hill stations in its northern parts. The uncertain security situation of the country was the only hurdle in the path of Sri Lanka’s becoming the major tourism hotspot of the Indian Ocean as a bloody civil war was raging in the southern parts of the country but it has all ended in the last year and the peace has returned to this tropical paradise. Even during the years of country’s civil war the tourist traffic continue to flow through the country but with the recent peace many more tourist attractions have opened up for the visitors and Sri Lanka is witnessing a boom in its tourism industry.

Most tourists prefer to take a cheap flight to Colombo the capital and also the economic and commercial center of the country. Colombo is a beautiful city and it will be a wise idea to spend a couple of days in the city to acclimatize your self with the local climate and also to relax on the white sandy beaches just outside the city. There are a number of decent hotels in the city that also include a five star hotel that provides world class facilities at a lower price if you compare it with the prices charged by the hotels in the other regional countries. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in lush surroundings and soft sandy beaches then head to Arugam Bay that is considered as the most tourist friendly destination of the country with some of the best hotels and resorts of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has a very long and rich history attached to it that can be traced back to more than two millennia and the remnants of its past are also a great attraction of the country. Anuradhapura was the historical capital of the Sinhalese kings of Sri Lanka and the forts and palaces of the city attract thousands of tourists each year. (more…)

Mauritus - Top Ten Travel Destinations

There are certain tourist destinations that are a hotspot for a large number of visitors every year. Here is a list of top ten travel destinations that have mesmerized people with their natural beauty.
Globetrotting for some is more than just a way of refreshing oneself! It’s more like an obsession. With every break, ardent travelers who wish to discover new things across the globe are always on the lookout to visit new places to unearth the beauty of nature. Here, I have a compilation of top ten travel destinations (in random order) you can use to plan a fun filled holiday.

Top Ten Travel Destinations:

Mauritius:
This is one hot spot for travelers! This paradise on earth needs no introduction and has a plethora of ocean life waiting to be explored. From the various species of sharks to the beautiful coastlines, Mauritius has much more in store for the avid tourist. White beaches, salty air, beautiful coral reefs and loads of activities targeted for tourists are one of the few reasons why this place is most visited from people across the globe.

Maldives:
This is yet another travel destination that ranks high on the list of beach lovers! Maldives is known the world over for its pristine beauty and gorgeous white beaches. Maldives has some extraordinary underwater life, which attracts people who love to go diving on a holiday. Today, one can find an array of hotels to suit every need if one wishes to explore this beautiful locale.

Rome:
You are bound to be besotted with the beauty of Rome. This modern capital city of Italy has some of the best landmarks of architectural splendor. The beautiful churches and the ancient monuments are a sure delight for the lovers of art. Rome also has some of the most beautiful parks and museums of historic significance. (more…)