Shuri Castle in Okinawa (Japan)

Mighty SHURI Castle, which was built in the 15th century as a royal residence of the rulers of Ryukyu State, today it is considered one of the main attractions, not only in Okinawa but also all over Japan. Once in the Castle, as if suddenly transported back to several centuries ago. Here are all the same paved streets and courtyards, buildings, covered red tiles and surrounded by two rings of mighty walls. Ulterior motive in 2000, the castle was recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The long history of Shuri castle dates back to the long-departed time existence of Ryukyuan State. Erected this stronghold was still in 15 century on the orders of the ruler Shō Hashi. Since then the fate of not especially spare Castle — several times he was destroyed by ruthless fiery element, but each time it rose from the flames like the bird Phoenix. This fortress was considered the most beautiful around the Ryukyu Islands and the glory of it went across the country.

In 1879, after Japan invaded Ryukyu State land, last ruler Shō Tai handed Castle a Government delegation of the Japanese emperor. Later there was placed a separate headquarters Okinawan Expeditionary Corps garrison of Kumamoto.

In an era when locks are already long ago lost its strategic importance, under the direction of architect Tûta Ito restoration was carried out of the Castle, it happened in the 20-ies of the last century.
Already in 1925 SHURI Castle was appreciated and included in the list of national treasures of Japan.

Not spared by strengthening and new, the largest in the history of mankind is the second world war. In 1944 after the American air raid here left no stone unturned. The fact of the matter is that the castle was situated 32 5th Army Headquarters in Japan. After the end of the second world war and the defeat of Japan, the United States occupation authorities opened on the ruins of the castle of Rûkûskij University. In 1972, after Okinawa was again composed of Japan, what was left of the once-powerful Citadel was again proclaimed an important historical monument of national importance.

Erected this stronghold was still in 15 century on the orders of the ruler Shō Hashi. Since then the fate of not especially spare Castle — several times he was destroyed by ruthless fiery element, but each time it rose from the flames like the bird Phoenix.
In 1986 were carried out comprehensive work on the restoration of the Castle. Restoration of the affected walls, bridges, gates, buildings and gardens of Shuri. And in 1992, the castle became part of the Okinawan State cultural reserve. 8 years later, at the beginning of the new millennium, Shuri recognized part of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The length of the architectural complex from North to South is about 270 m from West to East is approximately 400 m. looking at Shuri on top, you can see that its shape is oval, which is surrounded by impregnable walls. The total area of its order 46 sq.m. m. impress by their strength and solidity of its fortifications: for entrance of the castle there are four gates in the outer wall. The inner part is separated from the outer wall with 8 gates. These boulders can be seen the Castle courtyard, where once was a luxurious Palace and Government buildings of the mighty State Ryukyuan.

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3 day travel in kyoto - Japan

Kyoto is a city you must visit if going to Japan. This is a brilliant representative of traditional Japan, its historical heritage and therefore you will not be disappointed with droplets of Kyoto.

In this article we'll recommend a few places in the city-Kyoto attractions that you can visit in three days.

Temples Of Kyoto


Your first day in Kyoto


First tip: choose a hotel close to the station (station) of Kyoto, because from here you can easily get anywhere in the city!

So, first of all, visit the Temple of Kiyomizudera, which is one of the largest temples in Kyoto.
Visit the Ginkakuji Temple, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
At the end of the day, visit the most famous Gion Geisha district in Japan. To see a traditional Gion, stroll along Hanami-Koji, along the beautiful old buildings, teahouses and restaurants. In the evenings you can stay an apprentice Geisha.

Gion began to be built in the middle ages for pilgrims visiting shrines of Yasaka. Ultimately, Gion became one of the most exclusive and well-known Geisha districts in Japan. Recently part of the area was declared a national historic landmark.


Here you can see traditional Japanese houses and tea-houses matija otââ. Tea-houses are traditional establishments where earlier amused Samurai, and now-rich businessmen.
Entertainment in tea houses may include cocktails, conversations, traditional musical instruments, songs and dances.

Second day in Kyoto
Visit the Imperial Palace (open to foreigners with 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with lunch, and day excursion lasts about an hour and a half, and here you will see).
When you have finished your acquaintance with the Palace, find the opportunity to have lunch and go on an excursion to the Kinkakuji Temple, where is the famous Golden Pavilion.

If you have time, try to catch a tour of the Toji Temple. This is a very beautiful building, originally built as a fortress to guard the city.

Third day in Kyoto

At the conclusion of his journey can visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
He will surprise you with lots of Red doors (Tori), examination of the Temple will take you a few hours.
Tourism-pretty exhausting, so if you still remain force-climb up the stairs leading to the temple, it's worth it. This is one of the places that should not be missed in Kyoto!

Later in the day, you can go to Nijo castle.
After seeing these sights of Kyoto, can safely say, that familiar with this city!

And don't forget that Japan is still and a great place to enjoy the local culinary delights, but the gastronomic route compose themselves.

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Travel Japan how to make cheaper.

Going on a journey, we always plan as needed funds to our tour was comfortable. What do I need to do, try to tell you in this post.

Japan travel tips

1. Order your ticket in advance

Review proposals all tickets airline operators in Japan, which are available on the Internet. So you get a good idea of costs; generally, the higher the cost of the ticket implies a higher level of service. But you have to see for yourself.

Compare the different offers of sites choose what suits you best, and get ready!

Japan on its geographical location is quite far from Europe, so if you have the time, during the flight to Japan, you can make a stop in another country (e.g., in China). In this case, your trip will not be tedious and monotonous.

In addition, under such circumstances, you can save on the cost of tickets approximately within 100 euros.

2. Cheap modes of transport in Japan

The most practical mode of transport for foreigners in Japan is a J-Rail Pass.

There are others such as Kansai-for trips in the area of Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara; Sanyo Himejiou-to get into the western part of the island of Honshu, in the area from Osaka to Nagaoka in Northern Kyushu, Kyushu-allows you to travel around the island of Kyushu, Hokkaido-pass on the northernmost part of Japan.

J-Rail Pass is a package for 1, 2 or 3 weeks to get to this transport line JR (Japan Railways), you can take the train lines in Tokyo. Using this mode, you can make unlimited travel throughout Japan.
For example, the price per 1 week J-Rail Pass for adults (grade 2)-28300 yen (283 euro); The cost of the ticket Tokyo-Kyoto: 26440 yen (264 euros).

What to see in Japan?

If you are young and careless, we recommend you view the youth district of Tokyo-Šibua (Engl. Shibuya), and Šinžuku (Engl. Shinjuku, the huge territory with an atmosphere of Tokyo), Asakusa (neighborhood temples and monuments), or Roppongi (district, popular for night fun and walks among tourists and foreigners).

Tokyo-City big enough, so it must be good to stay there long enough.

Outside Tokyo, you can carry out a journey through the classic route: Mount Fuji (Fuji-San), Kyoto (the town itself and its surroundings will introduce you to traditional Japan), Nara (one of the old provinces of Japan).

Where to stay in Japan

In Japan, to find accommodation, you must also use all sorts of sites that offer search services and booking accommodation for every taste. If we are talking about a cheap trip to Japan, it is worth to visit the website of affordable housing proposals-hostelworld.com. This site offers different room, there is also a cheap accommodation in Japan.

Youth Hostel are cheaper than ordinary budget hotel. You can also use the so-called hotels capsules of Japan, which is also quite democratic costs.

Well, we start to collect suitcases ...

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The most exotic waterfalls around the world.

There is no identical waterfalls! However, there is on the planet such that violates customary understanding of this natural phenomenon. We have collected the most strange and unusual waterfalls: they are scenery, water color and other properties.

«Okamenâûŝij» waterfall, United Kingdom

In Yorkshire there is very attractive for esoteric place is Mother Shipton's Cave. According to legend, it was here in the year 1488 diviner was born Ursula mother Shipton, known as mother Shipton. Her thought was the daughter of the devil, and little falls, the current from the walls of the cave, perceived as enchanted. And no wonder — water, rich in minerals, turns to stone any items (several months or years). Earlier people mortally afraid of his touch. Now unusual properties Kapaûŝego full source traders souvenirs: they suspend under running water • teddy bears and other items, and then sells them to tourists, were for the portion of the mystics. Theoretically, the waterfall can turn into stone and if it will be under his jets for a long time. Something similar happened with rudokopom from the city of Falun, died in the mine in the 17th century from the effects of sulphate-rich groundwater. Petrified Mummy Miner was found after 42 years.

Icy waterfall, United States — Canada — Scandinavia

Frozen waterfall — what could be more fantastic! Many waterfalls in Sweden and Norway each winter turn into palaces of the snow Queen: a fancy conglomeration of ice and icicles, transparent and milky-white, yellowish and powdered with snow, falling off from the cliffs hardened veil. But the beginning of this year was so severe for North America that froze up even huge Niagara falls. Previously such a wonder of nature can be seen in 1848 and 1912 respectively, in 2014 year falls partially froze.

Waterfall on the contrary, United Kingdom

All the waterfalls flow from top to bottom, isn't it? But the rules have exceptions. A year ago in Derbyshire in the uk was filmed video strange behavior "inappropriate" waterfall: instead of falling under gravity, water sized up, forming a fountain of spray. Natural phenomenon captured on camera by an Englishman Born Kirkpatrick during walks along the river Kinder.

On frames, instantly became a hit on YouTube, you can see how a 30-meter high waterfall "flowing" and splashes upwards. It happened not because of mysticism, while under the influence of the elements — the most powerful wind flow. "Reverse Waterfall is extremely rare, but it can be repeated: this requires a hurricane blowing in a certain direction.


"Boiling" waterfall, Mexico

Waterfalls are not only water, but also stone. In the Mexican State of Oaxaca there is a frozen waterfall Ierve El Agua, which translated from Spanish means "boiling water". These rock formations created by mountain springs water, overflowing with calcium carbonate. More than a thousand years flows streamed from rocks and zastyvali in whimsical shapes. Springs continued to work on relief stone waterfall — they formed the picturesque swimming pools, one of which is located at the cliff. Draining the rock crystallize, forming Jet giant stalactites, similar to those that can be seen in the caves.

Underwater waterfall, Mauritius

Flying over the South-western coast of the island of Mauritius, you can see the extremely unusual waterfall is underwater. Marine flow rushes into the ocean abyss with coral shoals is a beautiful sight visible even from satellite (when you type in the search engine Google Le Morne Riviere Noire, Mauritius). Actually, it's certainly not a waterfall, and an optical illusion created by nature itself. Layers of silt and sand and deep currents of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Le Morne peninsula-Braban creates this stunning cheat, to which I would like to believe — visibility underwater waterfall.
Falls among polygons, Iceland

The most unusual surrounding landscape boasts a Litlanesfoss waterfall in Iceland. It is surrounded by columns of basalt geometrically correct form, why in the viewer the illusion of alien intervention, formed such a dreamlike landscape. But in fact it is the result of the work of the various forces of nature: sculptors on the Basalt lava flows made waters, a local river, wind and sunlight.

A fiery waterfall, United States

Another amazing natural illusion related to Horse Tail waterfall, which is located in California's Yosemite National Park. In the days of water flows are reminiscent of red-hot lava flowing from the crater of the volcano. That is why the waterfall is called fire and is popular with photographers. The reason for the phenomenon is simple: the rays of the Sun at sunset paint the stream in a bright orange color.

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Vaux le Vicomte

Estate of Vaux le Vicomte (Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte) is traditionally referred to as a "predecessor" of Versailles. Those who have seen the favorite residence of Louis, it will be interesting to get acquainted with its progenitor. Those who have not yet visited the Versailles can gradually trace the development of French architecture.

History of the creation of this palatial masterpiece closely intertwined with the history of France itself and demonstrates the features of the era. Bringing together the best masters of his time, Vaux le Vicomte was constructed three years (1658-1661) and was selected by the owner of the King for one day.

History
In 1641 the year 26-year-old parliamentarian and future Minister of finance Nicolas Fouquet acquired ownership of a small castle. The estate was between two Royal residences — Fontainebleau and Vincennes — and nothing of himself was not. Only fifteen years, Chief Financial Officer of France, known for its passion for money, corrupted and patron of the arts, Fouquet remembered acquired lands. Deciding to create the best Palace in the country, he invited the architect Louis left, gardener André Le Nôtre-decorator and Interior painter Charles LeBrun. The idea was a success. However, Nosy and under Fouquet's miscalculation in one: in the person of the King, who was invited to attend a grand reception on the occasion of housewarming. In an attempt to strike the imagination of guests the splendour of the Palace and Park, the Finance Minister has stirred the wrath. Differently and could not be, because Louis XIV declared: "the State is me" and all the best must be the only King. Fouquet was arrested on charges of embezzlement of public funds, and he died in prison.
Vaux le Vicomte belonged to Fouquet's widow until the beginning of the 18th century, later passing from owner to owner. Now the castle is also owned by private individuals.

What to look for
Palace: the Palace completely preserved atmosphere of past centuries. You can admire the bedroom Louis XV and Louis XVI, the Cabinet of Fouquet, dining room, kitchen and cellar. If you prefer, you can climb the Bell Tower in the central part of the Castle and enjoy the opened views of the Park.

Park: regular French garden created by André Lenotrom, future famous landscape architect of Versailles, is a classic example of French landscape ensemble.

André Lenotr (1613-1700) is one of the most famous French gardeners-decorators. Park of Vaux-le-Vikonte — his first serious work. Gardens of Le Nôtre so liked the King Louis XIV, he became his court gardener.
Every second and last Saturday from late March to mid-October, you can see the stunning water view, show the fountains, the main participants operating fountains Vaux-le-Vicomte.
How to reach Vaux le Vicomte
By train:

There are two ways to reach Vaux-le-Vicomte. The easiest is to take the train company Transilien, departing from the Gare de Lyon train station (Gare de Lyon) in Paris, Melun station (Melun). Travel time is 25 minutes. Melun is the first stop. The second method is to choose the RER D (station Châtelet-Les-Halles) and go to the same station itself much longer. Approximately one way trip by train this company will cost EUR 7.4.

From Melëna station to the castle of not less than 6 km, which easily overcome or using a taxi, or bus. The cost of a taxi one way-15 EUR, regardless of the number of passengers, and 19 EUR, in the evening and on Sundays.

Bus (Châteaubus) runs from April to November 7 only on Saturdays and Sundays. Journey time is 15 minutes. One way ticket price is 3.5 EUR. Stop at the station, before the privokzal′nym Café (café de la gare), Gal′eni Street (avenue Gallieni). It should be remembered that the estate is not the final destination, and the second stop. Bus schedule compares with the schedule of trains from Gare de Lyon (via 10-15 minutes after the arrival of the train). The last flight in the direction of Vaux-le-Vicomte at 15.45. Additional wedding flights there in June, July and August (19 and 20). It was at this time, "Evening spark". From the first bus leaves at 13.10.

Tickets listed on April 2011 onwards.

By car:

Vaux le Vicomte is at a distance of 55 km from Paris. If the movement is not difficult, the journey time is approximately 45 minutes. First, you need to move by highway A4 or A6, then in the direction of Troyes (Troyes) on the A5 to the first turn for Laxey Saint Germain (Saint-Germain-Laxis).

Cuisine and restaurants
Restaurant with an original called "squirrel" (L'écureuil) is located in one of the outbuildings of the Castle. This is a great place for those who wish to dine al fresco. There is a special menu for children. The restaurant is open daily from 11.30 till 18.00. On the day of the "Evening spark" is open until 23.00.

The coat of arms of Nicolas Fouquet depicts squirrel, karabkaûŝaâsâ up. In honor of her and called the restaurant.
Les Charmilles is located inside the Park, in the stalls of Diana, directly opposite the southern façade of the Palace. Lunch (starter, main course and dessert) will cost from 30 and above EUR. For those who prefer self-service, there is a menu: salads-from EUR 3.8, hot dishes, ranging from EUR 10,-from EUR 3.2. There is a children's menu (about EUR 8.5).

Shopping and shops
On the territory of Vaux-le-Vicomte are souvenir and book shops. The work schedule is the same as the estate itself. In the book section you will find guidebooks, work on the history of the Castle, the literature about other palaces, landscape culture, horses. The gift shop will offer the visitors prints, tapestries, pottery, countless little gizmos, one way or another connected with the Vaux-le-Viscount.

Entertainment, tours and attractions
Show fountains: every second and last Saturday 29 March to October 11, you can see the stunning water view, major participants operating fountains of Vaux-le-Vicomte. Submission is free.

The principle of operation of fountains technology 17 century. The owners of the Castle were able to save the gravitational water supply, that is, gravity, and now, like many centuries ago, rain falls into the ancient aqueducts, which stretch over several kilometers. Then rain water drains into a huge reservoir, and from there with the help of gravity applies throughout the Park.
Candle Night: every Saturday from 7 May to 8 October, from 8 p.m. to midnight, is held in the Castle "Evening spark". This grandiose idea refers to the Memorial for Vaux-le-Vicomte page history when 17 August 1661 year Nicolas Fouquet hosted a reception in honor of the young King Louis XIV. In order to impress the Supreme person, in the territory of the Palace and Park lit more than two thousand candles. Every year in the castle which then recreates the atmosphere and to the accompaniment of classical music, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy this festival of light.

Anyone can book a table in restaurants L'écureuil and Les Charmilles. Pay submission (16 EUR). In the first and third Saturday of the month advanced Fireworks at 22.30.

Opening hours from 9 March to 11 November: 10:00-18:00, December-January: 10:30 — 18:00. Ticket office closes at 17.45. In the days of "Pm" candles 23.00.

Water view: the second and last Saturday of the month from 29 March to 11 September: from 15:00 to 18:00. P.m. candles are on Saturdays from 3 May till October 4: up to 00:00.

Entrance fee: 16.5 EUR, children from 6 to 16 years, people over 65 years old: 13.5 EUR, family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): EUR 54, visiting gardens: 8.5 EUR, disabled persons: EUR 10.

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