For my Boston Globe essay involving Japan, click here.
There are many reasons why Americans visit Japan, but according to a survey, food is ichi ban, or number one. The recently released on foreign visitors to Japan in 2009 ranks “culinary” as first for those who stayed 2-30 days in Japan. The survey was conducted at their departure at major ports and airports by the Japan National Tourism Organization. Here is the food they like best:
* Sushi (the choice of 50%).
* Sashimi and tempura (17.8%).
* Ramen noodle soup (9.6%).
* And my own favorite, udon noodles (7.5%).
The breakdown indicates that Americans are now embracing a wider variety of Japanese food, such as such as gyoza dumplings, onigiri (rice ball), noodles, yakitori (chicken skewers), and okonomiyaki (a grilled concoction). Food festivals are also of interest. In Shizuoka, the country’s top green tea manufacturing region, Japan’s tea culture will be presented along with teas from all over the world the last weekend of October, at the World O-CHA Festival 2010.
In November, the Peninsula Tokyo holds “Cirque Culinaire.” The event features fine wines and dishes of chefs from different Peninsula Hotels and world’s renowned restaurants. Meanwhile, Niigata, one of the cold sake brewery regions, celebrates sake collections from many breweries in early March.
As the first choice of 70.7% of those polled, "culinary" was way out in front. The runners-up were “visiting historic landmarks” (59.5%), “shopping” (49.6%), “local life, local experience” (47.2%), and “natural beauty, scenery” (45.3%).
Trivial question
What are the two continents through which the Equator passes? (Answer somewhere below.)
Taking a roadless 'road trip' in Canada
Traveling by rail has been called a "roadless road trip." And VIA Rail’s 2010 Canrailpass includes seven trips in economy class anywhere in Canada within a 21-day period. Passes for adults during the peak season (June 1-Oct. 15) begin at $ 910 U.S., while the off-peak period (Oct. 16-May 31) bring starting fares of $568. Children, students and seniors can purchase off-peak passes beginning at $511, while peak season passes start at $819. For more information visit viarail.ca/canrailpass.
Trivial answer
Those looking for a shorter trip, or who want to hop between major cities in central Canada, can try VIA’s Corridorpass, which allows seven trips in economy class within a 10 -day period in southern Québec and southern Ontario. Thus, for a single price, passengers can plan up to seven segments of rail travel to Québec City, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Niagara Falls. 2010 prices start at $325 U.S. for adults or $293 for children, seniors and students. For more information visit viarail.ca/corridorpass.
Fabulous fact
Alaska has the highest percentage of people who walk to work.
Rescue a turtle and go kayaking in Baja
Sea Kayak Adventures is offering an all-inclusive eight-day package where participants can spend three days hands-on helping researchers monitor and tag endangered sea turtles at their nesting beach in Magdalena Bay, then three days paddling a sea kayak alongside dolphins and sea lions in Loreto Bay in the Sea of Cortez. The itinerary offers opportunities for novices to paddle and explore uninhabited desert islands by stable sea kayak, snorkel with colorful fish along isolated coves and learn all about sea turtles. All activities are led by naturalist guides.
The tour is Oct. 24-31, including the air arrival and departure days. Forty percent of the price of $1,650 per adult ($1,485 for youth 12-17) goes to the local sea turtle conservation efforts. The price includes three hotel nights in Loreto (with pool); all meals at camp; all camping, sleeping and kayaking equipment; airport transfer, ground transportation, instruction and guides, and taxes. Not included: air fare from Los Angeles, gratuities, $25 national park fee, meals in town, snorkeling gear, and personal items. For more information or reservations, phone Sea Kayak Adventures at 800-616-1943 or go to www.seakayakadventures.com.
N.E.'s largest film festival set for Providence
Providence will be the site for the largest public film festival in New England, the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival, next month. The event will run Aug. 10-15 and include premieres of more than 175 films, industry seminars, educational programs and award ceremonies.
A Weekender Hospitality Package is available Aug. 13-14 at the Renaissance Providence Hotel, which provides overnight accommodations and festival passes for two, with those travelling from New York and Boston receiving complimentary Amtrak tickets. Priced at $1,000, based on double occupancy, the package represents a savings of $800 on the actual cost. Package activities include select movie screenings, High Tea at Slocum Gardens, a historic walking tour and a Sweet Success/A Cinematic Salute special event screening and dessert party with filmmakers. Official Flickers 2010 posters, T-shirts and mugs will also be distributed. For more information or to book, visit www.renaissancehotels.com.
Providence will be the site for the largest public film festival in New England, the FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival, next month. The event will run Aug. 10-15 and include premieres of more than 175 films, industry seminars, educational programs and award ceremonies.
A Weekender Hospitality Package is available Aug. 13-14 at the Renaissance Providence Hotel, which provides overnight accommodations and festival passes for two, with those travelling from New York and Boston receiving complimentary Amtrak tickets. Priced at $1,000, based on double occupancy, the package represents a savings of $800 on the actual cost. Package activities include select movie screenings, High Tea at Slocum Gardens, a historic walking tour and a Sweet Success/A Cinematic Salute special event screening and dessert party with filmmakers. Official Flickers 2010 posters, T-shirts and mugs will also be distributed. For more information or to book, visit www.renaissancehotels.com.
The Equator passes through Africa and South America.
