As prime minister of Japan, Junichiro Koizumi made a number of official visits to Yasukuni Shrine. After all, the shrine honors those who fought and died for Japan, and what better way for the country’s leader to honor the sacrifices of previous generations?
Sitting at the peak of a hill in the heart of this Tuscan city, Siena Cathedral just looks divine. The house of worship towers above the rolling Tuscan landscape around it as if to beckon visitors.
The Shinkansen glides swiftly along the rails that crisscross Japan. The high-speed bullet trains that whisk travelers from one side of Japan to the other are an icon of the country and a model for high-speed rail.
The regular commuter train from Tokyo to Japan is slow, to say the least — especially compared to the high-speed bullet trains that speed across the countryside.
Places like Hiroshima are in the history books for one reason. Traveling to places that made history isn’t always a joyous occasion. But, I’ve found, that traveling to places like Hiroshima makes for a more meaningful experience.
In the brisk air of a November night, I sit with friends and sip a glass of wine. My eyes wander, looking out as the sun sets over the green Italian countryside.
Once known more for its role in ending World War II, Hiroshima has now become a major tourist attraction, and each year thousands of visitors from Japan and around the world travel to this western Japanese city.
Once known more for its role in ending World War II, Hiroshima today is a major tourist attraction, and each year thousands of visitors from Japan and around the world flock to this western Japanese city.
In many ways, the tranquil 15-minute ferry ride is indicative of what lies ahead. The island of Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima, is like a step back in time with its dirt roads and wildlife roaming through the city’s streets.
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