Photo of the Day (12.07.08)

by Jeremy Kressmann on

I don’t think this Chinese Terracotta warrior ever expected to become a 21st Century sex symbol. Flickr user troshy seems to be worried about this guy’s popularity though, so he gave him some cool aviator shades. I know nothing about the rules regarding touching or interacting with these statues, but I do really like the contrast – it ends up looking like a 200 B.C. US Weekly photo. Pretty hilarious.

Have any unique travel photos you’d like to share with the world? Why not upload them to the Gadling pool on Flickr? We might just pick one as our Photo of the Day.

Big in Japan: Gadling goes to Hokkaido

by Matthew Firestone on

All this month, we’re on the road in Hokkaid?, Japan’s northernmost island. Join us as we take a look at the rugged wilderness, world-class skiing and remote hot springs that make this winter wonderland so justifiably famous…

Let’s start off with a quick geography lesson, shall we?

Hokkaid? (??????, literally North Sea Circuit) is Japan’s second largest and northernmost island. If you’re not Japanese, you might have trouble identifying this landmass, though you’ve most certainly heard of its most famous export.

Indeed, Hokkaid?’s capital is the production center for the delicious amber nectar that is Sapporo beer, though the island offers much, much more than mere alcoholic delights.

First settled by the Ainu, Japan’s northerly indigenous population, Hokkaid? has been strongly influenced by Russia, Europe, America and – of course – Japanese mainlanders. Today, the island is thoroughly integrated into the modern nation, though it’s largely unlike anything you might expect to find in places like Tokyo and Kyoto.

So, without further adieu, let’s kick off our special series by taking a closer look at Japan’s winter wonderland.

In the minds of the Japanese, the island of Hokkaidō is a rough and rugged frontier that is somewhat equivalent to Alaska or the Yukon.

Surrounded by the frigid waters of the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the northern stretches of the Pacific Ocean, Hokkaidō experiences mild summers and Siberian winters.

The centre of the island is also characterized by soaring mountains and volcanic peaks, which happen to harbor some of the world’s best skiing.

While few Americans would mention Japan and skiing in the same sentence, Hokkaidō is one of the most popular overseas destinations for winter-sports lovers from Australia and New Zealand.

The action is firmly centered on the resort of Niseko, which is regarded by skiiers and snowboarders as something of a powder heaven.

For fans of apres-ski culture, you can quite literally fling yourself down the slopes, strip down to your birthday suit, and soak the night away in a natural hot spring while cradling a bottle of sake. Bliss!

Not surprisingly, the city of Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, and continues to host the annual Snow Festival every February. Ice bars might be the latest rage in North American cities, but where else in the world can you see a huge and hulking ice sculpture of Hello Kitty?

Sure, it’s cold, but the island specializes in winter-warming cuisine, such as the famous Sapporo ramen, a hearty dish of miso-based soup noodles that is served up with fresh butter and sweet corn.

And, if you start to lose sensation in your fingers, you can always down a pint or two of Sapporo beer, which should help get your blood circulating.

Want to learn more about Hokkaidō? Sure you do!

Tune in all this month as Big in Japan heads north and blogs from the road.

** All images courtesy of the Wikimedia Commons Project **

Stupid tourists ruin Tokyo fish market for the rest of us

by Mike Barish on

There are travelers and there are tourists. Travelers explore new places, immerse themselves in diverse cultures and respect their experiences. Tourists gawk, point, mock and generally embarrass themselves while poorly representing their native cities and countries. Tourists ruin things for travelers. And that’s exactly what has happened at one of my favorite places in the world, Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish market.

Tourists have officially been banned from the early morning tuna auctions at Tsukiji. The ban begins on December 15 and will be reviewed in mid-January to determine if it should be extended.

Fish traders have complained that the 200-300 visitors that crowd around the tuna auction everyday distract workers and pose safety risks. Back in April of this year, access to the auctions was limited in response to complaints that the flash photography was obscuring the hand gestures of traders and that the tourists’ poking and prodding of the fish created hygiene concerns. Now local media are blaming misbehaving tourists for the creation of the stricter ban. Fish market officials, eager to not offend foreign guests who are still welcome to tour the outer areas of the market, were quick to announce that the ban applies to Japanese tourists, as well.

If you’re heading to Japan, I still highly recommend a trip to Tsukiji. It’s a fascinating place, as you would expect from the world’s largest fish market. Be respectful of those around you, as that is their place of business and it’s an industrial area with heavy equipment and lots of people scurrying about. You are a guest in their workplace and you should behave accordingly. I hate to lecture, but, well, the hijinx of a few idiots can really ruin things for the rest of us.

As you go out into this great big world of ours, think before you act. And don’t touch other people’s fish.

Michelin comes to Hong Kong. Will it ever be the same?

by Josh Lew on

Michelin, the famous (or infamous) French restaurant guide has been branching out lately. Two years ago, Tokyo became the first Asian city to be visited by the star-giving gourmet food experts. This year, Tokyo received more stars than any other city. For those unfamiliar with the Michelin rating system: 1 star means your restaurant is awesome, two means it is unbelievably awesome, and three means you provide nothing less than orgasmic gourmet experience.

Hong Kong and Macau became the second Asian destination for Michelin. Two restaurants received the coveted three star rating, while two dozen others received one or two stars.

In the US and Europe, a Michelin star can make a chef’s career. The fame doesn’t yet translate in the Pacific Rim. But gourmet cuisine is definitely on the rise in Hong Kong. I hope the coming of Michelin doesn’t change the culinary atmosphere there. What would the city be without the chaotic dim sum joints, the hidden away seafood restaurants, and tiny noodle shops? The whole “food as art” thing has its place. There is nothing wrong with it. But if everyone suddenly goes gourmet, Hong Kong would lose its wild restaurant culture. If that happens, then the whole territory might as well just break off and sink into the South China Seas.

[Via Globespotters and The Standard HK]

Big in Japan: FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Japan

by Matthew Firestone on

On Monday, Big in Japan brought you news about the first female baseball player to be drafted into the big leagues….

In keeping with the sports theme, today’s post is aimed at spreading the word about the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup tournament in Tokyo and neighboring Yokohama.

Somewhere along the way, America missed out on the soccer memo that seems to have been given priority status in just about every other country. In fact, we’re pretty much the only people in the world that think football is played with elongated pigskins and not spherical black and white balls.

But there is time to get on the real ‘football’ bandwagon, and to perhaps do a bit of sightseeing in Japan while you’re at it. In case you’ve been looking for yet another reason to visit this side of the Pacific pond, why not check out a bit of world-class footie in between shrines and sushi?

That’s right – the FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Japan this December!!

Keep reading to find out more!

Starting on December 11th, the FIFA Club World Cup will begin in Japan, and will feature the best footballs teams from every corner of the globe.

Japan is no stranger to world-class football, having hosted the Toyota Cup from 1980 to 2004, which pitted the South American and European champions against each other on neutral ground. Of course, the Club World Cup is an exponentially bigger tournament, featuring the champions from each FIFA continental league.

This year, the Club World Cup consists of Egypt’s Al Ahly, who recently clinched the African championship, and has the greatest number of tournament appearances, as well as Mexico’s Pachuca, Ecuador’s Liga de Quito, Australia’s Adelaide United, New Zealand’s Waitakere United, England’s Manchester United, and the hometown favorite, namely Osaka Gamba.

Japan has hosted the event since 2005, though the Club World Cup will move to Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2009 and 2010. In other words, you better act now if you want to catch FIFA action in the Land of the Rising Sun.

So, here is the nitty-gritty:

On December 11th, 13th and 17th, matches are taking place at Tokyo’s National Stadium, which previously hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics.

On December 18th and 21st, the action switches to Yokahama’s International Stadium, which previously hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

More information about this year’s tournament can be found by clicking here.

So, how do you get tickets? That’s easy.

Whether you’re living overseas, or currently living as an ex-pat in Japan, you can book tickets directly through the official tournament website by clicking here.

Alternatively, you can book special FIFA Club World Cup packages through various travel agencies, which provide you with tickets, accommodation and game day transportation.

Check out JAPANiCAN’s tour packages, which guarantee you seats to the final two games on December 21st, as well as accommodation in Yokohama – prices start at 44,900 yen (approximately US$470) excluding airfare.

If you’re currently in Japan, or just happen to be passing through Asia this holiday season, be sure to check out the tournament. After all, the FIFA Club World Cup is way, way bigger than the Super Bowl (^_^)

** All images are trademarked by FIFA, and are presented here for the purpose of brand identification and/or critical commentary **