Archive for September, 2004
Ryutosen Swimming Area
Hot as hell and the A/C is feeling less than adequate? You could go hang out at the local Youme Town and rot under the fluorescent glow of consumerism, or you could hitch a ride to Ryutosen. Located between Ureshino and Omura-shi, Nagasaki, Ryutosen boasts an 18-meter high waterfall (minus the patented Japanese cement job) which cascades into a pool that reportedly measures 23 meters in depth. I’m not sure exactly how deep it is, but I do know you can dive from the water’s edge without fear of un-doing thousands of dollars worth of pre-pubescent orthodontic work. Not up for diving or even swimming? Then just relax on the stone floor that encircles the water’s edge.
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Dance Clubs in Fukuoka
There are several places that you can go to get your groove on depending on what your music preference is.
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Tips for Traveling Outside of Japan
Thinking of travelling outside of Japan this year? The best advice is to plan ahead, especially for those peak holiday travel times (Christmas, Golden Week and summer vacation). Generally speaking, it is best to check prices and book a flight about three to four months in advance. In most cases, booking well in advance still only guarantees you a spot on a waiting list. What’s going on, you ask? My guess is your friendly travel agent is putting you (tormented soul with money in hand) on the waiting list so that they can wait and see if a big tour bus full of package tourists will be taking the same flight and hence spending a lot more money on their flight, hotels and car rental. Pure economics my friend. It seems to be common practice here. But not to worry, if you start early, you’ll more than likely be going on your trip. The point is book early and you’ll be the first in line on the waiting list; book at the last minute and you’ll be at the end of the queue. Simple as that.
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A Day at the Gatalympics
Wellington-boot throwing competition. Cock fights. Standing with a vegetarian friend and gaping at an atrocious parade of slain moose mounted on the back of pick-up trucks. Sleeping rough in St. Mark’s Square, with nothing but a box of tic-tacs for nourishment and torn pages of a magazine for warmth. Up until the last weekend of May 2004, I was content with my repertoire of absurd experiences. Not bad, ne? I hadn’t expected to add to the list. Well, not in Japan, and certainly not whilst living in my new adopted home called Kashima.
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Rock Climbing in Kyushu
Most rock climbing areas in Kyushu offer bolted sport routes typically one pitch in length. For those living in Saga-ken, there are several rock climbing areas that are easily accessible. With the exception of the rainy season or dead of winter, you can climb all year. Japanese climbers are generally sociable and safety conscious. Climbing gear can be purchased at Base Camp in Saga City (west of kencho on Route 207).
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