Asiahop’s blog
The most original places in China and Japan
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What to see and do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong lives with its gaze turned towards the sea. Its harbour, islands and coastline are all part of a city where water is ever-present. Amidst traditional markets, bustling streets and shopping districts, the city is explored by double-decker buses and trams, ferries and cable cars that connect neighbourhoods, mountains and different vantage points. It…
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Discover Ōmihachiman, a historic trading enclave in Japan
In the heart of Shiga Prefecture, near Lake Biwa, lies Ōmihachiman, a town where history is palpable at every turn. Its origins date back to the late 16th century, when Toyotomi Hidetsugu ordered the construction of a castle in the area. Although that fortress eventually disappeared, its legacy remains in the Hachiman-bori, the canal that…
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Nagano between temples and mountains
The prefecture of Nagano (長野県, Nagano-ken), located in the central region of Chubu, represents the essence of the Japanese Alps. Known worldwide for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics, this city offers much more than snow sports. It is an enclave where Buddhist history and wild nature converge, offering travelers a necessary pause from the hustle…
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Kiyosumi garden, Tokyo
In Tokyo’s Koto Ward lies an oasis of peace that seems to stand still in time: Kiyosumi Garden (清澄庭園, Kiyosumi Teien). Although Kyoto usually takes the spotlight for its traditional green spaces, this garden is one of the most refined and striking examples of the Meiji-era landscape style in the Japanese capital. Its design, centered…
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Ainokura a Living History in the Gokayama Valley
Discovering the village of Ainokura (相倉) is like taking a trip back in time to the most authentic rural Japan. Located in the remote region of Gokayama (五箇山), this hidden gem is famous for its gassho-zukuri (合掌造り) houses, whose impressive thatched roofs are designed to withstand the heavy snowfall of the Japanese Alps. Unlike other,…
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Guidelines for tourists on behaviour in Japan
As a tourist in Japan, everything is very straightforward. Thanks to the high standards and professionalism of the services, as well as the punctuality and efficiency of the transport system, you’ll have no trouble getting around comfortably anywhere in the country. However, there are bound to be a few things that surprise you on your…
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Amazing natural landscapes of Japan
Japan’s stunning natural landscapes have become an international visual benchmark. Its territory is distinguished by its unique landscapes, formed by the interaction of diverse natural processes. The archipelago’s location in a region of high seismic activity, within the Pacific Ring of Fire, influences its geological evolution and fosters the existence of volcanoes, tectonic phenomena, hot…
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Ancient town of Ciqikou, porcelain port in Chongqing
In the Shapingba district, embraced by the waters of the Jialing River, lies the ancient village of Ciqikou (磁器口, Cíqìkǒu). Historically known as the gateway to Chongqing, this enclave is much more than a tourist destination; it is a living testament to the region’s commercial past. Walking through its cobbled streets, travellers leave behind the…
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How to get to Guilin and Yangshuo on your trip through China
The mountains of Guilin and Yangshuo are undoubtedly one of China’s most iconic sights. However, travelers often struggle to fit them into their itinerary across the Asian giant. If you’d like to know how to reach this stunning karst region, we’ve provided several options below. Including Guilin and Yangshuo in your China itinerary is easier…
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Noboribetsu Hell Valley in Hokkaido
Noboribetsu Hell Valley (地獄谷 Jigokudani) is a stunning geothermal valley located in the city of Noboribetsu, on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. This unique landscape is characterized by its boiling hot springs, mineral-bleached rocks, and plumes of steam rising from the ground, creating an almost infernal atmosphere reminiscent of a “devil’s valley.” It is one…