It is a famous "scramble" intersection where all vehicle traffic stops, allowing thousands of pedestrians to cross simultaneously from all directions.

After cremation, families perform kotsuage (bone-picking): relatives use large chopsticks in pairs to transfer large bone fragments (feet to head) into urns— the only time sharing chopsticks is allowed. 🌫 1. Yūrei (Japanese Ghosts) Traditional Japanese ghosts: • Wear white burial clothes • Have long black hair • Often appear at night • May not have visible feet People often visit graves during: • Obon (August) – a festival honoring ancestors’ spirits • Higan (spring and autumn equinox) – a time for remembrance During these times, graveyards are full of families bringing flowers and incense. They often feel more like calm gardens than dark or scary places.

The 1914 Renaissance-style building boasted Japan’s first escalators, elevators, central heating, and a roof garden; lion statues at the entrance have greeted shoppers since. Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store in Tokyo, founded as Echigoya in 1673, pioneered Japan’s retail revolution by selling kimono at fixed prices in a storefront instead of door-to-door. It became Japan’s first department store in 1904, introducing price tags, window displays, sales events, and a food hall—ideas borrowed from the West. The 1914 Renaissance-style building boasted Japan’s first escalators, elevators, central heating, and a roof garden; lion statues at the entrance have greeted shoppers since.

Tokyo at sunset feels like a city between worlds – the day slowly fades over endless rooftops while neon lights wake up below. From high above the streets you can see trains, tiny cars and millions of windows, all glowing in different colors. It’s chaotic and peaceful at the same time, a place where ancient temples and futuristic towers share the same sky. For a few golden minutes, Tokyo slows down just enough to let you breathe it all in.”

Mount Fuji (日本, Fujisan), Japan's highest peak at 3,776 meters (12,389 ft), is a dormant stratovolcano (last erupted in 1707) and a designated UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. It is considered a sacred site for Shintoists, who believe the peak is sacred to the goddess Sengen-Sama The Name "Fuji" * Fujisan (富士山): While often called "Fujiyama" in the West, the Japanese refer to it as "Fujisan". Both "san" and "yama" mean mountain. * Obscure Origins: The exact origin of the name "Fuji" is unclear, but many theories exist, including "immortal" (fushi) or "not two" (peerless/fuji). * Kanji Meaning: The current characters for Fuji (富士) can be interpreted to mean "wealth" (富) and "man of status" (士). * Historic Names: In The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter (9th-10th century), an elixir of life is burned at the peak, leading it to be called fushi(immortal).  2. Curiosities and Unique Facts * Three Volcanoes in One: Mt. Fuji is actually three separate volcanoes stacked on top of each other: Komitake at the base, Kofuji in the middle, and Fuji at the top. * Privately Owned: The land from the 8th station (roughly 3,360 meters) to the summit is private property belonging to the Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha shrine. * Forbidden for Women: For centuries until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, women were forbidden from climbing the mountain. * "Fuji's Peak" (Hairline): A widow's peak hairline (a point in the middle of the forehead) is referred to as "Fuji's peak" in Japanese and is considered a marker of beauty. * Active Volcano: Despite being dormant for over 300 years, geologists still classify it as an active volcano. * 10 Stages (Gome): The trail to the top is divided into 10 "stations" or gome, with the fifth station being the highest point accessible by vehicle.

Matsumoto City, in the Nagano Prefecture of Japan. It is a renowned National Treasure and one of Japan’s premier historic, original black-lacquer castles, often referred to as the "Crow Castle"

Kanazawa gold leaf ice cream is a famous, Instagram-worthy treat featuring a full sheet of edible gold foil placed on creamy vanilla soft serve. Popularized by Hakuichi in the Higashi Chaya District, this luxurious, mild-flavored souvenir costs around 891–900+ yen and symbolizes the city's 99% share of Japan's gold leaf production

Bis 1889 das höchste Gebäude der Welt (157 m), bis der Eiffelturm es überholte

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From Ancient Routes to Modern Marvels: Discover the Rio-Antirrio Strait The Patras Bridge (Rio-Antirrio Bridge) is located at the strait of Rio-Antirrio, at the transition between the Gulf of Patras and the Gulf of Corinth. The first person to officially cross the Rio-Antirrio Bridge was a torchbearer as part of the Olympic Torch Relay for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. The Rio-Antirrio Bridge is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges. • It connects the Peloponnese peninsula (Rio) with mainland Greece (Antirrio), near the city of Patras. • Officially opened in August 2004, just before the Athens Olympic Games. • Named after Charilaos Trikoupis, a 19th-century Greek Prime Minister who first proposed the idea of such a bridge.

There are 200 steps leading up to the chapel. During the filming on Skopelos, there were power outages because the film crew used so much lighting and equipment. Although the actual filming lasted only about seven days, preparations took place over a period of more than three months. The chapel’s location is on a rock – at the very end of the island. In the script, the path to it was described as “just a short walk.” In reality, it was a logistical nightmare that consumed entire shooting days. The Greek extras in the film were often actual islanders, including fishermen and shopkeepers.

Energetic, youthful, and perfect for those who want a mix of nature and fun. Skopelos gained international fame as one of the filming locations for the hit movie Mamma Mia! — especially the beautiful chapel of Agios Ioannis Kastri perched on a cliff. Skiathos has over 60 beautiful beaches, including Koukounaries, often ranked among Greece’s best beaches with golden sand and turquoise water.

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