Japanese Bathtub

The Japanese bathtub has been part of the Japanese culture for many years. The Japanese have always given importance to bathing and believe that these baths cleanse the spirit and soul of every individual. Asians have revered the healing power of bath water for centuries, especially the Japanese.

Being immersed in bath water takes away tension, stress, and alleviates all types of muscle pain that the body is experiencing. The Japanese even have a saying: Mizu-no-Kokoro, which translates to mind like water. This saying simply means having a peaceful state of being that is in agreement with everything. It is interesting to note though that the Japanese do not really wash themselves in these tubs; the rule is to wash before getting into the tub.

The Japanese bathtub is deeper than the typical Western bath tubs. This gives you more room to move around in. Furthermore, the size of the tub lets you immerse your entire body in bath water. Japanese bath tubs can withstand high temperatures, and the heat of the water in the tub endears you to it more.

The popularity of the Japanese bathtub has since spread around the world.
Traditional ofuros are made out of wood, and the modern day ones are made of acrylic and have a heater and a re-circulation system installed in them. You can also purchase bath tubs modeled after the Japanese bath tubs anywhere in the world.

In Japan, public bathhouses can be found at almost every street, and you will notice right away that nudity isn’t a big deal. The normal practice is for the men and women to be segregated and everyone be only partially clothed. The only material they bring around to cover themselves is a small white towel, which is usually part of the package. This is no big deal for the Japanese, but not all bathhouses require you to be completely nude while taking a dip in the ofuro. It is interesting to note though that the Japanese do not really wash themselves in these tubs. The Japanese tradition is to wash before getting into the tub.

Japanese bath tubs are sometimes used to socialize with other people. If you have an ofuro at home, it can become a gathering place and an entertainment area for small parties. The guests can relax and rejuvenate their body and soul in the bath water and forget about whatever worries they brought along.

If you’re ever in Japan, try to experience this part of their culture. You will not have a difficult time finding a public bath, and if you aren’t sure where to go, just ask any Japanese person for directions, and they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

About the Author:

Considering an exotic accessory in the bathroom? Japanese bathtubs offer great style and luxury. Japanesebathtubguide.com provides you with the details needed when considering a bath tub.

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How to buy a property in Japan

For a foreigner, buying a property in Japan can be a confusing, difficult and frustrating experience if you don't know how to approach it.

General advice for people looking to purchase property in Japan

The type of place you purchase will depend on the reasons why you want to purchase a property. I recommend taking a pen and writing down all the reasons you can think of as to why you wish to purchase a property. This will help you to better understand your own reasoning behind your decision to buy or not to buy.

You should ask yourself two important questions1) do I want an investment property? OR2) do I want to live in it?

Your answer to these questions will influence your decision on what type of property you purchase. If you are purchasing because you want to live in it and stay a while, you have more options than if you looking to purchase an investment property. If you intend to live in the property for a long time, you will be saving on the rent you would have been paying anyway on a rental property so the decision to buy in many respects is a lot easier. If you intend to live in Japan for more than 5 years I generally recommend purchasing a property as opposed to renting.

There are personal and market considerations. If you are going to live in it, make sure you live in a place which is suitable now and for the future. If your job is likely to change, make sure you can rent it out or easily sell it. In terms of location this will obviously differ from person to person. For example, one person may want to live in Yokohama near sports facilities while someone else may want to live near Roppongi so they can enjoy the night life. Others may just want something cheap to live in.

You don't have the safety blanket of knowing that you are saving on rent if you are only purchasing the property as an investment, so the risk is greater. If you are looking for an investment place and think the property is not going to go up in value then you are better off not purchasing. A simple question to ask yourself is "Can I get a better return than the cost of the loan?". Last year there were some increases in property prices, making it more difficult to achieve positive yield (positive yield means you are making more money from renting your property out compared to the total of your other costs). If one is buying then a longer term commitment is required, so it could be a costly mistake if it doesn't suit your purposes.

Is there any law against foreigners buying houses/apartments in Japan?

There is no law or legal restriction against foreigners buying a property in Japan, either as a non-resident or resident. The biggest problem for foreigners buying property in Japan is getting the loan. If you have been a resident of Japan for some time (at least 2-3 years) it helps with the loan application. If you have a stable income and have been at the same company for at least three years your chances of getting a loan dramatically increase. Those who are married to a Japanese person will also find it easier than other to purchase a property because they have the spouse visa.

It's important to note that tax treatment is different depending on who purchases the property.

How do non-residents of Japan go about purchasing a property?

If you are a non-resident it is necessary to set up a special purpose company through which their real estate properties are held. This used to be done through a Yugen Gaisha (or YK) which are now obsolete. There are several companies you can use which are known as special purpose vehicles for holding real-estate. The costs involved in doing this differs depending on the structure; up to 1/2 million yen for simple purchases and more for complex ones. If you are a resident of Japan it will usually not be necessary for you to do this.

About the Author:

Richie Johns is a long term resident of Japan and runs a site called http://www.bignavi.jp , which allows users to easily search for information on housing, classifieds, jobs, travel and has general tips on living and working in Japan.

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Why You Should Play Golf in Spain

Spain is one of the best destinations to go to for your golf holiday so if you are looking for the best climate along with great golf courses, there is no better location for your next holiday. Planning this kind of trip will require you to do a good deal of research. There are a number of resources available to you when you are planning your next trip.

Choosing to play golf in Spain is the ideal choice for taking your golfing holiday at any time of year because the climate is just right for enjoying your favourite sport all year round. The world class courses and the stunning beauty of the area make this one of the most popular destinations for golfing enthusiasts.

There are many resources available to you online that will help you plan your holiday to play golf in Spain. There are sites that will provide you with all of the information that you need about Spain as well as specific courses, tee times, etc. Spain is a wonderful country to visit and you will be able to find something to do for every member of your travelling party.

You will be able to book your tee times online with many of the sites and also find accommodations for everyone in your party. Why not try a spa and golf holiday for you and that special someone in your life? While you are enjoying your golf in Spain, your partner can enjoy the pampering and relaxation of a day at the spa. Including everyone in your family is the best way to enjoy your holiday.

Getting a group together for golf in Spain is another way that you can enjoy your holiday. Imagine spending a holiday in Spain with all your pals playing as much golf as you want. Booking a trip like this is simple with the use of many of the online resources that are available out there. In most cases, you can book your tee times well before you ever head off on your holiday. There is no need to wait until you get there to find out about playing golf in Spain. Just take a look at the number of resources that are waiting for you online.

However you plan to spend your holiday, there is plenty of opportunity for you to play golf in Spain. But you should also be sure to take some time away from the course and visit some of the great Spanish attractions. There are clubs to dance the night away and some quaint old world areas where you can relax and enjoy the sightseeing.

Start planning your holiday in Spain now to be sure that you include everything you want to do on the trip. Make sure that you get a good listing of the courses in the area and the tee times. Spain is a fabulous place and you will also want to plan a few days to just explore the area and enjoy the beauty of the country.

About the Author: Mark Scriven is a marketing professional and has written many articles on business, travel and the internet. To book your golf in Spain visit http://www.teetimesanywhere.com. Tee Times Anywhere offer discount tee times and green fees for courses worldwide.

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Weather in Hawaii

The 8 eastern most islands of the Hawaiian Island Chain form the state of Hawaii: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Hawaii, Niihau and Kahoolawe. Among the more important cities are the capitol, Honolulu, which is located on Oahu, Hilo on Hawaii, Kahului on Maui, and Lihue on Oahu.

Hawaii is located 2,100 miles southwest of California, and is the only state located within the Tropics and the only state completely surrounded by an ocean. This tropical location influences the climate of the state of Hawaii tremendously, but the climate of Hawaii is also affected by the large mountains that are located on most of the islands, including mountain peaks that reach over 13,000 feet on Hawaii and 10,000 feet on Maui. The weather in Hawaii is also heavily influenced by the trade winds.

The trade winds circulate across the Hawaiian Islands in from the northeast, and are their heaviest from May through September. These trade winds often bring cloudy skies, although it’s typically only dense near the mountains and leeward lowlands. Showers are frequent but usually light and thunderstorms are rare. The trade winds also bring pleasant, fresh, warm air to the islands.

Significant storms occur most often in Hawaii between the months of October and March, and there may be as many as 7 or more big storms in any given year. Caused by cold fronts or low pressure systems, these storms can bring heavy rain and winds. Tropical cyclones or hurricanes are possible, and 37 cyclones have hit the Hawaiian Islands since 1949, causing 13 deaths.

The variation in temperature from daytime high to nighttime low, and from coldest month to the warmest month is among the smallest of any state in the USA. The variation from high temperature to low on a given day in Hawaii is normally around 13 degrees, and the variation in temperatures from the warmest month of year (August) to the coolest (January) is less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit. However these differences are just for the areas that most tourists will visit, amazingly Hawaii can also experience snow on her highest mountains in the winter, with much colder weather than in the cities below.

While the temperatures are consistent, the amount of rain that falls in Hawaii isn’t. Hilo has received as many as 207 inches of rain in a year, and as few as 72 over the past 79 years. Honolulu saw extremes of 46 inches and 10 inches over a 62 year period, Kauai saw a low of 5 inches and a high of 48 inches over a single year and Kukui varied from 250 inches to 578 inches over 23 years.

Climate affects the economy in a number of ways. The consistent warmth of the weather in Hawaii makes it one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. The tourist season in Hawaii is long, both between mid December and mid April, and again in June through August when kids are out of school. Agriculture is also important to Hawaii’s economy, with sugar cane and pineapple flourishing in the Hawaii weather and serving as their leading food exports.

About the Author: Buzz Daly writes about weather for Weather By Day . com http://www.weatherbyday.com, a website that helps travellers and locals determine the most likely weather conditions for a set of dates, including weather in Hawaii.

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Nairobi Capital of Kenya, East Africa

Nairobi, whose name means cool river , is the largest and fastest growin city in east Africa. Founded as a railway workers encampment, the city is now home to over 3 million people.

This city of millions has an impressive skyline incorporating several important buildings, including the striking Kenyatta Conference Centre. From the observation deck on its 28th floor, visitors look out on a marvellous panorama of city and countryside. Nairobi is the cultural, economic and communications centre of Kenya. The country’s most important institutions of higher learning are found here, and its tourist industry continues to grow.

The role of the railway. Kenya’s history is closely connected to Britain’s colonial railway projects in Africa. The site for the railway encampment that became Nairobi was carefully chosen. Nairobi lies at an altitude of 1,700 metres. This elevation keeps Nairobi’s average temperature too low for malarial mosquitoes to survive.

When workers were hired for the Uganda Railway project to connect Lake Victoria with the coastal port of Mombasa, they were housed in Nairobi, which grew in importance after the railway was completed in 1900. It is no surprise that there is a Railway Museum in Nairobi today. It includes a diverse collection of objects from the history of the railway, including wonderful old photographs.

An international city. The modern city of Nairobi is the economic linchpin of East Africa. International businesses and organizations base their operations here, among them UNO (United Nations Environment Program, UNEP) and UN HABITAT (United Nations Human Settlements Program). With so many international residents, it’s little wonder that the restaurants in Nairobi rival those in major European and American cities.

Rich and poor.

There are few places in the world where the contact and contrast between extreme wealth and extreme poverty is as glaring as in the Kenyan capital, though the severity of the situation is rivalled in South African Johannesburg. Cynical commentators call the city Nairobbery because of its high crime rate. Accordingly, tourists are well advised only to leave central Nairobi, where it is relatively safe to walk around, if they are going on an official safari tour or driving back to the airport.

The best of Nairobi.

The majority of tourists who visit Kenya see very little of Nairobi. They usually go straight from the airport to the countryside to set off on safari. In addition to stopping by the popular Railway Museum, those who are interested in getting acquainted with the city should definitely visit the National Museum. Everything worth knowing about Kenya is on display, from its abundant flora and fauna to the lifestyles and cultures of its native peoples, in particular the Massai. The museum also houses a delightful. exhibit of works by the artist Joy Adamson (1910 1980). Adamson is best known for her book Born Free about her rescue of the lioness Elsa. Her deep love for Africa is vividly expressed in the exhibit.

Green Nairobi.

Moi Avenue begins not far from the Railway Museum and leads directly into the centre of Nairobi. The central business district is punctuated by two large green spaces, Uhuru Park and Central Park. Both invite people to rest and relax under their shady trees, sit on a bench or stroll along a gravel path. Uhuru Park even has a small artificial lake. Environmentalist and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai saved Uhuru Park from development by organizing a series of locally and internationally supported protests in 1989.

At safari’s end. Anyone who returns to the Kenyan capital after a week or two of the hard life on safari will appreciate the amenities of Nairobi’s full service, Western style hotels. Nairobi is ideally suited as a starting point for day trips and tours to the country’s spectacular national parks. Nairobi National Park, the nation’s first, is located only 8 km from Nairobi. Founded in 1946, it has an area of approximately 120 square kilometres.

About the Author: For quality and value flights to Africa, book your Qantas flight through Flight Centre. Qantas airlines is one of Flight Centre's key travel partners. STFC180209-3 http://www.flightcentre.com.au/


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Travel to Italy – Rome and Venice

Where does one begin to start when discussing Italy. Well, if you intend to travel there, Rome and Venice are good places to start.

Rome

Perhaps you’ve heard of it? It goes without saying that Rome has a rather prominent past. Lets see, in Rome you will find…[deep breath]…the Vatican, Coliseum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Church of Saint Agnese, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and a guy name Allassandro. Just making sure you’re paying attention. Indeed, Rome is filthy with historically significant attractions. It seems you can’t turn around without bumping into something an Emperor built, captured or destroyed. For those willing to risk potential wrath, there are also the new Divinci Code tours, which take you to the locations found in the book.

In all serious, Rome is a city you should visit at least once in your life. No article could ever do it justice, so I’ll just stop here.

Venice

I fondly refer to Venice as the floating city even though it is apparently sinking. If you’ve seen Venice is movies or televisions shows, the depictions are accurate. Piazza San Marco looks exactly the same, birds and all. The Grande Canal is, well, a grand canal with incredible houses lining it and boats putting up down this water way. Built on mudflats in a lagoon, the city doesn’t really have much room to grow. It just seems paralyzed in time.

Once you’ve conquered the tourist attractions, it will be time to get serious about Venice. The best way to do this is stand in front of your hotel or hostel, determine which direction the tourist attractions lie and start walking in the opposite direction. While you may feel like you’re driving the wrong way on a freeway for a few minutes, you’ll eventually start getting into real Venice.

An entirely different side of Venice will appear and you’ll love it. You’ll find little cafes with locals happy to talk to you [and non-tourist prices]. In fact, the Venetians will tend to hold you in high regard since you’re a tourist who is bypassing the tourist areas. This, of course, will logically lead to a whirl of introductions to this nephew, that son of a brother and so on. Next thing you know, you’ll be complaining about Italian politicians and how things used to be better in the past.

While Rome and Venice are excellent travel destinations, you can’t really go wrong in Italy. For the adventurous, set your itinerary with the old map on a wall and dart technique.

About The Author

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are the perfect travel accessories. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read more travel articles and travelogues.

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Ya Mule! Backpacking in Siena, Italy

Ah, the glamour of backpacking through Europe. Of course, the glamour comes with a price as I found in Siena, Italy.

Siena

Siena is located an hour or so outside of Florence, Italy. My handy dandy guidebook suggested it was a side trip that just had to be made. A medieval structure located behind protective walls on the top of a hill. The central area was generally closed off to cars and it was a taste of true Italy. Who was I to argue?

As I sat on the train, I check my backpack for any excess weight. I had already discarded or sent home unnecessary items and was feeling pretty light on my feet. Next thing I knew, the train had stopped and I was standing on flat road next to a rolling hill covered in trees and homes. Siena proper was at the top.

The thing about rolling hills with lots of foliage is they are simply evil. You can never get a grasp on how far it is to the top. You keep thinking the top appears to be a few hundred feet in front of you until you reach it. Then you discover it is just a dip before another upward section. The hill up to Siena is just such a rolling hill. Throw in a road that twists all over the hill like a drunken sailor on leave, and you’ll never scoff at a moped again.

Getting in touch with my inner mule, I began to climb and tame the great beast. As I trudged along, I thought of all the great people that must of walked up the same hill throughout history. As I stood in the shade panting, I thought all of those great people probably hitched a ride instead of walking like me.

After thirty-five minutes or so, I was seriously starting to think about hitching a ride. Of course, this would mean admitting defeat. The battle between my genetic male stubbornness and “this sucks” attitude was intense. Like a mule, I kept going. Five bends, three dips that I could have sworn were the top.

Just as I was giving in…a wall. A really big wall. I passed it and suddenly was in a large parking lot area with tourist buses. Hands on knees, shirt soaking, I tried to maintain my dignity as the tourist looked at me like I was insane. Did that moron walk up here? One even took a picture!

After composing myself…err, getting my breath back, I booked a room in a little hotel. The young lady working the desk seemed hesitant, but I made some comment about it being a long way up from the valley. She started giggling and I had the room.

I showered and went looking for trouble. Well, trouble that was on a flat surface. In the town centre, I stumbled upon a small café selling Mexican beer. Being from San Diego, this was nirvana. My inner mule was quickly appeased and the hill of death forgotten.

Reflecting on my climb from a historical perspective, I learned a good lesson. It is far better to be behind the wall than trying to attack it!

About The Author

Rick Chapo is with http://www.nomadjournals.com - makers of travel journals. Writing journals are the perfect travel accessories. Visit http://www.nomadjournaltrips.com to read more travel articles and travelogues.

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