15 minute read
TRAVEL
From deeply traditional to surprisingly quirky, Japan is filled with incredible experiences that demand to be sampled. Veteran travel writer KERRY HEANEY shares her personal experience in a variety of unusual, fascinating and fun situations.
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Cut through the ice and go fishing.
Dress up like a ninja, bathe in the sand or forest, eat the most amazingly fresh sushi, or meditate at a shrine but do take the opportunity to try something outside your comfort zone and dive deep into Japanese culture.
Here are nine surprising experiences you will only find in Japan TRAIN LIKE A NINJA The location of the Ninja Do training hall in Sapporo is strictly on a need-to-know basis to confuse their enemies. Students arrive on kerbside to be greeted by a man dressed head to toe in black and ushered into an unmarked building. It’s straight down the stairs to a basement door with a large lock on the outside. It’s all very mysterious and slightly dramatic like you are extras in a Monkey Magic (a classic 1970s television series shown alongside The Goodies and Roger Ramjet) remake.
Next, there is a lot of clothing to put on and tie up. Pants, top, headband and wrist guards and then suddenly you look like a ninja! Then you learn to walk silently and swiftly, blow a dart and a ninja star into a target and escape from your enemies. SAND BATHING Forget the sauna or even the sea, sunamushi, or sand bathing on the southern tip of Kagoshima is the ultimate healthy experience. Volcanic hot springs line the coastline of Ibusuki, warming the sands to about 50-55 degrees Celsius. Resorts along the coastline offer a sand bathing experience with regular hot springs to soak in afterwards. You wear a light cotton yukata to sand bathe and lie a shallow depression on the beach. The attendant protects your face with a towel and shovels warm sand over you until you’re buried, up to your neck, in the black sand. Only your head is exposed to the air. After ten minutes or so, you emerge warm and relaxed. Then, you can shower at the beach or explore the nearby hot springs. WINTER FISHING Cut a hole in the ice, admire the snowkissed mountains, dangle your fishing rod and try smelt ice fishing in Mt. Akagi. It’s worth the effort. Your catch goes straight to a nearby restaurant to be turned into delicious golden tempura. SUMMERTIME FESTIVALS Summer is also one of the main seasons for festivals in Japan. Akin to Mexico’s ‘Day Of The Dead’, Obon (also known as The Bon Festival) is one of the largest summer festivals where Japanese people pay tribute to lost ancestors. In Nagasaki, there is the Shoro-Nagashi ‘Spirit Boat Procession’ where boats are painstakingly decorated by the grieving family members of the people of Nagasaki who died that year. STAY IN A RYOKAN Ryokan or Japanese inns is where you will find rice paper shoji doors, tatami flooring, futon beds and natural hot spring baths. Catering to all budgets, they can be found throughout Japan but most commonly in the countryside outside urban centres.
Wakayama prefecture’s Ryokan Musashi is consistently rated as one of the top onsen ryokans in all of Japan. Some rooms even boast a private hot spring tub with ocean views.
RELAX AND RECHARGE AT A TRADITIONAL TEA CEREMONY The tea ceremony tradition has remained a cherished Japanese ritual for centuries, bringing people together in an environment of tranquillity to enjoy freshly whisked matcha tea. Shizuoka is home to some of Japan’s best tea and the beautiful surroundings just below Kakegawa Castle. Ninomaru Teahouse is one of the best places to experience this meticulous tradition.
Beware! Ninja Kerry is ready for action. EXPLORE ANCIENT TEMPLES, SHRINES AND CASTLES At ancient shrines and in the heart of historic cities, Japan’s rich cultural heritage lives on as something not just to be admired from afar but actively Immerse yourself in the volcanic sand. appreciated. Home to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, Hakujukan is a ryokancum-temple lodge in Fukui prefecture. Here guests get a taste of traditional Japanese hospitality and can join monks at the monastery for a Zen meditation session.
DEVOUR WORLD-CLASS SUSHI Sushi is probably the most recognisable Japanese food and has exploded in popularity worldwide. For under 600 yen ($7), you can walk into any supermarket in Japan and pick up fresh sushi. You can also spend upwards of 60,000 yen for a three Michelin star omakase (chosen by the chef) course.
FOREST BATHING Forest bathing or ‘Shinrin-yoku’ is a centuries-old tradition where you immerse yourself in nature. It took off in the 1980s when busy, over-stressed city workers needed help to wind down and recalibrate. It offers an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and inspires people to reconnect with and protect the country’s forests. For more of Kerry’s travel stories, visit eatdrinkandbekerry.net
HERMAN’S TOURS & TRAVEL
DAY TRIPS FROM $62 EXTENDED HOLIDAYS
Saturday 26 March 2022: Boreen Point - Apollonian Hotel .............................................. $108* Saturday 30 April 2022: The Ginger Factory ....................................................................... $97* Sunday 5 May 2022: Hampton Festival..................................................................................$80 Saturday 11 June: Clydesdale Spectacular ..........................................................................$76 Tuesday 14 June: The Three Tenors Show - Redcliffe .........................................................$62
MORE 2022 DAY TOURS:
Jumpers & Jazz Festival Warwick, Ocean View Estate Winery, Llama Farm Pine Mountain, Aqua Duck Gold Coast, Eumundi Markets, Fox & Hound Pub. 15 to 19 April: Where Else But Charleville, Easter 2022... .......... Twin Share $1890 pp pp 27 to 30 May: Opera in the Capricorn Caves .................. Twin Share from $1396 pp** p** 4 to 9 August: Fall in Love with Norfolk Island ............................ Twin Share $2793 pp pp 10 to 16 September: Vintage Rail Journey ................................. Twin Share $5354 pp pp 28 September to 4 October: Wonders of Winton & Longreach..Twin Share $3106 pp
All extended holidays include return home transfers – Brisbane Metropolitan area. Single Supplements: Charleville $296, Charleville $296, Opera in the Caves $318 Norfolk Island $405, Vintage Rail $240 ** Waitlist
Day Tours – * Includes Lunch. Extended holidays include return home transfers (Brisbane Metropolitan Area). Itineraries and prices quoted are subject to change.
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Effortless holidays. Endless possibilities.
Simplify your luxury summer holiday with Celebrity Cruises where alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi and service charges are Always Included.
Five Star Getaway
If you like the finer things, you’ll love Celebrity Eclipse. From a collection of world-class restaurants to ahh-inspiring spa, you’ll be surrounded by luxury to relax, reconnect and revitalise. Visit Sydney • Port Arthur • Hobart (overnight) 5-night cruise departs 10 March 2023 Veranda from $1,499* pp | AquaClass from $2,206* pp
Food & Wine Classic
Culinary connoisseurs rejoice as Celebrity Eclipse introduces you to incredible wine-growing regions and local cuisine through exclusive experiences both onboard and shoreside. Visit Sydney • Melbourne • Adelaide (overnight) • Hobart 9-night cruise departs 07 February 2023 Veranda from $2,199* pp | AquaClass from $2,838* pp
Sun & Beach Escape
Ready to kick back and soak up the sun in style? Step aboard Celebrity Eclipse, unpack once and sail in total luxury from one iconic beach to another. Visit Sydney • Noumea • Mystery Island • Vila • Lifou • Mare • Isle of Pines 11-night cruise departs 09 December 2022 Veranda from $2,699* pp | AquaClass from $3,699* pp
BOOK WITH YOUR LOCAL TRAVELLERS CHOICE AGENT NORTH CLAYFIELD TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS - 3862 1215 • EAST LATITUDE CRUISE & TRAVEL - 3286 7900 WEST TRAVEL MASTERPIECE - 3367 1644
Imagery and messaging may not accurately reflect onboard and destination experiences, offerings, features, or itineraries. These may not be available during your voyage, may vary by ship and destination, and may be subject to change without notice. *Conditions apply: Prices are per person, cruise only, for Veranda & Aqua Class stateroom, on select sailings & based on double occupancy. Savings Offer: Savings Offer applies to new bookings made 01 - 31 Mar 22 on select sailings departing 01 Apr 22 - 22 Apr 23 excluding Alaska Cruisetours & Galapagos. Savings Offer provides up to 25% off Standard Rate cruise fare for all guests in the same stateroom, is combinable with Always Included & is included in advertised prices. No promo code required. Full deposit must be paid by deposit required due date. Standard full deposit penalty is applied if the booking is cancelled within final payment period; See Celebrity’s cancellation policy for details. “Always Included” Pricing Packages apply to inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests in an Eligible Booking who choose the “Always Included” pricing package will receive a Classic Beverage Package, Service Charges Included & an unlimited Surf Internet package. OBC Offer: $50 per person applies to inside & ocean view stateroom, $100 per person ($200 per couple) applies to Veranda stateroom & above. Guests’ onboard account will be credited with an OBC. OBC has no cash value, is applicable to cruise only, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash & will expire if not used by 10:00PM on the final night of the cruise. Refer to celebrity.com/au and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms & conditions. Changes to booking may result in removal of offer. Offers & prices are subject to availability, cancellation & change without notice at any time. ©2022 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. Further conditions may apply. Booking, cancellation & credit card service fees may apply. ATAS No. A10430.
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The centre has more than 130 accommodation options in Caloundra, starting from just $460 per week. Call today to speak to one of the friendly staff members or check availability and book online at any time.
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With just over a two hour flight from direct from Brisbane, Norfolk Island is the perfect getaway to leave our Australian shores.
Ready to book? We thought we would share what you need to do to prepare for a holiday on Norfolk Island.
Do you have a valid Australian passport? A valid passport is the preferred means of documentation, however, photo identification such as a driver licence is also acceptable for visitors from Australia.
Do I need to complete any paperwork on entry? Currently all visitors to Norfolk Island must complete a Norfolk Island Travel pass. This is a very simple form which can be completed online and then printed to bring with you when you travel.
How about the weather? The subtropical temperatures range from 19-28 degress in Summer and 12-21 degrees in Winter.
Should you book tours before you arrive? Due to limited numbers, and the fact that the various tours to often sell out early, we recommend planning your itinerary and pre booking your tours including specialty dinners and shows.
How about communication? Your mobile phone will need to have international roaming activated if you want to use your mobile phone whilst on Norfolk Island, as the island is not part of the Australian mobile network.
How do you get around on the island? Hiring a car is a very common mode of transport, and a current drivers license would have to be presented.
Whether it’s swimming through the offshore reefs, fishing in the local waters, or learning about the fascinating colonial history of Norfolk Island there is so much to see and do. For an easy carefree holiday why not join our group tour departing 22 September, 2022 – fully escorted from Brisbane.
Call Helloworld Spring Hill 3832 0833; Eatons Hill 3264 6222 or Kenmore 3378 8555.
Personally Escorted Group Departure from Brisbane NORFOLK ISLAND GETAWAY GETAWAY
8 DAYS FROM $2,925
Per person, twin share. Per person, twin share. Single supplement $845 per person
22 -29 SEPTEMBER 2022 22 -29 SEPTEMBER 2022
INCLUSIONS: • Return economy class airfares from Brisbane to
Norfolk Island • Breakfast and dinner daily • 7 nights’ accommodation at Governor’s Lodge in a one bedroom apartment Touring as per itinerary including: • Half day tour • Murder Mystery Dinner • Convict Settlement Tour • Wonderland by Night Tour • Over the Cattlestops Tour • Island Fish Fry • Sound & Light Show • Breakfast Bush Walk • Norfolk Indulgence Tour • Progressive Dinner • Pitcairn Settlers Village • Ghost Tour • Greenfi ngers Gardens Tour • Night as a Convict
Book with us at Helloworld Travel Book with us at Helloworld Travel
Eatons Hill 3264 6222. eatonshill@helloworld.com.au Eatons Hill 3264 6222. eatonshill@helloworld.com.au Spring Hill 3832 0833. springhill@helloworld.com.au Kenmore 3378 8555. kenmore@helloworld.com.au Kenmore 3378 8555. kenmore@helloworld.com.au
All aboard for a luxury adventure tour through Channel Country and the heart of Western Queensland. It’s an epic Outback journey covering close to 4000km, but with flights to Longreach and home from Charleville, your time on the road will be reserved for seeing the magnificent Outback, dinosaur country, and the mighty river systems that gave the Channel Country its name. Follow the footsteps of the explorers to remote towns with familiar names and gain a whole new view
You can join your coach or taxi for the transfer to Brisbane Airport where the adventure begins with a flight (Qantas of course) of just over two hours covering the 1200km to Longreach. Arrive mid-afternoon to settle in at the Albert Park Motor Inn where you’ll stay for the next two nights.
This afternoon we Outback Dan and the Walker family (who hosted the Queen and Prince Phillip at their property Camden Park), and you will then experience a working sheep and cattle
LUXURY HOLIDAYS BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS
After too long without travelling, Australians are looking forward to making their holidays this year and next year extra special. Family celebrations, exotic destinations and luxurious indulgence are the hot trends.
For a luxury holiday experience that’s effortless from the start, Celebrity Cruises is offering 19 local departures between September 2022 and April 2023.
Debuting in local waters, Celebrity Eclipse will sail from Sydney or Auckland to destinations in the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, with itineraries showcasing new themed experiences such as ‘Sun and Beach Escapes’, ‘Food and Wine Classics’, and ‘Five Star Getaways’.
Explore the coastlines and indulge in once-in-a-lifetime experiences with ‘Sun and Beach Escapes’. Sample the best local produce on offer while cruising port to port with ‘Food and Wine Classics’. Revel in the luxurious accommodations and enjoy the most awarded wine range at sea with ‘Five Star Getaways’.
The three themes provide deeper immersion into each region’s unique culture and are brought to life through enhanced onboard and shoreside experiences. Celebrity Cruises can’t wait to welcome guests onboard again and is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a healthy return to sailing. Celebrity’s Healthy Sail Panel is guided by a team of globally recognised experts pioneering innovative ways to keep guests, crew and the communities they visit safe and healthy - so that guests can visit a new destination every day and immerse themselves in each of them. Visit travellerschoice.com.au to find your local, ATAS-accredited Travellers Choice travel agent. station.
Walk through the historical Homestead Gardens, Shearing Shed and Cattle Yards then tour the farm and enjoy nibbles and drinks on sunset before enjoying a scrumptious BBQ dinner
A highlight of the trip is viewing the colours of the outback, especially at sunset. A trip down the Thomson River aboard the Longreach Explorer offers the opportunity to sit on the top deck and take the 360-degree river and floodplain views, while capturing the magnificent colours of the setting sun
On this tour you will experience the freedom of the vast open plains and coolabah-lined creeks on the road to Winton.
The 12 day, July, Western Queensland loop tour is arranged to ensure it includes the best of iconic outback features.
Travelling in an air-conditioned, spacious and luxurious coach offers a super-comfortable way to enjoy your trip and experience the magic in our own backyard.
See the full itinerary at cttravel.com.au
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April / May 2022 OB NSW - The Darling River Run to Broken Hill (15 Days) Fraser Coast - Lady Musgrave Island (4 Days) May / June 2022 Carnarvon Gorge & Wallaroo (7 Days) O’Reillys Winter Escape (4 Days) July 2022 Western Qld Loop inc Birdsville (12 Days) August 2022 Lightning Ridge (7 Days) September 2022 Fraser Island Whale Watch (4 Days) Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (3 Days) Nth Qld Savanah Way (12 Days) October 2022 South Australia - Flinders Rangers (10 Days) November 2022 Tasmania (14 Days) Hunter Valley Xmas Lights (5 Days)
