Travel Lightbulb

A few weeks ago, I started another new feature on Travel Lightbulb - picking the best bits out of the  travel magazines for those looking for a bit of adventure, and something different. This week, I'm focusing on a place I have to admit I hadn't even heard of when I saw in on one of the lists in the travel magazines at the end of last year! Japan's network of bullet trains is expanding, and after more than a decade of construction, it will extend to the country's most northern island for the first time. It will take just over four hours to reach Hokkaido - but what can you find there? Well in the winter its powdery snow makes it very popular with skiers.  In the summer months, the hiking is said to be fantastic. You can also go canoeing and fishing on Lake Kussharo, or can head to the Shiretoko Peninsula to spot eagles, whales and dolphins.  Put off by the cost? Don't be - because of the weak yen, Japan is cheaper to visit than it has been in years....

Today on Travel Photo Friday we travel to Japan - a country I find both beautiful and exciting. It's a contribution which comes from Beth Nicholls who is currently on a six month adventure in Japan. So let's hear the story behind the photo. "Fushimi Inari is quite an extraordinary place. A few miles south of Kyoto, it is home to over 1000 red torii shrine gates, which weave around the mountainside. ‘Inari’ is the name of the god of rice, a diet staple and fundamental part of Japanese life. There are thousands of Inari shrines across the country but the one at Fushimi is the most famous. It was founded twelve centuries ago, and remains an active part of the community. Nearly every single one of the 1000+ cinnabar red shrine gates are ‘sponsored’ by local businesses. But when a company’s name is written in beautiful flowing kanji lettering, it somehow doesn’t feel commercial at all." "Each of them offer prayers for prosperity – and some of them pay as muc...

Happy New Year to all my fellow travel lovers! For me, this time of year marks the start of excitement about where I would like to travel to in the next twelve months. I've been reading a lot of articles about the top ten places to visit in 2012, and I decided to make my own list of places I'd love to visit. There are very good reasons for my three choices, and to add a little variety, I've chosen an ideal weekend break, a long haul destination, and a sunshine option with a difference. Hopefully there's something in here for everyone! The weekend break: Venice Archive of the tourist board of Venice Scientists no longer argue about whether the water in Venice is rising, and it's heartbreaking to think that this classic destination is sinking. As well as the stunning architecture, Venice has several big events that are worth booking a trip around. the Carnival takes place in February/early March, and Easter is also a festive time, and marks the start of the hig...