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knowledge asia cities
ttglive.com
A rickshaw thing
Beyond the major gateways, the
Far East has many exciting cities
to recommend to repeat visitors
and holidaymakers with time on
their hands, says Howard Carr
JAPAN.
When it comes to cities, Tokyo is one of the
world’s true greats. It’s vast and fast.
To a westerner, it also feels very foreign.
Its strange customs, indecipherable signs
and quirky street culture add to the buzz
and excitement of this high-tech capital.
Two hours and 40 minutes away by bullet
train, Kyoto is the ideal place to discover the
more traditional images of Japan. It is the
country’s ancient capital and the centre for
fine tea and the silks used in kimonos.
Iconic images abound throughout Kyoto
from white-faced geishas and gilded palaces
to wooden temples and Zen gardens.
Visitors can sample a wide range of
ancient customs, including graceful tea
ceremonies and shiatsu massage.
Elegant lanterns light up Kyoto’s beautiful
temples and gardens during the Hanatouro
festival in December and March. It is part
of the city’s Winter Special event, which
includes cookery demonstrations, and
calligraphy and Zen meditation classes.
Sample price: Bales Worldwide’s 10-day
Classic Japan itinerary starts at £2,745 next
.
u
k
co
year. The price includes Heathrow flights, es.
tur
four nights each in Tokyo and Kyoto, and
sightseeing tours. Accommodation is on a worldpic
B&B basis. Melaka’s compact centre, which leads off of “red square”, is easy to explore by rickshaw or on foot
■ balesworldwide.com
MALAYSIA. Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial rule.
Kuala Lumpur offers a mix of the old and Melaka is easy to explore on foot or by
new. In between the skyscrapers and glitzy rickshaw from its main square, which is
shopping malls, bustling markets and street dominated by a clock tower and a fountain
hawkers are reminders of Malaysia’s dedicated to Queen Victoria. The area is
Chinese, Indian and other influences. dubbed “red square” by the locals because
A two-hour drive south of the capital, the of the bright buildings surrounding it.
city of Melaka has this year been designated
ourist Organization
a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The city Sample price: A three-day add-on to Melaka
was a thriving port from the 14th century, with Premier Holidays starts at £173. The
handling gold, silk, tea, tobacco, perfumes price includes transfers from Kuala Lumpur
Japan National T and spices. It boasts a fine array of churches, and bed-and-breakfast accommodation.
White-faced geishas can be seen throughout Kyoto squares, forts and buildings dating back to ■ trade.premierholidays.co.uk
52 05.12.2008
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