Rural Tourism in Japan

In Shinto religion, the gods reside in all things, but there are natural places considered to have an unusually sacred spirit about them, and are objects of worship. They are frequently mountains, trees, unusual rocks, rivers, waterfalls, and other natural edifices. The idea of symbiosis with nature, of course, had strongly resided in the everyday life of the locals in Mt. Daisen in Tottori prefecture of Japan. When we talk about Mt. Daisen, we are apt to adore the majestic view and nature of the mountain, but if we take a closer look, we can also find tranquil rural scenery of traditional Japan. It is the sustainable human community in harmony with nature. You will find different culture here in rural Japan from a big cities like Tokyo and Osaka.Next, we would like to introduce some places off the map, where people are focused on their every day life, rather than making tourists happy.

Mitsukue 御机

Mitsukue (御机) is known for its beautiful terrace field. Its picturesque view has attracted many photographers. Mitsukue changes its look according to seasons; rice planting in early-summer, rice ears in autumn, sun drying of rice straws after harvest.

Kitanizawa 木谷沢

Only 300 steps from Ever Land Okudaisen will lead you to Kitanizawa mountain stream. The stream comes from the beech forests of Mt. Daisen. The view of the clear stream is sure to wash away daily stresses and strains.Kitanizawa (木谷沢) http://www.houki-town.jp/p/15/2/1/65/

 

Katorimura 香取村

After WW2, settlers back from Manchuria moved to Katorimura (香取村) and started clearing land to build their dairyland in a harsh climate.Lawn cultivation is popular in this village. It gives the landscape unique view.

Mihonoseki 美保関

Mihonoseki is an unspoiled nostalgic fishing village on the edge of Shimane Peninsula. It is a historic small village that includes Miho Shrine, the head shrine of all Ebisu gods in Japan, and the oldest lighthouse in Sanin, Mihonoseki lighthouse. The Aoishidatami Street (the blue-stone-paved street), which leads from Miho Shrine to Bukkoku Temple preserves traditional houses. Mihonoseki (美保関)  http://www.houki-town.jp/p/15/2/5/4/

Posted by Pang Wea Kiat (A13A1028)

Farmstay in Western Australia (RURAL TOURISM)

  HOMESTEADS, STATIONS AND FARMSTAY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

 

Experience the serenity and simple pleasures of country life.

Leave the bustle of city life behind and head for the homesteads, outback stations and farmstays of Western Australia. Switch off your mobiles, tablets and laptops and tune in to the peace, serenity and simple life of country and outback Australia.

Homesteads and outback stations

These fully operating cattle stations can be the size of small European countries. They dot the landscape of the Golden Outback, Coral Coast and the North West, offering honest-to-goodness hospitality, breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to muck in and learn about outback life.
Try your hand at cracking a stock whip, join a cattle muster, watch in awe as the skilled stockmen show how it’s done, and listen to their epic tales around the campfire.
Accommodation-wise, the options range from rustic shearing quarters or a swag under the stars, to the luxury of glamping and grand homesteads.
You’ll find working cattle stations and homesteads scattered around the country towns of Carnarvon, Exmouth and Broome, and along the Kimberley’s legendary four wheel drive track, the Gibb River Road.

Farmstays

Pack your gumboots and take the family on a country escape – getting back to basics and enjoying simple pleasures in the fresh country air. Big kids and little ones will delight in feeding the friendly farm animals, collecting eggs, learning to milk a cow and taking unhurried bushwalks in the misty morning sunshine.
Good old-fashioned hospitality, a cosy bed and breakfast or charming self-contained cottages are available in the scenic country regions of Perth and the South West, as well as the Wheatbelt areas of the Coral Coast and the Golden Outback.
Find farmstays, stations and homesteads using the accommodation search, or contact the regional visitor centres for more information.

Australian Working Holidays

Like the idea of working your way around Western Australia’s country and outback? You could be harvesting grapes in the premium wine region of Margaret River, or joining the stockmen on the vast cattle stations of the Kimberley. Check out the Australian Working Holidays page and start planning your working adventure.

By TANG KIM HWEE, A13A1274 (SAP)