Wakayama Prefecture's English Newsletter since 1987.

December 2004

Can Tourism and Fear Co-exist in Japan?


Julian Richards
A banner announcing “Measures Targeting Illegal Foreign
Workers Month” last June There was a sense of optimism at the Forum on World Heritage Registration held in Shirahama in early November. The World Heritage Registration of the Kumano and Koya areas will likely lead to increased tourism, particularly over the next 2 years. (more)

Garden Park Wakayama


David Geer
For those wishing there was more to do in Wakayama, your prayers have just been answered. December 11 will see the completion of Garden Park Wakayama, a 15,000 square meter shopping center including a 10-screen movie complex, a book store/CD and video rental store, and a `high quality` supermarket. (more)

Tanabe at a Glance


Joanna Karaplis
Map of Tanabe Welcome to Tanabe! With a population of over 70,000, Tanabe is the second-largest city in Wakayama prefecture. Located 100 km south of Wakayama City, it is easily accessible by the JR Kinokuni-sen rail line. (more)

Bhutanese New Year


Lhaba Tshering
http://www.kuenselonline.com In Bhutan, different regions of the country celebrate New Year on different dates corresponding to their beliefs on the turn of the New Year, which has been passed down through generations. (more)

Festive Celebration in Malaysia


Tina Jabir
For the festive holiday season, Malaysians are busily preparing for celebrations by catching all the bargain sales in conjunction with the festival. The festival that I mean is the celebration of Eidulfitri for Muslims. (more)

Thingyan Myanmar New Year Festival


Thandar Maung
Myanmar’s New Year Festival, called Thingyan (water festival), is celebrated according to the Myanmar Calendar. That is about between April 10 and 20. (more)

Sinhala / Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudda)


Dileepa Samudrage
http://www.lakru.com/pd/images/newyearst/snewyear1.htm In April, Sri Lankans celebrate their National New Year – “Aluth Avurudda” in Sinhala and “Puththandu” in Tamil. (more)

Things to do in December


Tsutomu Matsushita
Marina City 10th Anniversary Christmas Events
November 27 – December 25 Info: 073 - 448 - 0341 Marina City will have special decorations, events, and hours for the Christmas season. The “landmark” decoration of the event will be a 10-meter high Christmas tree. (more)

Things to do in January


Tsutomu Matsushita
Courtesy of the Wakayama Prefecture Tourism Division First Visit to a Shrine Many people visit shrines on the beginning days of the New Year. They swear the plans for the year and pray their health and prosperity of the New Year to god. (more)

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Last Update 2004-12-01T23:47:37 GMT+09:00

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