Nara Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Fianarantsoa, about 175 mi/280 km south of Antananarivo, is not particularly a tourist destination in itself, but it is where most of Madagascar's wines are produced. The city of Fianarantsoa was founded in the 19th century, when Queen Ranavalona wanted to build an intermediate city between the capital and the south.

It merits a two-night visit to see the spectacular Ranomafana National Park, as well as the towns of Ambalavao (where a unique paper used for lamp shades is made), Mananjary (beaches) and Ambositra (the starting point for visits to Zafimaniry villages, whose residents produce excellent wood carvings). Other area villages are essentially untouched by tourism.

About 60 mi/100 km south of Fianarantsoa is Andringitra National Park, which offers hiking trails, striking scenery and an introduction to the Bara and Betsileo people, the two main tribes in the area.

Overview

Introduction

Overview

Introduction

Located 20 mi/30 km east of Osaka and 25 mi/45 km south of Kyoto, Nara makes an interesting day trip—or preferably overnight visit—from either place. For history buffs, Nara is a must-see. It was once the capital of Japan, so naturally it has some of the country's most famous buildings.

The ancient architecture of Nara is well worth seeing, especially Todaiji Temple. The Buddha housed inside is the largest traditional Buddha statue in Japan (there are a half-dozen larger statues in the modern style), and its main structure is the world's largest wooden building. (It's dark inside the building, so the Buddha is difficult to photograph—buy postcards instead.)

Nara also has a modern face. Along its pedestrian-friendly streets you'll find open-air souvenir shops, as well as department stores selling the latest fashions and music. Make sure to explore Nara-machi, a quiet neighborhood of old wooden merchant houses now sprinkled with antiques shops, galleries and small museums.

Just outside Nara is Horyuji, one of the most important temples in Japan. The temple was built around 607 by Prince Shotoku (who promoted Buddhism as a national religion and whose picture once appeared on the ¥10,000 currency). The central pagoda and some of the original wooden structures are still standing.