The Mexican sail training ship, Cuautemoc, arrived in Yokohama this morning and was welcomed by the Japanese navy. A small greeting ceremony was held.
Read more about Cuautemoc’s visit to Yokohama.
ARM Cuauhtémoc BE-01 Sail Mexican Training Ship
*Updated May 26th, 2009 (Thanks Jose!)
The “Cuauhtemoc” visit to Yokohama is to celebrate both the 400 anniversary of the first friendly contacts between Mexico and Japan, and to celebrate Y-150. Actually, Y-150 organizers invited her to take part in the celebrations and is part of the official Y-150 program.
The vessel will arrive into Yokohama in May 27th at 10 am and it will be open to the public from May 28th to June 5th (10:00 – 17:00 hrs).It will dock at the Port of Yokohama, Shinko Pier, No. 5 Berth.
Below is the old itinerary that has been changed because of the swine flu.
More information on the Y150 website (Japanese).
[googlemap lat="35.455985825527655" lng="139.64234590530396" width="590px" height="300px" zoom="15" type="G_NORMAL_MAP"]Shinko Pier No. 5 Berth[/googlemap]
Literally translated “O-Hanami” means looking at flowers. These days however it refers to the blossoms of the Japanese cherry tree which usually bloom in early April in Yokohama. With its origins reported to have been back as far as the Nara Period (710-784) today O-Hanami is now a popular excuse to sip sake or beer from early morning to late at night under the pink or white blossoms. The blossoms only last for one week and some say that they are a symbol for the transience of life. In Japanese cherry blossoms are called Sakura. There are many great places in Yokohama to see cherry blossoms.
Here are three locations that are highly recommended..
This gallery is from Mitsuike Koen in Tsurumi.
It’s hard to believe it has been nearly two years since I went to the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori. I remember it was extremely hot and we stayed one night in a tent and woke up at about 5AM with sweat poring off me. The Nebuta Festival in Aomori is definitely one of the most impressive festivals I have been to in Japan and I have been to a few. While I was there I went to another Nebuta Festival in a nearby town which has the tallest Nebuta in the world. What is a Nebuta? They are these gigantic lanterns that are pulled or carried during some festivals in Japan. Aomori is the biggest of the Nebuta Festivals.
Nogeyama Zoological gardens opened their gates to the public on April 1st, 1951. According to the website it is home to about 100 different species (about １416 creatures).
The red pandas are one of the most popular animals at the zoo and they are one of the first animals you will see upon entering. Unlike Zoorasia, Nogeyama Zoo is very compact. An advantage of this is that you can see some of the animals up close. You can really understand the power of the tigers as they stalk around their cage. On the downside you can’t help but feel sorry for the larger animals who really don’t have much room to move around.
There is also a petting zoo for children where sometimes you can have a snake draped around your shoulders. If you are brave enough don’t forget your camera.
Opening Hours: 9:30 – 16:30 (No entry after 16:00)
Closed on Mondays (Tuesday when Sunday or Monday is a public holiday).
Tickets
Admission is free.
How to get there
From Yokohama Station, take the JR Negishi Line to Sakuragicho Station and then you have to walk for about 15 minutes. Click image for for map.
Address:63-10 Oimatsu-cho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, 220-0032
Phone: 045 231 1307
Fax: 045 231 3842
It’s open all year round except on Mondays (Tuesday when Sunday or Monday is a public holiday) and some other special days including from December 29th to January 1st. Please check official site (Japanese) or call if you are unsure. Unfortunately the only English on their site is a map of the zoo which I am pretty sure you can pick up at the zoo itself.
For train timetables and prices click here.