AFK Magazine V3

AFK March 2021 1st Issue A CLASSIC TRAVEL MAGAZINE JAPAN EDITION WHAT NOT TO MISS Incredible places where your trip will make a difference TRAVEL TIPS & ADVICES Comprehensive tips and practical information, in- depth guide, with area highlights and a useful language section

Preface Want some incredible and memorable trip? Whether it’s an enchanting flower garden, a luxury vacation surrounded by either nature or skylines, or sightseeing old but precious sites of the country, look no further than our AFK magazine. Explore our pick of 9 unmissable places that have been waiting to welcome you. In this magazine, AFK aims to inform and inspire all your travel adventures. Since this magazine is a Japan edition, we will introduce you to the interesting places mainly around Japan you should not miss. New and charming Japanese culture and its unique histories. We will also introduce you to the amazing places in Singapore and Europe with useful traveling tips, entertaining activities, brief histories, accommodations and transportations. We strive to bring you the most trusted and reliable information. Responsible, conscious and sustainable travel is at the heart of everything we do. EDITORIAL CONTENT Editor & Founder Natkrita Kongcharoen Pipat Muendech Natnicha Mongkholthanthip DESIGN Natkrita Kongcharoen Pipat Muendech Pipat Muendech Natkrita Kongcharoen Art Director DIGITAL Pipat Muendech Digital Editor ASSISTED THIS ISSUE Natnicha Mongkholthanthip Natnicha Mongkholthanthip 1

CONTENTS 01 PREFACE Greetings from the editors and brief overview of the magazine. 02 CONTENT 03 You know what it is. 11 JAPAN Matsumoto Castle, Kawachi Fuji garden, Motonosumi-Inari Shrine and useful Informations. SINGAPORE Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. 15 EUROPE Hallstatt, Seljalandsfoss and Restaurant Frantzén. 17 INTERVIEW Advice and tips from experienced traveller. 2

Matsumoto Castle, Nagano A National Treasure of Japan and the pride of the locals. It is in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture. It is a \"hirajiro\" - a castle built on plains. It's a beautiful wooden castle with external stonework. You will see exhibits of old guns and other fastinating historical items (they also have English descriptions). The stairs are quite steep but once you make it to the top, you will be saluted by astonishing views of the city. History This castle was completed in the late sixteenth century. It was used as a fortress and was built so that it could be easily defended. It also had the hidden sixth floor which the supplies were kept. It was damaged in a 5.4 magnitude earthquake on June 30, 2011. But there is a plan for restoring the outer moat which was reclaimed for a residential zone. Tips To get there, you will have a 15 minute walk on the \"Town Sneaker\" Northern Course bus loop line from JR Matsumoto Station. It is open around 8:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 around Obon and Golden Week) and you have to pay the fee of 700 yen. 3

Interior and Exterior look It is also known as the “Crow Castle” because of its black walls and roofs which looked like spreading wings. The black color was chosen to strike fear in the hearts of any attacking enemies. The inside is made out of wood while the outside is made out of stone. There are many small eyelets for watching and shooting the enemy. If you go up to the sixth floor, you will get wonderful views over the city. Matsumoto Castle is also a popular cherry blossom spot around mid April each year. Souvenir Matsumoto Temari Most well-known folk craft in Matsumoto is a hand-made ball of mazily woven silk yarn, called “temari”. Temari were originally made with old pieces of kimono. They are made by winding colored threads of silk to create different shapes and patterns. They are the symbols of harmony and accord between families 4

A private garden and one of the landmarks in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka. Nothing is better than admiring the aesthetic bloom of flowers with the gorgeous pastel- colored fairytale tunnel in late April and early May. Highlight & Believes The spectacular wisteria tunnel. This tunnel is one of the most beautiful tunnels in the world. It has a perfect mix of architecture and nature. Approximately 150 Wisteria plants consisting 22 types of wisteria in a 10,000 square meters area are flawlessly displayed here. Wisteria symbolizes long-life and immortality. Our expanding consciousness is also expressed in the abundance of the Wisteria flowering vine. Recommended period for visiting the Kawachi Fuji flowers in full bloom is on late April to early May. The opening time is around 8:00 to 18:00. Ticket You have to pay the How to get there fee of 500-1500 yen, depending on how You can take Nishitetsu bus No.56 from JR Yahata much the flowers station to Kamijuta stop, and then walk for 45 mins. bloom in that period. However, there are accessible roads from the south (which are Yahata IC and Kokura-minami IC along the Kyushu Expressway) for car owners. And they tend to be less crowded and you only need a 15-20 minute walk to the garden. Note: You need to have reservations to visit the garden. 5

Garden, Fukuoka Hakata Dontaku is one of the most famous and biggest traditional festivals in Japan with more than 840 years of history. traditional festival. It has been held every year since 1962 during Golden Week, from 3 May to 4 May in Fukuoka. This festival has two main parts which are parade and performance. Men and women at every age walk down the streets, dressing in various costumes, playing instruments, and clapping with rice scoping spoons called Shamoji. Origin The government banned the parade because they do not wish people to waste their money This festival started in 1179, to the Heian Era on this festival. So the citizens of Hakata and was called Matsubayashi. Matsubayashi maintained the festival by changing the was to celebrate the Lunar New Year. It was parade's name to Dontaku. It also has a giant an event of welcoming gods who bring party that takes place in Fukuoka city centre happiness and well-beings to a new year. for 2 days. Many people wear yukata (light Samurais visited Fukuoka castle where women kimono) and jinbei, and yatai spring Fukuoka han (the top of samurai in Fukuoka) up everywhere to try and entertain the 2 was based to show respect at the time of million visitors. Lunar New Year.

Photography Tips : Choose the Right ISO The ISO setting determines how sensitive your camera is to light and also how fine the grain of your image. When it’s dark we need to push the ISO up to a higher number, eg. anything from 400 – 3200 as this will make the camera more sensitive to light, and then we can avoid blurring. On sunny days we can choose ISO 100 or the Auto setting as we have more light to work with. Hello/Good day Konnichiwa すさ今はもい⼿⽇英ごどみ伝う本⽇よめいうい語えはんも⼀がまっ語なあ∕でて度ならせはん違くきり⾔さ/話させいがま∕いれっよてまと失すまま∕うせくすすせかう礼なれんんごしみらまままざかせせすいんんまかす Goodbye Sayonara/sayōnara Excuse me sumimasen/shitsurei shimasu I’m sorry gomen nasai/sumimasen Thank you very much dōmo arigatō gozaimasu Can you please help me? Tetsudatte kuremasen ka I don’t speak Japanese Nihongo ga hanasemasen Can you speak English? Eigo ga dekimasu ka Please say that again Mō ichido yutte kuremasen ka yes hai no iie/chigaimasu 7

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine, Yamaguchi It is located in the northwest part of Yamaguchi Prefecture and away from major towns. Facing the Sea of Japan, the wind on the cliff tops is often strong and bracing. Its culture History and Believes There is a shrine’s box which is attached to the top of the first torii gate on the path. This shrine houses the sacred People throw coins in the box. If the coin spirits that were split about 60 goes in, your wish will come true. The most years ago from Taikodani Inari impressive part is the 123 torii gates that Shrine in neighboring Shimane stand in a row stretching over 100 meters up Prefecture. It was believed that a to the shrine. People make wishes while god posing as a white fox walking through the shrine gates. appeared in a fisherman's dream and told him to build this shrine in 1995. The torii gates (the shrine gates) are red is because red is the color of vitality and protection against evil. It also marks the entrance of the Shinto gods. 8

Fugu Fugu is a white-fleshed fish. They are known for being a highly poisonous fish, which is why they have to be prepared by skilled chefs, making it one of the most luxurious foods in Japan. The word 'fugu' means 'good fortune'. It is commonly prepared in sashimi style which you will have to dip a few sheets of fugu sashimi in momiji-oroshi before eating. Kawarasoba Kawarasoba is soba cooked on a kawara tile (roof tile). This cooking method was based on the story of soldiers during war, cooking wild herbs and meat using roof tiles. Matcha (green tea) is kneaded into Kawara soba noodles making them green and it is known as \"cha-soba\", giving out a delicate scent of tea, differs from other sobas. The soup has a nice scent of bonito and kelp. You dip the noodles and toppings in the soup when you eat. 9

Useful Informations Japan Manners 1. It's best to collect a few 6. In elevators, the person things from the common plate closest to the buttons before eating. operates the elevator doors. 2. Pour others' drink and let 7. Don't eat while walking. someone fill yours. 8. Don't blow your nose in 3. Put on the provided public. Sniffling is bathroom slippers in generally okay. washrooms. 9. Tipping can be 4. Use an open hand instead of considered insulting. pointing 10. It's rude to have loud 5. Wait for all drinks to arrive conversations in public for a round of cheers when places. drinking in groups. Accommodation Prices Hotel prices are quoted per night for the cheapest double room in high season, excluding breakfast. Ryokans and other traditional accommodation' always quote per person, usually with food. Hostels quote the per-person rate for a dorm bed, as well as the price of private rooms where available; breakfast is not included. Capsule hotel rates are for a single “room” for one person. All necessary taxes and service charges are included in the quoted rates. Transportation HyperDia is a service which offers the route and the timetable of the railway and the aviation of Japan. It guides the optimal route and the fare from starting point to end. You can find regional information like, a rental car and the golf-course around the station by applying this route search engine.

Merlion Park The Merlion Park is a main Singaporean landmark in the Downtown Core district of Singapore, where it houses the famous icon of Singapore: the Merlion. You can take awesome pictures with the Merlion and landscapes, admire the lovely bay, or take the fantastic Bumboat Ride. History The Merlion The Merlion Park was Merlion is a mythical creature with a lion's head (representing designed by the Singapore Singapore's original name: \"Singapura\" which means \"Lion Tourism Board (STB) in 1964. The original statue of City\") and the body as a fish (representing Singapore's origin as the Merlion used to stand at a fishing village). It is widely used as a mascot and national the mouth of the Singapore River. The Merlion was symbol of Singapore. The sculpture is 8.6 meters high, weighs completed in 1972 by Mr 70 tons and sprays water from its mouth (Spraying water means Lim Nang Seng and his 8 children. spraying endless money). Because the view of the Merlion was no longer clear from the waterfront, it was relocated 120 metres away to where it stands in Merlion Park today, in front of Fullerton Hotel and overlooking Marina Bay. The park also has a smaller statue called the 'Merlion cub', which is 2 metres tall and weighs 3 tonnes. Cost & How to get there You can get free entry to the Merlion Park. To get there from the middle of the United Overseas 11 Bank plaza, you have to walk behind the Fullerton Hotel and you will see the Merlion Park.

Gardens by the Bay A green jewel where wonder blooms. It's a place for people worldwide to admire the beauty while getting to know the rare plants. It is famous for its collection of plants and flowers from five continents around the world and its world's biggest Flower Dome. It has earned countless awards from the Entertainment-Themed and also went in the Guinness World Records. It consists of three unique waterfront gardens: Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central, stretching over 101 hectares. Bay South is the largest garden housing the iconic Supertrees. (The Supertrees convert sunlight into energy for the conservatories below.) It also houses the gigantic Flower Dome, a columnless glasshouse with cool-dry mediterranean climate. The Gardens hosts many signature festivals for wider range of Gardens' visitors. Bay East is the second largest. It has an 12 astonishing view of the Singapore skyline and has a huge potential for future development as a waterfront garden. Bay Central is the garden which is a link between Bay South and Bay East, with a 3 kilometres waterfront providing stunning views of the city. It opens from 5am to 2am daily. The entry to the garden is free. But the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest entry for foreign adult costs $28. The Bay Light Shows are 7:45pm and 8:45pm daily with additional shows during holiday seasons. The admission is free.

Marina Bay Sands An iconic resort with the view of Singapore’s city skyline. Marina Bay Sands is a destination for those who love luxury. It is famous for having the worlds largest rooftop infinity pool with fastinating hotel rooms and numerous facilities. It consists three 55-story towers of fancy hotel rooms and lavish suites with personal butler services. A family room begins at S$459 per night. The Sands SkyPark has the 360-degree views on the observation deck. As hotel guests, you can enjoy the breath-taking experience of swimming in the infinity- edged swimming pool overlooking the horizon and the city skyline. Its architecture is made concluding the Sands SkyPark, which top off the three towers. You can also visit the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands, which is home to permanent exhibition, Future World: Where Art Meets Science. You will be able to go on a journey to City in A Garden, Sanctuary, Park and Space. Entrance for adults starts at S$16 for 1 exhibition. It's opening time is 10am – 7pm. But you can stay until 9pm for Fridays and Saturdays. Tips: If you want to go up the top of Marina Bay Sands it will cost you $20, but if you want to save money, just say that you want to go to the bar on the top floor for a drink. It is free entry, and you can spend your money on a drink there. You can get to Marina Bay Sands with any transportations. The hotel also offers city and airport transfer with varieties of vehicle types to suit your preference. Hotel reservations: Via Phone number: +65 6688 8888 Via E-Mail: [email protected] Entertainment Ticketing: +65 6688 8826

\"IT'S NOT JUST HOW FAR YOU GO, IT'S WHO YOU GO WITH\" Introducing the world's longest non-stop flight on the world's most awarded airline. Non-stop flight to New York will launch with 3 weekly flights. Schedules are subject to sensonal changes and regulatory approval. We guarantee you a pleasure flight throughout your journey.

Hallstatt, Austria A small but unarguably one of the most beautiful village in Austria, surrounded with nature and the famous Lake Hallstatt (one of the oldest lake people are using to this day). The houses in this village is painted bright red and yellow. It was built in the 16th century to represent fresh spring and summer. There is a lot to discover that 1 day won't be enough. You can go on the Hallstatt Skywalk, where an impressive view of the village and nature on 360 metres above the ground awaits. You can either hike up through the forest, or take the Salzberg cable car for 18 €. Tips: Spend your money on the nearby Five Fingers Viewing Platform, where you can get panoramic vistas of the entire region. The most visited month in Hallstatt is September, in Autumn. But no matter what the weather is, you'll definitely have a great time at Hallstatt because there will always be an activity there waiting for you.

Seljalandsfoss, Iceland A waterfall with the meaning of 'selling the You need to protect your cameras since land of waterfalls'. This is a waterfall what you the mists can put them into malfunctions, can walk behind, admire the fall, feel the mist and some climbing will also be involved. on your skin, and breathe in the fresh Icelandic If you are traveling in winter, wear shoes smell. It drops 60 metres over an ancient sea with spiked soles to not slip. You can also cliff and the flows in the Seljalands River. rent cars at RentalCars.com. It has no entrance fees or opening hours, so you can fully enjoy the waterfall! Restaurant Frantzén, Sweden A 3 Michelin stars restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden. The restaurant opened in 2008 by chef Björn Frantzén and pastry chef Daniel Lindeberg. Sadly, Lindeberg left to work in a small bakery in Nacka. Tables will open for reservation on the 1st of each month at 10 AM local time. The fixed menu is 3,500 SEK per guest consisting around 10 courses with appetisers and sweets of all cuisines. It is the same menu for lunch and dinner. You can watch the chefs cook your dish and have a full luxury and welcoming 5 hours experience. 16

Interview Mr. Chalit Kongcharoen AFK first interview features someone who’s been traveling for years, though he's a bakery shop owner, he had some amazing experiences and really good advice to share. We would like to introduce, Mr. Chalit Kongcharoen. Which type of traveller are you? Are you a backpacker, a long term traveller, a business traveller, or do you live & work abroad? I’m a travel enthusiast. I travel mostly for pleasure either close to home or abroad. When I travel somewhere, I would want to have enough time to fully enjoy the new atmosphere, or maybe a little work abroad would be nice. But I don't like to carry stuff around nor being in a business. Interesting culture? When Germans work, they are very determined to complete everything perfectly. But when it’s free time, they take it very seriously. For one, just about everything will be shut on Sundays. It is also banned to used power drills or make any loud noises in that day so that others can fully enjoy their leisure time. What are your favorite destinations? Almost every places that has snow because the snow is always beautiful to my eyes. But the best place is wherever me and my family are together. Any tips on traveling? You have to have a complete and concise plan. But having a concise plan doesn’t mean that you can be negligent. You just have to make all of your small worries or annoying things far from your traveling days. Then, you will have a happy holiday for sure. 17

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