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October 5th, 2012 A study conducted at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has found that people who live in cities with high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from depression. The study looked at data from cities across the United States and found that living in cities with higher air pollution levels was linked to an increased risk of depression. The study also found that the effects of air pollution on mental health were greater in women than in men. The researchers believe that this could be due to the fact that women are more likely to be exposed to air pollution than men, as they are more likely to spend time outdoors. The findings suggest that improved air quality could help to reduce the prevalence of depression in cities.
Venture beyond the beaten path as I recount my experiences through 23 diverse cities, each offering its own blend of tourist attractions and hidden treasures. From iconic landmarks to secret locales only the locals know, join me on a journey of discovery and adventure. Paris: The Eiffel Tower’s Neighbor Ever wandered the streets of Paris […]
July is one of the busiest and most exciting times to visit Kyoto. The city is packed with festivals, cultural events, and seasonal traditions you won’t see at any other time of the year. Gion Matsuri is the big one, with massive floats and a lively street atmosphere, but there are also smaller local celebrations and experiences that make July special. Whether you’re into culture, food, or trying something new, there’s plenty to enjoy in Kyoto this month. Gion Matsuri If you visit Kyoto in July, it is impossible to miss the energy and excitement of Gion Matsuri, the city’s most iconic and long-lasting celebrations. Gion Matsuri is held every July for the entire month. The tradition is more than 1150 years old and was originally a religious ritual to ward off disease. Today, the festival is known for the float processions, Mikoshi-Togyo, and Yamahoko-Junko on July 17th and 24th. These impressive floats weigh up to 12 tons and are up to 25 meters tall. The procession of portable shrines and floats is preceded by Yoiyama festivities (July 14-16 and July 21-23), with food stalls and lantern-lit streets. Centered around Yasaka Shrine, the festival includes dance performances and is certain to be an unforgettable experience. Date: 7/1 - 7/31 Location: Yasaka Shrine, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073 Website: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/gion_fes/ Mitarashi Festival at Shimogamo Shrine Looking to beat the summer heat in an authentic Kyoto way? The Mitarashi Festival at Shimogamo Shrine offers a cool summer ritual held from July 18 to July 28. It offers an escape from the heat as one of Kyoto’s most refreshing and spiritual traditions. Visitors wade into a shallow stream while holding a candle and approach the shrine, praying for good health and protection from illness. Once the participant places the candle, they drink a cup of bottled spring water. There are also omamori or ema available for purchase at the shrine. Date: July 18th - July 27th, 9:00 - 20:00 Location: 606-0807 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Izumikawacho, 59 Website: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/en/saiji/ Mizu Matsuri Tucked away in the mountains just north of Kyoto, Kifune Shrine offers a quiet escape from the city’s summer heat. This over 1,600-year-old shrine is one of the oldest shrines in the region. Known for its stone stairways with red lanterns, the shrine itself is dedicated to the god of water and rain. Over the centuries, many farmers and brewers have come seeking divine favor during times of drought. But every year on July 7, the shrine holds the Mizu Matsuri, or Water Festival, a sacred summer event that coincides with Tanabata, the Star Festival. The festival begins at 10 am with a tea ceremony offered to the shrine’s divine beings. Following the tea ceremony, classical Japanese dances are held, and shikibocho, an ancient fish cooking technique, is performed as an offering to the deities. A tea ceremony is also available after the ceremony for visitors for ¥3,000. Date: 7/7 10:00 Location: 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112 Website: http://kifunejinja.jp/ Fishing (Ukai) on the Uji River Step back in time with Ukai, or traditional cormorant fishing, a 1,300-year-old summer tradition that takes place on the Uji River from July through September. In this fascinating practice, master fishermen use trained aquatic birds on leashes to catch river fish by torchlight. You can watch from a nearby shore, or you can join a sightseeing cruise, which typically lasts about an hour and costs about 2,500 to 3,500 yen. While it once was a practical fishing method, today, Ukai is mostly done for visitors, although it still remains one of the most atmospheric and memorable summer experiences you could have this July. Date: July 1st - September 30th Location: Togawa-4-5 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021 Website: https://www.kyoto-uji-kankou.or.jp/ukai.html Le Marché (Paris Festival) Step into a small piece of Paris at Le Marché, a monthly charming French-style market held at the Institut français du Kansai right outside the French Consulate-General in Kyoto. Held in the institute’s garden and terrace, the event brings a slice of France to Kyoto, offering traditional French cuisine, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. This month features the Paris Festival on July 13th from 12:00 to 18:30, so alongside the usual market, you can enjoy live music, participate in interactive workshops, and win prizes. There is a small admission fee for the event, 800 yen for general admission. If you want to experience something with an international flair in a cozy garden atmosphere, you’ll want to go to Le Marché. Date: 7/13 12:00 - 18:30 Location: 8 Yoshidaizumidonocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8301 Website: https://essential-japan.com/news/le-marche-kyoto/ Hiwatari Matsuri (Firewalking Festival) The Hiwatari Matsuri, or Firewalking Festival, is held annually on July 28th at Tanukidani Fudo-in, a temple in northern Kyoto, hidden among the mountain forest. Rooted in traditional Buddhist, Shinto, and Taoist beliefs, the festival invites participants to walk barefoot on smoldering embers as a form of purification and mental discipline. The ritual begins with the burning of goma, or wooden prayer sticks, which are offered into the fire as monks chant. Once the fire dies down, the ashes are raked flat and then walked across. Visitors are welcome to try the firewalking themselves, guided by temple staff. After the ceremony, many pick up a special charm to protect their homes from fire. Whether you walk the coals or just watch, it’s a rare glimpse into this fiery tradition. Date: 7/28 19:00 Location: 6 Ichijoji Matsubaracho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8156 Website: https://www.tanukidani.com/en/ Kamishichiken Beer Garden The Kamishichiken Beer Garden is a rare chance to share a cold drink in the company of real geisha in the traditional garden of the famous Kaburenjo Theater. Held in the courtyard of the theater from July 1st to September 6th from 17:30 to 22:00, this seasonal event blends tradition with casual charm. Guests are seated outdoors, where maiko take drink orders, serve food, perform short dances, and chat with guests. Date: 7/1 - 9/6 17:30 - 22:00 Location: 〒602-8381 Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Shinseicho, 742 今出川通七本松西入真盛町742 Website: https://maiko3.com/beer-garden/ Tanabata Festival Tanabata, or the Star Festival, celebrates the annual meeting of Orihime and Hikoboshi, a weaver and a cowherd. As the tale goes, they both fell so deeply in love that they began to neglect their celestial duties. As punishment, Tentei, Orihime’s father, separated them by the Milky Way and allowed them to meet only once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month, but only if the skies were clear. In Kyoto, Tanabata is celebrated throughout the month, with many events happening around the city. Some locations, like Kifune Shrine and Kodai-ji Temple, feature evening illumination and seasonal decorations that create a uniquely festive atmosphere. Date: July 7th and throughout July Location: Throughout Kyoto Website: https://kyonotanabata.kyoto.travel/ July is a perfect time to visit Kyoto, as the city is alive with energy, tradition, and unforgettable experiences. From casual drinking and chatting with Geishas at Kamishichiken Beer Garden to the intense rush of watching temple followers walk over a bed of coals at Hiwatari Matsuri, each event offers a glimpse of the deep culture and traditions that shape life in Kyoto. July has something for every type of traveler, and with so much happening across the city, it is the perfect time to visit. Featured Photo Credit: Pixabay Ready to see more of what summer has to offer across Japan? Check out our Summer Food Tours for a summertime adventure you'll never forget!
WestJet and Saudia have signed a new interline partnership agreement that will significantly enhance global connectivity across both carriers’ networks. The new deal includes single-connection access to Jeddah via Toronto Pearson as well as both Jeddah and Riyadh from London Heathrow and Paris Charles-de-Gaulle. John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “An interline partnership with Saudia marks a major…more ›
Major cities like Rome, Paris, and Barcelona adopt innovative strategies like dynamic pricing and off-season promotions to tackle overtourism sustainably.
Under a Tree Consultancyproudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of redefining wellness not as an amenity, but as a driver of improved hospitality and real estate performance, a business strategy, and a way of life. Since its founding in 2005 by wellness pioneer Amy McDonald, the firm has shaped wellness experiences that are personal, transformative, globally relevant, and fiscally successful. In 1991 what began as an experiment and vision as a General Manager, McDonald integrated wellness into a small resort property In Mexico, on the Sea of Cortez, which turned into a template for transformational resort programming at Miraval in the early 2000's and evolved into Under a Tree, a global consultancy recognized for integrating functional human-centered design and impactful wellness solutions with financial performance. With offices in Paris, London, Montreal, Calgary, Mérida, Tucson, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., Under a Tree's influence now spans five continents, shaping how wellness is embedded into the DNA of hospitality, real estate, wellness clubs, healthcare, senior living, and destination development. "This anniversary is not just a milestone-it's a tribute to the people, the places, and the purpose that have guided our work-and to a future we are honored to help evolve," said Amy McDonald, Founder and CEO of Under a Tree Consultancy. "Our clients come to us with vision and conviction. What we offer in return is a roadmap to bring that vision to life-strategically, responsibly, and collaboratively." The People Who Bring Vision From the outset, Under a Tree has been defined by their relationships with visionary clients, trusted partners, and private owners who are multigenerational families committed to creating something meaningful. In 2005, one of the first clients that hired Under a Tree was Neil Jacobs, then Senior Vice President of Operations for Asia Pacific at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, who invited McDonald to present on wellness and sustainability to a group of general managers. This sparked a journey through Southeast Asia, reviewing the differences in experiences between Asia and the other 2 global areas of the brand. Based on these observations, McDonald collaborated with the Corporate Marketing and Communications team to reposition spa and wellness and recommended monthly communications and annual meetings for the Spa Directors, which have continued until the present day. "My experience with Under a Tree has always been extremely positive," said Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses. "Amy's integrity in wellness and sharp business instincts continue to impress me. I look forward to working with her and her team as the wellness world evolves." The Places That Inspire From sacred hillsides to coastal marinas, Under a Tree weaves wellness into the culture, ecology, and daily life of each place it touches. Here are a few examples: Castle Hot Springs - Arizona, USA A historic Hot Spring Resort in a secluded canyon, embracing the tradition of restorative healing by natural hot springs, anchored by an extensive farm and miles of wilderness to explore. Winner of Travel + Leisure 500, 2025. Recognized in the 2025 Oprah Daily Hotel O-Wards as one of the Best Destination Spas in the United States and Canada. https://www.castlehotsprings.com Tri Vananda - Phuket, Thailand Opening in 2027, Tri Vananda is a multigenerational wellness community where longevity, connection, and nature shape a regenerative way of life. https://trivananda.com Marina Resort Cavtat - Cavtat, Croatia Set on the Adriatic coast, Marina Resort Cavtat weaves hotel, residences, wellness, and marina living-celebrating Croatian sea culture. Residences debut in 2025; hotel opens in 2028. https://marinaresortcavtat.com "Under a Tree was a driving force behind the wellness vision for Navitas Living at Marina Resort Cavtat. With a rare ability to translate conceptual thinking into guest-centric strategy, their global perspective and seamless collaboration brought depth and distinction to the project. The result is a destination rooted in a sound business model, with both operational excellence and emotional resonance." - Srecko Lucky Bobeta, President of Marina Resort Cavtat The Purpose That Grounds Every Decision At its core, Under a Tree's purpose is to guide, elevate, and empower visionaries who see wellness as a catalyst for regeneration on all levels with long-term financial return. From the historic landscapes of Israel to the healing culture of Thailand, to hot springs in Utah, to holistic communities in South Carolina, every Under a Tree project is designed as a living system. "Wellness is not an afterthought - it's the foundation of long-term value creation," said McDonald. "We champion wellness from the outset to build enduring business models that drive performance, profitability, and sustained market relevance." The Legacy We're Shaping Amy McDonald, Founder and CEO, has long led the charge in redefining wellness through purpose-driven strategy and global collaboration. In 2024, she received the Leading Woman in WellnessAward from the Global Wellness Summit, honoring her decades of impact worldwide. Her speaking role continues to expand and reflects her passion, commitment and influence on the evolution of wellness globally. In celebration of our 20th year, over the next six months, Under a Tree will be reconnecting with clients, collaborators, and partners who have shaped their story. Through shared reflections and forward-looking conversations, they will celebrate the people, places, and purpose that define Under a Tree-and explore what's next in the evolution of wellness. Media Contact: Darlene Fiske, darlene@thefiskegroup.com Property Photos to download HERE. Amy McDonald headshot to download HERE.
FULL-SERVICE direct flights from SOUTH KOREA to Paris from €158 one-way by T’way Air. Find the cheapest flights from Seoul, South Korea to Paris, GermanyFrance and book your ticket at the best price! Tickets cost from €158 one-way. South Korea, one of the four Asian Tigers, is not only among the most productive and profitable […]