News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Life
Culture & Art
Hobbies
News
Entertainment
Science & Technology
Culture & Art
Hobbies
Discover Latest #Rio de Jenario News, Articles and Videos with Contenting
1. Rio de Janeiro: Brazil’s City of Contrasts Rio de Janeiro is a city of contrasts, with its stunning white sand beaches, iconic landmarks, and colorful favelas. It’s a place of great beauty, but also one of great poverty. Rio is home to 6.3 million people, and almost a third live in favelas, or slums. The city is divided by income, with favelas located in the hills and wealthier neighborhoods on the coast. Despite the poverty and inequality, Rio is also a vibrant city, with festivals, music and culture that draw millions of tourists each year. From the annual Carnival to the Olympic Games, Rio has something for everyone. 2. Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas and the Struggle for Survival Rio de Janeiro’s favelas are some of the poorest areas in the city and are home to almost a third of its population. Living conditions are often harsh, with inadequate housing, access to water and sanitation, and basic healthcare. These communities are often overlooked by the government, and struggle to survive. Many are left to fend for themselves, relying on the
Hatsuyume: Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s “First Dream” Tradition | Arigato Travel
What is Hastuyume? Simply put, hatsuyume is the first dream of the new year, believed to occur after December 31st and on January 1st, which can be a message that one will have luck within the upcoming year. This tradition has been around since the early Edo period and is still recognised today, about 400 years later. Through certain symbols appearing in one’s first dream of the new year, people can be foretold of their possible luck. These symbols which are said to determine whether you are destined for good fortune in the ensuing year are typically said to be imagery of Mount Fuji, a hawk, and/or an eggplant. Each one must be seen in that order, hence the common saying of 一富士、ニ鷹、三茄子, first Mt. Fuji, second the hawk, and third the eggplant. These symbols are the three most popular objects said to bring good fortune that are seen in the first dream of the year. While now they may seem random, there are plenty of good reasons for why these three symbols are so important when it comes to this tradition. Why Mt. Fuji, a Hawk, and Eggplants? The reason why these three objects are said to be tied to good luck in dreams comes from the language itself and how these words can sound similar to other words that many may wish for. For example, Mount Fuji comes from 無事, buji, for safety. The hawk comes from the Japanese word for hawk taka, which sounds like the word for high in Japanese, 高, meaning that one will make high advancements in life. Lastly, the eggplants, which may stand out as the most curiosity-striking symbol, come from the similar sounding verb “to achieve”, 成す, as they both sound like “nasu”, so that many may achieve great things in the year. Practices Done for Hatsuyume As almost everyone wishes for good luck and the chance to see any of these foretelling dreams on the first day of the new year, there are some preparations for this dream to appear that night, and to ward off any bad dreams that may come instead. First, many will buy or already have a piece of paper called Hatsuyume Makurafuda, basically, a First Dream Pillow Talisman. This is a charm put under one’s pillow with the shichifukujin depicted on it, the seven gods of fortune, such as Ebisu, Daikokuten, and more, all on a huge treasure ship. By having this placed under your pillow and sleeping on it, tradition says this will give you a good dream for the new year. However, if one doesn’t see any of the auspicious symbols, and instead has a rather bad/unlucky dream, there are measures to counter this. First, many may just simply brush it off as a sakayume, a dream that simply doesn’t make sense if applied to reality, and see nothing bad or unlucky from it. Those who are more superstitious, on the other hand, and feel that their bad dream may have meanings of terrible misfortune, can avoid this by chanting “バクにあげます” (translating to “I give it to the tapir”) to the tapir three times, an animal believed to have eaten bad dreams, inviting it to come and eat your bad dream. This practice can be done before or after the dream as either preparation or avoidance. Once this is done, some put salt on the paper of the gods of fortune (only if the dream was bad) and then dispose of it. Examples of Good and Bad Dreams Even though the previously stated fuji, hawk, and eggplants are the most popular symbols that represent a dream that shows you will have good luck, there are many interpretations of what makes a good dream so that many will not feel disheartened when they wake up with no recollection of either the three, but also signs of bad dreams to keep an eye out for. Good Dreams: Seeing the Seven Gods of Fortune, and/or the ship they are commonly depicted on Seeing a snake Dreaming of going through a Torii gate Dreaming of the morning Dreams of fire Bad Dreams: One’s teeth falling/coming out Being chased by something Laughing Hatsuyume remains an important part of tradition across Japanese households and individuals to this day still believing in the meaning behind the three symbols many hope to see in their first slumber of the year. After a whole year of hard work, studying, and/or challenges, many wish for the new year to be a bit easier than the last, and consider this first dream of the new year to be a foretelling of how it will go based on how fortunate they may be. Whether it's going the whole way by purchasing paper charms to place under pillows to bring luck to your sleep, praying to the tapir, or just simply going to bed and hoping to see Fuji, a hawk or eggplants at all, this tradition is still respected and practised in many forms. While remembering the things you see or experience in a dream can be quite difficult, there are many interpretations of good and bad dreams when it comes to this tradition. So don’t feel left out, as there are plenty of ways to get involved with a multitude of fun variations that can come from dream interpretation. Curious if you will be met with good luck this new year. Try to remember your dream, or perhaps engage in the measures to protect and/or bring lucky dreams during your sleep! Sweet dreams, and good luck! Feature photo credit: A K O Interested in Japanese holidays and want to celebrate? Be sure to enter our special Holiday Giveaway where you can win fabulous prizes and celebrate the right way!
Non stop flights from Rome to LOS ANGELES from €382 - TravelFree
Cheap direct flights from Rome to Los Angeles from €382 round-trip by Norse. Find cheap flights to Los Angeles, USA from Italy and book your ticket at the best price! Flights cost from €382 both ways! Curious about the best places to visit on the West Coast of the USA? The United States of America is […]
Transat A.T. Inc. reports Q4 2024 results - TravelPress
Transat A.T. Inc. has released its results for the fourth quarter that ended Oct. 31, 2024 which show a revenues and profitability increase for that period and a promising start for its Elevation Program. Commenting on the results, Annick Guérard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transat, said: “Transat closed fiscal 2024 on a positive note…more ›
HSMAI Announces 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization, and Distribution
The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) announces the 2024 Top 25 Extraordinary Minds honorees. They will be recognized in a ceremony prior to the event and during the HSMAI Adrian Awards Celebration on February 18, 2025, at the New York Marriott Marquis.
W Prague Redefines Luxury Lifestyle Hospitality in Central Europe
W Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces the highly anticipated unveiling of W Prague, marking the brand’s entry into the Czech Republic and the start of a new chapter for the former Grand Hotel Evropa, a renowned Art Nouveau-style property.
Kanpai! Destination sake breweries to visit in and around Tokyo | Arigato Travel
Why pick up a bottle of sake from the store, when you can go straight to the source? Imagine sipping on freshly brewed sake while overlooking picturesque landscapes or savoring a carefully crafted dish that perfectly complements the subtle flavors of your drink. Visiting a sake brewery is not just about tasting the brew; it's an immersive experience where you can explore the artistry behind each bottle, connect with the rich history of the craft, and perhaps even meet the passionate brewers who pour their heart and soul into every drop. Here’s our guide to the best destination sake breweries in and around Tokyo: self-contained sake wonderlands that go beyond the brew, offering hard-to-find combinations of beautiful views, delicious eats, souvenirs with local flavor, and more. Sawanoi Ozawa Brewery (Okutama, Tokyo) Want to escape the heat, density, and glassy high-rises of Tokyo without actually leaving Tokyo? Okutama is the answer. A popular day-trip destination blanketed in green during the spring and summer months and boasting stunning foliage in autumn. It’s the perfect reprieve from the frenetic pace of urban Tokyo.Enjoy the greenery and river views at In this serene, mountainous haven, Sawanoi Brewery stands as a guardian of tradition. Founded in 1702, the crystal-clear waters from the Tanzawa peaks infuse their sake with clarity and freshness. Their drinks are best enjoyed while relaxing in the riverside Seiryu Garden, perfectly settled in the din of chirping cicadas. Visiting Sawanoi is as much about the experience as it is about the sake. The tasting hall offers the opportunity to sample up to ten varieties of sake, ranging from Sawanoi’s signature blends to seasonal specialties. Each sample is available at a mere ¥300, served in a ceramic ochoko printed with the brewery’s distinctive crab logo. And here’s a tip: keep that ochoko handy for future visits to enjoy a ¥100 discount on your next tasting round. Complement your tasting with a sample of the delicious local cuisine. Try the jiggly konnyaku, a regional delicacy, slathered in a sweet and savory dengaku sauce, or opt for the refreshing al dente cold soba. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the on-site restaurant and café offer a selection of traditional dishes that pair perfectly with your chosen sake. Don’t leave without browsing the souvenir shop, where you can find local specialties to take home and remember your trip. Some of the things you can find are wasabi cream cheese, infused with the spicy kick of locally grown wasabi, or Mitake-jiru, a hearty freeze-dried soup made richer with the addition of Sawanoi’s own sake kasu, or sake lees. These edible souvenirs are perfect for extending the Sawanoi experience long after you’ve left the tranquil surroundings of Okutama. Website: https://www.sawanoi-sake.com/en/about/ Address: 2-770 Sawai, Ome, Tokyo Nearest train station: Sawai Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, hop on the Chuo Line (Ome Special Rapid). At Ome Station, change to the local train headed for Okutama. Alight at Sawai Station. The entire journey should take approximately 1.5 hours and cost ¥945. Tours: In Japanese, English pamphlets are available. Must be booked in advance through the website. Free of charge; no samples provided. Ishikawa Brewery (Fussa, Tokyo) As you exit Haijima Station, it’s hard to believe that a historic sake brewery lies just around the corner. Evoking listless American suburbia, the area is all sharp angles and large cars – which makes entering the Ishikawa Brewery estate all the more delightful. Walking through its gates, the first thing you may notice is the impressive sugidama – a large sphere fashioned from cedar – which is green at the start of the brewing season in winter, and slowly withers to brown as the year unfolds. Or perhaps your eyes will be drawn to the twin keyaki or zelkova trees, towering at 400 years old. Both trees are adorned with zigzag Shinto paper streamers and tied together to represent the marriage between the god of rice and the goddess of water – the perfect harmony at the heart of sake. Ishikawa's sake, sold under the Tamajiman brand and available for purchase at the sake cellar, is a testament to time-honored craftsmanship. Each bottle captures the essence of the pristine waters of the Tama River. For anyone even slightly curious about sake, Ishikawa Brewery offers a comprehensive tour, available in English, which not only goes over the ins and outs of the sake-making process but also includes a tasting session led by the guide. Apart from sake, Ishikawa also brews a range of beer, ranging from crisp and refreshing lagers to rich, full-bodied ales, each crafted with the same dedication to quality and tradition that defines their sake. The wafu Italian cuisine offered at Fussa no Birugoya blends the delicate flavors of Japanese ingredients with the hearty comfort of Italian dishes, creating a unique dining experience that pairs beautifully with Ishikawa’s brews. For those with a sweet tooth, the brewery’s offerings extend beyond beverages. Indulge in umeshu-infused cakes, where the subtle sweetness of plum liqueur elevates the dessert to a new level. The shop also offers local organic honey, harvested from the surrounding area, which makes for a perfect gift or a treat for yourself. Pair it with their smoked cheese, a rich, savory option that complements both their sake and beer selections. Website: https://www.tamajiman.co.jp/en/ Address: 1 Kumagawa, Fussa, Tokyo 197-0003, Japan Nearest train station: Haijima Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, hop on the Chuo Line (Ome Special Rapid). Get off at Haijima Station. The journey should take about 1 hour, and cost ¥483. From the station, you can take a taxi or walk around 20 minutes to the brewery. Tours: In Japanese and English. Must be booked in advance by email. Paid (¥3000); samples provided. Kumazawa Brewing Company (Chigasaki, Kanagawa) Imagine a rose, jeweled with dew drops, now, imagine licking it. That’s how fresh, floral, and sweet Kumazawa Brewing Company’s junmai ginjo, under the name Kamakurashiori (鎌倉栞), tastes on the palate. And it’s only one in a series of excellent sake produced by this long-standing maker. Hidden within the brewery’s subterranean cellar, you’ll find two samples available for just ¥300, offering an affordable way to savor the delicate flavors that Kumazawa is renowned for. Since its founding in 1872, Kumazawa Shuzo has been dedicated to brewing sake, and it is now the last remaining sake brewery in the Shonan region. But don’t expect a purely traditionalist approach. Kumazawa masterfully blends the classic with the contemporary. This unique fusion is evident in everything from their comprehensive bottle art, which often features a playful sense of humor, to the calming, sun-dappled garden. It’s here that antique tokkuri (traditional sake flasks) are thoughtfully scattered among the greenery, creating a serene atmosphere that invites relaxation. More recently, Kumazawa has expanded its offerings to include a variety of craft beers, ranging from easy-to-drink IPAs perfect for hot beach days to darker, more complex brews for those who enjoy layered flavors. The brewery’s dedication to capturing the essence of the Shonan region extends to its newest ventures into gin and whiskey. Several of their beers are inspired by and named after nearby destinations like Kamakura and Enoshima, capturing the vibe and flavor of these coastal areas in every sip. Beyond being a brewery, though, Kumazawa serves as a cultural hub, with a café, bakery, restaurants, and small vegetable market on its premises. This makes Kumazawa a family-friendly destination and an ideal spot for the sober-curious as well, offering something for everyone. Art and craft enthusiasts will find much to admire at the Okeba Gallery, a haven for all things handmade. Here, you can pick up elevated souvenirs ranging from beautifully crafted ceramics and finely worked leather goods to unique jewelry and delicate paper crafts, all created by local makers and artists. Website: https://kumazawa.jp/ Address: 7 Chome-10-7 Kagawa, Chigasaki, Kanagawa 253-0082, Japan Nearest train station: Kagawa Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line until Ebina, then change to the Sagami Line to Kagawa Station. The whole journey should take about 1.5 hours and cost ¥755. Walk about 8 minutes to the brewery. Tours: Visitors can take a brief guided tour of the brewery, available to those dining at their on-site restaurants, with advanced reservations (Japanese). More breweries worth visiting in the greater Tokyo area: Nakamura Brewery (Akiruno, Tokyo) With over 200 years of history, Nakamura Brewery is hidden away in Tokyo’s western reaches. Nakamura’s sake is crafted with the pure waters of the Akigawa River. In addition to offering a range of traditionally brewed sake, the brewery houses a compact yet fascinating museum where visitors can explore the tools and techniques used in sake production throughout the ages. From old wooden vats to vintage presses, the displays provide a tangible connection to the rich heritage of sake brewing in Japan. Website: https://chiyotsuru.com/ Address: 63 Ushinuma, Akiruno City, Tokyo Nearest train station: Akigawa Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Chuo Line to Akigawa. The whole journey should take about 50 minutes and cost ¥660. Walk about 15 minutes to the brewery. Izumibashi Brewery (Ebina, Kanagawa) Venturing slightly beyond Tokyo to Ebina, Izumibashi Brewery is known for its “field to bottle” approach, where the brewer controls every aspect of production, from rice cultivation to brewing. Their Black Dragonfly series is particularly renowned. Beyond its exceptional sake, Izumibashi offers a scenic experience for visitors, with lush rice fields surrounding the brewery, providing a picturesque backdrop. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability and tradition, combined with its stunning location, makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the intricate relationship between agriculture and sake brewing. Website: https://izumibashi.com/en/ Address: 5 Chome-5-1 Shimoimaizumi, Ebina, Kanagawa 243-0435 Nearest train station: Ebina Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line until Ebina. The whole journey should take about 1 hour and cost ¥520. Walk about 25 minutes to the brewery. Noguchi Brewery (Fuchu, Tokyo) With its signature crane-emblazoned bottles, Noguchi brews sake for the gods. It is the official purveyor of sake for Fuchu’s Ōkunitama Shrine, one of Tokyo’s five major shrines. Visitors can enhance their experience by exploring Nakakyū Honten, a historic liquor store, and Kura Cafe, where unique offerings like sake kasu latte and sake kasu cheese toast showcase the versatility of sake. Website: https://www.noguchi-brewery.co.jp/ Address: 2-4-8 Kotobukicho, Fuchu City, Tokyo Nearest train station: Fuchu Station Getting there: From Shinjuku, take the Keio Line to Fuchu. The whole journey should take about 35 minutes and cost ¥320. Walk about 10 minutes to the brewery. Exploring the sake breweries in and around Tokyo offers more than just a taste of Japan’s iconic beverage; it’s an opportunity to dive deep into the cultural and historical roots of this traditional craft. From the serene surroundings of Sawanoi Brewery in Okutama to the innovative blend of old and new at Kumazawa Brewing Company, each brewery provides a unique experience that goes beyond the bottle. Whether you're a sake connoisseur or a curious traveler, these destinations offer a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, exquisite local flavors, and a glimpse into the meticulous process that brings each bottle of sake to life. → Learn more about sake → Enjoy a luxury sake, cocktail, and whisky pairing tour in Tokyo with Arigato → Go on a sake tour of Hiroshima with Arigato Featured Photo Credit: Aarohi Narain On a trip to Tokyo? Book your local guide to learn more about Japanese food and culture.