Travel

There is always more to learn on each trip to Japan. Even though Japan has numerous well-known tourist attractions, some visitors prefer to stray from the crowds. Here are some suggestions to look into if it describes you and your visit! Festivals and fandom converge in October to create remarkable experiences ideal for both occasional and devoted guests.

Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo

Consider staying at the Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo if you ever find yourself in Kyoto! This hotel has newly reopened, and you are cordially invited. It offers good lodging in a variety of entertaining rooms, including one with a Pokemon theme for those seeking a lively experience.

There are family rooms and single rooms, both of which are large and immaculate. While having access to communal spaces, you will also have your own private space. If you plan on staying for more than a few nights, this location is the best spot to stay.

Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo is located very centrally, close to Kyoto Station, so it would make an excellent home base for you to see other cities during your stay in Japan. You may leave your bags at the hotel’s luggage storage before checking in or after checking out, so you can explore Kyoto hassle-free!

Hita City

Are you a fan of the international sensation Attack on Titan? If that’s the case, then you will love Hita City! It’s the birthplace of Hajime Isayama, the creator of the smash hit anime.

Many spots in Hita City were featured in the story, so any fan will go wild over those locations. The whole city participates in the Attack On Titan fandom! There are bronze statues of the main characters at the foot of the Oyama Dam, and there is also a statue of the character of Levi Ackerman in front of JR Hita Station.

Be sure to visit the Attack on Titan Museum–it features some of Isayama’s drawings and is free to enter. If you have a Japanese phone, you can even play an Attack On Titan game specially designed to be played in Hita City.

The closest hub to Hita City is Fukuoka. Hita City is an 80-minute ride via JR trains. There is also an option to use the highway bus which should take about an hour and a half.

Tokyo

Staying in Tokyo means all sorts of excellent events and activities all year round. This October, tons of unique experiences are open to you!

teamLab Planets

teamLab Planets was just recently named Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards. Do not miss out on this incredible visual feast. It’s so popular that its run has been extended until 2027!

Walk through different halls of wonder. There are rooms full of flowers and enchanted spaces that take on a dream-like quality. Don’t forget to bring your phone because the Instagram stories you can make in this spot will surely be a hit!

teamLab Planets is easily accessible from Shin-Toyosu Station and about 10 minutes on foot from Toyosu Station. It’s also 5 minutes on foot from Shijo-mae Station and Toyosu Market.

Tohaku Chakan

At the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, you will find the tranquil grounds of the Tohaku Chakan. It’s a slice of Japanese history with cultural shows, authentic Japanese activities, and delicacies inside the museum’s Okyokan, a traditional 270-year-old Japanese house. If you are interested in Japanese culture, this is an excellent place to visit.

The Ueno Park Station is the closest train station if you want to check out the Tohaku Chakan. While you are in the area, there are a few other attractions in Ueno Park like the zoo and the Ueno Royal Museum.

Japan Mobility Show

Do you like motorcycles? Then you must include the Japan Mobility Show (formerly the Tokyo Motor Show) on your list. This event features a wide range of topics, including automobiles, motorsports, and whatever the future of the sector holds. Expect an intriguing roster this year as the autofest returns with a vengeance! The event has been taking place since the 1950s but was put on hold owing to the pandemic. Visit Tokyo Big Sight from October 28–November 5, 2023, to see it. There are various rail options to get to Tokyo Big Sight, but the Yurikamome monorail is the most practical.

This October in Japan, there is something for everyone! Whether you have a passion for Pokemon or Japanese history, you’ll always find something intriguing to learn. Every trip to Japan is unique, and this October there is a fantastic program of cultural events that will make your journey extraordinary.

Eliminate the trouble of traveling!

Sunlight Air has been adding flights to its schedule steadily lately, and they are getting closer to their pre-pandemic frequency of almost daily flights from Manila to San Vincente airport in Palawan.

Enjoy our VIP meet-and-greet and fast track service at the Manila International Airport, a quick transfer to Sunlight Air’s private lounge, and a thrilling one-hour flight on an ATR 72 aircraft to the center of Palawan.

From there, take pleasure in a one-hour scenic ride through Palawan’s breathtaking tropical interior to the quaint coastal town of Roxas while being pampered in luxury. For a relaxing 25-minute trip to Banwa Private Island, you will board our amphibious Iguana Commuter Yacht here.

Contact the reservation team by phone or WhatsApp at +639178882864, send an email to [email protected], or visit their website www.banwaprivateisland.com. for additional details.

A historic occasion that combines sporting and history will take place in Baguio City. On September 3, 2023, the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) will host the first-ever Victory Day Ride, which will take cycling enthusiasts and history buffs on a tour to remember the sacrifices made by World War II veterans and spread awareness of Baguio Victory Day.

Mike Villa-Real, PVB first vice president for marketing and communications, said “the enactment of R.A. 11216 in 2018, marks September 3rd of each year as a special working holiday, marking Yamashita’s surrender and Victory Day in the Philippines. This day in 1945 is clearly a significant historical event marking the success and along with it, the toil and sacrifices, of the soldiers of both the United States and the Philippines. However, it is not as well-known as the “Araw ng Kagitingan” (Day of Valor) commemorated April 9 each year.”  

Organized in partnership with the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO), City Government of Baguio, Wartime Heritage Guild Philippines (WHG), Without Limits, Salgado PR, this ride aims to foster a deeper understanding of the city’s significant role during WWII while encouraging active participation in the sport of cyclists of all ages and backgrounds.

Inspired by the annual Ride for Valor that retraces the infamous Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride takes a different route, focusing on the historical sites and landmarks associated with Baguio City’s role in World War II. Cyclists and participants will embark on a 44.5 kilometer route that meanders through the city’s picturesque landscapes and historical spots, providing a unique opportunity to relive the past and honor the heroes who fought valiantly for freedom.

While the Ride for Valor primarily focuses on the Death March, the Victory Day Bike Ride aims to balance the narrative by shedding light on the broader scope of World War II history in the Philippines. The Victory Day Bike Ride seeks to increase awareness about Baguio City’s role during the war. The event intends to give due recognition to the countless Filipino and American soldiers who fought for the country’s liberation

The Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) invites sports and cycling enthusiasts to join the Ride for Victory Day, a bike-for-a-cause event that aims to raise funds for the maintenance of the country’s historical markers and other World War 2 heritage sites.

The ride is open to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, and will also implement a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to ensure the safety of the participants.

Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders’ progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.

The non-competitive bike ride will have 5 pitstops: Start at Baguio City Hall, First Stop, Camp Allen, Second Stop, USAFIP-NL Marker, Third Stop, Sablan View Deck, Fourth Stop, Fort Del Pilr (Philippine Military Academy), Fifth and Final Stop, US Embassy in Camp John Hay.

The Ride for Victory Day registration price is P600 and includes a commemorative medal, an official event jersey, a race bib and passport, a loot bag, and a post-ride feast.

Before September 1, interested parties may register online at https://bit.ly/victorydayride-regform, while groups may send an email to [email protected]. Participants may also register on-site at the Baguio City branch of INSERT BIKE SHOP PARTNERS.

Veterans and their families from World War 2 own PVB, a private commercial bank. After the Bank’s new Charter was enacted into law, Post War Veterans and AFP Retirees became part owners.

Follow Victory Day Ride on Facebook to learn more about the occasion.

Experience the symbiotic relationship between the pristine essence of nature and the lush vegetation of Banwa Private Island.

Wherever you are on our island, Banwater, our delicious, organically sourced bottled water from our 200-meter-deep island artesian well, will be an essential part of your tropical vacation. With every sip, you’ll feel revitalized thanks to its flawless taste and total absence of any traces of saltiness. A taste of absolute purity, in fact.

Whether you’re in the coziness of your villa, enjoying it with VitaJuwel magic at Latitude Restaurant & Terrace Bar, or just adding sparkles to compliment your destination dining experience, drink from the depth of nature as you hydrate throughout the day. Recharge and refuel while playing tennis on the Meridien’s court, relaxing with a massage, between dives, or on a mangrove river cruise adventure.

Our artesian spring water is there to improve your island experience the moment you enter your little hideaway. Enjoy the comfort of knowing that Banwater also powers the rain showers, faucets, jacuzzi, and swimming pools of your villa, keeping you hydrated, clean, and energetic.

Banwater embodies nature’s original symphonic flow in all its fullness.

For more information and enquiries, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to  [email protected],, or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

Banwa Private Island is proud to announce that it has won the esteemed prize for “The Philippines’ Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort” in the first Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023.

Peter Nilsson of Banwa Private Island expressed his appreciation for the help and the accolades received from Travel + Leisure readers. “We are incredibly honored to earn this prestigious award,” he said. This recognition highlights the commitment and enthusiasm of our island staff members, who we amiably refer to as “Banwaites,” in delivering sustainable luxury and intuitive, seamless service, generating moving and unique experiences that win the hearts of affluent, seasoned guests.

Banwa Private Island, located in the center of Palawan, is a haven of peace and tranquillity surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Modern beachfront residences on the garden island guarantee seclusion and tranquility for discerning visitors. Banwa Private Island raises the bar for opulent hospitality in the area with its dedication to sustainable practices and experiential travel.

The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 are a distinguished forum for honoring and celebrating the absolute best in the region’s hospitality sector. The awards program, which is an outgrowth of the Travel & Leisure Asia’s Best Awards 2022, now recognizes excellence in 16 more nations and prize categories. Without the use of paid advertisements, a group of editors and knowledgeable contributors from across Asia Pacific chose the nominees.

The Park Hyatt Bangkok in Thailand is where the award was revealed on June 5.

For more information and enquiries, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp: +639178882864, send an email to [email protected], or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.      

One of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations is access to adequate water and sanitation, which is a fundamental human need for health and well-being.

Here on Banwa Private Island, a remote but not totally cut off sanctuary, we are all too familiar with this problem.

Our initial search for a reliable source of clean drinking water proved difficult.

We could not, and would not, import water in plastic bottles from the mainland because of the Aquos Foundation’s core goal of preserving the island’s biodiversity.

The history is given by Dionisio Lora, Jr., Head of Engineering and Facilities:

“In the early days, we hired geologists to locate where water deposits (aquifers) would most likely be found. They did a great job. The first aquifer was above water level; relatively shallow and consequently brackish. Ideally suited to irrigate the salt-loving grasses of the (future) short-game golf course.

When we discovered the second and third aquifers, the geologist was so confident, he drank the water straight from the well. He knew the water would be safe because the aquifers are extremely deep.

At 200 metres, by the time rainwater reaches the underground caves, it has passed through many layers of earth. The soil, sediment rock and silicon sand filter out pollutants while adding trace minerals and the sweet taste of spring water.”

According to research, the typical bottle of mineral water travels 1,000 miles before it arrives at your table. There is enough zero-kilometre clean mineral Banwater on Banwa Private Island, thanks to our ancient aquifers and cutting-edge micro-filtration process, to satiate our thirsty visitors and the hard-working team now and in the years to come.

At the Latitude Restaurant & Terrace Bar, we also offer “VitaJuwel” decanters for those who would like a little crystal healing along with their Banwater. Gem-infused water is said to promote health and well-being by infusing the energy of a particular crystal.

Contact the reservations team via WhatsApp at +639178882864, send an email to [email protected], or visit the website at www.banwaprivateisland.com to learn more about the Banwa Private Island’s commitment to providing pure water.

Join today’s Ride for Valor, a bike-for-a-cause to generate money for the upkeep of the Bataan Death March memorials and other World War II heritage sites. Riders and bike enthusiasts from Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Manila, and other parts of the country are invited to participate.

The ride coincides with the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), also known as the 81st Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan and the start of the Death March.Mike Villa-Real, first vice president for marketing and communications of the Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB), said the event, organized by PVB in partnership with the Department of National Defense, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Provincial Government of Bataan and Wartime Heritage Guild-Philippines, aims to preserve the legacy of Filipino and American soldiers who fought for freedom and democracy during World War 2.

“The Bataan Death March is a somber reminder of the bravery and selflessness of Filipino veterans during the Second World War. It is an essential part of Philippine history and culture, and the Ride for Valor is an important way of honoring the veterans and preserving their legacy. Plus rider get to learn more about this historic event as they will be be traversing the actual route of the Death March,” he said.

The ride is open only to fully vaccinated cyclists and all types of bikes with brakes. Villa-Real said the event starts at 2:30 a.m. from the Kilometer Zero in Mariveles, Bataan, to Capas National Shrine in Tarlac.The non-competitive bike ride will have four pitstops: Mt. Samat, Balanga Provincial Capitol’s The Bunker, San Fernando Train Station, and Angeles Museum. Giveaways will be given in selected pitstops.

Villa-Real said participants may ride at their own pace, adding there will be a 12-hour cut-off during the event.He noted that the event implements a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy to ensure the safety of the participants. Villa-Real also said a mechanic will be available to help those who encounter mechanical difficulties, while roving marshals will be present to keep track of the riders’ progress. Support vehicles are allowed, but riders should only ride in the vehicle if they choose to drop out of the event.

Over 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were made to march more than 100 kilometers in arduous conditions by Japanese forces in 1942, and it is one of the darkest chapters in Philippine history. Although many soldiers died from infections, thirst, famine, and the cruelty of their Japanese captors, thousands of men did survive the war. PVB is a privately held commercial bank that is owned by World War II soldiers and their families. The marks serve as a reminder of the sorrow and heroism that took place at that time.

Ride for Valor 2023 is sponsored by Without Limits PH, Traqs Philippines, OneLGC, AIR21, Salgado PR, Panahon.TV, and Integrated Waste Management Inc. Other sponsors include Neo Zigma PH, Hotel Sogo, The Oriental Hotel-Bataan, AFAB, Booster C Energy Shot, and Fitbar. The Bank’s ownership has expanded since its new charter was signed into law.

Visit www.facebook.com/RideForValorPH to follow Ride for Valor on Facebook for additional details about the event.