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 Everyone knows that rice is an important Japan staple. In ancient times, rice was been used as currency, and the size of local harvests was a symbol of power. Even today, festivals that pray for a good harvest are held just about everywhere.
Usually, Japanese eat Hakumai (white rice) for meals, but recently many people have begun eating Genmai (brown rice). In the refinement process, Genmai is one step before becoming white rice - essentially rice without its shell. As a result, it retains more key nutrients. For example, Genmai has 4 times more Vitamin B1, 5 times more fiber, and 2.5 times more calcium compared to white rice. The secret of Genmai’s popularity is its high nutrition value.
Interested in trying Genmai while in Japan? You can easily purchase it at grocery stores or enjoy Genmai meals at restaurants. Brown Rice Cafe in Omotesando, Tokyo, specializes in meals created with Genmai.
Let Genmai be a part of your memorable journey to Japan. |
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 The Asahiyama Zoo, located at Asahikawa city, Hokkaido prefecture, is the northernmost zoo in Japan. It boasts about 40-year history. Asahiyama Zoo drew the second highest number of visitors in 2005, trailing Tokyo’s famous Ueno Zoo. But in 2006 there have been several months where Asahiyama Zoo surpassed Ueno Zoo in its number of visitors. Without a doubt, Asahiyama Zoo is now by far the most popular zoo in Japan.
However, there was a period when the number of visitors dropped so low that the zoo had to consider even closing down.
What is the secret behind Asahiyama Zoo's revival? In the past, Japanese zoos focused on displaying only the animal’s figure. But Asahiyama Zoo started to design its facilities so that the animal’s habits and behavior can be seen as well.
The animals’ natural behaviors can be observed at a number of very innovative facilities. For example, at the penguin aquarium, there is an underwater tunnel where the swimming penguins look like they are flying in the air. You an also watch them eat underwater during the feeding sessions that feature scuba diving. The orangutan facility measures more than 10 meters high and is filled with rock-climbing walls, oversized hammocks, and ropes. This design provides a great setting for you to watch the tree-dwelling orangutans show off their skills. |
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| Asahiyama Zoo is constantly striving for new ways to allow the visitors to see animals walk, swim, and fly from up close. As the zoo introduces new facilities each year, more visitors flow in. Asahiyama Zoo is now in the media spotlight, and it is becoming a role model for other zoos in Japan. Asahiyama Zoo is the most talked-about zoo in the nation. Why not come and check it out for yourself? |
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