Virtual Access for Enjoying Japan
Virtual tours have been around for decades. A virtual tour is a simulation of an existing location usually made up of a sequence of videos or still images. Some also use other multimedia elements such as sound effects, narration, music, and text. Live feed is another way to access and appreciate places virtually. Recently due to COVID-19, the appreciation for it has increased as people are still hesitant to venture out in crowded areas and travel restrictions to other countries are still ongoing.
Technology over the years has greatly improved the virtual tours experience. There are several places in Japan that offer wonderful virtual tours including the Ghibli Museum. Check out more of them.
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo National Museum
The Tokyo National Museum is an art museum located in Ueno Park. It is considered to be the oldest and largest national museum in Japan. The museum is home to a comprehensive collection of artwork and cultural objects from Asia, focusing on ancient and medieval Japanese art and Asian art along the Silk Road. The museum also conducts research and organizes educational events related to their collections.
Tokyo National Museum offers an excellent virtual tour that showcases their collections on paintings, sculptures and many more works of art and history. The tour includes a description of each piece that is featured.
Japanese Macaque at Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park or Jigokudani Yaen Kōen in Yamanouchi, in Nagano Prefecture, is located at the northern area of the Yokoyu-River. Jigokudani, or Hell’s Valley, is aptly named for the boiling water that spumes from the crevices of the frozen ground. Jigokudani is famous for the many wild Japanese macaques or snow monkeys that inhabit the area during the winter. They climb down from the steep cliffs and forests to enjoy the warm waters of the hot springs (onsen). The monkeys tend to want to stay all year round because they are also fed by park attendants. Visiting Jigokudani at any season will allow you to see hundreds of monkeys.
The next best way to experience the thrill of sitting right next to wild monkeys is to check out the live feed from Jigokudani. The Japanese macaques are more likely to enjoy a dip in the hot springs on colder days but they can still often be seen frolicking in the area.
Chidorigafuchi park during sakura season in Japan.
Chidorigafuchi Park
Chidorigafuchi moat is located on the northwest side of the Imperial Palace. It is popular sakura viewing spot during spring. About a thousand sakura trees grow in this area. The serenity and history of the surroundings combined with the backdrop of the cherry blossom trees make for a memorable experience.
Chidorigafuchi Park offers live video feed for anyone who would like to experience seeing the magnificent cherry blossoms in full bloom.
