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<p>Japanese sumo wrestler Yoshinori Tashiro recently travelled across different parts of his country for Japan National Tourism Organisation's (JNTO) #GoodnessofJapan campaign, to welcome Indian travellers to the country post the COVID-19 pandemic and enlighten them with not just new sights and cuisines for their itinerary, but also about the measures that the country has taken to offer them a safe trip.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_JNNTO-inside1_1620913016035.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: ©️JNTO </figcaption></figure><p>A renowned sumo wrestler, with an India connect, he has made past trips to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Imphal, acted in a Tamil movie, Sumo (with actor Shiva), and shot a dream commercial with Salman Khan. Along with his love for butter chicken curry and chicken biryani, Tashiro who simply loves Indian food, its people, and its culture; has now come up with his list of recommendations to invite Indian friends to his homeland.</p><p>So, travel enthusiasts looking forward to explore Japan once the current COVID-19 situation improves and international travel restrictions ease up, you might want to take note.</p><h2>Tokyo tops the list from  the sumo’s #GoodnessofJapan itinerary</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Tokyo_1620913851463.jpg"></figure><ol><li>Tokyo Skytree in Sumida, Tokyo</li><li>Ryosoku-in Temple in Gion district, Kyoto</li><li>A Taste Of India - Ganesha Restaurant, Kyoto</li><li>Tower of the Sun Museum in Expo Commemoration Park in Suita, Osaka Prefecture</li><li>Osaka Castle, Osaka</li><li>Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Ocean Expo park, Okinawa</li><li>Kouri Ohashi Bridge connecting mainland Okinawa to Kouri Island</li></ol><h2>Hidden gems of Japan he wants you to checkout</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Toyama_1620913862323.jpg"></figure><ol><li>Toyama Prefecture, located between the sea and the mountains where one can experience nature to the fullest.</li><li>Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route's snow-walled roads in winter.</li></ol><h2>Souvenirs you must take back</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Lacquerware-Takayama_1620913875679.jpg"></figure><ol><li>Imabari towels</li><li>Lacquerware</li><li>Kimono</li><li>Kitchen knives made from Japanese sword making technique.</li></ol><h2>Must try cuisine</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Match-choux_1620913889112.jpg"></figure><ol><li>Fish and vegetarian sushi – While the former is available, fresh and delicious in the coastal areas; the latter can be enjoyed anywhere in Japan.</li><li>Fresh fish such as white shrimp, firefly squid, and yellowtail.</li><li>Matcha, which is popular not just as tea, but also as an ice cream flavour and sweets. He particularly recommends the Matcha-flavored soft-serve.</li></ol><h2>Must witness festivals and sights other than the cherry blossom</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_The-Sanja-Matsuri-Festival_1620913901034.jpg"></figure><ol><li>Sanja Festival in Asakusa held every year in May for three days, in which people carry portable shrines, Mikoshi, and parade them through the town.</li><li>The autumn season when you can enjoy the changing colours of leaves and mountains from green to orange and brown.</li></ol><h2>The unique sumo experience</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLWJ_FYhZdi/?utm_source=ig_embed"></oembed></figure><p>Another experience that Tashiro recommends to Indian travellers is watching a sumo live in action. “Sumo is unique to Japan and can only be seen live here. This is not widely known, but Sumo tournaments are held only six times a year for a total of 90 days. Therefore, even Japanese people have a hard time getting tickets and advance reservation is a must for visitors to Japan,” he says.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>Tashiro, who commenced his training at eight, says that he has since been starting his days with the Rikishi (wrestler) practice. “In order to win against the opponents, all of whom weigh over 100 kilograms, muscle strength and good balance play a key role, and a strong Rikishi goes through several injuries while perfecting the practice.”</p><p>When asked why he chose to be one, he said, “In other sports, athletes who perform well become popular, but when a sumo wrestler becomes a star and wins a championship, he is treated as a hero in his hometown for generations to come, and his victory is honoured with fireworks and parades.</p><h2>Why India?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_JNNTO-banner_1620912966102.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: ©️JNTO </figcaption></figure><p>Recollecting certain similarities and differences between India and Japan, Tashiro says that the custom of praying, taking off shoes at home, drinking lots of tea and having curry, and also the friendly people of India, make the country similar to Japan. However, certain differences that he has noticed include, the ability of Indians to take quick decisions, be powerful, speak English, and stay relaxed about time; are unlikely to be witnessed amongst Japanese; not to mention the chaotic traffic in India is quite unlike in Japan.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>Speaking of his love for Indian food, he says that from the earlier mentioned trip to Kyoto’s Ganesha restaurant, “Butter chicken, naan, chicken samosa, chicken tikka, and keema curry,” were his top picks. "I love Indian food. I often go to my local Indian curry restaurant, and order butter chicken curry and chicken biryani. However, Indians visiting Japan for the first time must include sushi and tempura on their list.”</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_JNTO-collage_1620913954293.jpg"><figcaption>Photo: Twitter/Yoshinori Tashiro and Instagram/tasydex</figcaption></figure><p>Moreover, from his earlier India tours, he says that while he spent only two nights in Mumbai and managed a little bit of sightseeing at the Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel; Chennai where he shot for Sumo, was his favourite city. “I was surprised to see the city’s blue sky and clean air just like in Japan. We went to Marina Beach and Krishna Butterball for a little bit of sightseeing in between shooting. I was surprised to see that the people of Chennai do not eat much naan and the city has a culture of eating rice. There were so many kinds of biryanis and I often had chai in between the shoots. I still keep in touch with the actors and staff through social media. I was staying in the same hotel as Shiva, and he introduced me to dosas at breakfast. I had never had them before, but they were so delicious that I ordered them again the next day."</p>

Here’s what every Indian must explore on their next trip to Japan.  

Things to do in Japan according to sumo wrestler Yoshinori Tashiro, read zeezest.com  


Interview With Sumo Wrestler Yoshinori Tashiro From Japan

Sumo Wrestler Yoshinori Tashiro Has A Personal Guide For Indians Visiting Japan 

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<p>First, it was the 2013 blockbuster Bollywood movie <i>Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani</i> wherein Kabir, played by Ranbir Kapoor and Naina, played by Deepika Padukone, set off on an epic trekking trip to Manali. The 2014 film, <i>Wild</i>, saw Resse Witherspoon’s character off on a solo adventure – both topographic and internal – yet again giving us some major #travelgoals.</p><p>These movies are some of the most memorable travel films, where trekking features prominently, leaving us itching for an adventure. If the idea of taking a break from the 9-to-5 grind isn’t reason enough, then the heady smell of petrichor and picturesque nature swathed in shades of green should work like a charm.</p><p>Monsoon serves as the perfect time to leave behind the dull greyness of the city and run to the mountains. The deafening thud of raindrops pelting on the ground, the mist-shrouded mountains, windswept hills and moss-covered forests – all awaken the adventurer in us. After all, there's something soul-stirring about monsoon trekking in India.</p><p>Lace up your boots because some of the best treks in India await you:</p><h2>1. Andharban, Maharashtra</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Andharban-Maharashtra_1621495446380.jpg"></figure><p>Located near Pimpri in Maharashtra, Andharban is about 1.5 hours from Lonavala. Also known as the Dark Forest, this is a trekking hotspot, thanks to the evergreen Sahyadri’s and the misty landscapes of Tamhini Ghat.</p><p>Expect dense forests and plenty of streams and stunning views of Kundalika Valley, before you gradually enter the dark of the forest informs Manasi Kedar, an event planner at Treks and Trails, a Mumbai-based trekking group. For a food break, Kedar recommends you drop by Vishal Padwal Hotel where you could spoil yourself with the non-vegetarian thali.</p><p>Duration: 1 day</p><p>Elevation: 2,160 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Moderate to advanced</p><h2>2. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Valley-of-Flower_1621495456445.jpg"></figure><p>It is for a reason that the Valley of Flowers has earned the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The core zone of this Uttarakhand trekking site, located within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve turns into a carpet of flowers in a riot of colours showcasing unparalleled natural beauty.</p><p>Open only between June to October, monsoon makes for the best time to visit. After trekking for 9 km from Poolna, Ghangaria makes for an ideal resting spot. Here you can choose from a number of restaurants and hotels offering basic meals. From there, it’s another 3.7 km until you finally get to rest in nature’s lap amongst all things green. </p><p>Duration: 7 Days</p><p>Elevation: 12,654 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Easy to Moderate</p><h2>3. Garbett Plateau, Matheran, Maharashtra</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Garbett-Plateau_1621495465741.jpg"></figure><p>Matheran is one of the most famous places people travel to and visit, in Maharashtra. Discovered back in 1850 by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then collector of Thane district, the Garbett Plateau offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Matheran range, thereby making it a must-visit. With the plateau on one side, multiple waterfalls on the other and the Bhivupri Lake down below, your 2.5 hours walk up is nothing less than heavenly in the monsoon.</p><p>“Garbett plateau is probably our most favourite monsoon trek in Maharashtra as it offers everything you'd want within a day's trek. You cross a beautiful lake, streams, tiny waterfalls and finish the through a jungle trail,” says Shannon Fernandes, Co-Founder of Vagabond Experiences. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some homely Maharashtrian snacks. “At the end of the trek, you can grab roasted corn at Dasturi, Matheran,” he adds.</p><p>Duration: 1 day</p><p>Elevation: 2,625 feet above sea level</p><p>Difficulty Level: Medium</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>4. Visapur Fort Trek, Maharashtra<br> </h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Visapur-Fort-Trek_1621495477150.jpg"></figure><p>Located between Mumbai and Pune, Visapur holds an outstanding view of Tikona Fort, Tung Fort, Lohagad Fort and the Pawna Lake. If you start early, you can easily cover two of the forts, Lohagad and Visapur on the same day. The way to Visapur has a widespread table top which you can traverse in 1.5 hours to 2 hours with few ponds, caves, and even gushing waterfalls a sight best witnessed especially during monsoon, says Vaishak JP, a professional mountaineer from Mangalore who also conducts treks for groups.</p><p>While there, make sure to visit the Bhaje caves and behold the sight of 22 rock-cut caves. In terms of food, JP recommends Vihaar Hotel, located at the base of Visapur where you can treat yourself to some local Maharashtrian cuisine. “I usually start with a plateful of poha and chai and end the trek by fearing on their Maharashtrian non-veg thali,” he says.</p><p>Duration: 1 day</p><p>Elevation: 3,556 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Easy to Moderate   </p><h2>5. Chembra Peak Trek, Kerala</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Chembra-Peak-Trek_1621495486907.jpg"></figure><p>The Chembra trek leads to the highest peak in Wayanad, making it an incredible monsoon trek in Kerala. A dreamy trail through mist and cloud covered cliffs, green tea estates and a watchtower, all making way for the perfect climax – the heart-shaped Chembra Lake.</p><p>It’s advised to set off in the wee morning hours as the 7 km long trek takes around six hours to complete, not counting the additional one hour to get to the watchtower and two to get to the lake. While there are a number of snacking options available at the base camp, it’s advisable to carry your own snacks.</p><p>Duration: 1 day</p><p>Elevation: 6,990 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Moderate to Difficult</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>6. Kumara Parvatha Trek, Karnataka</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kumara-Parvatha-Trek_1621495505766.jpg"></figure><p>The second highest peak in Karnataka, this trek is a challenging yet picturesque one. The famous Kukke Subramanya temple that’s situated at the base of the mountain adds to the popularity of this trek. Some stretches of the trail are quite strenuous even for an experienced trekker, but the accompanying views make the 14 km uphill climb worth it.</p><p>About 7 km into the trek and you’ll find a check post and house named Bhattara Mane, which JP recommends for food. Bhattara means a type of caste among Brahmins and Mane means House. “They serve a very simple yet amazing vegetarian thali. All the supplies are carried from the village at the base of the mountain by employees,” he says.</p><p>Duration: 2 days</p><p>Elevation: 5,600 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Moderate to difficult</p><p>Rains often get a bad rep, but that's only part of the story. With the right gear and proper planning, you could take your trekking experience to the next level:</p><p>AlsoRead3</p><h2>7. Rajmachi, Lonavala, Maharashtra</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Rajmachi_1621495517712.jpg"></figure><p>The way up to Rajmachi Fort and its two strongholds, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, is fairly easy, which makes it a great route for beginners. It is a relatively less crowded trek and has a marked route from Lonavala and, making it easily accessible, shares Kedar. A cloud covered walk uphill, breathtaking views of the Kataldhar waterfall and Bhor Ghat give you the perfect monsoon feels.</p><p>If you plan on starting your trek from Kondane caves near the Kondana village, it’ll take you a good four hours to get to the top. Instead, take a pit stop to relax and savour simple home-cooked meals at Geeta Tai’s, recommends Kedar. If you’re planning to stay the night and if luck favours you, you might spot fireflies.</p><p>Duration: 1 Day</p><p>Elevation: 2,710 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Easy</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>8. Hampta Pass Trek, Himachal Pradesh</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Hampta-Pass-Trek_1621495527208.jpg"></figure><p>Known as one of the most dramatic treks, the Hampta Pass lets you be alone in the company of nature. On the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayas, this trek connects the valleys of Kullu and Lahaul, and serves as a balcony to a contrasting scenery. "The contrasting landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti and the stunning Chandratal lake are what make this trek an unforgettable experience," shares Juhi Wadia, a trekking enthusiast from Mumbai.</p><p>Depending on your pace and preference, this trek should take you anything between 4 to 6 days. Feel rewarded as you walk through dense forests on your way to Chika, green meadows after Jobra and Jwara, cross slopes and moraines towards the pass, the snow pass, river crossing and snow bridges. “Monsoon adds a certain charm to this trail. If you go just after the rains, you are in for a treat. The valley, colourful with green grass and wildflowers, is absolutely mesmerising,” shares Wadia. When it comes to food, and if you are anything like Wadia, you’d be “too mesmerised by the view to give a damn.”</p><p>Duration: Four to five days</p><p>Elevation: 14,040 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Moderate</p><h2>9. Harishchandragad, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Harishchandragadh_1621495567075.jpg"></figure><p>Situated in the Western Ghats, this hill fort is approximately at a 140 km distance from Pune and Mumbai. There are three ways to go up to the fort—via Khireshwar village, the most preferred and scenic route; via Nalichi Vaat, the most difficult path; and Pachnai village, the easiest out of the three. Be warned, irrespective of the route, it is an uphill climb and is going to be exhausting; therefore, climbing gear is recommended.</p><p>But the ever-changing landscapes and the incredible updraft (reverse waterfall) is going to be a great motivator for you to keep going, shares Fernandes. Spend the night either inside the caves or pitch tents; it’s an experience you wouldn’t want to miss. “The feeling of eating hot simple food in the caves, after the tiring climb is amazing. Even sipping on some piping hot chai while it pours outside your cave gives you a high,” shares Fernandes.</p><p>Duration: 2 days</p><p>Elevation: 4,665 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Difficult</p><h2>10. Hukyachi Khadi, Goa</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Goa-Trek_1621495748000.jpg"></figure><p>A seasonal cascade near Kumthal Village, about 10 km off Valpoi in the Sattari taluka of Goa, the Hukyachi Khadi trek is a must-do for both, nature and adventure lovers. Boasting a rich bio-diversity, the trek roughly covers a distance of 4.5 km, giving you a bird's eye-view of rubber plantations, forests, rivulets and greenery. Traverse through Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, prepare yourself for river-crossing, and walk through spice plantations - all of this in just a day's time.</p><p>Duration: One day</p><p>Level: Easy</p><h2>11. Warwan Valley Trek, Kashmir</h2><p>Not everyone's cup of tea and best reserved for the pros, this week-long trek really puts to test one's patience, endurance and fitness. If you think you have it in you, then this trek is definitely a must-do, especially because of its crossover trail.</p><p>Expect walking through purple-hued mountains around Panikhar, rivers, wildflower meadows, after days of being surrounded by deserted mountains. Truth be told, the climb to the pass is definitely exhausting but rewarding as in no time you'll find yourself walking on the magnificent Bracken glacier and camping by the rivers.</p><p>Duration: 8-10 days</p><p>Elevation: 14,550 feet above sea level</p><p>Level: Difficult</p>

Because the pitter-patter of the rains sounds even more soothing in the mountains.

Looking for best place for trekking in india?  Here are 11 of the best treks in India that will have you reaching out for your trekking boots. Read Zeezest.com

11 Best Monsoon Treks in India and what to expect | Zee Zest

11 Treks In India That’ll Make You Fall In Love With Monsoon

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<p>Delhi-Moscow-Delhi air tickets, 24 days in Russia, two doses of Sputnik V vaccine with a certificate for 18-year-olds and above, sightseeing, stay, etc., all this in just INR 1.29 lakh. The digital brochure by UAE-based tour operator, Arabian Nights Tours, spread like wildfire across WhatsApp in India last week. Too good to be true, the forward got many excited, one of them being a Hyderabad-based techie Nirvana Biswas, who like many others in India, is struggling to get a slot for the COVID-19 vaccine. So much so, that he would be willing to give this ‘vaccine tour’ a shot. “If this package is genuine, it would give vaccination an enjoyable edge. The main priority is to get vaccinated and apart from that if countries come up with such new ideas, it would be cool," he added.</p><p>The term vaccine tourism can loosely be defined as any trip made to another country with the purpose of getting vaccinated. However, in light of, what has now been established as a hoax, some renowned travel companies from India have completely shunned the idea of vaccine tourism, calling it illegal and unethical.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_St-basils-cathedral_1622096620013.jpg"></figure><p>"It's illegal, they don’t have enough doses to vaccinate their own people. I spoke to my Russian counterpart, who said the entire thing is illegal and even if people want to do vaccine-based tourism they do not have to advertise or publicise it. The person has committed a figure that couldn't even cover the flight tickets, that he has advertised. It's ethically or morally incorrect to encourage vaccine tourism because this way you are indirectly telling people that we have got more vaccine than you and we can even make money out it," said an Indian based travel company upon condition of anonymity.  </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>He further informed that the vaccination certificate provided by Government hospitals in Russia is printed in the local language, and it costs 400 euros for an English translated certificate in hand, which also makes the INR 1. 29 lakhs figure unreal.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sputnik_1622096638638.jpg"></figure><p>Ankush Nijhawan, co-founder, Travel Boutique Online and executive committee member of Outbound Tour Operators Association of India also said that there is no vaccine tourism allowed by the Russian Government and one can't apply for a visa at the embassy for vaccine tourism to Russia. "It's legally not allowed by the Russian Government and we are not doing it at all. Currently, there is not a single country encouraging vaccine tourism. However, someone might land up there, and get it with the help of their friends and family, but technically there's nothing that at all in the market if somebody is going for vaccine tourism," he added.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>Other than Russia, reports of the European Republic of San Marino allowing a holiday and a Sputnik V vaccine to non-residents have also flooded the internet lately. In the latest development Arabian Nights Tours has now put up an alert on their website saying, "There is some fake news about vaccine from India to Moscow by Arabian Nights Tours being circulated on India's social media and news websites. For clarification, we are not providing such kind of tours."</p>

Vaccine plus a vacation! A WhatsApp forward that raised hopes has now been established as a hoax.

Here's what you must know about the latest developments in the Russia vaccine tourism package flooding social media, read zeezest.com