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Kanagawa

Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県 Kanagawa-ken) is to the southwest of Tokyo in Japan.

Understand
Kanagawa prefecture has the second largest population in Japan and its economic activity is much the same as Korea.

Tourist Information Site
Kanagawa Travel Info is the prefecture's official multilingual guide site.

Cities

 * - prefectural capital and second-largest city in Japan
 * - a city with hiking trails in the central Kanagawa
 * - not so big city, nearby sea, famous for the artist "Southern All Stars"
 * - island of temples and surfing
 * - ancient capital home to many, many temples
 * - Tokyo suburb with a few offbeat attractions, including the famous Iron Penis Shrine
 * - Misaki fishery port is famous for its tuna
 * - famous for Odawara Castle
 * - a large suburb near the American military base, Camp Zama
 * - site of a large Japanese/US naval base
 * - a large suburb near the American military base, Camp Zama
 * - site of a large Japanese/US naval base
 * - site of a large Japanese/US naval base

Other destinations

 * - part of a large national park known for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji
 * Peninsula - coastal resort on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula southwest of Tokyo.

By train
Around the Miura Peninsula, Keikyu has a practical monopoly on transport, with its trains and buses being cheaper and more extensive than JR. They offer one-day passes which are good deals if you want to explore the area (as well as Tokyo area passes for travelers from Yokohama). Inquire at Shinagawa or Yokohama station for details.

For Enoshima and Kamakura, JR Tokaido Line (東海道線), Yokosuka Line (横須賀線), and Shonan Shinjuku Line (湘南新宿ライン) is a convenient way. Narita Express Train has direct service to Ofuna Station, two stations from Kamakura Station.

See

 * The temples of Kamakura
 * The Kibune Matsuri of Manazuru, Important intangible folk cultural property of Japan.
 * Yugawara, Manazuru — for hot springs and coastal resort, eating sashimi and mikan, views of Manazuru Peninsula, some festivals (Matsuri).
 * The beaches of Miura
 * Yokohama Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in the world
 * Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) in the Hakone area
 * Enoshima, a laid-back island and seaside town
 * Kawasaki Daishi, a large temple and the headquarters of the Chizan sect of Shingon Buddhism, in Kawasaki

Do
Kanagawa has a great variety of outdoor activities available, including hiking, mountaineering, sea kayaking, rock climbing and paragliding. Kanto Mountain Adventures leads rock climbing, hiking trips, and more in the area. There are many great hikes easily accessible by train, especially the Odakyu line.

Hiking is available around Honatsugi, Isehara, Shibusawa, and Hadano in the nearby Tanzawa Mountains. The Hakone Mountains also offers plenty of hiking opportunities.

Check out Yugawara for rock climbing and hiking. There is also a "famous" foot Onsen in Yugawara along with some shrines and temples. Another easy day hike is Mount Oyama, which can be accessed from Isehara Station on the Odakyu-Odawara Line. A bus runs from Isehara Station to the bottom of a cable car station next to the Oyama-dera Shrine. At the top of the cable car, the trail to the peak of the mountain starts, and takes approximately an hour and a half for the average hiker. At the summit, one can get a view of the coastal towns and ocean, the other Tanzawa Mountains, and Mt. Fuji on a good day. The Oyamaafuri Shrine is also located at the top.

If you like beaches, Enoshima is the most popular one, and gets very crowded in the summer time. Windsurfing is a popular activity there, as the waves are rarely big enough for regular surfing due to the surrounding landmass. Enoshima itself is the island right next to the beach connected by a 600-meter bridge. There is a tower at the top of the island, where you can get a view of Mt. Fuji, the ocean, Oshima, and the Shonan Coast (the stretch of beaches in Kanagawa). To the west of Enoshima, across the Katase River, is Chigasaki Beach, which is also very famous. It is a small, but relaxing beach. There is a big symbol "C" for Chigasaki, which is a popular picture taking spot. In August, they have a Fireworks Festival.

Eat

 * Shirasu (baby sardine) pizza (シラスピザ) at Enoshima Aquarium (えのすい).
 * Enoden monaka (江ノ電モナカ) - A wafer cake filled with bean jam in the shape of the local Enoden train.
 * Pigeon cookies (鳩サブレー) . These are regular plain cookies in the shape of a pigeon - not made from pigeon!

Go next

 * Chiba Prefecture
 * Tokyo
 * Yamanashi Prefecture
 * Shizuoka Prefecture

title: Kanagawa


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Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country is a network of wilderness parks in the Alberta Rockies region on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies. This is a large region but its northern boundary is only about half an hour's drive west of the Alberta's largest city, Calgary, along the Trans-Canada Highway (#1). Commonly just called "Kananaskis" or "K-Country", this is the less-crowded cheaper alternative to nearby Banff National Park, but provides fewer services.

Understand
Pronounced as if it were the phrase "can an ass kiss?", this is not a single park, but rather a network of them, with varying legal statuses and levels of development including patches of relatively trackless wilderness, a golf resort, an R.V. campground, cross-country and downhill skiing facilities, and a artificial reservoir created by a hydroelectric dam. The important thing for the traveller to know is that this system of parks is operated by the provincial government of Alberta and not the Canadian federal government, so the fees to visit and the rules around camping and fishing are quite different.

The Kananaskis park area consists of a number of provincial parks and reserves including:
 * Bluerock Wildland Provincial Park
 * Bow Valley Provincial Park
 * Bow Valley Wildland Provincial Park
 * Bragg Creek Provincial Park
 * Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park
 * Don Getty Wildland Provincial Park
 * Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park
 * Peter Lougheed Provincial Park
 * Plateau Mountain Ecological Reserve
 * Sheep River Provincial Park
 * Spray Valley Provincial Park

There are no towns or villages in the area, "Kananaskis Village" being a hotel and activity complex, but the town of Canmore lies just outside the region.

History
The area has been home to indigenous peoples for at least eight thousand years, with bands of hunting families making the seasonal rotation between the open grasslands to the west and the forested mountains to the east. In recent history the Nakoda, Siksika, Blood, and Kootenai peoples have all had ties to the region.

Following the signing of Treaty 7 in 1877 between the indigenous peoples and the Canadian government, the area became federally-controlled. During this era, the area was opened to industrial development with the installation of a hydroelectric dam in 1913. In 1930 the area passed into the hands of the provincial government.

The first two parks in the region were Bow Valley Provincial Park in 1959 and Bragg Creek Provincial Park were created in 1960. However, the Alberta Wilderness Association had larger ambitions, and in 1972 proposed larger part that would include the Elbow, Sheep and Kananaskis river valleys. At the same time the provincial government wanted to upgrade the road through the area to a highway to divert some of the pressure away from ranchlands in the foothills near Calgary, due the rapidly expanding numbers of Calgarians spending weekends in the countryside. Calgary architect and environmentalist Bill Milne challenged the government to hold public consultations on the highway upgrade, and the Government of Alberta received over 48,000 responses to a survey about the future of the eastern slopes; the majority supported creating a large protected area. The legend is that Milne and Minister of Highways Clarence Copithorne convinced then-Premier Peter Lougheed to create the park with just one helicopter ride over the region. In 1978, Premier Peter Lougheed officially dedicated Kananaskis Country and Kananaskis Provincial Park (the later is now called Peter Lougheed Provincial Park).

By the time K-Country celebrated its fortieth anniversary in 2018, it had hosted 75 million visitors.

Landscape
This is archetypal Rocky Mountain terrain, with snowcapped craggy peaks, cold rivers rushing through narrow valley, and clear blue lakes. The peaks of the Kananaskis Range occupy most of the western part of K-Country with the Elk Range to the south. The highest point is Mount Galatea at 3,185 m (10,449 ft), and there are several other peaks above 3,000 m (10,000 ft). To the north and east the terrain is less jagged and the elevations are lower. The region is cut through by the Elbow, Sheep, and Kananaskis rivers as well as the Spray Lakes.

Flora and fauna
Wildlife is abundant, with lots of mountain goats, longhorn sheep, elk, moose, deer, bear, etc. If you come in late June or early July you will be amazed at the variety of wildflowers and songbirds making their home in the area.

This is a great area to do some wildlife spotting, even from the road. No guarantees if and where so make sure every one is keeping their eyes peeled as you drive though the area. Some examples:
 * Grizzly bears - Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, particularly the area a few kilometres around the visitors centre.
 * Moose - particularly around Mount Engadine Lodge and Lake Kananaskis areas
 * Pika - Rock glacier trail
 * Ground squirrels - just about everywhere though top of Highwood pass is a good place.
 * Golden-mantled ground squirrel - North Interlakes Day Use
 * Bighorn sheep - on the 40 Kananaskis Trail up towards Highwood pass and the Sheep River road
 * Mountain goats - rare but sometimes above Canmore
 * Coyotes - Smith Dorrien-Spray Road
 * deer - all over the parks areas
 * Osprey - Spray Lake, Kananaskis river (towards Bow river confluence)
 * Golden Eagle - Upper Kananaskis lake

The parks provide a range of landscapes with the chance to see alpine meadow and wetland plants.
 * Yellow lady's slipper orchid - Bow river park trails
 * Western wood lily - Bow river park trails
 * Shooting Star
 * Indian paintbrush - just about everywhere

Get in
To get there, drive west from Calgary on Highway 1 until you see the Kananaskis sign (Highway 40). Turn south at the sign and follow the highway into Kananaskis country. You may also enter Peter Lougheed Provincial Park by taking the Spray Lakes Road/Smith-Dorrien Highway from Canmore. Follow the signs to the Nordic Ski Centre and keep going up the steep hill.

Fees and permits
You need to buy a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to park in day-use parking lots in Kananaskis provincial parks. Pass fees as of July 2022 are:

 * $15 to park one vehicle for one day (good till midnight)
 * $90 to park up to 2 vehicles for a year

You can buy a pass online or in person at park visitor centres.

The Kananaskis Conservation Pass is a motor vehicle parking pass, so you don't need to pay if you arrive on foot or by bicycle, or if you get dropped off in a car driven by someone else.

Fishing and hunting require ordinary Alberta permits which can be purchased online.

Get around
The Smith-Dorrien Trail past Spray Lake is a driving experience not to be missed: a wide stone gravel road from Highway 40 with a steep drop into Canmore.

Do
Many activities are available in Kananaskis country, both summer and winter. It includes an ATV area for ATV users, cross country and downhill skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, backcountry camping, day hiking, canoeing, fishing, and golf.

Winter
There are two ski resorts in the Kananaskis area:

Excellent cross country skiing is also available within the region. It is also close to the Canmore Nordic Centre, home of the cross-country events in the 1988 Winter Olympics. Cross country and snow shoe trails are maintained by the parks staff. Various classic and skate skiing trails are set at Mount Shark Trails area and at Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.

Summer
Kananaskis is also renowned for its top-notch biking, hiking and equestrian trails.

You will find all kinds of summer (and winter) activities to do in the park including horse back riding, rafting, hiking, biking, birding and wildlife watching. The golf course is on Highway 40 which is the busiest area for visitors to the parks in Kananaskis. There is a very good information centre on Highway 40 near the entrance to the Park. On the Smith Dorrien side of Kananaskis, closer to the Banff National Park, wildlife, especially moose, can often be viewed especially around the corner of Shark Road near Mount Engadine Lodge. It is the remote, less travelled area in Kananaskis and on a well maintained gravel road.

Eat and drink
If you're camping in the "front-country" (road-accessible car camping), drinking (and talking or singing) around the fire is generally allowed until 11PM in Alberta, after which it's "quiet time". If you want to be indoors after a day on the trail, try:

Sleep
There are many camp sites in Kananaskis country.

Hotels can be found in the Kananaskis town site (Kananaskis Village) as well as at the Dead Man Flats area.

If you want a backcountry lodge experience.

Kananaskis is a reasonable (and frequent) day trip from Calgary, depending on activity. If staying in Calgary but travelling to Kananaskis, choose a hotel in the west side of the city, preferably near 16th Avenue North (such as the ones in "Motel Village") or near Glenmore Trail or Highway 22x in the south, rather than one near the airport or downtown.

Stay safe
This is bear country so be careful. There is a good chance of coming across longhorn sheep, deer and moose on the road.

Go next
Canmore is the nearest community of size, at least a half-hour drive from the turnoff to Kananaskis on the Trans Canada Highway. Travelling from the Village area it is a about an hour to Banff, 45 minutes to Canmore or Calgary using the Trans Canada Highway. Many visitors to the park do the Kananaskis loop which includes driving on the Smith Dorrien-Spray Road (gravel). A round trip from Canmore through the park and out of the park on Highway 40 would take 2-3 hours with stops. Banff is another further 20 minutes to a half-hour from the Canmore area, but a must-see.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Kananaskis Country


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Kanangra-Boyd National Park

Kanangra Boyd National Park is a national park some 180 km west of Sydney and adjacent (south and east) to Jenolan Caves. Expansive mountain gorges, magnificent lookouts and a series of wild and scenic rivers give a special edge to Kanagra-Boyd's wilderness.

Understand
Created in 1969, Kanangra-Boyd National Park covers 66,681 ha.

History
The slope leading up to the Kanangra Plateau was made in 1942 by Australian Army Engineers. It was intended to be part of the Oberon stock route, where, in the advent of Australia being invaded by the Japanese cattle, sheep and possibly pigs would be driven, via Burragorang valley to Oberon - crossing the Kanangra Plateau. The battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands where the Japanese suffered their first defeat (1942) stopped the Japanese thrust and the Oberon stock route was not needed.

You can still drive the stock route in a 2WD vehicle towards Yerranderie, and old ghost town is now privately owned and run for tourism. It isn't a through route though.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
The only road is an unpaved dirt road which is very bumpy at times, but nonetheless accessible by 2WD. For hints and tips, read Driving in Australia. Seeing the park and the lookout is an easy day trip from Oberon, slightly longer from the towns of the Blue Mountains such as Katoomba, and possible in a long day trip from Sydney. If you are visiting Jenolan Caves, the trip to the lookout will take around 30 minutes each way.

There is no public transport to the park. Driving is the usual way of getting there. It would be possible to cycle from Oberon if you were particularly enthusiastic.

Fees and permits
The fee to use the park is $7 per day per vehicle.

See

Wildlife abounds at Boyd Crossing, where car-based camping is available (fees apply).

Bushwalking

 * All visitors can take the 10 minute walk from the car park to Kanangara Walls, wheelchair accessible - the views are spectacular.
 * Experienced bushwalkers aren't forgotten either with many extended walks and opportunities for 'Backpack camping'.

Eat
There are no places to eat. Bring your own food.

Sleep

 * There are several sites where you can camp next to your car.

Cope
There are toilets available in the park, but they are pit toilets (and they don't smell good, especially in summer).

title: Kanangra-Boyd National Park


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Kanata

Kanata is a non-descript suburb of Ottawa with a population of about 137,000 (2021) that is separated from the rest of the city by a greenbelt. It is the home of Ottawa's National Hockey League team, the Senators.

Understand
Kanata is a relatively new area that was developed in March Township in the 1960s. Many technology firms are headquartered in Kanata, including Mitel.

Canada's National Capital Region is not a separate region like the District of Columbia or Australian Capital Territory but there is a National Capital Commission (NCC), funded by the federal government, which does various things in the city and region. One of the NCC's projects was a "green belt" around Ottawa; they expropriated a band about 10 miles (16 km) wide around the city, reforested parts of it and rented other parts back to farmers. Kanata was the first major development outside that belt, a planned community that won some design awards.

In 2001, anything and everything within the Ottawa-Carleton county line (including Kanata, Carp and Manotick) was merged into Ottawa despite some local opposition.

By plane
Scheduled domestic and international flights serve Ottawa International Airport. Carp Airport serves only general aviation.

A taxi from Ottawa airport to Kanata will be expensive since it is quite a long way (southern extreme of the city to the extreme west). OC Transpo bus connections are good; route 97 serves the airport, and 88 goes to Kanata, meeting route 97 at Heron transitway station.

By car
Highway 417 (Trans-Canada Highway) goes right through Kanata. Travelers heading west can travel from Ottawa. Major exits for Kanata are March Road, Kanata Avenue, and Terry Fox. Travelers heading east can arrive from Sudbury or North Bay, though the freeway part of the highway is numbered 417 and the non-freeway part of the highway is numbered 17.

About 12 km west of Kanata, is the interchange between Highway 417 and Highway 7, where Highway 7 terminates. A branch of the Trans-Canada Highway travels between Sudbury and Kenata along Highways 69 and 400, Highway 12, and Highway 7.

By bus

 * Between Ottawa and Sudbury including stops in Kanata, Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke, Petawawa, Mattawa, and North Bay.

By bus

 * OC Transpo (the Ottawa/Carleton bus system) runs in Kanata. Routes 96 (via the transitway, then Richmond Road) and 118 (from Hurdman, along Baseline & through Bells Corners) are two of the main lines from central Ottawa. Fares (2019) are $3.50 for adults, $2.65 for seniors, $1.80 for children 6-13, and free for children under 6. Ticket machines accept cash, debit and credit. Fares are lower for those using a Presto smart card.

Do

 * The Spa Day Retreat - A 16,000-sq-ft eco-spa established within a 19th-century former farm house.
 * There are paths for walking, biking, or jogging.
 * The Spa Day Retreat - A 16,000-sq-ft eco-spa established within a 19th-century former farm house.
 * There are paths for walking, biking, or jogging.

Connect
The area code is 613, along with the rest of Ottawa.

Stay safe
Kanata is a fairly safe area and you shouldn't have too much trouble with crime here. The emergency number is 911.

It might be a good idea to avoid certain parts of Glen Cairn after dark on weekends and take care in the Kanata Centrum on Friday and Saturday nights.

Go next

 * Trans-Canada Highway
 * Ottawa-Gatineau
 * Carp

title: Kanata


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Kanawa

Kanawa Island is within the Komodo National Park in Flores, Indonesia.

Understand
Kanawa is a lovely little island at the edge of world famous Komodo National Park. It's probably the best way to enjoy the national park, since it is a few minutes away by boat, offering tours, diving, food and accommodation on pristine white sand beaches.

The island is fully surrounded by an untouched coral reef where turtles, sharks, mantas and thousands of other sea creatures live.

History
The island used to belong to a local from the nearby fisherman village of Pulau Mesah. In 2010, the island was purchased by a group of Europeans (Italian, Dutch, Spanish) who are taking care of it, keeping it as a simple place for travelers, offering tours and diving and creating a conservation program which includes a turtle sanctuary, no-fishing zone on the reef, English and environmental education classes at local schools, and the use of green energy.

Landscape
The area of the island is about 30 hectares, with two main beaches, one on purpose kept at natural status. In the centre of the island, a beautiful hill provides spectacular views all over the national park.

Flora and fauna
On the island there is the typical vegetation of the Komodo National Park, very green in the rainy season and quite dry in summer. Palm trees have been planted together with some bananas, papaya and other fruit trees. There are tame goats, deer, cats and dogs. The water is rich with coral and fish. The diving and snorkeling on the reef is considered among the best in the world.

Climate
The monsoon period is from January to March, and the best period to visit is September-November. July and August are crowded. In front of the island there are never any waves even in the rainy season, because the coral barrier protects the beach area.

Get in
There are daily flights form Bali to Labuan Bajo, which is the access port. From there a charter boat can bring you to the island (Rp 400,000 per boat). The daily shuttle boat leaves at 12:00. There is a Kanawa office in Labuan Bajo close to the MadeInItaly restaurant. If you book an accommodation there, you can take the daily shuttle boat for free.

Fees and permits
Rp 50,000 per person to get in. The fee is exchangeable at restaurant for food and drinks.

See

 * the island is great
 * sunsets
 * spectacular sunrises
 * diving directly from the island or in the national park
 * snorkeling
 * tours to Komodo National Park to see the dragons

Do
There is a lot to do in Kanawa, from wonderful relaxing on the white sand beaches, to amazing diving in the national park, trekking the hill for magnificent views, kayaking around the island or inside the mangrove forest, snorkeling on the protected reef, joining the conservation program, eating at the restaurant.

Eat
Starfish Cafe offers a mixture of fresh seafood, Indonesian delicacies, Italian pastas and international food including the Komodo burger and a mixed seafood grill platter with lobsters, squid and snapper. Beer and cocktails are also available. Happy hour is from 17:30-19:00, Sundays only.

Sleep
You can reserve in advance at the Kanawa information office (close to the MadeInItaly restaurant). Their official prices are subject to a 10% tax.

At Kanawa Beach Bungalows, 14 cottages, are priced at more or less Rp 550,000/night (Rp 700,000 for two people) inclusive of breakfast, which should be considered very expensive considering the state of the bungalows and repeated sightings of bedbugs in 2015.

Camping
As of 2015, bales and camping are no longer offered.

Go next
The daily shuttle boat leaves daily at 08:00.

title: Kanawa


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Kanazawa

Kanazawa (金沢) is a historic city in Ishikawa prefecture, Japan. For travelers who want to see one of the best-preserved major Edo-period cities in the country, it's hard to beat.

Understand
Kanazawa is one of the long overlooked jewels of Japanese tourism — although not by the Japanese, who visit in droves. Its relatively remote location, on the "wrong" side of the island from the usual Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka tourist trail, has perhaps unfairly contributed to it attracting so few foreign tourists. Kyoto's offerings of temples and shrines are all very well, but Japanese history and culture is not just about them. The samurai, the merchants, the geisha, and the lords have all left their mark on Kanazawa in a compact, easily navigable central area. Kanazawa is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Crafts and Folk Art. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo in 2015, the number of foreign tourists increased significantly. English language ability tends to be much more limited than in the likes of Kyoto and Nara, but visitors can take comfort in the fact that locals will nevertheless go to great lengths to help you out.

Don't leave here without seeing the gold leaf craftsmen at work. Many of them are over 90 years old and still putting in a full day's work!

Visit Kanazawa is the city's official multilingual guide site.

Climate
Kanazawa can get a lot of rain — it's "the Seattle of Japan". A local proverb says "even if you forget your lunchbox, don't forget your umbrella". Although the weather can be beautiful in spring and autumn, it is never a good idea to bank on it being fine in Kanazawa, and winters in particular are cold. Kanazawa is in the Snow Country, the area along the Japan Sea coast of Honshu where cold Siberian winds dump large amounts of snow in orographic precipitation, and while it does not get as much as more inland areas, half a meter or more is not uncommon. A common and lovely sight during the winter months is the ropes (called yukizuri in Japanese) hanging down from poles and attached to tree branches to help them support the heavy snow. Most of the main roads have lines of sprinklers down the street to wash the snow away, but the smaller roads often do not.

Orientation
Kanazawa is not a very large city and the main attractions for visitors tend to be concentrated around five neighborhoods.
 * Kanazawa Station and Omicho market. The area stretching between Kanazawa Station and the Omicho market has many modern hotels and stores, but also a plethora of smaller local traditional eateries and craft shops (which tend to be concentrated around Omicho market).
 * Higashi-Chayagai. Located north of the Asano river, the area encompasses the famous geisha district of the same name as well as nice views over the river. The name "Higashi-Chayagai" means "the Eastern tea houses district". There are several nice drinking and eating places, traditional inns and teahouses as well as shops selling local crafts.
 * Tera machi. Located south of the Sai river, the area (whose name means "temple district") houses many Buddhist temples (including the most famous, the Ninja temple) as well as the other main geisha district, the Nishi-Chayagai. The name "Nishi-Chayagai" means "the Western tea houses district".
 * Castle, Kenroku-en Garden and museums. Admittedly a large area, it stretches from the Castle grounds to the north-west to the museum district to the south-east, and has the Kenroku-en Garden in its middle. Most of the city's museums are within this area, including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, the various prefectural museums, and the D.T. Suzuki Museum.
 * Kohrinbo and Katamachi. This area is perhaps the liveliest in the evening, as it comprises many shops and many drinking and eating places. The western part of the area houses the Nagamachi Samurai District, with its old houses and lovely local craft shops.

By plane
The nearest airport serving Kanazawa is in the city of Komatsu. JAL offers flights into Komatsu Airport from Tokyo Haneda Airport and Okinawa, while ANA flies from Tokyo Haneda and Sapporo. IBEX flies regional jets to Komatsu from Narita Airport, Sendai and Fukuoka. There are also international flights from Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai and Taipei.

From Komatsu airport, buses run directly to Kanazawa (40 min to JR Kanazawa Station, ¥1300; Feb 2023 ). Frequencies vary depending on the flight timetables; buses usually leave soon after the arrival of every domestic flight. Alternatively you could take a bus to Komatsu Station (12 min, ¥280) and a JR train from there, which is somewhat cheaper and, depending on your luck with connections, not much longer. Taxis are frequent though not cheap, and there are several rental car places in the area.

By train
, a futuristic marvel that integrates a traditional wooden temple gate with glass and steel, is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The fastest services, called Kagayaki (かがやき), operate during the morning and evening hours, connecting Tokyo in about 2½ hours. The more frequent Hakutaka (はくたか) makes all stops north of Nagano, taking about 3 hours. Without a Japan Rail Pass, these trains cost ¥14,380 each way for a reserved seat. Seat reservations are mandatory for the Kagayaki.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen continues South from Kanazawa to Komatsu, Fukui and Tsuruga. Connect at Tsuruga for the Thunderbird (サンダーバード) limited express services from Osaka and Kyoto. The Shirasagi (しらさぎ) limited express also runs on this line, but arrives from Maibara, with some trains starting from Nagoya.

All of the above trips are covered by the national Japan Rail Pass. Kanazawa is also covered by the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass which includes unlimited travel between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka via Toyama and Kanazawa for seven consecutive days using all of the above routes (with the exception of trains between Maibara and Nagoya). The pass costs ¥24,440 if purchased outside of Japan, or ¥25,460 if purchased inside Japan. Unlimited seat reservations in standard cars can be made, but you'll have to pay extra for Green Car and GranClass seat reservations.

JR mainline trains on the Hokuriku line, now duplicated by the Shinkansen, have been transferred to private companies, and the Japan Rail Pass will not be valid unless you travel from Kanazawa to Tsubata Station to connect to the JR Nanao Line.

By car
Kanazawa is served by the Hokuriku Expressway, which runs through the western edge of the city. It has three interchanges: Kanazawa East and Kanazawa West feed into National Route 8, and Kanazawa Morimoto feeds into the Mountainside Loop Road (山側環状線 Yamagawa kanjō-sen). The cost for a normal car from Kyoto-East via Maibara is ¥5,770, and the distance is 245 km (to Kanazawa West). From Suita IC in Osaka it is ¥6,630 and 282 km. From Niigata (Niigata-Chuo) it is ¥6,740 and 297 km. From Edobashi in the capital city of Tokyo, it is 481 km and ¥11,210 to Kanazawa East via the Kan-etsu and Jōshin-etsu Expressways.

The national Route 8 is also a good option for those on a budget or who wish to take a leisurely trip, stopping off to see various sights along the way. It is four-lane for much of the way, and so passing those slow old farmers in their white mini-trucks is possible. There are other routes into the city, such as via the base of Hakusan, or over the hills from Toyama prefecture.

By bus
From Tokyo, JR Bus runs two overnight services from Tokyo Station, with one-way fares starting between ¥3,800 and ¥5,100 for advance purchase depending on the bus. Willer Express runs buses from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal above Shinjuku Station, starting from ¥5,200. Nishi-Tokyo Bus and Hokutetsu Bus operate services from Shibuya and Hachioji starting from ¥5,700. All of the buses take between 8 hr 30 min and 9 hr to reach Kanazawa.

Several other bus operators run daily trips to Kanazawa from cities including Nagoya (4 hr, ¥4,500), Kyoto (4 hr 20 min, from ¥2,800), Osaka (5 hr, from ¥3,000), Niigata (4 hr 30 min, ¥5,000) and Sendai (9 hr, ¥9,670). Highway buses also operate regularly to and from Toyama (1 hr, ¥930).

By bus
Kanazawa has a decent bus system to help you get where you need to go. There are three types of buses: city buses, a tourist bus, and community buses (Furatto-Bus). The tourist bus makes a loop around the main sights in 15 minutes and costs ¥200 per trip or ¥500 daily. There are four community bus routes which make 15-minute loops around different districts of the city and cost ¥100. Buses are wheelchair accessible.

By bicycle
Bicycles can be hired from Kanazawa Station, and due to the winding streets and plethora of traffic lights and one way systems are often the fastest way to travel around town.

Bicycles can also be hired through the Kanazawa City bicycle share program, Machi-Nori. E-Bikes can be picked up at various points around the city, rented for specific time periods or for full days (or months!), and returned to any compatible port in the city.

Check if your hotel offers bicycle rental as well, as some may offer basic bicycle rental at rates lower than many city rental prices!

On foot
As the central city is fairly compact, one of the best ways to get around (at least when the weather is cooperative) is simply walking, exploring the narrow side streets. From east (Higashiyama) to west (Teramachi) would take about an hour at a leisurely pace, though to see everything between them properly would take days.

By car
Driving in Kanazawa is not for the inexperienced. The old city in particular is a labyrinth of narrow twisting streets once you leave the main roads, and you need to be good at judging just how wide your vehicle is at times. Parking in the old city is also at a premium. However the newer areas on the outskirts are car-friendly, and parking is ample. For those using Kanazawa as a base to explore the Hokuriku and Hida regions, renting a car would be a good idea as public transport between some of the more far-flung areas is far and few between.

Talk
English is not as widely spoken as in other bigger cities and many restaurants will only have a Japanese menu. A big smile and a bit of patience will work wonders in these cases. In many cases, the waitperson can probably speak some English if you give them a chance to get over their nervousness.

See
Many of the links below are only available in Japanese. However almost all major tourist sites in Japan have English pamphlets, and Kanazawa is no exception.

Temples and shrines

The river to the south, the Sai River, has on its far bank the main temple district of Teramachi (寺町). One of the more impressive ones in Japan, both sides of the road are lined with imposing walls and looming black-tiled roofs. Its eastern counterpart is the Higashiyama Temple District. In contrast to Teramachi's straight road, the eastern temples are dotted around the hillside in a maze of narrow streets. The Kodatsuno ridge also has a small temple area, dominated by Tentokuin.

Work
As a large and fairly youthful city, there are plenty of opportunities to teach English. Do research and be prepared. It would be unwise to turn up and expect to find legal work easily, however, the better your Japanese ability the better the chances. NOVA, ECC and Berlitz have closed operations in Kanazawa. The Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange and the Ishikawa International Lounge, both located in the Rifare building close to the station, provide free legal, visa, and financial advice to foreigners (set times only).

Buy

Kanazawa is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and any of the over 30 local arts and crafts make lovely souvenirs. Japanese-style confectionery also makes a good souvenir.

The city is famed for gold leaf production (金箔 kinpaku) and an interesting and reasonable priced gift is a small box of gold leaf fragments, which can be used to decorate cakes and food or for adding sparkle to cups of sake. Within the station are a plethora of shops selling tourist items. Another area specialty is lacquerware (漆器 shikki) with products available to suit all budgets. Wajima (in Noto) and Yamanaka are two main areas of production.

Kenroku-en is ringed by shops catering to the tourist trade. Just as one would expect, the products at such shops are not typically authentic local goods, but they do have the Kanazawa keychains, postcards, and other knickknack collectibles.

Kanazawa is known as a trendy city, and fashion reflects this. The Tatemachi shopping street is full of stores, many of which house good deals if you look hard enough.

Eat
Kanazawa cuisine is famous throughout Japan, particularly its seafood since it lies in the sweet spot of the hot south and cold north currents. The quality of food is so high, that essentially you'll eat good food whatever the price.

A famous local dish is jibuni (治部煮), made from boiled and seasoned duck and various vegetables. Crab is another local favourite served up during the winter months, common types include the hairless male crab (zuwaigani) or smaller female crabs with eggs still attached. Served cold with a light vinegar or in nabe style hot pots. Sushi made with fish from the neighboring sea is also popular, the sweet shrimps (amaebi) are especially good in this region. In Spring the tiny gray river fish gori is a well known delicacy. Sometimes served deep fried with salt or in miso soup. Eaten whole it is an acquired taste.

Budget

 * 8-Ban Ramen Hachi-ban ramen, founded in Ishikawa in 1971 has outlets scattered throughout Kanazawa including one near the Saigawa Bridge in Katamachi. Cheap, but not known for the quality of its ramen. In fact Kanazawa as a whole is not the place to go for good ramen.
 * 8-Ban Ramen Hachi-ban ramen, founded in Ishikawa in 1971 has outlets scattered throughout Kanazawa including one near the Saigawa Bridge in Katamachi. Cheap, but not known for the quality of its ramen. In fact Kanazawa as a whole is not the place to go for good ramen.
 * 8-Ban Ramen Hachi-ban ramen, founded in Ishikawa in 1971 has outlets scattered throughout Kanazawa including one near the Saigawa Bridge in Katamachi. Cheap, but not known for the quality of its ramen. In fact Kanazawa as a whole is not the place to go for good ramen.
 * Skylark Family Restaurant, a few minutes walk from the station between a car dealership and Toyoko Inn Hotel. Cheap and cheerful Western style food as well as Japanese dishes. Ask for the drink bar option to get unlimited access to the buffet style hot/cold soft drinks for only a couple of hundred yen. There are many other "family restaurant" style places in Kanazawa, from Big Boy to Joyful, though most are out in the suburbs.
 * Skylark Family Restaurant, a few minutes walk from the station between a car dealership and Toyoko Inn Hotel. Cheap and cheerful Western style food as well as Japanese dishes. Ask for the drink bar option to get unlimited access to the buffet style hot/cold soft drinks for only a couple of hundred yen. There are many other "family restaurant" style places in Kanazawa, from Big Boy to Joyful, though most are out in the suburbs.
 * Skylark Family Restaurant, a few minutes walk from the station between a car dealership and Toyoko Inn Hotel. Cheap and cheerful Western style food as well as Japanese dishes. Ask for the drink bar option to get unlimited access to the buffet style hot/cold soft drinks for only a couple of hundred yen. There are many other "family restaurant" style places in Kanazawa, from Big Boy to Joyful, though most are out in the suburbs.

Mid-range
Right next to Kanazawa Station is a new shopping complex called Forus. The 6th floor is dedicated to restaurants and has a very good conveyor style sushi restaurant. No English is spoken but they do have a picture menu and all tables have an electronic menu device. Be aware that if you do not finish all of your food, the Forus restaurants will not give you a box to take your leftovers! Other options include Chinese; Indonesian; Italian and Korean restaurants. Nearly all restaurants have a lunch special in the ¥1000 range.

Drink
While in Kanazawa, don't miss the opportunity to sample tea ceremony tea (抹茶 matcha), served with either an incredibly dry and tasteless sweet (干菓子 higashi) or a rather more appetizing fresh one (生菓子 namagashi). Figure on ¥500-1000 depending on where you try it; the Higashi-Chaya geisha district probably offers the nicest teahouses.

The Katamachi area in central Kanazawa is wall to wall with bars of all shapes and sizes. Some buildings such as the Elle Building are almost exclusively full of hostess bars (often referred to as lounge bars) which may not always be foreigner friendly. Many bars will hit you for a cover charge anywhere upwards of ¥500 per person stretching into thousands. As the competition is stiff bars without a charge will often advertise it quite clearly. The St. Louis Jigger Bar run by Suntory is one such cocktail bar on the corner of the Scramble.

Sleep
The largest concentration of hotels is around the station area including all the usual suspects: ANA, APA, Nikko etc. Toyoko Hotel and Route Inn hotel are two of the newest. For cheaper options, the Kanawaza Ryokan and Hotel Society runs a Yadotime booking engine, also available in English.

Stay safe
As with most if not all cities in Japan, Kanazawa is a very safe place to visit. The central crossing in Kanazawa's Katamachi area (known locally as the Scramble) can get a bit rowdy on the weekends. The worse that is likely to happen is a snide comment or two. The usual common sense rules apply and single female travelers would be wise to keep their wits about them at night-time.

Connect
There are free Internet terminals in the underground plaza just below the station, although they're usually patronized non-stop by the local homeless community getting their online mahjong fix.

In the street directly opposite the main exit of the station, on the right hand side, is the Rifare Building, where the Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange (4F) and the Ishikawa International Lounge (2F) are found. There is a small library in the building with free use of computers.

Go next

 * Tsurugi small town, 45-min ride away, is a central point in Ishikawa for shinto-related activities. Remarkable during end of the year.
 * Komatsu — the site of Nata-dera Temple, a favourite among Japanese tourists and a hidden gem for those looking to see beautiful gardens without the big crowd.
 * Noto Peninsula. A rugged and spectacular peninsula jutting out into the Japan Sea.
 * Toyama
 * Mount Haku (Hakusan) — One of Japan's three most sacred mountains, the others being Mount Fuji and Tateyama.
 * Shishiku Heights Tsurugi Town. Offers freestyle snowboarding during the winter, with a half pipe and selection of jumps and rails. When there is no snow you can rent protective gear and go grassboarding! Another adventurous option is para-gliding.
 * Take the Hokutetsu bus bound for Arimatsu from JR Kanazawa Station's east exit. Get off roughly 20 minutes later at Nomachi bus stop and walk downhill 1 minute to Hokuriku Railway Nomachi Station. Take a train to Kaga-Ichinomiya Station (35 minutes). From here you can take a fairly long walk or catch a taxi to Park Shishiku which is at the base of Shishiku Heights. There is a boarding area for the gondola that will take you up to the mountain top. It is possible to hike down from top during the warmer months. Great views can be had stretching across the Kaga Plain all the way to the Sea of Japan.

 * Tedori Kyokoku (Tedori Gorge). In Hakusan National Park, an ideal place to relax during the humid summer months. Boasting impressive cliffs rising up to 30 m and a roaring waterfall. In the summer, the gorge offers the chance to go rafting and canoeing along the fast flowing Tedori river.
 * Roughly 1 hour by Hokutetsu bus for Shiramine from Kanazawa Station. Get off at Komonbashi or Furobashi bus stop and walk for several minutes. It is clearly signposted in English and easily accessible by car from Kanazawa.

 * Takayama is another of the best-preserved major Edo-period cities in the country

title: Kanazawa


text:
Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi (Thai: กาญจนบุรี) is a city at the confluence of the Rivers Kwai Noi and Kwai Yai.

Understand
For most visitors the main sight of interest is the Bridge over the River Kwai, as the start of the infamous World War II Death Railway to Burma (now Myanmar), as well as the many associated museums. There is an increasingly thriving backpacker scene taking advantage of the chilled-out riverside vibe for those who want to get away from Bangkok. Kanchanaburi is also the gateway to the surrounding province of the same name. More foreign visitors are discovering why Thais know it as one of the most beautiful provinces in the country with its easily accessible waterfalls and national parks.

Orientation
Orienting yourself in Kanchanaburi is very easy. The main road, Saeng Chuto Road, runs the length of town from north to south, connecting the River Kwai Bridge, the train station, and the bus station. Running parallel to this, closer to the river, is Mae Nam Kwae Road where most of the guest houses and the local bar scene can be found.

By bus
BKS public buses (line 81) leave from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Taling Chan สายใต้ตลิ่งชัน), which is far west in the suburb of Thonburi. In Kanchanaburi, there are two separate but nearby bus terminals, with 1st class buses departing from an office off Saengchuto Rd, and 2nd class buses from the larger terminal one block east.

 * 1st class buses leave Bangkok every 15 minutes from 05:00-22:30, take about 2 hours, and cost 110 baht, including a bottle of water.
 * 2nd class buses (new route) leave Bangkok every 20 minutes from 03:30-19:00 and take about 2 hours. Cost 110 baht. (They now claim that there is no 2nd class bus going to Kanchanaburi, yet there is, but they charge the same price as for the 1st class bus.
 * 2nd class buses (old route) leave Bangkok every 15-30 minutes from 04:00-18:00 and take about 3 hours.

There are also tourist minibuses directly to/from Khao San Road, departing Kanchanaburi at 13:30 and 18:30.

There are also some buses leaving less frequently from Bangkok's Northern Mo Chit bus terminal (note: not the same as Mo Chit BTS station, and not within walking distance of it, although a standard 50 baht motorbike taxi ride is available. It's called "Mo Chit 2"). Here are the times (approximate):

First-class bus with toilet (3 hours, 122 baht): 06:00, 11:00, 14:30.

Second-class bus with no toilet inside (not sure about time and price, times are probably the same): 05:00, 07:00, 09:30, 12:30, 17:00.

Bus rides may be variable or cancelled (for example, with 14:30 being last of the day.) But there are vans available at the bus station leaving even when you're told there's no way to get there by bus! It may pay to talk to the information desk about this. Price is around 120 baht, about 2 hr.

From Nakhon Pathom, there are direct buses (2nd class only) every 15 to 30 minutes between 04:00 and 18:00, which take two hours. Alternatively, you can hop off a 1st class bus when it passes by Nakhon Pathom, but double-check with staff to ensure the route allows this and they know your plans.

From Sangkhlaburi to Kanchanaburi, you're spoilt for choice:

 * Air-con VIP buses leave at 08:45, 10:45, and 14:30 and take 4 hours.
 * Air-con minibuses leave at 06:30, 07:30, 11:30, 13:00, 15:30 and take 3.5 hours.
 * Standard buses leave at 06:45, 08:15, 10:15, 13:15 and take 5 hours.

By train
Trains leave Bangkok's Thonburi Train Station at 07:45 and arrive at Kanchanaburi at 10:20, with another at 13:45, arriving at 16:35. You may be interested in buying a ticket all the way to the River Kwai Bridge, since these two trains are the only ones which cross the bridge each day. 100 baht for foreigners (Dec 2023).

Be warned that reaching Thonburi Station from Khao San Rd is harder than it looks. Tuk-tuk drivers will try to charge you outrageous rates, and walking involves crossing two bridges and looping back. The best way is probably to take the passenger boat from Phra Arthit Pier to connect with a cross-river ferry that reaches the Thonburi Railway Pier (first one M-F 06:00 Sa 07:30 Su 09:00). Then walk or take the open minibus from there. You can also walk a bit away from Khao San Rd and find a metered taxi that will not rip you off. The fare should be about 70 or 80 baht from Khao San on the meter.

Return trains leave at 07:25 and 14:48 from the main railway station. From the River Kwai Bridge they leave 6 minutes earlier. Riding 3rd class is an adventure in itself, and definitely recommended.

Both train services continue to/from Nam Tok, the current terminus of the Death Railway. The normal trains will charge "farang" (Westerners) 100 baht in each direction from Kanchanaburi to Wang Pho, the last station before Nam Tok. Thais pay a lot less.

The 10:30 train has a special tourist section, where the tourist price of 300 baht gets you air-con, a soft drink, and a certificate of having ridden the Death Railway.

One of the least expensive ways to get from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is to take a train from Thonburi to Ban Pong for 14 baht (same price for Thais and foreigners), then from Ban Pong take an air conditioned bus to Kanchanaburi for 40 baht, a total of 54 baht.

By car
Kanchanaburi is about 3 hours' drive from Bangkok, via Hwy 4 (Phetkasem)from Bangkok until it hooks up with Hwy 323, which will take you all the way to Kanchanaburi.

You can catch a taxi to Kanchanaburi and return to Bangkok for the day for around 1,700 baht. This should include stopping at the bridge over River Kwai and museum, Kanchanaburi township, the local dam and POW cemetery. You may need to pay a bit extra to visit Erawan Falls and the Tiger Temple, which is about an hour out of the town.

By limousine taxi
Bangkok Airport limousines are a comfortable and swift means of travel between Thailand's capitol and Kanchanaburi. Fares in luxury Japanese sedans are typically from 3,000-3,500 baht.

By minibus
Day trips from Bangkok are commonly sold at Bangkok travel agencies. Typically, these include Toyota minibus transport from one's hotel to Kanchanaburi and back (visiting the famous bridge, Erawan National Park, etc., depending on the package), and perhaps lunch and entrance fees. One example: approximately 1,100 baht for transport, lunch, entrance fees to Erawan National Park, and the famous bridge.

Get around
Kanchanaburi is just a little too stretched out to comfortably walk. Small orange and large yellow songthaews (converted pickups) cruise up and down Saeng Chuto, connecting bus station, train station, and the bridge, and charge a standard 10 baht. Motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks are also available, with negotiable prices, and some guesthouses offer bicycle rentals. A number of places in town (mostly along Maenam Kwai Rd) rent bicycles for 50 baht/day, or motorcycles for 150-200 baht, depending on whether it is an automatic. In the area near budget accommodations/guesthouses such as Ploy, you can rent bicycles or motorcycles from Yanee at 197 Maenumkaew Rd. Remember to ask for a map and directions to popular sights.

World War II
Most of the sights in Kanchanaburi itself are directly related to the Pacific War. The museums are dusty and generally not worth it, except for the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which gives a good introduction of the Death Railway and its history. There are also two war cemeteries, the most moving of which is the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery.

 * You can cross the bridge on foot on the central steel-plated walkway. There are small cantilevered platforms between the spans for better views and avoiding trains. The guardrails are incomplete, so be careful with small children. Off the end of the bridge, you can feed or ride an elephant bare-back at negotiated price of 600 baht per ride. It's reported that elephant is tethered on a short chain and has to stand in its own waste. Use your judgement.
 * The bridge is still in use and there is a station right next to it. Trains run from Nam Tok (the train line's terminus) to River Kwai Bridge station (a little over 2 hours away) and then onward to Kanchanaburi and Bangkok.
 * Food and souvenirs are available at the bridge.
 * The walk to the bridge is not particularly pleasant (if you fancy a long walk, save it for the less crowded other side of the bridge), but songthaews (10 baht) run along the main road (Saeng Chuto Rd) from the centre. You'll know when to get off when you see the railway line cross the road. Then just follow the track.
 * The walk to the bridge is not particularly pleasant (if you fancy a long walk, save it for the less crowded other side of the bridge), but songthaews (10 baht) run along the main road (Saeng Chuto Rd) from the centre. You'll know when to get off when you see the railway line cross the road. Then just follow the track.

Notable temples

 * Don Chedi archaeological site
 * Giant Tree
 * Kuan Yum
 * Wat Tham Khao Noi
 * Wat Tham Khaopoon, 5 km out of town (past Chongkai War Cemetery). 20 baht entrance fee to cave complex with Buddha images.
 * Wat Tham Mungkornthong
 * Wat Tham Sua

Around Kanchanaburi
The area northwest of Kanchanaburi is dominated by beautiful River Kwai valleys. It is an area of great natural beauty, with a dazzling number of waterfalls, caves, lakes, and mountainous scenery. Most attractions can be visited as a day-trip from Kanchanaburi. Independent travel is possible for most attractions, but can be a hassle as local trains and buses are slow and inflexible. If you want to see Hellfire Pass and the Erawan Falls in one day, it's almost compulsory to take one of the guided tours as there is no public bus connection between them.

Along the Death Railway

While most visitors see the spectacular Erawan Falls, the Sai Yok Noi Falls are more accessible, because they are on the road to Sangkhlaburi. The Sai Yok Yai Falls are further away from Kanchanaburi on the same road. But beside the falls, the national park is home to limestone caves and hot springs as well. And it can easily be combined with the Hellfire Pass Memorial.

 * The Erawan Falls are contenders for the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, and a must-see if time and budget allow. Entrance fee is 300 baht for foreign adults and 150 for children under fourteen. The falls are composed of seven tiers, all of which are picturesque and great for swimming. Plan to spend at least two hours hiking plus the time you want to spend swimming in the falls.
 * Don't come unprepared. Wear a swimsuit and bring sunblock, since you'll want to have a dip in the turquoise pools on most levels. Don't forget to bring a towel. When swimming, watch out for fish feasting on the soles of your feet. They won't hurt you and are only looking for a meal on dead skin cells, but the feeling can be disconcerting.
 * Everyone can do the hike, but don't underestimate it. Good shoes will make the trip more pleasant, though flip flops are commonly worn. At the highest levels, one may have to walk through shallow water. The first four tiers are relatively close together and the walk is very straightforward. For the more adventurous, there is a large rock at the fourth tier that can be used as a water slide. Beyond the fifth tier, the hike will become slightly more difficult. The sixth and seventh tiers are not far from each other, but the paths are not well defined at this point, so be sure to look for the hard-to-spot signs. Additionally, beware of hornets at the top tier.
 * Bicycles can be rented at the entrance for 20 baht/hr, however you can only bike to the first level, which is only a 5 min walk, so they aren't really useful. Many Thais don't go further than the second level as beyond this food and beverages, except a water bottle after leaving a deposit, are not allowed.
 * If you walk on the right hill side of the road leading to the park gate, rather than the road itself, you will pass nice bamboo forest and you won't be asked to pay entrance fee, since they collect it only at the toll gate if you enter by main road.
 * Getting there:
 * Public transport: Public Bus 8170 leaves the Kanchanaburi bus terminal every 50-60 min between 08:00-17:50. The fare is 60 baht(Dec 2023) and the ride takes ~90 min. If you stay far away north from the bus terminal, and you probably will, you can just walk to Saeng Chuto Rd from your guesthouse and hail the bus there. A good spot to hail from is right next to the war cemetery. Be sure to get an early bus, since there will be fewer people at the falls and you won't have to hurry to get back. The last bus leaves for Kanchanaburi at 16:30.(August 2023)
 * This bus is small and rudimentary and can get completely full and this can be an uncomfortable experience if you don't get a seat (if you're tall you may not be able to fully stand). For the ride back to Kanchanaburi the schedule is: 08:30, 10:00, noon, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00 (as read from sign at stop, edited 1/2018).
 * Transport tour: Tour agencies in Bangkok commonly sell a package that includes Toyota minibus transport from your Bangkok hotel to the falls and back, with lunch and the park entrance fee of 300 baht included, for 1,100 baht. The packages are generally standardised and non-negotiable in price. Some tours also include a stop at the Bridge over the River Kwai, so inquire.
 * Tour packages that visitors can purchase from the nearby hotels/resorts in Kanchanaburi may include a stop to the Erawan waterfalls and other selected tourist attractions such as elephant riding, bamboo rafting, Tiger Temple and Hellfire Pass. These packages cost around 1,600 baht and include all transportation to and from the resort, park fees, lunch and an English-speaking guide.
 * Sleeping:It is possible to spend the night in the national park, meaning you get to experience the falls without the day tripper crowds. Camping sites are available on a nice green area by the riverside. The national park rents out tents from 50-300 baht (for the biggest). The park also rents out accessories such as sleeping bags, lanterns, and stoves for a very small amount. The accommodation services office is just past the car park. Bungalows are also available from 800 baht.
 * For food, try the market which is a one km walk back up the road towards the highway. There it is also possible to find cheaper snacks, drinks or other items. Just remember to bring your park ticket with you to prove you have already paid. If staying in the park, there are also restaurants on the side of the parking lot of the park. Do note that they close around 18:00-19:00.
 * For food, try the market which is a one km walk back up the road towards the highway. There it is also possible to find cheaper snacks, drinks or other items. Just remember to bring your park ticket with you to prove you have already paid. If staying in the park, there are also restaurants on the side of the parking lot of the park. Do note that they close around 18:00-19:00.

Itinerary
Independent-minded travellers may wish to hire a songthaew at the bus station the day before you want to travel. It should cost between 1,500-2,000 baht, and you tell the driver where you want to go. He will pick you up from your hotel in the morning as part of the deal and return you there afterwards.

For your day out, check out Hellfire Pass and the museum, 80 km from Kachanaburi. Take a couple of hours or more there, then come back along the same road to Nam tok Saiyoknoi waterfall. Erewan Waterfall is too far away for this trip but well worth a look, and there is also an old preserved steam locomotive. From there ask to go to Wang Pho village, and make sure to get the driver to stop at a market along the way to buy bulk peanuts/bananas because you want to see "ling ling" ("ling" is Thai for "monkey", and the repetition means a lot of them) On the road down to Wang Pho, the driver should veer off to the left near the bottom of the winding road leading towards the River Kwai. Here there are millions of wild monkeys or at least an awful lot of them. Enjoy yourself feeding them peanuts or bananas, they are not aggressive. You can watch all the tour buses driving past this little-known attraction. However, feeding monkeys disrupts their natural feeding habits and can make them reliant on humans for food. So, it's probably better just to watch the monkeys in their natural environment.

In Wang Pho village, take time to have a look at the place. The Death Railway has a station here, the final one before Nam Tok. The villagers are friendly, and one stall does a really good fried banana. Then go to Tam Grasae, a cave a couple of kilometres distant where the railway crosses a trestle bridge built by WWII POWs. It appears to be in original condition. The River Kwai is immediately below you, and the trestle hugs the side of the cliff in skirting it. The cave itself is well worth a look. There is a tourist market here also.

On the way back, on the main road to Kanchanaburi, depending on the time you have left, there is a temple on the way back on the right where the monks are friendly to tourists, and then the Tiger Temple on the left further along.

Events and festivals
Mineral Water and Waterfall Bathing Day (งานวันอาบน้ำแร่แช่น้ำตก); held at Hin Dat Hot Spring, at the beginning of November. In the festival, there are booths of agricultural products and tourism exhibition of Thong Pha Phum District. Visitors watching will have a chance to bathe in the Hin Dat Hot Spring and enjoy the view of Namtok Pha Tat.

Boat and Raft People's Day (งานเทศกาลชาวเรือชาวแพ); held every year at the beginning of November at Song Khwae Road near the riverside in front of the city of Kanchanaburi. Activities are folk performances, Thai typical music performance, academic exhibition concerning conservation of rivers and canals, water sports such as riding long-boat, speed-boat and jet-skiing.

River Kwae Bridge Week (งานสัปดาห์สะพานข้ามแม่น้ำแคว); held every year around the end of November until the beginning of December to commemorate the significance of the Death Railway and the Bridge over the Khwae River taking place in World War II. Visitors can see the historical and archaeological exhibition, folk performances, booths of products, entertaining activities, and light and sound show.

Massage
There are many massage parlours along Mae Nam Khwae Rd in Kanchanaburi.

Buy

 * There are plenty of ATMs, with a 150–200 baht surcharge for using foreign cards.

Budget
For cheap street eats, the market in front of the train station will fulfil all your 10 baht pad Thai needs. Street vendors parade up & down River Kwai Rd all day & night. Approximately 20 baht per serving. Many stop outside of 7-Eleven by Jolly Frog selling sausages, roti, and other small snacks. Ice cream and pastries during the day.

Mid-range

 * Good Times Restaurant. Good Times Restaurant is open between 10:00 to 22:00 daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant, overlooking the River Kwai with beautiful sunset view, is very popular for both locals and foreigners, with both Thai and international cuisines. Cocktails menu and Thai dessert menu. Signatures dishes there include Fried Fish with Fish Sauce Thai Style, Tom Yum Kung and Fried Banana Balls. It's inside a 40-room lodge with a garden and pond. Room rates are between 1,500 baht to 2,300 baht.
 * Good Times Restaurant. Good Times Restaurant is open between 10:00 to 22:00 daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant, overlooking the River Kwai with beautiful sunset view, is very popular for both locals and foreigners, with both Thai and international cuisines. Cocktails menu and Thai dessert menu. Signatures dishes there include Fried Fish with Fish Sauce Thai Style, Tom Yum Kung and Fried Banana Balls. It's inside a 40-room lodge with a garden and pond. Room rates are between 1,500 baht to 2,300 baht.
 * Good Times Restaurant. Good Times Restaurant is open between 10:00 to 22:00 daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant, overlooking the River Kwai with beautiful sunset view, is very popular for both locals and foreigners, with both Thai and international cuisines. Cocktails menu and Thai dessert menu. Signatures dishes there include Fried Fish with Fish Sauce Thai Style, Tom Yum Kung and Fried Banana Balls. It's inside a 40-room lodge with a garden and pond. Room rates are between 1,500 baht to 2,300 baht.

Drink
There are many places where you'll be able to enjoy drinks, but most of the bars are close to the guest houses along Mae Nam Kwai Rd. Most of the bars are noisy karaoke bars popular among the locals or the usual British pubs with football on TV. Some bars have young Thai ladies on the hunt for rich foreigners.

Sleep
There are lots of guesthouses, resorts and hotels available. The density increases the nearer you get to the bridge. As usual if you book in advance they will arrange a free pick up service for you. If you haven't done so yet, you should try one night in a raft room floating on the river.

Mid-range

Splurge

Connect
Most of the guesthouses along Mae Nam Kwai Rd purport to have Wi-Fi. Some of the bars lined up along that road also have Wi-Fi.

Go next

 * Bangkok — most visitors get out where they came from
 * Nakhon Pathom — the world's largest stupa makes a good pitstop along the way to Bangkok
 * Sangkhlaburi — last town before the Three Pagodas Pass border crossing into Myanmar
 * Three Pagodas Pass — the border between Thailand and Myanmar, 4 hours away by bus

title: Kanchanaburi


text:
Kanchipuram

Kanchipuram, sometimes called Kanjeevaram or Kanchi, is a small town in Tamil Nadu. One of the most important spiritual centres of Hinduism, and a major pilgrim destination; Kanchipuram has several medieval temples with spectacular architecture. It used to be the capital of the Pallava kingdom from the 4th to the 10th century, and was a centre of learning for all the major religions of South India. Hindu temples are still present and in use today, and there are archaeological remains of Jain temples. Unfortunately, although Kanchipuram was reputed to be the centre of Buddhism in South India, and was visited by Chinese Buddhist monks, there are no remains of the Buddhist presence today.

Modern Kanchipuram is a major weaving centre and visitors will be able to buy handwoven silk at wholesale rates.

By train
Kanchipuram has a railway station, but is not well served by trains. Slow passenger trains connect it to the Chennai suburb of Chengalpattu, but not to the city itself. Another slow passenger connects Kanchipuram to pilgrimage centre Tirupati. Express trains running from Mumbai to Madurai stop at Kanchipuram twice a week. Be warned that scheduled travel time from Mumbai to Kanchipuram is 26 hours, and the train could easily take longer. Taking a train to Chennai, and traveling by road from there will probably be faster and more convenient.

By bus
The Tamil Nadu state government operated transport corporation runs buses from Kanchipuram to most major towns in Tamil Nadu.

From Chennai
Buses from Chennai leave for Kanchipuram every fifteen minutes from the Koyambedu interstate bus terminal. There is also an air-conditioned bus service which departs from the T-Nagar & Cmbt bus terminal every hour.

From Bangalore
Buses from Bangalore leave for Kanchipuram seven times a day.

From Mammalapuram
Buses from Mammalapuram leave approximately once per hour, it seems. There's one as late as 3:30PM, probably later. If you cannot get a direct bus, it's possible to go half-way and then change to a 212B or a more expensive and quicker private bus in order to complete your journey.

By car
Kanchipuram is 69 km from Chennai and about 280 km from Bangalore. If you take the Chennai-Bangalore expressway, you can reach it in about an hour and a half from the outskirts of Chennai, or four and a half hours from Bangalore. Traveling from car by Tirupati will take three to four hours.

State Highway 58 connects Kanchipuram to Chengalpattu, which can be reached either from Chennai or from Mamallapuram and Pondicherry. If you're coming from Madurai or Tiruchirappalli, the temple towns of South Tamil Nadu, you can take the road up to Tindivanam, and take State Highway 116 through Vandavasi from there.

Walking
Unfortunately it's hard to find a good map of the town. However, Google Maps is good for orientation and the location of major temples, which is all you really need. Once you know the general direction, you can usually spot temples easily due to their tall stone entry towers (gopuram). Be warned: Kanchipuram's sidewalks are not ideal for walking! Many shops keep their merchandise on their sidewalks for free space, and cars and motorcycles park on the sidewalks as well. You'll often be pushed on to the road itself, where you'll have to negotiate with traffic. As far as weather is concerned, Kanchi isn't as humid as Chennai, so walking isn't as exhausting. But if you're not used to Indian summers, walking can be exhausting. To stay safe, start early in the morning (maybe 7AM or so), come back for a rest by late morning, and head out again in the evening. Mornings and evenings are the best times for photography, anyway.

Auto Rickshaw
Three wheeler auto-rickshaws are also available. You need to fix the price before you start - you will find these all around the town.

If you plan to visit the temples, you can bargain a package deal - cost depends on how many and which temples you might want to visit. A thumb rule of price is around ₹20 point to point.

Taxi
There are a large number of 'ambassador' taxis that hang out just north of the bus station, east of the roundabout. If you are travelling in a group, you might like to negotiate a driver for a day instead of dealing with auto rickshaws.

See

 * International Library situated in Enathur, 3.5 km from kanchipuram town, this library contains a treasure of ancient manuscripts written on Palm Leaves. Infront of the library is a 60 ft high statue of Adi Shankaracharya. The library is a part of the Kanchipuram Shankara University.
 * Kachapeshwarar Temple
 * Kailasanathar Temple must see high point in architecture.The architecture of this temple is more alike that of Mahabalipuram temple.
 * Kanchi Kamakshi Temple abode of Kamakshi (Goddess Parvathi) - consort of Lord Shiva.
 * Kanchi Kudil The ancient culture and cultural heritage of Hinduism is proclaimed in a small house, open to visitors.
 * Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Sri Sankara Matam.
 * Vaikunta Perumal Temple has beautiful pillared corridors around the sanctum. One of the most ancient temples with 3 tier Sannathi cum Gopuram.
 * Varadaraja Perumal Temple The gopuram of this temple, is particularly impressive when viewed across the lush green fields from the road leading from Kanchi.
 * Vaikunta Perumal Temple has beautiful pillared corridors around the sanctum. One of the most ancient temples with 3 tier Sannathi cum Gopuram.
 * Varadaraja Perumal Temple The gopuram of this temple, is particularly impressive when viewed across the lush green fields from the road leading from Kanchi.

Do
The Kanchi Mutt holds kutcheris, or South Indian classical music concerts in the evenings. Head there to see if something is on and you can attend.

Buy
Kanchipuram is a famous silk weaving centre, and you can find wonderful bargains if you shop around for sarees, scarves and stoles, or fabric to take home. If you are led by a taxi/auto driver to a shop, the price you pay will include his commission - so do explore shops independently before you decide to buy. Most silk shops are on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

Eat

 * Sakthi Ganapathy has 3 branches in the city and has best value for money.
 * Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant, Near Bus Stand.

Go next

 * Mamallapuram
 * Chennai
 * Tirupati
 * Tiruttani
 * Vellore

title: Kanchipuram


text:
Kandahar

Kandahar (Pashto: کندهار) is the capital of Kandahar province, and the largest city in Southern Afghanistan. Kandahar is also the second largest city in Afghanistan after the capital Kabul, and was the first capital of the modern state of Afghanistan in the 18th century.

Understand
Kandahār or Qandahār (Pashto: کندهار; Persian: قندهار) is one of the largest of Afghanistan's thirty-four provinces and is located in the southern region of the country. The province connects with Pakistan's Balochistan province through the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing. The city of Kandahar was the capital of Afghanistan prior to 1776. It is an economic and political hub of Afghanistan and has always played a major role in the nation's history. Kandahar's residents are Pashtuns (Pashto: پښتون Paṣ̌tun, Pax̌tun) of various tribes, with small communities of Tajiks, Turkmens, Uzbeks, Hazaras, Baloch and others scattered in and around the city. They have lived in harmony each other throughout history. The people of Kandahar enjoy humor and laughter, and they often talk about sports, history and geopolitics. Many influential Afghan rulers, such as Mirwais Khan Hotak, Ahmad Shah Durrani, Abdur Rahman Khan, Amanullah Khan, and Hamid Karzai, originate from Kandahar. The city has also produced a number of prominent Afghan poets, singers, scholars, intellectuals, academics and businessmen.

Kandahār is located at about 1,005 m (3,297 feet) above sea level. The Arghandab and Tarnak rivers run along the city. These major rivers turn into numerous smaller rivers, lakes, ponds, creeks, streams and canals in and around the city. They create lush green gardens and enhance the natural beauty of the city.

Kandahar province has a population of around 2 million people, with over one million residing in its capital city. The majority of Kandahār people are engaged in agriculture, import and export, real estate, small businesses, and government services. Kandahār is a major exporting center of fresh and dried fruits. It has a small but growing industrial park.

Like other Afghan cities, Kandahār is slowly developing. It has a very large international airport. The city is linked by main roads to nearby cities such as Tareen Kot in the north, Ghazni in the northeast, Quetta in Pakistan in the south, and Lashkar Gah in the west.

By car
The A01 highway links Kandahar with Kabul. It is one of the busiest in Afghanistan. The highways in Afghanistan are sometimes dangerous due to militant activities but the militants do not necessarily target tourists. Total drive between Kandahar and Kabul is approximately 6 hours. The highway from Kandahar to Herat is sometimes dangerous, especially where it passes in Helmand and Farah provinces. Highway A75 runs southeast towards Spin Boldak, which is the last town in Afghanistan before the start of a Pakistani highway.

By bus
There is a large national bus station called "Kabul Adda" (meaning Kabul Junction) and is located a block north of Durahi Circle in the affluent Aino Mina section of the city. The buses take passengers to Kabul, Lashkar Gah, Zaranj, Herat, and Spin Boldak. Smaller vehicles are also available at this station to take passengers to other destinations within the province and beyond.

Get around
To get around the city visitors can use taxis or rent a vehicle, which usually comes with a reliable driver but special arrangements can be made to exclude the driver. The basic requirement for such special rental is insurance for the vehicle.

See
There are a number of historical sites to visit in and around Kandahar.

Do
There are many outdoor places to swim in Kandahar. There are no alligators in Kandahar but various types of snakes, scorpions and spiders do exist. The people of Kandahar traditionally enjoy family picnic trips. This sometimes involves driving to other districts of the province, usually where their farms are located.

 * Kandahar International Cricket Stadium, inaugurated in 2017, in Aino Mina.
 * Kandahar Football Stadium, located in the Shahr-e Naw neighborhood next to the Ghazi family park.

Buy
All business transactions in Kandahar are done by using cash and only in the nation's currency, the Afghani.

 * Afghanistan International Bank (AIB), Afghan United Bank, Afghan Milli-e-Bank, Azizi Bank, and New Kabul Bank all have branches in the city with cash machines. Western Union service is available in various locations in the city.

Eat
There are a growing number of restaurants. Most of them serve Afghan cuisine. The popular items include roasted chicken, mutton, lamb, and beef, along with rice dishes, cooked vegetables, and plenty of fresh fruits. Fast food places that serve pizzas, burgers and other sandwiches are also growing. The best street food in Kandahar is fried fish and samosas along with several styles of freshly-baked local bread.

Budget

 * Mano Salwa Restaurant, in Share New neighborhood.

Mid-range

 * Afghan Dubai BBQ, in Aino Mina, +93 70 400 4458.
 * Royal Restaurant, in Aino Mina, +93 070405854.
 * Shabistan Restaurant, in Aino Mina, +93 70 035 8725.
 * Turkish Taste, in Aino Mina.
 * Royal Restaurant, in Aino Mina, +93 070405854.
 * Shabistan Restaurant, in Aino Mina, +93 70 035 8725.
 * Turkish Taste, in Aino Mina.
 * Royal Restaurant, in Aino Mina, +93 070405854.
 * Shabistan Restaurant, in Aino Mina, +93 70 035 8725.
 * Turkish Taste, in Aino Mina.
 * Turkish Taste, in Aino Mina.
 * Turkish Taste, in Aino Mina.

Drink
Selling alcohol is illegal in Afghanistan, but this rule is not strictly enforced like in Saudi Arabia. Smoking hashish (marijuana) is common in Afghanistan, and it does not lead to an arrest.

Connect
4G LTE services, smart phones and smart TVs are available in Kandahar.

Stay safe
See the warning on the Afghanistan article for information on the security situation.

Kandahar has been one of the safer cities in southern Afghanistan, especially its Aino Mina section located in the east and closer to the main airport. The most advanced hospital is in Aino Mina, which opened in April 2019. Blending with the locals is a good way to prevent unnecessary attention. Residents of Kandahar are friendly and hospitable, but some of those from other places who are staying in the city may not be. Kandahar residents treat foreign tourists as special diplomats. Many residents of Kandahar also have family and friends who are citizens of countries in Europe, Oceania and North America.

Cope
Consulates

 * India
 * Iran
 * Pakistan

Go next

 * Kabul
 * Helmand
 * Quetta in Pakistan

title: Kandahar


text:
Kandalaksha

Kandalaksha  (Russian: Кандала́кша,) is a city in Murmansk Oblast, northern Russia. It is one of the most active and famous tourist locations in the Murmansk region.

By train
The city is along the Murman Railway from Saint Petersburg to Murmansk, with several connections each day in both directions. Trains from Saint Petersburg and Moscow are daily but there is no train connection to Arkhangelsk. On some trains there are carriages coming all the way from Brest, Minsk and Pskov. However be prepared that most long-distance trains arrive in the middle of the night. There are also once a day regional trains from Apatity, Loukhi and the coal mining town of Kovdor. is on Murmanskaya ulitsa 1, a few blocks north of the city centre.

By bus and car
The Russian federal highway M18, also known as Kola Highway, passes through. A much less used gravel road connects with Salla in Finland (border station Kelloselkä). There is a twice-weekly bus service along this road with departure from Rovaniemi early afternoon. The bus makes a stop-over in Kemijärvi and the border station Salla and then arrives at Kandalaksha at 22:00.

Do
The Old city of Kandalaksha, called Центр, is nowadays a hotspot for artists, musicians and models.

 * Hiking in the hills that surround Kandalaksha
 * Visit the Local History Museum (Mbu "Muzey Istorii Goroda Kandalaksha") at ul. Pervomayskaya 40. Open M-F 10:00 to 18:00, Sa 10:00 to 17:00, closed Sunday and Monday.
 * Visit the Local History Museum (Mbu "Muzey Istorii Goroda Kandalaksha") at ul. Pervomayskaya 40. Open M-F 10:00 to 18:00, Sa 10:00 to 17:00, closed Sunday and Monday.

Go next

 * Murmansk
 * Kemijärvi
 * Salla

title: Kandalaksha


text:
Kandangan

Kandangan is a town in South Kalimantan, and the capital of the Hulu Sungai Selatan regency. It is the main gateway to Loksado and Nagara.

Get in
All public transportation are using yellow registration plate.

By taksi antarkota (inter-cities minivan)
There are minivans with route from Banjarmasin to Tanjung (Hulu Sungai route) via Kandangan and vice versa. You can hail and stop it anywhere along the main highway (Jalan A. Yani) which is one of the longest highway in South Kalimantan. The fare is based on how far you travel. To hail and to stop a minivan, just raise your hand and they will stop. When you're inside and want to stop, just say 'kiri' (key-ree) or simply 'stop' out loud. The good thing about minivan is they are cheap, the bad thing is they pack people as many as they can, so there is not much space for your feet to relax, and some drivers drive his minivan like a racing car, if it's happens just tell the driver politely, "pa sopir, tolong jangan terlalu laju" (please reduce the speed).

By Car
Hire car with driver.

By ojeg
Ojeg is transportation by motorbike. You can find ojeg near the markets, inter-city terminals, and at the main city's crossroad. Usually ojeg riders don't speak English. Choose ojeg with spare helm for you, make sure they know the place you want to go and negotiate the fare before riding. Handout the money to the ojeg rider when you get to your destination. If the rider speeding, just tell him: "tolong jangan terlalu laju" (please reduce the speed).

By becak
Becak (rickshaw or pedicab). You have to be good negotiator if you want to ride on becak, price depends on the destination (near or far). It's a good choice for a short ride. Becak easily found on the markets. Usually becak drivers don't speak English, but a map and lots of pointing will get you to the right place. You need to know the place you want to go.

On foot
Kandangan city center small enough to get around on foot, and relatively easy to navigate.

See
Most of the city's activity can be found around the main market.

Eat

 * Ketupat Kandangan - the most famous Kandangan's delicacy.
 * Dodol - Kandangan's traditional cake
 * Lamang - a rice cake which is put in the bamboo and baked traditionally by using fire.

Hospital
Rumah Sakit Umum Brigjen H. Hasan Basri is the name of public hospital in Kandangan. Address: Jl. Jend. Sudirman. Telp.: 0517 21653.

Go next

 * Banjarmasin
 * Martapura

title: Kandangan


text:
Kandersteg

Kandersteg is a village in the Bernese Highlands in Switzerland. Located in the heart of the Alps, Kandersteg is the perfect location to explore the mountains and observe the traditional Swiss alpine lifestyle and it is also on the edge of the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO world heritage site.

A small farming village with a population of 1,200 Kandersteg today relies heavily on tourism for economic support. The village is also home to Kandersteg International Scout Centre, which is open 365 days and welcomes over 12,000 Scouts and Guides from around the world each year.

In Summer, Kandersteg acts as a resort for hikers from all corners of Europe offering hundreds of kilometres of marked hiking paths. Well maintained and secure via-ferrata and multi-pitch rock climbing areas also attract many guests.

Winter offers a wide range of posted hiking paths and is one of the biggest cross-country areas in Switzerland. The village also has snowshoe trails, sled runs and skiing areas suitable for beginner-intermediate skiers.

The Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage information point located outside the Tourist Office.

By train
Kandersteg is well served by regular trains, operated by the Swiss Federal Railways. Trains to Kandersteg run from Thun in the north and Brig in the south. The public transport system is punctual, multilingual and easy to use.

By road
Most European motorways will bring you to Spiez which is 30 minutes north of the village. Travellers from the south use the Goppenstein car-train through to Kandersteg.

Get around
In high season there is a local bus which runs from the train station to Sunnbuel Cable Car and the Oeschinen Gondola. The bus is free with a Guest Card which is available from your accommodation in Kandersteg. This service is operated by AFA Busbetrieb who have up to date timetable information.

See

Do

 * Ride the cable cars and see what each one has the offer:
 * Hiking. The most famous routes lead to the canton of Valais, across the Gemmi Pass straight to Leukerbad (with cable cars operating at each end) or through the wild Gastern valley across the higher Lötschen Pass to the Lötschental. There are plenty of other trails, most of them can be checked on this map provided by Kandersteg Tourist Organisation.
 * Speed down the local Sled Run on a traditional wooden sled during the winter.
 * Fall serenely from the sky Paragliding with your instructor.
 * Hiking. The most famous routes lead to the canton of Valais, across the Gemmi Pass straight to Leukerbad (with cable cars operating at each end) or through the wild Gastern valley across the higher Lötschen Pass to the Lötschental. There are plenty of other trails, most of them can be checked on this map provided by Kandersteg Tourist Organisation.
 * Speed down the local Sled Run on a traditional wooden sled during the winter.
 * Fall serenely from the sky Paragliding with your instructor.
 * Fall serenely from the sky Paragliding with your instructor.

Supermarkets
The village has three supermarkets which have a basic range. All are located within a few minutes walk from centre of the village:
 * Coop - open Monday to Saturday (with lunch break at 12:00-14:00) and has the biggest range of goods.
 * Treffpunkt - open on Sunday morning, but closed Wednesday afternoon (lunch break 12:00-13:30 on other days).
 * Volg - Monday - Saturday.

Souvenirs

 * Victorinox or Wenger 'Swiss Army Knife'
 * Piece of local alpine cheese from Hari Käsespezialitäten
 * Kandersteg 'Wanderkarte' Walking Map

Eat
The cost of food in Switzerland is very high, and this reflects in the price of eating out in local restaurants. Some favourites include:

Drink
Kandersteg has a vibrant array of night life, especially during high season.

Sleep
There are over 20 hotels in Kandersteg plus countless more Bed and Breakfasts, Holiday Apartments and the mammoth International Scout Centre who in itself has places for 1,800 people. There is an exhaustive list available from Kandersteg Tourismus

Some of the most popular include:
 * There are several Mountain Huts in Kandesteg surroundings.
 * There are several Mountain Huts in Kandesteg surroundings.
 * There are several Mountain Huts in Kandesteg surroundings.
 * There are several Mountain Huts in Kandesteg surroundings.
 * There are several Mountain Huts in Kandesteg surroundings.

Cope
The village also has Post Office, Doctors Surgery as well as two banks.

 * Cards are rarely used at point of sale in Switzerland, especially in small villages. As there are only 2 ATMs in the town, have cash handy.
 * Remember that Switzerland takes Swiss francs, not euros.
 * During low-season, March-May and October-December almost all of the village is closed - most hotels, tourist information, local shops etc. If you visit during this time it is good to remember that the International Scout Centre is open 365 days and the office provides tourist information, maps, catering as well as accommodation.

Connect
Kandersteg and its approach road from Spiez have 4G from all Swiss carriers. As of Dec 2022, 5G has not reached the village.

Go next
Walk, cable car, or ski out to Leukerbaud, Lötschental, Adelboden or Frutigen.

title: Kandersteg


text:
Kandovan

Kandovan is an ancient village in Sahand Rural District in the Central District of Osku County, East Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran, near the city of Osku.

Understand
Kandovan is known for its rock-cut architecture, particularly its cliff dwellings. The architecture is similar to that of Cappadocian Turkey, with the exception that the houses in Kandovan are still occupied by people.

By car
Going by car from Tabriz to Osku  is easiest way to get there. Kandovan is 18 km from Osku.

Eat

 * Melal Restaurant

title: Kandovan


text:
Kandy

Kandy is in the centre of Sri Lanka 125 km away from Colombo and is generally recognised as the island nation's cultural capital. It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Understand
This is the last kingdom of the country. Since it was conquered by the British around 1815 you can still see the living traditions. Kandyans are usually proud of their heritage. Since the western elements has played a comparatively little role in the city most Kandyans uphold Buddhist values. Since it is in the cultural triangle the authorities try to retain this values as much as possible. However, don't expect to find the honest Kandyans they describe in the colonial literature now. Be careful with your belongings and the people whom you associate with. But this is a peaceful city compared to most other parts of the country with a lower crime rate.

By train
From Colombo - Intercity express trains are hassle-free and scenic, 2½ hours. Reservation are needed for these trains, it can be done just before the departure depending on the period but is best done in advance especially if you are travelling on a weekend or holiday. There is a great observation saloon (first class) in this particular train, but this often books out. Other trains are overly crowded and late. Tickets from Colombo are Rs 1,250 first class, Rs 230 in second class, Rs 125 in third class.

The train line goes further to Badulla, passing on its way Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station from where one needs to take a short bus or tuk-tuk ride to Nuwara Eliya proper), Haputale and Ella.

If you are in Negombo you will have to take some bus, taxi or tuk-tuk to some of the cities where the Main Line train goes to Kandy Ragama, Gampaha or Veyangoda, on the trip you will see the Bible Rock, which resembles the more famous Sigiriya citadel to the north of it.

From Ella, it is a spectacular train ride through hills and tea plantations, 6½ - 8½ hours, Rs 270 / 150 for 2nd / 3rd class.

When you arrive, watch out for the tuk-tuk mafia at the railway station – better catch a tuk-tuk some distance from the station, or even better use Uber, PickMe or the like (again, some distance from the railway station tuk-tuk stand, as otherwise the tuk-tuk mafia there will threaten and chase your driver away). Train schedule can be found at Sri Lankan Railways website.

By bus
From Colombo take bus #1, more than 70 per day, 3¼ hours. Alternatively get on Intercity air-conditioned bus from Colombo, which is the next best option to the train. If you are female and travelling alone it is best to either sit next to another female or try to sit as close to the conductor as possible (i.e. up front) to avoid any unnecessary surprises.

From the Colombo airport. Walk or take a tuktuk to the bus terminal, where the friendly locals will direct you to the bus to Kandy, 3½ hr, Rs 150 (as of Jan 2013).

From Dambulla bus station there are direct bused to Kandy. No train run on this route. A non-air-con bus will cost Rs 100 and take about 3 hours. Air-conditioned buses are also available on this route but they stop only briefly in Dambulla and they usually stop somewhere outside the bus station.

By taxi
If you're just arriving in Sri Lanka, heading for Kandy, you can hire a taxi from one of the stalls in the arrivals hall at Colombo airport for about Rs 6,000. The journey takes about 3 hours. This saves the hassle of going into Colombo, and is a lot quicker and easier.

By hired mini-vans
Hired mini-vans with a driver are available from Colombo through travel agencies and hotel concierges. The road to Kandy is astonishingly chaotic and frightening even for seasoned travellers. Be prepared for a long slow slog in traffic, or, if your driver decides to make the journey at a more practical speed, a hair-raising adventure replete with passing around blind corners and games of chicken with the ubiquitous intercity buses. A day trip from Mt. Lavinia to Kandy, including seeing the sights in Kandy, costs around Rs 10,000 (May 2011).

By air
Air Taxi (from Colombo) is the latest option to travel to Kandy. The De Havilland Twin Otter float planes operated by Sri Lankan Airlines leave Colombo at 9AM (from Kelani River) and touch down at Mahaweli River in Polgolla, Kandy at 9:30AM The travel time between Colombo and Kandy is 30 minutes. It costs Rs 25,000 (2016).

Cinnamon Air operates daily scheduled flights that depart from Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport) which reaches Polgolla Reservoir, Kandy in an hour and from Colombo City (Waters Edge) which reaches the destination in 30 minutes. One-way fare per person is listed as US$153 (without tax).

Get around
The local "Three-Wheelers" ('Tuk-Tuk) are an amazingly cheap (if you know how to haggle! If you can get them for Rs 60-70 per Km you are doing well) and exciting way of seeing the city, and they run virtually all night long. However, beware of the Tuk-Tuk mafia at the Kandy railway station – they are likely to rip you off (and they threaten Uber or PickMe drivers when they collect passengers near their stand).

Walking is also recommended - the centre is not that large - as a way of seeing temples, shops, shopping area and other sights around the lake. You can visit the Temple of the Tooth by on foot as well but you'll have to ask for directions.

There are plenty of suburban buses that pass through the city center.

See

Peradeniya
Peradeniya — is a big Kandy's suburb 5 km away from it. A lot of local buses go there from Kandy from Kandy's clock-tower bus terminal, including #644 and regular buses headed to Colombo, Rs 50 (as of 2024). Tuk tuk costs Rs 800-1000 for foreigners (2024).

Do

 * Kandyan dancing — traditional form of dancing, which can be seen at multiple venues including that the "Kandy Cultural Centre" near the Kandy lake. As of 2024, expect prices to range from 2000 to 3500 per ticket for about 1 hour performances, not including intermission time.

Treks

 * Within the Kandy city the short walk of Asgiri Maha Viharaya via Bahirawakande hill is an interesting.
 * Udawattakelle forest reserve has lots of treks.
 * The secret Walkers Forest upper Hantane trek is on special permission from the Municipal Council of Kandy.
 * The famous Western Shrines of Kandy Gadaladeniya, Lankathilake temples and Embakke shrine are connected by a very scenic footpath.
 * Other part of the west of Kandy, a part of Portuguese War Route, via Ihalakotte railway station to Dodanwala Devale shrine is passing forest reserves, Alagalle Mountain, tea estates and kandyan traditional villages.
 * East of Kandy city the temples of Gangaramaya, Galmaduwa, Degaldoruwa are all well known for paintings, sculptures and architectural techniques.
 * Knuckles Mountain Range and its forest trails are the most suitable for trekking in Sri Lanka.
 * South of Kandy the longest rice field scenery of the island, Lamasuriyagama the rice field was belonging to royal court of Kandy a spectacular trek. It is undisturbed from electricity wires for photographs and with terrace rice fields by a Loggaloya river with watch huts of farmers. Loggaloya riverine forest trail to Victoria – Randenigala – Rantambe sanctuary is also a very interesting trekking.

Festivals

 * Perahera is the most famous festival in Kandy and one of the biggest festivals in Asia. It usually takes place in August and lasts 10 days. The intensity, duration as well as number of participants (>1000) and elephants increases from day to day. The last five days are most intense with the last day being the longest and craziest procession. It's a pageant where many elephants participate (maybe 50-70). Many elephants will show behavioural disorders and will be led by their mahouts. Specially trained local vets and international doctors will be present.

You can buy expensive seats or can see it with the crowd. Buy a seat from the Queens hotel, which costs around US$40. Buy the tickets from the officials as otherwise through middlemen you will be paying exorbitant prices. Seats in restaurants or cafes on the route will cost around Rs 5000, touts on the street will approach you. People sitting in the street line up early, around midday in front of Queens Hotel and around 4-5pm at other places along the route. Come early to secure a spot. People sit during the whole procession and it standing up is discouraged. Locals usually have a sheet to mark their "spot" and buy food/drinks from the many street vendors.

The perahera starts around 7:30PM (the second cannon shot indicates the start of the procession) and can last well over three hours. A typical procession from one of the last five days consists of dancers, musicians, artists and elephants, separates into five distinct groups (one for each temple). A massive array of police will be present. Special forces will search for explosives before procession.

Buy
There are quite a few road side shoe repairers here. Very skilled, fast and cheap. So if you have any damaged footwear now is a good time to fix them.

Drink

 * There are two popular bars on the main street (Dalada Vidaya), The Pub and The Pub Royale. The former serves quite good (but pricey, perhaps R700/-) meals, has a large screen for sports inside and a 1st floor outside verandah.
 * There are a number of cheap bars (Rs 100 or less for a 650 ml bottle of beer) scattered throughout the sidestreets near the town centre. They can be rather seedy and unaccompanied women could be made to feel very uncomfortable. (Usually Local women do not drink)
 * Victory Hotel, 79 Colombo Road This bar is a great way to see real Sri Lankans and what they do, downstairs is full of locals knocking back Arrack the atmosphere may be less than salubrious, in fact it gives the Sidney Hotel, Galle a run for its money, but the people are friendly. Upstairs is slightly less dingy as it serves food, Arrack starts at Rs 700, beer Rs 195 and a cigarette from a waiter Rs 30.

Sleep
There are many hostels, budget, midrange and splurge hotels in Kandy, where you can stay the night and rest easily.

Budget
There are lots of cheapish guest houses to the south and east of the lake, all an only a short walk from the town centre, and generally clean and friendly.

Hospitals
Major Hospitals and health care centres:

Consulates

 * 🇮🇳 India
 * 🇷🇴 Romania

Go next

 * Dambulla is 60 km north of Kandy and air-con buses to Dambulla costs 150 LKR. With a driver it is possible to do a day trip to Sigiriya (2.5 hour from Kandy)- Dambulla - Matale.
 * Knuckles Mountain Range and its forest trails are the most suitable for trekking in Sri Lanka. It has many nature trails cleared through the forest by forest department with campsites.
 * Matale is 25 km north of Kandy and connected by train
 * Take the scenic train to Ella (or stop at Nuwara Eliya or Haputale along the way)

title: Kandy