Michikusa Travel

UK emergency vehicles: Birthplace of Battenburg markings

We introduce the Battenburg markings that characterize British emergency vehicles, along with police vehicles, ambulances, and fire engines from London and Scotland, illustrated with photographs.

2026.10.31

Emergency vehiclesUnited Kingdom

Italian emergency vehicles: from Alfa Romeo to Moto Guzzi

Discover Italy’s complex police organization and emergency vehicles such as Alfa Romeo and Moto Guzzi, used by the Carabinieri, police, and local police, with photos.

2026.10.31

Emergency vehiclesItaly

Railways in Britain: A New History Woven in the Birthplace of Railways

Discover the railway history and trains of the United Kingdom, the birthplace of railways, including Rocket, Flying Scotsman, HST, Eurostar and Hitachi-built AZUMA.

2026.10.31

RailwaysUnited Kingdom

Japan’s high-speed rail: The blue and green Shinkansen

Trace the development and nationwide expansion of Japan’s high-speed railways through successive Shinkansen train series, including the 0, 200, 500, N700S, and E5 series. The article also explains the evolution of trains inherited from the Japanese National Railways by the various JR companies, the expansion of the Shinkansen network, and the characteristics of different train types and generations.

2026.10.31

Railways

Japan’s Steam Railways: From Locomotive No. 1 to Yoshitsune, Benkei, and Shizuka, and on to domestic production

Trace the history of Japan’s steam railways from imported locomotives through domestic production, their golden age and eventual end, alongside preserved engines such as Locomotive No. 1, Yoshitsune, Benkei, Shizuka, Class 9600, Class 8620, Class D51 and Class C57. We also explain steam locomotive (SL) classifications, wheel arrangements and how to read class names.

2026.10.31

Railways

Kiyomizu-dera: Highlights, visiting hours, admission fees, and access

This guide covers the highlights of the World Heritage site Kiyomizudera, including the main hall and Kiyomizu Stage, Otowa-no-Taki Waterfall, and three-story pagoda, along with visiting hours, admission fees, and access, based on official information and on-site research as of September 2026.

2026.10.31 2026.11.03

Kyoto

Tō-ji: Highlights, hours, tickets, and access

This guide covers the highlights of Tō-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, including its five-story pagoda, the three-dimensional mandala in the Lecture Hall, the Main Hall, and Mieidō Hall, along with visiting hours, tickets, and access, based on official information and on-site research as of September 2026.

2026.10.31 2026.11.03

Kyoto

Nijō Castle: A guide to highlights, opening hours, tickets, and access

We explain the highlights of the World Heritage Site Nijō Castle, including Ninomaru Palace, Kara-mon Gate, East Main Gate, and Honmaru Palace, as well as opening hours, tickets, and access, based on official information and on-site research as of September 2026.

2026.10.31 2026.11.03

Kyoto

Jasper: What to see, prices, time required, and how to get there

We explain highlights such as the Jasper Bear, totem poles, and railway cars at Jasper Station, along with national park fees, time required, and access, based on official information and on-site research as of 2026 10.

2026.10.31

Canadian Rockies

Casa Batlló: Highlights, Visit Duration, Tickets and Access

We explain the highlights of Casa Batlló, including its exterior, blue-tiled atrium, and rooftop, along with opening hours, tickets, and access, based on official information and local research as of 2026 10.

2026.10.31

Barcelona