Okunoshima, an uninhabited Japanese island with a dark wartime history of chemical weapon production, has become a popular tourist destination known for its large rabbit population, which is now dependent on visitors for food and faces threats from predators and declining natural resources. The island's history and its current ecological challenges highlight a complex legacy of darkness and light.
The article highlights various cultural, historical, and entertainment sites around the world that will be closed or under renovation in 2026, including museums, temples, and theme parks, with alternative suggestions for visitors.
The article explores how Italy's ancient olive harvesting tradition is being revitalized through oleoturismo, offering tourists immersive experiences in olive picking and oil tasting, which could help preserve the cultural heritage and boost local economies.
Crowds gathered in Tokyo to enjoy the delayed full bloom of cherry blossoms, a beloved tradition in Japan, with tourists expressing awe at the scale of the spectacle. Visitors, including those from Canada and the United States, were relieved to catch the blossoms before leaving, as the delayed bloom had caused concern. The cherry blossoms, known as "sakura," are a significant part of Japanese culture, often celebrated with picnics and sake drinking beneath the falling petals.
The Tower of London, a 900-year-old fortress and popular historic attraction, houses The Keys, an exclusive pub accessible only to the Tower's serving Yeomen Warders and their guests. The pub, adorned with regal features, serves as a community hub and raises money for charities. Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, have ancient traditions and modern roles, including welcoming tourists and attending royal ceremonies. The fortress also houses ravens, believed to be guardians, and hosts the traditional Ceremony of the Keys, a nightly ritual.
IndiGo's inaugural flight to Ayodhya, soon after the city's airport was inaugurated by PM Modi, was dubbed "Pushpak vimaan" by passengers, referencing the mythological flying chariot from the Ramayana. Devotees from across India joined the flight, some carrying holy items, and chanted religious hymns, creating an electric atmosphere. Despite some passengers regretting paying higher fares due to early booking, the spiritual significance of the journey to the birthplace of Lord Ram and the first Tirthankar Rishabh Dev Ji overshadowed the cost concerns. Regular flights to Ayodhya by IndiGo and Air India Express are set to commence from January 6, connecting the city with major Indian metros.
The 500-year-old Zeyrek Çinili Hamam in Istanbul, built by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, has reopened after a 13-year closure. The hamam, known for its stunning Iznik tiles, will first serve as an exhibition venue before reopening as a public bath in 2024. The restoration project includes a contemporary art space, a museum showcasing Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine artifacts, and an urban garden. The hamam aims to preserve Istanbul's historic sites and contribute to the cultural tourism of the Zeyrek neighborhood.
A group of German tourists, including possibly a well-known influencer, are accused of destroying a 150-year-old Italian fountain statue valued at €200,000. Surveillance footage showed them toppling the statue while posing for photos. The manager of the villa where the statue was located has filed a complaint against all 17 tourists, who have since left Italy. Italian authorities are investigating the incident, and the councillor for culture of the Lombardy region has stated that the group must pay for the damage.
The historic bell tower in the Tuscan town of Pienza, Italy, has been silenced during the night to comply with noise pollution regulations after complaints from B&B owners and residents. However, some locals are now complaining that they can't sleep without the sound of the chimes, which have been ringing for over 500 years. Pienza, with its ancient buildings and hilltop position, is a popular tourist destination and holds significance in Italian and global urban development.
Tourists and locals can now visit the Sacred Area in Rome where Julius Caesar was assassinated, thanks to a new walkway funded by Bulgari. The area features four ancient temples dating back to the 3rd century B.C. and is located in the middle of a busy crossroads. The walkways are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, and an elevator platform is available for those who can't handle the stairs. General admission tickets are priced at 5 euros.
Largo Argentina, a temple complex in Rome that includes the "Sacred Area" where Julius Caesar was assassinated, has been opened to the public with the help of funding from Bulgari. The complex includes four temples dating back to the 3rd century B.C. and is considered "one of the best-preserved remains of the Roman Republic." The temples were uncovered during the demolition of medieval-era buildings in the late 1920s, part of Mussolini's campaign to remake the urban landscape. The attraction is open every day except for Mondays and some major holidays, with general admission tickets priced at 5 euros ($5.50).
France's Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular tourist destination, is celebrating its 1,000th birthday with exhibits, dance shows, and concerts until November. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the site and drew a comparison between the abbey's resilience and the French spirit. He also visited a new exhibit tracing the abbey's history and restoration. Mont-Saint-Michel island attracted 2.8 million visitors last year, and authorities are taking measures to protect the monument's surrounding environment from the impact of mass tourism.
France's Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site and popular tourist destination, is celebrating its 1,000th birthday with exhibits, dance shows, and concerts until November. French President Emmanuel Macron visited the site and drew a comparison between the abbey's resilience and the French spirit. He also visited a new exhibit tracing the abbey's history and restoration. Mont-Saint-Michel island attracted 2.8 million visitors last year, and authorities are taking measures to protect the monument's surrounding environment from the impact of mass tourism.
The Tower of David Museum in Jerusalem has undergone a $50 million renovation and conservation project, led by Dame Vivien Duffield through the Clore Israel Foundation. The museum now offers a mix of technology and original artifacts, including interactive maps, animated films, and a giant interactive globe. The museum's collections include ancient artifacts found in the citadel that have never been displayed before, and the Illés model of Jerusalem map, made for the 1873 Vienna World Fair. The museum is set to reopen on June 1, 2023, and will feature temporary exhibits in addition to its permanent collections.
