Crystal Cruises' exclusive land tours on spring 2009 China and Japan itineraries

It seems quite a few cruise updates we have today.

Crystal Cruises are adding exclusive land tours to their spring 2009 China and Japan itineraries.

Crystal Cruises' five-night pre- and post-cruise land program includes a to journey to mystical, magical Tibet and a visit to meet the rare and nearly extinct Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Breeding and Research Centre in Sichuan province.

"Bridging the best of land and sea, the China and Tibet extended land program offers excursions to regions of the world that few travellers will ever have the chance to see," said John Stoll, director, land programs. "A Crystal vacation isn't confined to the port cities and surrounding areas. With great attention to detail and Crystal care, we transport guests thousands of miles inland to expand their experience."

Tsukiji Market restricts tourist access

Anyone visiting Tokyo has to visit Tsukiji Market (築地市場, Tsukiji shijō) – the largest fish and seafood market in the world and its world famous tuna auction.

So far tourists could roam the Tsukiji Market freely. Unfortunately, from 1st April tourists will have restricted access due to numerous complaints from traders. From now on Tsukiji Market visitors will be able only to watch the tuna auctions from a designated area. The entry times are also being restricted from 05.00am to 06.15am.

A prayer for love.

It is not easy to find true love and sometimes divine intervention is needed. So if you are for a single female looking for some heavenly help, Kuzuryu Shrine (Nine-headed dragon shrine) in Japan maybe your answer.

On 13th of each month women from all over Japan cruise across Ashi Lake to reach the shrine and pray for soul mate. Yesterday, more than 500 Japanese women sailed and then trekked through a snow-covered forest to plead for love.

Tourism to Japan stronger then ever

The growing number of travelers to Japan, proves that even with tighter immigration controls, Japan remains as one of the most popular travel destinations.

Japan started the new security measures at airports and other points of entry on November 20th 2007. The new practice of fingerprinting and photographing foreigners is based on the US-Visit system launched in the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Tourism to Japan has also been boosted by the recent weakness of the Yen, particularly in comparison to the soaring South Korean Won and Euro.