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Guide on Israel has become one of Japan’s most popular travel books.
Are Japanese tourists making Israel their destination of choice? If Japan sales of a “tourist bible” on Israel are anything to go by, then the answer is yes.

In recent years, Israel has seen a marked increase in tourism from East Asia, including Japan, China and Korea. In 2008, some 135,000 visitors from East Asia arrived in Israel, an increase of 20 percent from the year before.

Recognizing this trend, the publishers of Japan’s largest travel guide added Israel to the popular Globetrotter series. The new guide book quickly climbed to second place on the company’s best-seller list of guide books by country.

Most Japanese tourists traveling independently view the Globetrotter series as the “tourist Bible” - using it for hotel and restaurant recommendations, and even for shopping in recommended stores.

As a result of the book’s success, a translation will be published in Korean by the end of the year.

 The following article is the fourth in a series about the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. 

The Armenian Quarter,  situated in the southwestern area of the Old City, is owned mostly by the Armenian Patriarch. The Patriarch has its own compound, which is closed off to the general public. It does, however, host a seminary, monastery, the Cathedral of Saint James, Saint Toros Church, and the Church of Archangels. There are limited hours to visit the Cathedral of St. James, between 15:00-15:30 for the vespers prayer service.

The Armenian Museum is typically available to visit Monday through Saturday from 10:00-17:00, but is currently undergoing renovation and is consequently closed for the time being. You will, however, find maps of the Armenian Genocide plastered all over the walls of the quarter.

Within the cartographic boundaries of the Armenian Quarter resides the David Citadel Tower. Inside this complex, located on the southern side of Jaffa Gate, is the History of Jerusalem Museum. Walk through history itself as you tour the Citadel’s cellars, rooms, and lush outdoor terraces. Inside many rooms you’ll find exhibits depicting an era through maps, text, and ancient artifacts. There is even a theater where you can view an short animated movie depicting the story of Jerusalem. For more information, visit the Tower of David website at http://www.towerofdavid.org.il/eng/.

If you feel the need to fill your stomach, there are a few restaurants for you to choose from. Check out the Armenian Tavern (menu pictured above) located on the Armenian Patriarch Road for some classic Armenian fare. Try the kubbeh (meat stuffed balls of wheat) or the Armenian pizza for starters. Be aware that they only accept cash here, so come prepared.

There are a couple of hostels that are recommended in this quarter. The Jaffa Gate Hostel, located just inside Jaffa Gate (accessible through a walkway situated across from the David Citadel Tower entrance), is currently undergoing a revamping and is improving its look and comfort factors. Their staff is very friendly and helpful, and the private room rate comes out to around 150 shekels per night, some including a private bathroom and television. Another reasonable deal can be found at the Citadel Hostel, located on St. Marks Road (from Jaffa Gate, enter the shuk and take the first set of stairs to the right, then make a left). Phone numbers: Jaffa Gate Hostel 02-6276402 (from Israel), 011-972-2-6276402 (from USA); Citadel Hostel 02-6285253 (from Israel), 011-972-2-6285253 (from USA).

Images courtesy of bdnegin and the author.

Check out the other quarters of the Old City:

• Christian Quarter
• Jewish Quarter
• Muslim Quarter

The following article is the third in a series about the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. 

The second to the largest area of the Old City, the Christian Quarter, is filled with great sites. It covers the northwest section of the Old City, including the New Gate to Jaffa Gate. As the name suggests, this quarter features mostly Christian holy places, but is still beautiful to visit for anyone traveling through the area.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre (also Church of the Resurrection) is located in the center of the quarter and is open daily to all visitors, typically during daylight hours. According to Christian theologians, this is the site where Jesus was both crucified, buried, and resurrected. Inside the church is a virtual treasure trove of beautiful ancient Christian artifacts, a hall for prayer, and the tomb of Jesus. While technically the Jerusalem headquarters for the Greek Orthodox, the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic sects also share a portion in control of the church.

Via Dolorosa, or Walk of Pain/Suffering, is one of the most spiritually moving walks of the Old City. There are frequently groups of pilgrims who will organize the walk with a leader/priest from their church. Along the way are nine Stations of the Cross, each of which is a holy site in its own right. The walk begins in the Muslim Quarter at the Lion’s Gate, and continues until the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Controlled by the Lutherans, the Church of the Redeemer (a two minute walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre) stands tall amongst surrounding buildings. For those that are willing to pay a few shekels (approximately 20 shekels), you can hike up the staircase to the top of the bell tower. The walk up is tiring, and even a bit scary, but is worth the beautiful 360 degree views you will catch at the top. If you’re not up for the hike, the exterior of the church offers very interesting architecture, especially on the medieval-styled northern gate.

As part of the grand tradition of the Middle East, the Christian Quarter also features a shuk to meddle in. The main part of the shuk is on the Christian Quarter Road, but does trickle slightly to side roads. You will find many Christian-focused gifts, such as crosses, rosaries, nativity scenes, et cetera. The same rules go for this shuk as the one in the Muslim Quarter, you will need to be savvy and bargain hard to get yourself a good price; don’t settle.

If you get hungry, the best place to go is near the New Gate for falafel or shawerma in pita (the restaurant is on the corner as soon as you enter). There are also a few scattered pizza places and hookah cafes throughout the quarter (be aware that hookah cafes may be men-only).

For lodging, check out the Casa Nova Pilgrim Hospice or the Petra Hostel.

All images provided by the Author and can be viewed on her Flickr account.

Check out the other quarters of the Old City:

• Armenian Quarter
• Jewish Quarter
• Muslim Quarter

Igal Hami, President, CEO of Gil Travel has been featured in Travel Weekly regarding Christian tourism to Israel.  Congratulations to Mr. Hami and the rest of the Gil Travel crew!  Hami explains how the Christian market is increasing its demand for travel packages to Israel, and that Gil Travel is already showing some great success in that area!  See Travel Weekly for the full story.