There are many places in the world that resemble fairy-tale landscapes from movies and TV shows, where houses are built without the use of nails. Among such unique spots is the village of Shirakawa-go in Japan, which attracts tourists with its unique beauty and atmosphere.
Shirakawa-go, located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, Japan, has become a dream for many travelers due to its pristine natural beauty. In 2025, Forbes and The Unforgettable Travel Company selected this village as the most beautiful village in Asia.
The local residents are famous for the traditional Gassho-zukuri building style. These houses have steeply pitched roofs that look as if they are folded in prayer. This construction is not only aesthetic but is also designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Of particular value are the wooden structures assembled without a single iron nail, which is a testament to the skill of Japanese carpenters.
In 1995, Shirakawa-go was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The villagers continue to preserve their ancient culture and traditional architecture. The beauty of this place changes depending on the season: in spring, the village is adorned with cherry blossoms; in summer, greenery reigns; in autumn, red and orange leaves amaze; and in winter, the snow cover transforms it into a magical abode. The view of the illuminated houses during winter illuminations is particularly impressive.
Shirakawa-go is not just a tourist spot, but a living community of about 1600 people who maintain their traditions. Visitors can stay in traditional houses and try local cuisine, such as soba noodles. To travel from India to Japan, one must first reach major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya, from where it is easy to get to the village by train or bus. The highest number of tourists visit here in winter (from December to February), so it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.
Miniature car fans have a reason to visit shopping malls in the coming weeks due to the Hot Wheels Promo Tour, a circuit organized by Mattel. This event will travel through ten Brazilian states between July 25 and August 16, 2026.
During the tour, a unique collector's car will be distributed to consumers who make purchases of R$ 249.00 or more in selected line products. This edition is limited and will only be available at the tour stops.
The exclusive vehicle of this edition is a miniature replica of the Ford Mustang Boss 302, recognized as one of the most revered muscle cars in history. This model emerged in the late 1960s when Ford sought a Mustang capable of competing with the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 in the Trans-Am category. The special project was developed by designer Larry Shinoda, who had recently come from GM.
The name of the sports car supposedly came from a joke, as Shinoda nicknamed the secret car 'the boss's car' (in English, 'the Boss' car'). Under the hood, the Mustang was equipped with a 4.9 V8 engine, which became legendary among enthusiasts of the Ford model.
The promotion also serves to warm up for the grand final of Hot Wheels Legends, the brand's main automotive customization contest. The central idea of the contest is to transform a real automobile, modified by an enthusiast in their garage, into an official Hot Wheels miniature in 1:64 scale, intended for global sale to collectors.
This is the sixth Brazilian edition of this contest, and the national final phase will take place on August 16 in the city of São Paulo. The judges responsible for the evaluation will analyze criteria such as authenticity, creativity, and the so-called 'garage spirit' to determine the winner. To receive the gift, it is necessary to purchase a minimum of R$ 249 in items from the Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Cars (Pixar), or Thomas & Friends brands in participating stores. The exchange will only be made on weekends scheduled in the timetable, between 8 am and 2 pm, and while stock is available.
Although winter is in full swing, there are many reasons for active recreation and exploration in South Africa. Below are the main events scheduled for the period from July 24 to July 26.
Comedy lovers can attend the South African Comedy Festival at GrandWest, featuring both renowned national comedians and new talents. This festival has become a winter favorite in Cape Town's event schedule and is suitable for both dates and meeting friends.
If you prefer a louder sound, WinterFest will take place on Saturday at The Alley in Paarden Island. The annual event is dedicated to the South African rock and metal community and includes live performances by bands, DJs, food vendors, and a merchandise fair.
Another option for Saturday is Social Link-Up on Rooftop on Bree. This event combines live music from DJs, food, and city views, offering a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy Cape Town's vibrant social life.
Even if Christmas is still far away, winter is an ideal time to start celebrating holidays early. The One&Only Cape Town hotel hosts a 'July Christmas Afternoon Tea,' transforming the luxurious hotel into a cozy seasonal retreat. Guests are offered exquisite sweet and savory snacks, warm drinks, and elegant ambiance with views of the V&A Waterfront.
The Shongweni farmers and craft market in KwaZulu-Natal attracts visitors every Saturday morning with fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items, and live music. It is a wonderful stop before traveling to the Twelve Apostles or towards the Durban coast.
Cape Town also has weekend markets operating, offering a wide range of goods—from gourmet street food to locally roasted coffee and handmade crafts.
For those who prefer spending the weekend in nature, Clarence remains one of the most popular winter destinations in South Africa. The winter months are particularly conducive to relaxation due to the atmosphere created by fireplaces, mountain landscapes, and boutique galleries. Local cafes, breweries, and restaurants offer hearty winter menus, while nearby hiking trails provide visitors with fresh air and breathtaking views of the Maluti Mountains.
Further north, in Limpopo, Magoeabaskloof offers another excellent winter getaway. Misty local forests, waterfalls, and hiking routes make this place a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, and local farm stalls and cafes provide pleasant stops after morning walks.
July is considered one of the best months for wildlife viewing. Dry conditions in many reserves facilitate animal sightings as they gather around permanent water sources, and vegetation becomes less dense. Visitors heading to Kruger National Park or private reserves in Lowveld can expect excellent wildlife viewing conditions; many lodges also offer special winter accommodation deals. Regardless of whether you choose an organized safari or a self-drive trip, it is a wonderful time to experience the iconic wildlife of South Africa.
If you are in Johannesburg or Pretoria, there are many options for indoor activities. Theatres throughout Gauteng continue to present live productions, comedy shows, and music concerts throughout the weekend. Venues such as Joburg Theatre, Market Theatre, and entertainment centers like Montecasino cater to almost everyone's tastes, making them a good choice in bad weather. Sun City also maintains its program of live entertainment, family activities, and gastronomic experiences, providing easy relaxation for guests from Gauteng and the North West province.
As school holidays approach their end, attractions in the Eastern Cape continue to offer family-friendly activities. Museums, local markets, and indoor attractions provide plenty of entertainment before the new academic year begins. It is also a great opportunity to explore nearby beaches, nature reserves, and coastal towns while visitor numbers are lower than during the peak summer season.
The clear winter sky of the Northern Cape creates ideal conditions for astronomical observation. Several reserves and lodges offer guided astronomy tours, and night drives offer a chance to encounter nocturnal wildlife under some of the darkest skies in the country.
To prepare a traditional Cornish chicken curry, you will need 1 kg of peeled and cut chicken meat from Cornwall. The base of the dish consists of various spices and vegetables.
The necessary ingredients include a quarter cup of vegetable oil, one large onion, thinly sliced, a cinnamon stick, two bay leaves, one star anise, two curry leaves, one tablespoon of ginger and garlic paste, four tablespoons of masala, one teaspoon of ground cumin, one teaspoon of ground coriander, one teaspoon of turmeric, half a teaspoon of fennel powder, one teaspoon of garam masala, and two Roma tomatoes, peeled and pureed. You will also need one and a half cups of hot water, four small potatoes, peeled and cut into four pieces, as well as salt.
Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then add the cinnamon stick, star anise, and bay leaves, and fry for a few seconds until fragrant. After that, add the onion and curry leaves, frying the onion until golden brown.
Next, add the ginger and garlic paste, which is fried for thirty seconds until the raw smell disappears. Then add the chicken, all the ground spices, and masala. Mix the mixture thoroughly and simmer on low heat for five minutes; if necessary, you can add a little water to prevent burning.
After this, add the tomatoes, and the dish simmers over medium or low heat for ten minutes. Then add a cup of water, cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for about an hour. Finally, add the potatoes, season with salt, and mix well. Add another half cup of water, and let the dish simmer for another hour or until the potatoes are soft and tender. Garnish the finished curry with cilantro and serve with rice, carrot salad, or roti. It should be noted that everyone prefers their own type of masala, so any desired option can be used. In this recipe, 2 tablespoons of Rombo Rossi and 2 tablespoons of Kasmiri Masala were used.
