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I saw the deck the day it came out and felt like putting some thoughts together, albeit projecting potential they didn’t articulate.Originally posted on my blog, with the pitch deck.Fyre pitch deck and investment analysis - Alexander JarvisThe social media world is a buzz with the failure of the fyre festival. The same media that served to build tremendous awareness in the millennial segment, equally tore the event and the organizers down with fervor.Out of the event, various staff have surfaced and spoken ill of it. More interesting to startup nerds is the fyre pitch deck was outed. The media commentary have generally swam with the prevailing sentiment of the crowd and belittled the deck. However, I believe there is more than meets the eye here. I’m not saying it’s the next great thing, but there’s something here, and if all had gone well we wouldn’t all be laughing.My views here are inferences as the deck in a traditional VC sense is off the mark. It’s far more like an agency pitch for sponsorship. Indeed, one of the slides looks like it was copied from a pitch to the Bahamas tourism agency. The details are missing but the high level vision is compelling in a manner. This ties well with the fyre festival – great marketing but no operational execution.Fyre business modelFyre first and foremost is attempting to build a media empire of sorts. It is not simply a festival. The deck describes it as two parts:Fyre bookings: This is a talent booking platformFyre festival: The hunger games (Festivals on islands with government subsidies in exchange for long term tourism)Fyre bookingsFundamentally this is a basic talent matching marketplace. There are a number of people in the space such as Thuzio (Have raised $22.6m) and CTI; Thuzio having a different focus. Marketplaces work when they work.I’m slightly dubious about the market sizing, but who knows if it shapes up to be larger over the coming years as the media industry evolves and becomes more au fait with reality. Given their industry relationships it’s fair to say fyre has a shot building a dominant position here (if they execute).Fyre festivalFestivals are really hard. One of my friends runs CSS and JS conference in Asia. He was quick to post on my FB that he can understand how things went wrong and fast. His events are far smaller but they are no less onerous and require meticulous planning and observance of finances to ensure they break even.Sky Stack on Quora writes a fantastic summary here worth noting:Music festivals are generally not profitable until the third or fourth year. If you are thinking about starting a music festival, budget at least three years in advance. Do not put on the first year if you don’t have the capital for three years. Prepare to lose money the first year, break even the second (or get close), and make money the third year.This is because festivals are only as profitable as their reputation. Each year a festival delivers good experiences to attendees, staff, and artists, it sets up the next year for success. It takes multiple successful years to build the reputation that attracts sponsors and makes attendees choose your festival over another. Likewise, a year with poor experience can ruin a festival’s reputation and run the financials into the ground.I love this quote “festivals are only as profitable as their reputation.” Fyre gets an A+ for their marketing. I believe they sold out tickets for their targets 40k attendees. Furthermore, according to their deck they were already able to attract sponsors. No doubt if they had succeeded, with the social media buzz they would be swimming in sponsors in future years.There are a few fascinating things about their business model:Marketing: You need to seed this business with marketing, which they did. They got this perfect and whilst they no doubt pulled in favors, I’m sure it cost them some cash. However, you don’t need to spend the next amount in future years as everyone is going to be talking about it on social media to show they are cool etc. This ensures attendance and with attendance you get sponsorsCost structure: Now I don’t know enough about festivals to speak with certainty on the unit economics, but the starting price is $1000. People with $1k to blow have more to spend when they are there. They need to fake appearances for the Gram, right? Their chosen locations are islands with no infrastructure, which means CAPEX and they need to import everything. The cost base will be high, but so should their margins and basket size. There has to be decent money to be made hereNow let’s dig into the market sizing here. By way of reference, their benchmark is Coachella. This is the most profitable festival in the U.S. in 2015 it sold 158,000 tickets which is $47.3 million in revenue, according to Billboard Boxscore (That’s up from $17 million in 2007). This equates to $300 per person, which doesn’t make sense since the general admission pass in 2015 was $435… Messes up the comps, but let’s go with it. 40k tickets at the starter price of $1k is already $40m (excluding booking fees etc). If people spend on average $1k (stuck on an island pretending to be rich with people who actually are), then that’s another $40m. In total that’s $80m gross revenue- that’s 1.7x Coachella revenue with a quarter of the people. This excludes sponsorship…It’s hard to speculate on the margins, but it is fair to say there is gold in them hills. Also, I believe fyre could run multiple events per year, rather than one monster one a year like Coachella.There is a reasonable investment thesisI believe the central thesis is:The millennial segment is coveted by brands. This is supported by the rise of Snapchat and the GramMillennials increasingly want to consume experiences and share themConcurrently, the media industry is looking for alternative business models. Monetization such as through live events is appearing as a viable one…. howeverThere is capacity utilization issue in media, such as for bands and celebrities (whom I am generally unsure what they do other than ‘stage’ photos) and a willingness to increase their yield through discoveryA platform which brought media, millennial consumers and brands together would be able to generate high CPA and CPMs whilst benefitting on the CAC side through a decent k-factor (given the predilection of their audience to share…. Everything)This platform would become increasingly valuable through the extension to ancillary b2b2c spaces and create a supporting brand moat though various offline consumer eventsFyre is grounded in insightsInterpreting the pitch deck there seems to be a real insight and understanding of the ‘problems’ faced by the media industry, underdeveloped economies and the attitudes of their target demographic; the millennial. Let’s run a through a few observations.Media industry in troubleIt’s no shock that the general media industry is not living in the halcyon days and is looking for new methods of monetization, though arguably at a glacial pace. One of the founders himself is a rapper, and no doubt is leveraged to the industry.One can imagine the inception of fyre, with the founders hanging out, lamenting the industry and attempting to put the world to rights. “Wouldn’t it be great if I could get booked more!” says Ja, “I know my friends would like more gigs given no one buys CDs any more…” Hey “Kids love hanging out with rappers, models and stuff. We would be legends if we got the kids in the same area as celebs, and got them to do marketing for us by taking lots of photos and sharing them…” says Billy. You can fill in the blanks on how the conversation unfolds to the idea of fyre.What gives fyre credibility is that one of the founders is a former celebrity. He has insight into the ‘mystifying, inefficient and inconsistent process’ of booking celebs and knows ‘live bookings is the fastest growing segment of the entertainment industry’.Demographic is in pursuit of experienceIt is understood that many millennials value experiences over ‘things’. They are willing to spend to obtain these experiences. As seen on page 17, they explicitly align themselves with this trend. They have an ‘understanding of the millennial demographic” and they want experiences. A party on the private Exuma island is one such (failed) example.Tourism subsidies from those in need and aligned brandFyre got $8.4m of land on Exuma ‘in exchange for hosting the festival and advertising the land’. I presume this means they get it rent free rather than owning (I wouldn’t be surprised if you could negotiate that), but the slide is entitled ‘land ownership’ (The deck is poorly written). This was with a view to “bring awareness, visitors and livelihood to the land.’ The economic impact of Coachella in 2016 was around $900m. The pitch to developing economics such as the Bahamas who live off high-end tourism is quite compelling. Once or twice a year, 40k aspiring affluent people with camera phones and trigger fingers will descend to their lands and try their best to say all the best things in the world that they can about the place.It’s not hard to see how they could replicate this across the world with a strong case study. Why could they not invest in infrastructure and develop a resort to operate year-long when events are not on? It totally plausible and they get a lot of free marketing to boot.The deck is pretty but generally terribleThe deck, from a VC perspective is fairly terrible. The time was spent making it pretty and filing it with celebs. There is no content and limited intellectual rigor. It would have been far better in my view to make the deck more boring and then let their amazing marketing abilities speak for itself, like a quiet confidence underpinning the glitz. The deck instead is a clown wearing a tie, rather than a Saville suit with an extravagant pocket scarf.PositiveGreat consistent, formattingAttempt to really convey a vision with passionThey understand the problems and have insight into the demographicsSome of the founders/team have credibilityThey are AAA in marketingCredible network and relationships in the industry they are focused on. This could have been framed as an ‘unfair advantage’Their revenue model includes a kickback to celebs in the form of ‘benefits.’ I presume this means entertainment. This likely shows wisdom in knowing how the business works. This is one of the few smart things I like in the deckPending partnerships illustrates some traction and business development capabilityNegativeFont size often too smallThe vision and passion is not communicated in neither a logical nor comprehensible manner. See slide 15… huh? Five elements of the earth. Sounds like the kind of thing you would say in Bali to pick up a yoga instructor with daddy issuesThe solutions and problems are not brought together to explain why this is a compelling opportunity to investors. The ROI seems to be implied in getting to be cool by associationNo competitive analysis and benchmarkingNo market analysis and sizingThe quotes are OTT. This is a pitch deck for cash, not sponsors. The audience loves to party, but they want to make money and don’t give a toss about the fluffy stuff like marketing people do (Read this, seriously!!). They haven’t thought about the audienceConclusionThings really have gone Pete Tong for the chaps due to an inability to execute and general naiveté. I’m not sure the way forward for them now other than a few years of rehabilitating their brand and earning trust. It will be hard, but it’s possible. Investment is unlikely, they will have to bootstrap.It’s not popular to give these guys credit, but I think there is some genius in what they are doing. Sure, it’s not a typical ‘startup’ but there could be real money here if they build the right team.I personally wouldn’t invest, but it would be a lot of fun to whiteboard the opportunity here as a business model and the strategy.

It depends on what you’d like to use the language for, honestly.For example,Literature - Both languages have some fantastic literature, however, if you want to enter a larger market for novels, I’d suggest German - on the basis that Germany is well-known for it’s collection of fantastic works (and findings) regarding literature, philosophy, engineering and science. Furthermore, Germany has the largest novel-producing market, as it produces 18% of the worlds novels - most of which have not been translated to any other languages. Nonetheless, Japan is well-known for it’s works of literature in poetry and romance.Travelling - Both languages are good languages too learn when you want to Travel. However, if you are planning to travel throughout Europe (or the western world in a whole), it’s a ‘better’ option to learn German, on the basis of it being a ‘major’ language, within the Western World; alongside Spanish and English, obviously. Nonetheless, Japanese is a language spoken in a variation of Asian countries - however, it is mainly spoken in Japan. However, Japanese is also spoken by Japanese communities throughout the world, e.g. England, America, etc.Business - Both languages are ‘huge’ within the business market. Genuinely, if you are learning a language for this reason, I’d suggest learning both. Here’s a ‘market overview’ for Germany, written by http://Export.gov ‘The German economy is the world's fourth largest and accounts for more than one-fifth of the European Union’s GDP. Germany is the United States' largest European trading partner and the sixth largest market for U.S. exports. Germany’s "social market" economy largely follows free-market principles, but with a considerable degree of government regulation and wide-ranging social welfare programs.Germany is the largest consumer market in the European Union with a population of 80.6 million. Moreover, the significance of the German marketplace goes well beyond its borders. An enormous volume of trade is conducted in Germany at some of the world’s largest trade events, such as MEDICA, Hannover Fair, CeBIT, Automechanika, and the ITB Tourism Show. The volume of trade, number of consumers, and Germany’s geographic location at the center of a 28-member European Union make it a cornerstone around which many U.S. firms seek to build their European and worldwide expansion strategies.The government predicts 1.7 percent growth for 2016, above the 1.3 percent average of the last ten years, which would mean that the German economy continues to grow at or above what many analysts consider its long-term potential, although weakening growth in emerging economies began to weigh on German exports in 2015. Demand started shifting from external sources to private households, which are projected to remain the main driving force for growth in the near-term. Despite budget surpluses and strong corporate profitability, government and businesses have taken little advantage of low interest rates to boost investment.The labor market remained resilient during the economic and financial crisis and was stronger in 2015 than ever before. Employment in Germany rose for the tenth consecutive year and reached an all-time high of 43 million in 2015, an increase of 330,000 (or 0.8 percent) over 2014. As of April 2016, approximately 43,433 people are registered as employed, 733 more persons than the 42,700 registered during April of 2015.Unemployment fell by more than 40 percent since its peak in 2005, and reached the lowest level since German reunification in 1990. In 2015, less than 2.8 million people were registered unemployed, and the jobless rate stood at 6.4 percent, according to the official national data – or 4.6 percent, according to the internationally comparable statistics of the International Labor Organization (ILO). Within the European Union, Germany has the lowest youth unemployment rate (7.0 percent in April 2016; European Union average: 19 percent)’.Secondly, this is a ‘market overview’ by Welcome to GOV.UK “Japan is the world’s third largest economy in the world - bigger than the UK and Germany combined. In 2014 it made up 6% of world Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Japan remains the high-tech powerhouse economy of Asia.Japan ranks second in the 2013 Global Wealth Report. Japan has:62 Fortune 500 companiesthe highest number of millionaires in AsiaTokyo, the city with the most millionaires worldwide in 2012The amount of personal wealth is high, and personal financial assets are one of the largest asset bases in the world. In 2014 £9.4 trillion in financial assets was held by households.Japan has the fourth highest spend worldwide on research and development (R&D) at 3.475% of GDP. 20% of the top global R&D spenders are based in Japan. Japan is 29th in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings. You can set up a company in 14 days.Around 450 British companies currently operate in Japan from major FTSE 100 companies to small businesses. Visible high street names include Lush, Ted Baker, Burberry and Fortnum & Mason as well as as specialist companies like BrewDog. Larger multinationals such as Barclays HSBC, GlaxoSmithKline and Rolls-Royce also have a strong presence in Japan. Incentives for UK businesses exporting to Japan include:stable place to do businessstrategic stepping stone for other Asian marketsstrong political, trade and social ties between the 2 countrieshighly educated consumers who are early adopters of new products and serviceslarge and rich consumer market based in urban areasTokyo conurbation is the world’s largest at around 35 millionStrengths of the Japanese market include:a huge, open economya cutting edge business culturean increasingly globalised outlookstrong intellectual property (IP) protectionhunger for new trends and technologieshigh levels of disposable income, particularly older people and young singles living with their parents’.Culture - Personally, if you are learning a new language on the basis of the ‘most interesting’ culture, I’d suggest Japanese.The culture in Japan is continual, compared to that of Germany. (Here’s a sample of cultural continuation from Japan Travel Guide - Go Japan Go) ‘Japanese culture including traditional culture like Geisha, Samurai, Japanese tea ceremony, Japanese gardens, kimonos and Japanese Language. Plus modern culture such as modern Japanese fashion.Traditional Japanese culture has many roots in traditional Chinese culture, however Japanese culture, even historically differed from Chinese culture. This differentiation of the cultures is due in part to the separation of the two land masses, plus Japan’s periods of enforced isolation from the outside world, further extended the differences between the two cultures. Many times throughout history the first time a particular aspect of culture was imported from China it was of course very Chinese. However within a relatively short period the designs changed to take on a distinctly Japanese style. This can be seen in the designs of Japanese gardens and temples.The Great Hall (Kondo) Horyuji Temple in Nara, is one of the first Buddhist temples built in Japan and follows the style from Sui Dynasty of China (6th century) with its double roof structure.It is with some irony then that in modern times that the younger Chinese generations have looked to modern Japanese culture as a source of inspiration, particularly in field of Japanese fashion culture, where the Chinese are inspired by Japanese fashion magazines.Three Japanese CultureSome care needs to be taken when referring to Japanese culture as it is nowhere near as homogeneous as it might appear to westerners. First there are at least three distinct population groups within Japan: Ainu, Ryukyuan and the main Japanese (Yamato) population.The Ainu (アィヌ Aynu) are the indigenous people who occupied Northern Honshu, Hokkaido and some of the islands to the north of Hokkaido. They are genetically different, that is a different race, to the other populations in Japan. The Ainu religion is very different to the main Japanese religions of Buddhism and Shinto. The Ainu worshiped as gods objects in nature including fire, water, wind and thunder. In addition they had animal gods such as bears, foxes, owls and plant gods. The clothing traditionally worn by the Ainu was different to the clothing worn by Japanese at the time when the two people started to come into contact, early 1700s. The same is also the case for their housing, which was constructed of bark and grasses including bamboo. The houses were normally about seven by five metres.The Ryukyuan people are the indigenous people who occupied the Ryukyu islands, which are essentially the Okinawan islands plus some to the north. While many Ryukyuan still live on these islands, some have spread to other parts of the world. The Ryukyuan people have several sub-groups including: Amamians, Okinawans, Miyakoans, Yaeyamans, and Yonagunians each with their own dialect. How genetically different the Ryukyuan people were from the main Japanese (Yamato) population is difficult to say as there were trade links between Japan, China and Korea along with the corresponding migration. The Ryukyuan people have their own distinct religion, clothing and architecture. However the clothing and architecture was not as distinct from the main Japanese as the Ainu was. The Ryukyuan Kingdom came under the control of the Satsuma Domain of Kyushu when the Satsuma invaded in the early 17th century.’Moreover, here is another sample from Japan tours, tailormade holidays & vacations‘Japan has a fascinating and multifaceted culture; on the one hand it is steeped in the deepest of traditions dating back thousands of years; on the other it is a society in a continual state of rapid flux, with continually shifting fads and fashions and technological development that constantly pushes back the boundaries of the possible. This is part of what makes it such a fascinating country to visit. If you are looking for something different you are sure to find it here!One people, one race?Japanese people appear at first glance to be one of the most socially and ethnically homogenous groups in the world.It is reasonable to equate Japan's rapid post-war economic development to the 1990s with social solidarity and conformism. Despite labour shortages since the 1960s, authorities resisted officially sanctioning foreign workers until the 1980s, relying on increased mechanisation and an expanded female workforce instead (1).Until recently, Japanese workers have associated themselves primarily with the company they work for - a businessman will introduce himself as "Nissan no Takahashi-san" (I am Nissan's Mr Takahashi). By extension, we might get the idea that a Japanese person subordinates the self to the objectives of society.In 2008, however, long-serving Japanese politician Nariaki Nakayama resigned after declaring that Japan is "ethnically homogenous", showing that the old "one people, one race" idea has become politically incorrect.Criticism of Mr Nakayama's statement focused on its disregard for the indigenous Ryukyukan people of southern Okinawa, and the Ainu people from the northern island of Hokkaido - colonised by the Japanese in the late nineteenth century.In 1994 the first Ainu politician was elected to the Japanese Diet, suggesting that the Japanese are keen to officially recognise distinct ethnic groups in Japan.Shinto, Buddhism and the Japanese belief systemReligion in Japan is a wonderful mish-mash of ideas from Shintoism and Buddhism. Unlike in the West, religion in Japan is rarely preached, nor is it a doctrine. Instead it is a moral code, a way of living, almost indistinguishable from Japanese social and cultural values.Japanese religion is also a private, family affair. It is separate from the state; there are no religious prayers or symbols in a school graduation ceremony, for example. Religion is rarely discussed in every day life and the majority of Japanese do not worship regularly or claim to be religious.However, most people turn to religious rituals in birth, marriage and death and take part in spiritual matsuri (or festivals) throughout the year.Manners, customs and the Japanese wayManners and customs are an important part of many facets of Japanese life. Japanese people grow up picking up the subtleties of this unique culture as they go through life, respecting the invisible and varied societal rules. There are many aspects of this seemingly complicated culture that as a foreign visitor you will not be expected to know, but there are some things that will be easier to grasp than others.Japanese food: a whole lot more than just sushi!When it comes to food, the Japanese are among the most enthusiastic and passionate of any race. Ask any Japanese person about a recent trip within Japan and the conversation almost always includes talk of the local food. In fact, for many Japanese travelling outside of their hometowns, food is often one of the primary motivators for travelling.For this reason many towns and cities in Japan are known first and foremost for their local speciality, whether it be a type of sweet, fish, noodle, seaweed or tofu etc. Such is the Japanese passion for food that you can turn on your TV at almost any time of the day or night and almost undoubtedly catch a show about food.Careful preparation and meticulous presentation are crucial elements of Japanese cuisine. Food is an art form and even the simplest dishes are often prepared by chefs who have trained for many years.A night at the theatreYou're in Tokyo with InsideJapan Tours - why not take in the theatre? If you are shopping or just window-shopping in Ginza in the heart of Tokyo, you are only a few minutes' walk from the Shimbashi Embujo.Here you can arrive around 4pm, drink in the atmosphere of excited crowds of theatre-goers milling around the many stalls selling theatrical souvenirs, then sit in a comfortable seat watching the amazing performance on stage and listening to an English translation through an earphone. The long interval gives you time for a full meal at one of the theatre restaurants.Most months of the year the theatre you will watch will be Kabuki, one of Japan's three main traditional theatre genres. Kabuki began in the seventeenth century and quickly developed a highly stylised type of acting that has been popular ever since.All parts in Kabuki are played by men and some of its greatest actors specialise in playing female characters. Kabuki stars are part of Japan's celebrity culture and you will often see their faces on advertising billboards or in TV commercials.Apart from Kabuki, the puppet theatre (Bunraku), with each puppet being manipulated by three puppeteers, also dates from the seventeenth century, and Noh, a more stately form of danced theatre in which many main actors wear wooden masks, can trace its history back to the fourteenth century.Bunraku is most regularly played in Osaka at the National Bunraku Theatre and earphone guides are also available there. Noh can be watched at the National Noh Theatre in Tokyo, and each seat has a personal subtitling system.Japan has preserved its traditional theatre forms, but it has a vibrant modern theatre as well. The country was virtually cut off from the rest of the world for two centuries from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, but when it discovered what European theatre was like, it eagerly embraced the major European playwrights: Shakespeare, Ibsen etc.So in the late nineteenth century two great theatre cultures collided in Japan. Some thought Kabuki should be protected at all costs, others that it could modernise by adopting Western conventions, for example that female parts should be played by actresses.In the 1920s the idea grew strongly that traditional theatre should be rejected and an entirely new Japanese theatre, based on the European model, should be developed. All traditional Japanese theatre had been non-realistic - presentational rather than representational - so establishing realism in playwriting, acting and directing became a priority.Then in the 1960s realism itself was rejected and "underground" theatre - we might use the word "fringe" or "off-Broadway" - burst onto the scene. Radical politically and open to anything in its performance techniques, this heady mix of kaleidoscopic styles and raw emotions re-energised theatre in Japan. It developed into the "little theatre" (shogekijo) movement, experimental theatre performed in small acting spaces.In the early twenty-first century much contemporary theatre has been going through a calmer and more contemplative phase.Over the past century while these new developments have been taking place almost nothing from the past has been lost. Japan's theatre is so extraordinarily rich that in a short stay there you could see everything mentioned here and a lot more. There are not many places in the world where you can see fourteenth-century theatre one day, realistic theatre the next, eighteenth-century puppets the next and an ultra-avant garde show the day after.So how do you go about planning your theatre-going in Japan and getting tickets? The easiest way is to leave this to InsideJapan Tours. However, you can do some preparation before you go by reading A Guide to the Japanese Stage, From Traditional to Cutting Edge by Ronald Cavaye, Paul Griffith and Akihiko Senda (Kodansha International 2004; Amazon refer to it wrongly as World of the Japanese Stage). There are good articles on traditional theatre in Wikipedia: Kabuki, Bunraku and Noh. There are many video clips of all three on YouTube.The World of the geishaThe distinctive white face, red lips and elaborately decorated hairstyle of the Geisha is an enduring image portrayed throughout the globe as the entrance to a world to which most of us mere mortals are not invited. From somewhat seedy beginnings, the current world of the geisha remains a mystery to most foreigners and Japanese alike.Memoirs of a geishaLike most nations, Japan has always had some manner of pleasure quarter offering various forms of entertainment, including (of course) the erotic. As Japan cut off all contact with the outside world during the Edo era, the rich merchants of the cities continued to develop the arts of the country in the major urban areas.With the many courtesans of the time providing one area of fulfilment, the merchants looked for other types of entertainment, including music, dance and poetry. From these early stages, the world of the geisha developed, providing a service to entertain and charm, working alongside the very desirable, and for most people unobtainable, courtesan.Girl powerAs this form of entertainment progressed, the first geisha on the scene were actually men, appearing around the early eighteenth century. Women soon caught on, and the geisha as we know her today emerged with strict rules to not upstage the courtesans, or steal their clients. As courtesan entertainment waned after the mid-eighteenth century, geisha took their place, peaking around the 1900s in Tokyo.Samurai and "the way of the warrior"For those interested in Japanese history, samurai culture and the role this military class played in shaping Japan is a fascinating one.Although samurai no longer exist, the influence of these great warriors still manifests itself deeply in Japanese culture and samurai heritage can be seen all over Japan - be it a great castle, a carefully planned garden, or beautifully preserved samurai residences. It is also deeply ingrained in the psyche of the Japanese people.The basis of samurai conduct is bushido, "the way of the warrior". This unique philosophy valued honour, reckless bravery and selflessness, as well as duty to the warrior's master with the purpose of giving up one's life and embracing death. There was no place for fear in the way of the warrior and this conduct of self discipline and respectful, ethical behaviour was to become the role model behaviour for other classes throughout Japan's history.Highly literate men of war and leadershipNot only were the samurai skilful warriors, but they were also expected to be highly cultured and literate; to be skilled in the harmony of fighting and learning. An ancient saying aspired to by warriors was bun bu ryo do: "the pen and sword in accord", and it was common for samurai to enjoy calligraphy, tea ceremony, poetry and music, and to study.It was these highly aspired ideals of educated warriors that allowed for the cohesion of samurai armies and for their power to eventually dominate government. In 1160, the Taira clan beat the Minamoto clan and Taira no Kiyomori established the first samurai-lead government with the emperor losing control and being relegated to figurehead status.Up until that time, throughout the Heian Period (794-1185), samurai had been employed to serve in close attendance with nobility, protecting the land of the wealthy: aided by political backing and resources the samurai had come into political power. Taira's control did not last long though as in 1192, at the start of the Kamakura Period (1192-1333), Minamoto Yorimoto received the title of shogun and gained rule of Japan.Various bakufu or shogunate ruled over the centuries, each shaping the leadership of the country in their own way with the samurai continuously influencing the classes with their ideals of high literacy and education. Such was the influence of these elite warriors that during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) levels of literacy were higher than that of central Europe.’ - for a more ‘extensive’ look at the website, click here: Japan tours, tailormade holidays & vacations

1. Taipei, TaiwanzoomglobogirlsTaipei is located at the northern tip of Taiwan on Tamsui River. The best time to visit is during the fall when the weather is cooler (approx. 20 degree Celsius) with less rainfalls.Things you'd want to know:Night markets is a must, you'll see hundreds of street-food carts and pop-up stores just in a 10-block stretch. Taipei has various day-hiking destinations that you'll love experiencing alone and you can't miss experiencing the food, fashion and the culture.There are many cash machines across the city that accept foreign cards and you'll find things there in almost all price ranges.Bus is the most convenient mode of transportation.Caution: Beware of petty thefts.2. Amsterdam, NetherlandspompeiintertravelmdIt goes without saying that Amsterdam is THE PLACE for all you solo travelers. It's know for its colourful life and houses, cafes that you'll find nowhere else and the insanely rich culture. The best time to enjoy the Amsterdam experience is from May to August when you can roam around freely without carrying loads of clothing.Things you'd like to know:Did you know that Amsterdam has a beach? The beach know as 'Blijburg' is situated on an artificial island IJburg and there is swimming, sunbathing, and beach parties galore. There's lot of things to see but an experience you cannot miss is the heineken experience because that'll make your visit a trip to remember.Amsterdam is fairly affordable as compared to most European cities. Hotels and hostels can be a little expensive but that's worth it if they serve breakfast.You may not need transportation at all and that's what saves most of your money, just walk around or bike to places you'd like to visit. However, you do have trams, buses and metros to take you around if you're too tired or lazy to walk.Caution:Amsterdam is as safe as a place can be, however, there may be danger of robbery so avoid getting too friendly with street peddlers.3. Toronto, CanadafourseasonsworldpropertychannelToronto is situated in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario and has a rich history hidden underneath the thriving city. Best time to visit are March through May and September through November. In summer months, the sidewalks come alive with pedestrian marketplaces, patio restaurants and numerous cultural events.Things you'd want to know:Escape the city life, take a ferry and reach Toronto island to experience the beautiful green atmosphere, away from the city's hustle and bustle. While you're in the city, St. Lawrence Market is a must-see since it's one of the best markets in the world.While hotels in Toronto can be expensive, places worth visiting are generally within walking distance.Public transportation is fairly affordable and you can walk/bike to most places.Caution: It's advisable not to go too far into the outdoor neighborhoods, away from downtown.4. Zurich, SwitzerlandblogspotApart from being a world leader in the financial industry, Zurich is a beautiful and inspiring place to visit and it's known for its astonishing landslides. Best time to visit this awe-inspiring place is between the months of June and August when temperatures are good enough to take a swim in the lake.Things you'd want to know:Bahnnofstrasse is a street that houses the rich, the famous, and underground bank vaults to boot, take a walk through it and experience the luxury. Enjoy the delicious cuisine and when you're done with that, take in the sights around Lake Zurich.Zurich can't be enjoyed fully on a low budget, lodging is fairly expensive and other things are relatively affordable.The public transport is quite impressive and walking and biking are great options too.Caution: The city is considered safe, just take the usual precautions.5. Bangkok, ThailandspirittotravelcodenastBangkok, a.k.a "the Venice of the east", is full of life, energy, beauty AND chaos. What else does a solo traveler need? It's as beautiful as ever all year round, however, it's best to avoid going there during monsoons because of the chances of floods.Things you'd want to know:If you haven't discovered who you are yet, Bangkok is the best place to explore yourself. Experience the buddhist culture, the temples, sit by the water waves and look at the boats, relax. It's always better to explore the religious side of you. Eat local, blend yourself in the culture and feel the beauty of slowing down your life just a little bit.This is the place you can go to on a low budget. You get amazing bargains for just about everything - decent hotels, food, shopping and much more.You better get yourself a tuk-tuk (a colourful open air transport) ride while you're there, it's worth the experience. Otherwise, the cabs are really cheap and there's excellent modern public transport system too.Caution: Major concerns for tourists include pickpocketing, scams with credit cards, or confidence tricks with fake goods or gemstones. However, after recent protests, Bangkok was deemed safe recently.6. Auckland, New ZealandnicewalpaperweareholidaysAuckland is a city situated right near the waters in the country know for its epic landscapes, New Zealand. Visit this place in the months of April and October to enjoy pleasant temperatures and thin tourist crowds.Things you'd want to know:If you can, catch a show at Civic theatre, it's an experience in itself. Except that, do check out the gorgeous view of the city from the Sky Tower.Prices are alright when it comes to NZ dollar, it all depends upon your currency's exchange rate against NZ dollar. You can find loads of budget meals and a lot can be seen without spending a penny.Most tourists like to rent a car to check out the amazing sites and roads according to their own convenience.However, public transport and walking are also great options.Caution:The city is considered safe but do take safety precautions wherever required.7. Melbourne, AustraliacntravelerSource HereMelbourne encompasses a natural bay, amazing landscapes and rich culture, the three best things a traveler will definitely enjoy. The best times to visit are between March and May and September and November to avoid the heat in summers.Things you'd want to know:Going through the street art in Melbourne is something you won't find in most places and after enjoying the art, you can hit the lovely beaches to relax and to admire the beauty of this place.The city is more on an expensive side but seeing places and things doesn't cost as much.You can save on transportation by walking or biking to places.Caution: Melbourne is very safe for foreign travelers, there's no specific kind of risk in the city.8. Cardiff, WalesitaliatouchparadiseintheworldCardiff holds 2000 years of history and has had quite a journey over the years but it's culture and history make all of that worth it. It falls into the category of UK's top travel destinations and summer time is the best time to visit Cardiff with so many festivals going on across the city.Things you'd want to know:There's plenty of history to absorb in Cardiff like the Cardiff castle. You must go to Cardiff Bay to relax and sit in a cafe overlooking the bay. There's no shortage of amazing landscapes and structures to keep your mind off from reality for a moment.Museums are usually cheap to enter and public transport is also fairly cheap. In fact, you can walk to most places in the city.Caution: It's a safe city, one of the safest in Wales but you must always be careful anyway.9. Dublin, IrelandcooperativaurbanakaplaninternationalLocated in the province of Leinster at the mouth of the River Liffey, Dublin is undoubtedly one of the most amazing destinations in Europe. The best time to visit is the summertime with streets filled with festivities and for warm temperatures (for Ireland).Things you'd want to know:Museums, the culture and lots of history, you'll be amazed to see what Dublin has to offer you in these categories. If you're a beer lover go to Dublin's beer wonderland, the Guinness Storehouse. Also, make sure to enjoy all the delicious food it has in store for you.Dublin is fairly expensive, however, there are various places to see that won't be as expensive and there are good hotel bargains and lots of hostels available. Food may cost a little higher than other places but it's totally worth it.Hop on the coastal train (DART) to check out the outskirts and for the experience. Otherwise, there's public buses running all across the city and there's always an option to walk/bike.Caution: No caution required, just the usual necessary precautions.10. San José City, Costa RicaphotoshelternexttripSituated 3,690 ft. above sea level makes San José the most ideal destination for self-exploration anyway, with its to-die-for climate all year round and the breathtaking location in the Central Valley. The best time to visit is between May and August to take advantage of a decline in prices at the time.Things you'd want to know:Go to the open air markets and check out the humongous collection of indigenous arts and crafts over there because you may not find this anywhere else.Furthermore, the various museums are impressive and you can't miss experiencing one of the best nature in the world while you're there, especially the Volcan Poas.Despite being one of the most expensive cities in Central America, it still is affordable if compared with North America and Europe. Save up by eating local food.Renting a car is a no-no for this place, walking is the best mode of commuting and buses can be kept as a second option because they may sometimes be quite inconvenient.Caution: Average safety, taking precautions is always better.11. Haiphong, VietnamhaiphongtourismbhwordsHaiphong is the third largest city in Vietnam, it is a calm laid back city with a deeply anchored heritage and tree-lined boulevards. Because of its proximity to the East sea, it is affected by tropical monsoons, therefore, the best months to visit this place is from November to March.Things you'd want to know:Go for a swim in Halong Bay to experience "the living light" if you're lucky enough to catch it. Additionally, there's a lot to see in Du Hang Pagoda, which was built three centuries ago, and it remains a great example for Vietnamese architecture and culture.Everything is affordable so roam around freely, enjoy the native cuisine and take in the sights.Walking should be your preference since you'd want to gauge as much as you can in this visit, however, transportation is also easily available and affordable.Caution: It's usually safe but taking precautions anyway wouldn't harm anyone.12. San Ignacio Town, BelizebhwordsbelizeadventureSan Ignacio sits in the heart of the Cayo district and it is famous for it's close proximity with Belize's impressive Mayan ruins, dating back to the Classic Period (AD 250-900), that encompasses so much history. If you want to escape the winter chills and go to a cozy, peaceful and sunny destination, this is the place for you in winters.Things you'd want to know:Mayan ruin with so much history is the first on your list to visit when you reach San Ignacio. From downtown, you can walk to Cahal Pech Maya Site that is again packed with lots of history and surprising landscapes. You must enjoy the wildlife while you're there, just canoe down the Macal River and spot various wildlife during the journey.The cost of living is average, reasonably priced food and accommodations can be found.Walking is the best option since it's healthy and it gives you space to enjoy your leisure time. Second option is taking a taxi.Caution: Like many other touristy places, this place can be dangerous for travelers. Just always keep your eyes open.13. Reykjavik, IcelandmydestinationthewowThe center of culture and life of the people in Iceland sends it straight to any traveler's bucket list anyway. The best time to visit this beautiful place is from June to August to enjoy long days and some warmth.Things you'd want to do:Discovering city's wonderful nature is enough for your visit but apart from that, go to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa that has warm waters rich in minerals and go whale watching. To top it all, do some walking around the waterways, it will me the most relaxing experience ever.Reykjavik is famously pricey anyway but the experience you gain is priceless.Public transportation system is convenient and good for anyone who is on a low budget trip.Caution: It is considered to be the safest place in the whole of Europe but again, don't forget precautions.14. Seoul, South Koreaseoulsun-surferDespite being one of the largest cities in the world, Seoul is far from being the conventional cities to visit. It offers a unique experience to its visitors. The best months to visit Seoul are March to May and from September to November when the temperatures are mild.Things you'd want to know: Bukchon Village is located between two palaces and the view from there is breathtaking. The gorgeous sights around will keep you entertained for hours together and you must hike to the Bugaksan Mountain while you're there. There's no end to trying their cuisine and checking out the various markets.Things are available in all price ranges so it totally depends upon you how you take it from there.Subway is the best way of exploring Seoul, but taxis and buses are affordable and great commuting options.Caution: It's safe overall but always be prepared for all kinds of circumstances when traveling alone.15. Brussels, BelgiumgraphicslibhumannaturalBrussels is filled with 17th-century buildings and daily flower markets and the best time to visit brussels is between March and May and September and October, the shoulder seasons.Things you'd want to know:First thing's first, Brussels has it's own Eiffel tower called the Atomium, which provides a great view. Needless to say, chocolate and waffles have to be consumed no matter what (even if the world's falling apart. Hopefully not.). An idea to save your time and effort is that you can go and relax at one of the Art Nouveau cafes and check out the architecture while you enjoy your chocolate.Brussels can turn out to be quite expensive since it's the capital city but various must-see places to visit in Brussels are free of cost and walking can help you a lot in saving too.Walking is the best bet and driving, the worst, since it's one of the world's most expensive places for drivers. Public transport is also fairly convenient.Caution: No major concerns, just concentrate on the budget.16. Valparaiso, ChilevayaadventuresghinesflIt's so much better to travel to places that are out of ordinary, like Valparaiso, which is a colorful seaside village with great cultural influences, it has more to offer than you can imagine. The best time to visit is from December to February, when the temperature is around 17-18 degree celsius, which is the high season, so plan well before time to be on a safer side.Things you'd want to know: The well-known hills in Valparaiso give it the name "Little San Francisco" so it may be worth it to try go hiking in one of them whenever you have the time. However, you don't have to walk up to all the hills, just explore the 16 ascensores in the city. Needless to stay, don't miss out on the native cuisine.Cheap. Almost everything is affordable.Walking and taxis should be the best commuting options for you for low cost.Caution: Can be unsafe in certain areas, the safety measure is to avoid walking alone at night.17. Rio De Janeiro, BrazilvecdaboutbrasilRio is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with its gorgeous mountains, pristine beaches, and a surplus of rainforests near a deep blue sea. However, one needs to be extremely cautious while visiting this place. Best time to visit Rio is between December and March in order to be able to enjoy your time at the beaches fully. Check the Rio Carnival dates before you plan your trip, it's generally in February or early March.Things you'd want to know:Experience the landcape, go hiking to the Sugarloaf mountain and explore the downtown with fellow solo travelers if you met any. Churches, endless museums and historical buildings are worth a look. Also, relax at the beach after an adventurous day or trip.Although seeing the sights and hitting up the trails and beaches is free, Rio can be expensive for other things such as pricey hotels and the costs of attractions.Rio buses are fast and frequent and relatively cheap. However, they can be crowded.Caution: As mentioned above, the crime rates are high and it's better to have people around wherever you go.18. Stockholm, SwedenwikimediastaticflickrThe city covers 14 islands and overlooks the Baltic Sea to the east. Apart from its spellbinding location and buildings, it has a lot of history to share. June to August are the best months to visit Stockholm to experience how the sun never sets during summer season.Things you'd want to know:Night is the time for you to experience the most amazing views of the city and earn an incredible experience with Södermalm Nightlife. Nystekt Strömmingvagnen is the place for you if you like fish because you may never get to try a fresher and tastier fish in the whole world.You might have to save up to visit Stockholm because you won't be able to enjoy it if you're on a tight budget. Its scenery and history is totally worth spending on when you have saved up a little.Walking and biking is advisable but public transport is easy to navigate as well.Caution:Tourists are encouraged to take precautions because of the riots in the past but there's nothing to worry about anymore.19. Johannesburg, South AfricacheapflightsforafricabestourismThis city is a mix of everything - big-city life, shopping, dining, nightlife, and outdoor adventures. The months between September and April is the best time to holiday in Johannesburg and the climate remains dry and sunny year-round.Things you'd want to know:See the whole of the city by visiting the top of the Carlton Centre and if you're a history person, visit The Apartheid Museum to know all about Johannesburg's history. Above all, enjoy the surreal nature and wildlife, what you're really there for.Most importantly, food and drinks are cheap and attractions are not insanely expensive either.Johannesburg caters to freeway motor tourists and public transport is available but not reliable.Caution: Because of socioeconomic inequality, there is some tension in the city with its residents, therefore, the crime rate is high but there's no shortage of safe areas in the city.20. Nairobi, KenyapanoramiolonelyplanetLocated 1500 meters above sea level, Nairobi has a pleasant tropical climate and it is know for its urban and safari adventures. The best time to visit this place is during dry seasons, from January to March and July through October.Things you'd want to know:You'll obviously take a safari but what's worth knowing is you don't have to leave the city to take one. While you're at it, enjoy locally grown coffee at various coffee shops and if possible, breakfast with giraffes at Giraffe Manor, where else will you ever be able to do that? Go to the Rift valley on a clear day and see across hundred miles from there, all the way to Tanzania.One word, affordable. A meal can be as cheap as around $2 and clean hotels can be $10.Taxis are cheap but to get the local feel, travel in matatus (minibuses) that are even cheaper.Caution: Here, you have to be very cautious as a lone traveler. Please avoid walking alone at night.21. New York, United StatesrealestateempireusedyorkcityThis city has a lot in store for you, which makes it impossible for you to check out everything that's worth checking out but never say never, you can always try. Whenever you have the time and money to travel, visit New York, it has something to offer at any time of the year.Things you'd want to know:Central Park, the West Village, the Empire State Building and the Statue of liberty - must-sees if you have the time, energy and money. Also, you can't leave NYC without trying the New York-style slice of pizza.If you've arranged for an accommodation, the rest of your trip will be manageable when it comes to spending on food, attractions and transportation.Public transport over here is one of the best and even walking will suffice for a lot of areas.Caution:When it's dark, it's best to stay in the main city and not stroll too far away. Except that, NYC is a fairly safe city.22. Kuala lumpur, MalaysiaworldpropertychannelvalleyApart from being a home to monkeys and the tallest buildings in the world, Kuala Lumpur houses a myriad of culture. It's a beauty. The weather is good throughout the year, however, the most popular time to visit Kuala Lumpur is during summers and end of the year.Things you'd want to know: Cheap is the word, there's great bargain for everything, from hotels to enjoying activities.Taxi is the best for most tourists since it's reliable, convenient and affordable.Caution: Safe but it's always better to take precautions anyway.23. FijiphotobursthdtravelpicturesFiji is known for its remarkable beaches and for its diving adventure. Travelers often run to Fiji to rejuvenate themselves with its spellbinding beauty. The best time to visit Fiji is whenever you're ready to pack and escape. The temperate remains pretty constant throughout the year.Things you'd want to know:Pacific Harbour Beach is the place you need to find to relax at the pristine beach hiding behind the coconut trees. The water is warm and that's what makes it the ideal place to switch off your mind and relax.Since it's an island, it may be difficult to find certain things that can make them pricey, however, exploring Fiji won't be that expensive.Local buses, carriers, and ferries take you around Fiji conveniently.Caution: Avoid going around alone in the dark in Fiji, it may not be that safe. Otherwise, Fiji is a perfect travel destination.24. Portland, OrebhwordscbsatlantaLocated on the West Coast of the United States near the meeting of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, Potland, Ore is known for its love for nature among many other things. Best time to experience the beauty of the city's outdoorsy culture is from June to August.Things you'd want to know:Food carts, try all local favorites for less money, a walk to remember in the Forest Park and for a sweet end to the day, experience the Voodoo Donut at doughnut.Food trucks and ease of transportation help save your budget.The place is relatively cheap except some expensive fine dining experiences that you'd like to opt for.You can walk/bike for most part of your trip, public transit is available for the rest of it.Caution:The neighborhoods that may not be as safe as all others are - Hazelwood, Old Town, Lents, and West Burnside Street - so it may be worth it to avoid them, saves time and effort.25. San Francisco, United StatesjetbluebtbSan Francisco is the leading financial and cultural part of North California. It has a happy-go-lucky population and that's what matters right? September to November is the best time to visit if you want to stay warm enough and joyful without any gloomy clouds.Things you'd want to know:First on your list - go for a brunch with yourself at a cafe or a restaurant nearby, they're all amazing after all. If you've ever been or still are fascinated with hippies, go to Haight-Ashbury district, where it (hippie culture) all started. Lastly, don't miss the Golden Gate Park, no you can't.Walk and use public transport to save the budget because this place may be considered relatively expensive but definitely affordable. Avoid brunching too much at expensive cafes and restaurants, use Yelp to find out about affordable places to eat at.Public transport is huge - extensive bus, streetcar, cable car, and subway network. Take your pick.Caution: The Mission District, particularly around 16th Street and east of Valencia, can be a little intimidating at night but perfectly safe in daytime.src-25 Mind-blowing Places in the World That Are Meant To Be Visited Alone