Follow Burke’s Backyard travelling throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia
Shanghai City Shanghai (pron: Shung high), which means the ‘City on the Sea’, is called ‘Hu’ (pron: Who) for short. It is one of the largest cities in China, covering a total area of 6,341 square kilometres with an urban area of 2,643 square...
The Forbidden City, known as Gugong, is the largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China. Completed in 1420, it was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and the Qing dynasties, and was the seat of supreme power for over 500 years. The Forbidden City...
Breed: Dromedary Camel (Camelus dromedarius) Temperament: Headstrong but amenable with training Cost: $700-$1000 broken in Lifespan: Up to 40 years in captivity Maintenance: medium Recommended for: Outback safaris History Camels are not native to Australia. They were...
Don meets the Tokyo Shock Boys in their native land – Japan. These crazy performers are well known to Australian audiences for their irrepressible humour, feigned naivete, brilliant timing and wonderful showmanship. They also play on our stereotypes of the...
While in Japan, Don looked at some astonishing, hi-tech toilets. Top of the range was the INAX Satis 118A, costing Yen 280,000 plus installation (around A$4,000). The first thing you notice about this toilet is that the lid opens as you approach! There are many other...
Tenryuji is one of the major temples of the Rinzai school of Zen. It was built in the 1300s by shogun Ashikaga Takauji to appease the spirit of Emperor Godaigo. Through the centuries it was destroyed by fires and warfare and rebuilt on a number of occasions. Most of...
Don visited Mr Masao Kato, a koi breeder in the Niigata Prefecture who has bred some of the best koi carp in Japan. His breeding farm is a huge property, with large breeding ponds stretching over hundreds of metres of land. Mr Kato has been breeding koi for...
Don visited the Bonsai Village, Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, where many of the top Japanese bonsai artists live. He felt very privileged to meet Mr Saburo Kato, the most famous bonsai artist in the village, and speak to him about his extraordinary creations. The Village...
Black Japanese cattle or ‘Wagyu’ are the most valuable beef cattle in the world. They are black cattle similar to Angus, except that they are horned and are much lighter in the rump and legs than Angus. History Wagyu were originally draft animals used in...
Rippongi Hills is a major urban development incorporating modern architecture with pre-existing traditional features. Opened in April 2003, it is located on a 28-acre site and includes the Mori Tower, the Asahi Broadcasting Center, hotels, cinema complex, residential...