DOMES OF PLEASURE

0- ....... We have been getting used to virtual pets and pop stars in recent years, but what about virtual beaches or ski resorts? Far from the coast or a mountain, you can find these artificial

recreational centres in the heart of Japan.

1- ....... The Ocean Dome is in the Southwest of Japan. It is the largest hi-tech ocean dome in the world. About 10,000 sun-lovers from all over Japan visit it every day. Many of them are usually overstressed office workers who try to find solace in the artificial seaside resort. They especially prefer it to their boring, tiring and stressful days.

2- ....... This beach is not real, but it does its best to try and recreate the beauty of the seaside. The water is chlorinated and heated electrically, so it is always 30 degrees Centigrade. It covers an area as big as ten Olympic-size swimming pools. Also, they create waves which are up to three meters in height by the help of pumps. The sand is made of crushed marble and is three kilometres long.

3- ....... The artificial beach also offers water sports. They range from high slides to a rollercoaster on a raft across an underground lake. You can even water-ski.

4- ....... If you are not into the beach, you can visit the Ski Dome. It takes half an hour to reach from the centre of Tokyo. This complex offers wonderful slopes. These slopes cover an area of five football pitches. The temperature is kept at two degrees Centigrade. This means skiers can enjoy the main slope which is 80 meters, which is the same size as a 20 storey office building.

5- ....... You may ask, ‘Why should people spend money on visiting an artificial beach or ski resort?’ Well, most of the Japanese who prefer them to natural resorts have their own reasons.

6- ....... First of all, sunbathing off the Japanese coast is not enjoyable even in humid and hot summer months. During the months of June and July, it rains nonstop for about six weeks. What is more, the sea is cold, polluted and crawling with sharks.

7- ....... As for skiing, the winter months are not cold enough to enjoy snow. Besides, they do not prefer to travel far away destinations because they have a perfect man-made one near them.