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Japan Tourist Attractions and Sights - see them on an interactive mapTokyo The sheer level of energy is the most striking aspect of Japan's capital
city. Tokyo is a place where the urgent rhythms of consumer culture collide
with the quieter moments that linger from older traditions. It's hectic
madness leavened by the Zennest of calms.What makes Tokyo fascinating is the tension between mammoth scale and meticulous detail. Sightseeing in its streets can be a neon assault that leaves you elated and breathless or an encounter with the exquisite art of understatement. Jump aboard the subway (click here for a map of the Tokyo subway) and see how one city is really many. A stinking rich neon-lit metropolis; an Oriental monument to the gods of consumerism; a Japanese bow to America and the west. We think we know Tokyo even if we haven't been there. But look closer, past the McDonald's on street corners, the kids in baseball caps listening to hip hop and eating in Hard Rock and you'll see something unique. From the sushi and saki bars of Roppongi, to the design temples of Shibuya and the Bladerunner skyscrapers of Ginza, this is a hi-tech, surreal, sci-fi assault on the senses, a city like none other on earth. Say sayonara to what you think you know and fasten your seatbelts. Welcome to Tokyo! Tokyo Bars and Cocktail Lounges ... Hotels Tokyo - Last Minute Hotels Tokyo - Sightseeing Tokyo Hokkaido Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and least developed
of Japan's four main islands.Hokkaido's weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero
temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer, it does not get as hot and
humid as in the other parts of the country.With its unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September. Daisetsuzan National Park Japan's largest national park (2309 sq km/1432 sq mi) is in central Hokkaido, the northernmost and second largest of Japan's islands. The park, which consists of several mountain groups, volcanoes, lakes and forests, is spectacular hiking and skiing territory. Shiretoko National Park  located
on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, is one of Japan's most
beautiful and unspoiled national parks. No roads lead further than about
three fourth up the peninsula, and the northern tip can only be viewed from
boats or be reached on multi day trekking tours.The peninsula is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, dear and foxes. In winter, the peninsula's coast along the Sea of Okhotsk becomes one of the northern hemisphere's southernmost regions to see drift ice. In July 2005, Shiretoko was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the irreplaceable value of the peninsula's ecosystem and biodiversity. Hotels Hokkaido Kyoto Natural
scenery, temples, shrines, towns and homes intermingle with a poignant
historical beauty. Whether it is the Gion Festival, the Tea Ceremony or
Japanese flower arrangement or Nishijin-brocade, so many aspects of
characteristic Japanese culture continue to thrive in Kyoto. Over a period
of 1200 years, dating from the decision to move the capital to Kyoto in 794,
it nurtured a splendid, delicate and unique kind of culture, and over the
course of history came to be considered the mother of culture within Japan.For this reason, Kyoto is often called "Japan's heartland", and it is said that it is impossible to know the real Japan without knowing Kyoto. On the other hand, Kyoto is not simply protecting its old traditions and culture, but is rather building upon the rich traditions of predecessors as a foundation for open domestic and international exchange. It is a city which maintains a revolutionary spirit, a city of ideas and the cultural capital of Japan, constantly creating new traditions. In a partnership of trust with the people, efforts are made to create a "relaxing lifestyle in a vibrant city", as a positive response towards the new era, while simultaneously protecting and developing traditional culture. Kyoto is a true jewel - Japan's asset and the world's treasure. Hotels Kyoto - Last Minute Hotels Kyoto - Sightseeing Kyoto Nagasaki
Nagasaki is an attractively situated port city on the island of Kyushu
and the capital of Nagasaki Prefecture.As one of Japan's closest port cities to the Asian mainland, Nagasaki has played a prominent role in foreign trade relations for many centuries and was the most important of only a very few ports open to restricted numbers of foreign traders during Japan's period of isolation. In more recent history, Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II. Hotels Nagasaki Osaka Castle Park If the city's hectic pace is wearing you out, Osaka-jo Castle may be just
the antidote. Set in pleasantly green surrounds, the castle is immensely
popular with locals and tourists alike, and often packed with noisy
uniformed school children eager to test their English greetings on any
willing visitor. Unfortunately it is merely a 1931 concrete reconstruction
of the original, which was completed in 1583 as a display of power by
Toyotomi Hideyoshi after he achieved his goal of unifying Japan. It is
impressive, however, and the heritage museum inside is worth a look. The
Ote-mon (gate) is the main entrance, a 10-minute walk northeast from
Tanimachi 4-chome station which is on both the Chuo and Tanimachi subway
lines.On Sunday, there is a quirky (if not highly talented) live-music scene along the road leading from Osakajo-koen station (on the JR Osaka Loop line) to Osaka-jo Hall and the back entrance to the castle. Loud bands play to adoring teenagers and bemused elders strolling by. Less than 1km (.6mi) northwest of the castle park is another green oasis, Nakanoshima, on an island sandwiched between the Dojimagawa and Tosaborigawa rivers. It also houses the City Hall and Museum of Oriental Ceramics. The eastern end is Nakanoshima-koen Park, a great spot for a walk or a picnic. Hotels Osaka - Last Minute Hotels Osaka - Sightseeing Osaka Sightseeing Tours, tourist attractions & events in JapanMiyajima Renowned
as one of the "three most beautiful" scenic spots in Japan, Miyajima Island
is easily accessible from Hiroshima and well worth visiting. As they
approach the island by ferry, visitors are greeted by the famous red Trii
gate standing in the water. On shore, there awaits a multitude of
traditional and modern delights, ranging from quiet beaches on the other
side of the island, where the deer are still wild, to the more heavily
populated shrines, temples, aquarium, folklore museum, treasure house, 5
story pagota and thousand mat hall. The island contains a nature preserve of
over 3,000 plants maintained by the botanical research department of
Hiroshima University. At the same time, it boasts of having the biggest
summer fireworks festival in Western japan and also presents a number of
ancient cultural traditions such as Bugaku (sacred shrine music and
dancing), Jin No (sacred No drama) and torch, Oyster and other colorful
traditional festivals.
Hotels Hiroshima YokohamaWith a population of over three million people, Yokohama is Japan's second largest city. It is located less than 30 minutes south of Tokyo by train, and is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture.Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867), during which Japan isolated herself from the rest of the world, Western nations forced the country to open its ports to foreign trade. In 1859, Yokohama's port became one of the first ports to be openend, and Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into one of Japan's major cities. Until today, the Yamate residential area retains a Western touch and houses many foreign residents, while Yokohama's Chinatown is one of the world's largest. Hotels Yokohama Nagoya Among
the sights in the dynamic and friendly city of Nagoya is a 17th century
Shogun castle. Nagoya is also famous for Japanese ceramics, to which the
Noritake Garden, built on the site of a former ceramics factory, provides a
good introduction. Outside the city lies the Aichi Expo 2005 World
Exposition as well as numerous rural onsen spas, the best of which are to be
found in old mountain villages within a magnificent landscape. The Shima
area itself is renowned for its beautiful coastline and many picturesque
fishing villages.
Hotels Nagoya Geihoku Ski ResortGeihoku town is the skiing Mecca of the Chugoku region. There are 8 ski resorts in town, and they all have good traffic access. There are plenty of guesthouses and ski lodges, and hordes of skiers visit from Kyushu and Shikoku in addition to those from within Hiroshima prefecture itself.AsahikawaLocated in the centre of Japan’s most northern island, Asahikawa is a city renowned for its exhilarating snowscapes. As the coldest city in Japan, Asahikawa holds the record for the nation’s coldest temperature at -41^(0)c. While most days are much warmer, guests can expect Asahikawa to be blanketed by snow in winter.Asahikawa growth in popularity as a tourism destination can also be attributed to its largest attraction, the Asahiyama Zoo. Located just thirty minutes away from Asahikawa Airport, Asahiyama Zoo continues to draw in a record number of tourists year after year. In fact, for the 2007 Fiscal year, Asahiyama is expecting a total of 3 million visitors – which is just about 13,000 visitors every day. Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing Tour including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple (Video) Experience the magic of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour of Japan's cultural jewel. You'll visit Kyoto's most popular attractions by coach and enjoy a buffet lunch at the Kyoto Handicraft Center. Known as the cradle of Japan's cultural heritage, Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. It is now the country's ... Tokyo Studio Ghibli Museum Afternoon Tour If you're traveling with your family, or you are a fan of Japanese Anime, this afternoon tour to the renowned Studio Ghibli Museum is for you. You'll soon see why Studio Ghibli is famous for creating the best quality Anime around, and is known as the Disney of the East. You'll join other animation lovers and take a local train to Mitaka, where ... Tokyo Morning Sightseeing Tour Spend the morning exploring Japan's most modern city on this 3.5-hour sightseeing tour featuring Tokyo's cultural and shopping highlights. Full narration and entry fees are included as you venture inside the Tokyo Tower, Asakusa Kannon Temple and other attractions. There's also time for a photo stop in front of Imperial Palace and a driving tour ... Panoramic Tokyo Day Tour - Meiji Shrine, Asakusa Temple and Tokyo Bay Cruise There's much to see in bustling Tokyo and this full-day tour is the perfect introduction to the city's sights. You'll visit Japan's most famous Shinto shrine, take a stroll around the gardens of the Imperial Palace and spend time at Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Complete your comprehensive city tour with a relaxing 50-minute cruise on Tokyo ... Nikko National Park Day Trip from Tokyo Explore the scenic shrines and countryside of the Nikko National Park on a day trip from Tokyo. Nikko has been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for centuries, and is famous for its shrines, mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails. You'll also visit Nikko, a small city at the entrance to ... |