MAIN Travel Destination Guides Asia Japan

Kiyomizu Temple Kyoto

A top destination for Asians as well as tourists from around the world, Japan is well-known for prizing modernity and education, as well as its own rich history and centuries-old culture.

Home to nearly 128 million, most of whom live in urban areas, Japan also visitors with the natural beauty of its acres of forests, scenic lakes, and rugged mountains culminating in its highest peak (and national icon), Mount Fuji.

For most travelers, Tokyo is the touchstone for all of Japan - an exciting capital city featuring the most luxurious hotels and the finest restaurants (sushi, or otherwise), along with the hustle and bustle of a teeming metropolis.

Here, visitors on short stays might be hard-pressed to take it all in - with a trip to the Ginza shopping distrinct, perhaps a stop at a traditional tea ceremony, a Sumida River cruise or, of course, a visit to the Imperial Palace and Asakusa Kannon Temple.

Farther afield, a leisurely day trip to Honshu island also affords the chance to soak in more cultural attractions at historic Nara (the country's first capital), or at Nikko to visit its lavishly decorated religious shrines.

Around the Web, learn more about a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun at top sites offering comprehensive facts & information on what to see and do, where to stay, along with guides to regional attractions, outdoor activities and colorful annual events ...

Explore Japan - The complete guide to the Japanese islands with in-depth regional guides, extensive photo gallery, special interest spotlights, feature articles, and practical tips and advice on where to go and how to get there.

Japan Tourist Guides - Basic guide to Japan and its culture, religion & history, list of major holidays and festivals, with tips on top tourist attractions.

Planet Tokyo - Engagingly written travel guide to Japan's capital city including great overviews of food and restaurants, hotels, attractions, culture notes and etiquette, transportation maps and more together with feature stories and travel tales.

Mount Fuji - Informative fact sheet with tips on how to get there, including a guide for mountain climbers, more on the Fuji Five Lake region, and related links.

Osaka Visitors Guide - Interactive tour leading visitors to major historic & culutral attractions, or use the map to go directly to Osaka Castle, the Bay area, suburbs and more, with a searchable database of hotels & restaurants.

Kyoto City Web - A complete overview featuring looks at historic places, architecture & public gardens, the city's famed crafts industry, calendar of festivals & events, outdoor activities, subway map & related tips on how to get around.

also see -> Children's Day | Emperor's Birthday | Learn Japanese

also see feature article -> Sakura : Cherry Blossom Time

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