Japan

As familiar as Japan may seem, a journey there can often feel like a trip to another planet. Start with a bang in the hyperkinetic capital Tokyo, center of all that is contemporary in this island nation. From breakfasting on sushi at Tsukiji fish market to the blazing neon of Shibuya, Tokyo is a full-on assault on the senses. Board a speedy Shinkansen for the two-hour trip to Kyoto, the old capital, graced with Imperial palaces, venerable temples and shrines and a refined culture embracing delicious food and the performing arts practiced by geishas. For a taste of both old and new Japan, the Japan Sea coastal city of Kanazawa is a perfect choice with its classic formal garden Kenroku-en and dazzling contemporary art museum. Natural landscapes rarely come more spectacular than those of the Japan Alps or the national parks of Hokkaido, the large northern island of the archipelago. In either location, come winter there are great ski resorts, such as Niseko and Hakuba. Any time of the year is perfect for enjoying one of Japan's many onsens (hot spring areas): try Dogo in Matsuyama with its historic bathhouse or Takaragawa near Minakami for its riverside rotemburo (open air baths).
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Interests

    Architecture
    Art
    Culture
    Festivals
    Fine Dining
    History
    Holy/Sacred
    Museums
    National Park
    Parks/Gardens
    Performing Arts

Activities

    Golf
    Hike/Backpack
    Rafting
    Shopping
    Snow Skiing
    Snowboarding
    Walking

Japan Facts

Capital:
Tokyo
Population:
127333002
Location:
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of China, Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south.
Language:
Japanese
Currency:
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Wikipedia:
Japan
Wikitravel:
Japan
Current Time:

Japan Must See/Do

  1. Tokyo
  2. Kyoto
  3. Ski in Hokkaido or the Japan Alps
  4. Kanazawa
  5. Soak in an onsen

Japan Most Overrated

  1. The far southern islands of Okinawa aside
  2. Japan lacks decent beaches.

When to Visit Japan

From March to May and September to November

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