Japan Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Tokyo's Imperial Palace
Gain access to generally off-limits parts of the Imperial Palace grounds by joining a tour (www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html). Otherwise, the East Gardens (Higashi Gyoen) are open year round without prior booking.

Senso-ji Temple
The Senso-ji temple, also known as the Asakusa Kannon (the nucleus of Asakusa), is one of the most traditional parts of Tokyo, and hub of the raucous old shitamachi (low city). The bustling approach to the temple, lined with colorful gift shops, is highly memorable.

Kamakura
This coastal town, one hour south of Tokyo, was the seat of Japan's medieval feudal government, and is full of historic sights. Highlights include the giant bronze Great Buddha and colorful shrine Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu.

Mount Fuji
From July to early September it's possible to climb Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain at 3,776m (12,388ft) tall. You won't be alone, as in high season there are queues along several parts of the route (www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp).

Kyoto
Don't miss the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto. Founded in AD794, Kyoto's sights include the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), the Zen rock garden of Ryoanji, Kiyomizu Temple and the medieval Nijo Castle. The historic Gion geisha district makes a wonderful afternoon wander.

Nara
One hour south of Kyoto, Nara was also once a royal capital. See the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden structure at 57m (187ft) high, and the sacred deer in Nara Park.

Osaka
Japan's third largest city is renowned for its abundance of excellent restaurants, historic castle (an excellent reproduction of the original) and the performing arts of kabuki and bunraku. The city's Dotonburi area is particularly vibrant after dark.

Miyajima
Near Hiroshima is the gorgeous island of Miyajima, where a famous red Shinto torii gateway seemingly floats on the sea at high tide. Attractions include the Itsukushima Shrine, the tame deer, and the cable car up the central mountain for panoramic views.

Okinawa
Head to the subtropical islands of Okinawa, south of Japan, for sun-drenched, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Okinawa is the best place in Japan for watersports. Diving and surfing are also popular.

Hokkaido
This northern island was for a long time Japan's ‘Wild West', and it still retains a distinct pioneer feel. Hokkaido is home to the last of Japan's indigenous Ainu people, and the remnants of their distinct culture.

Top Things to Do

Sumo wrestling
Watching sumo wrestling is an exciting and very traditional Japanese experience. Six major tournaments are held throughout the year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka (www.sumo.or.jp/eng).

Geisha Dances
Few will have the funds or connections to enjoy a private audience with a geisha, but Kyoto's geisha dances (odori) held in April, May and October, are open to all. The most prestigious is the Miyako Odori (www.miyako-odori.jp) held in Gion.

Japanese tea ceremony
Arrange to take part in a traditional tea ceremony through the tourist information centers in Kyoto and Tokyo. The elegant ritual takes place in a room designed and designated for tea, a chashitsu, and is steeped in symbolism.

Hot springs (onsen)
When the Japanese want to relax, they head to a natural hot spring resort, or onsen. Famous ones include Dogo in Matsuyama, Shikoku, one of the oldest in Japan; and Ibusuki, on the southern tip of Kyushu, renowned for its hot-sand saunas.

Cherry blossom parties
From April through May, cherry trees start blossoming across the country, and lively parties are held underneath the pretty blossoms. The most famous are in Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto.

Traditional Performing Arts
In Tokyo or Osaka book a seat to see some bunraku, a unique form of puppet theater, or the dramatic forms of noh and kabuki theater which feature participants dressed in colorful traditional costumes (www.ntj.jac.go.jp).

Tsukiji Fish Market
Get up early to witness the world's largest fish market at Tsukiji (www.tsukiji-market.or.jp) in Tokyo. The action kicks off around 0400 and winds down around midday. Afterwards, feast on the freshest of sushi and sashimi at the restaurants beside the market.

Skiing
Come winter, do as many Japanese do and hit the slopes. Mountains here are covered in top-class ski resorts (www.skijapanguide.com), especially in the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido. Many resorts also have hot springs (onsen) to relax in après-ski.

Whale and dolphin watching
Several former whaling ports have caught onto the tourist value of switching to whale-watching tours. Between January and March is a good time to go whale or dolphin watching (www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~owa/english/e_content.html).

Sapporo Snow Festival
Every February, Sapporo, Hokkaido's vibrant capital, hosts its extraordinary Snow Festival (www.snowfes.com). The ice party lasts for seven days and is marked by huge, elaborate snow and ice sculptures. Several other towns in Hokkaido also have snow and ice festivals during the winter.

Theme Parks
Universal Studios Japan (www.usj.co.jp) in Osaka and Tokyo's Disney Resort (www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp) are both enormously popular with families. Even better is Tokyo's delightful Ghibli Museum (www.ghibli-museum.jp) based on the animated movies of Studio Ghibli.