Highlights of Japan
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Nikko
- One of the most interesting areas in Japan, Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage site with an extensive temple and mausoleum complex, beautiful lake and plenty of walking routes to entice the visitor.
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- Meet the snow monkeys in Yudanaka
- Home to playful and photogenic "snow monkeys", who sit in the hot spring pools to warm up in the winter months and relax during the rest of the year. One of the "onsen" baths in Yudanaka is for use exclusively by the monkeys!
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- See the floating torii gates on Miyajima Island
- One of Japan's most viewed attractions and designated one of its top three most scenic spots, the huge red shrine gate that marks Miyajima as a holy Shinto island is one of our perennial favourite sights.
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- Spot the elusive Geisha in Kyoto
- Kyoto is home to the elusive geisha and learning about the life of these fascinating ladies and catching a glimpse of them is enchanting. Kyoto is also a great place to stay in a traditional ryokan. Try your hand at a local pastime here too.
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- Spot the iconic Mount Fuji from Hakone National Park
- Towering above Hakone National Park is Japan’s foremost natural sight, the majestic Mount Fuji, whose iconic snowcapped peak has been portrayed in countless works of Japanese art and literature.
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- Take in the view from the Aso Caldera
- The caldera is the world's largest active caldera and visits to the summit are frequently declared off limits due to toxic gas emissions. Do not be put off though- the 100,000 year old caldera is geologically spectacular and the views from the top are suberb.
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- Visit the fish market in Tokyo
- Given Japan’s insatiable appetite for all things fishy it’s inevitable that the world’s largest wholesale fish market should be in Tokyo and what better way to wake up then with an early morning visit to this lively and bustling marketplace.
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- Visit the morning market in Takayama
- Although a large town with some built up areas, Takayama retains a certain bygone charm in its Sanmachi Merchant district and at the daily morning market.
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- Walk in the Kiso Valley
- An unspoilt area of natural beauty, with secluded country walks and welcoming ryokan accommodation. Tsumago, in the heart of the Kiso Valley, is one of the finest traditional post towns in Japan.
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- Wander around Kanazawa's gardens
- A fun and convivial city in its own right, Kanazawa is also home to one of Japan's top three gardens, Kenrokuen. In the classic ‘stroll garden’ style, this is a wonderful place to observe and enjoy the six elements that combine to form the perfect Japanese garden.
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Our country specialists have travelled the length and breadth of Japan - here are a few of their favourite things to do
In the archetypal image of the sleek bullet train gliding past snow-capped Mount Fuji, the magic of Japan is encapsulated in one freeze frame: natural and modern beauty merging in harmony.
Japan's culture
Delve into Japan’s rich cultural heritage in Kyoto and Takayama to witness traditional ceremonies, dress and theatre, and take a glimpse into the closed world of the Geisha. Enjoy, too, the delectable cuisine, taking time to sample the numerous local and seasonal delicacies to be found in every city and town.
The appeal of Japan encompasses all tastes and ages, whether your interest lies in embracing modern pop-culture, discovering ancient spirituality in secluded Buddhist retreats or communing with nature in steamy jungles or high mountain peaks. Relax on star-sand beaches in southerly Okinawa or whale-watch in wintry Hokkaido, the scope of experience is truly immense.
Landscape and scenery
Japan’s four main islands contain a wealth of variety and spectacle, from the thronging cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima to the provincial spa towns, neatly-tended farming regions and rugged wilderness beyond. A striking backdrop of mountain scenery and crystal lakes, neon-lit skyscrapers and landscaped gardens, steaming volcanoes and traditional architecture form a magical world that will amaze you each step of your journey.
Popular Places to visit in Japan
Hakone itself is situated in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park which also encompasses Mt Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes and the Izu Peninsula. On a clear day Mt Fuji can be viewed from as far away as Tokyo.
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Hiroshima is a city which has risen from the ashes since the horrific events of August 1945 and although these events are justifiably and sensitively commemorated, the city is now one with an energetic and cosmopolitan feel.
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The highlight of Kanazawa, within easy reach of Takayama or Kyoto, is Japan’s number one garden, the magnificent Kenrokuen. This is a wonderful place to observe and enjoy the six elements that combine to form the perfect Japanese garden.
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Kyoto is the Japan of the imagination: a city of grand palaces, ornate shrines and exquisite gardens, mercifully spared from the bombing of World War II that razed other Japanese cities.
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Located in the heart of the world's biggest caldera, Aso is a great place to base yourself for exploring nearby Mount Aso.
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The present incarnation of the Itsukushima-jinja shrine on Miyajima is one of the island's greatest attractions, and the "floating" red torii gate that stands in the shallow waters of the bay remains one of the most photographed views in Japan.
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Only a couple of hours to the north of the capital, the small mountain town of Nikko feels like another world. Here stands the fabulous Toshogu Shrine, mausoleum to the first and greatest Tokugawa Shogun.
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Surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the northern Alps, the traditional town of Takayama possesses a charming old-world atmosphere and fine Edo-period architecture.
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Yudanaka is a hot spring resort which sits perched in the hills intermingled with Yamanouchi town. There are many hot springs here and the most famous is Shibu Onsen at Jigokudani, which is home to more than one hundred Japanese snow monkeys.
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Take an evening stroll through the Shinjuku district of Tokyo and every preconceived image of modern Japan will be there to greet you: crowds decked out in the wildest fashions, towering skyscrapers and flashing neon.
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Flight time
11 1/2 hours (Tokyo)
When To Go
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