Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, musing in a Zen temple, shacking up in a love hotel or kipping down in a capsule, you'll do best to come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.
Somewhere between the elegant formality of Japanese manners and the candid, sometimes boisterous exchanges that take place over a few drinks, between the sanitised shopping malls and the unexpected rural festivals, everyone finds their own vision of Japan.

Actual News (Click the title link to read the full story)

Hearton Hotel Kyoto ...from USD 82
Known for its ambiance and luxury, the Hearton Hotel is an ideal accommodation spot in Kyoto for all types of travellers. Location Located a kilometre from the city centre, the Hearton Hotel is 3 kilometres from the JR Kyoto Station. This property ...
Singapore Airlines Fourth Airbus A380
Singapore Airlines has taken delivery of its fourth Airbus A380, the world?s largest passenger plane. After a delivery flight from Toulouse in France, the aircraft arrived in Singapore on Sunday 27 April. It will now undergo some pre-entry into ...
First Nobu Restaurant in Australia
Nobu, the world?s most recognized Japanese restaurant brand known for its innovative Japanese cuisine, is now open at Crown Entertainment Complex. This is the first Nobu restaurant in Australia and the 19th Nobu restaurant in the world, including ...
Blooming Cherry Blossoms in Japan
From late March to early May each year sakura (cherry blossoms) bloom all over the islands of Japan; a stunning sight that makes it an attractive time for traveling. The Japanese pay close attention to the blossom forecast which is announced by the ...
Korean Air to launch low-cost airline
The reputable South Korean airline Korean Air announced Monday that it will open a budget airline called Air Korea next year. With a capital of 21.5 million dollars already paid, Air Korea will aim to be the top budget carrier in Asia by 2012. Air ...

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Recommended Hotels Japan

ANA Hotel Narita Airport

The ANA Hotel Narita is located 15 minutes from Narita Airport by shuttle bus. It is ideal for travellers who have a late arrival or an early departure. The hotel offers 442 rooms that have either a view of a forest or the airport and double-paned with thick glass blocking all aircrafts sounds. The rooms are very clean and have the latest amenites. There are 5 restaurants in the hotel that cater to most guest's needs.

Featured Sightseeing Tours in Japan >>

» Japan Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions

Map of Japan

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The nation's list of attributes reads like a handbook of paradox, but at its heart, Japan is a warm, friendly and very easy destination to travel to. What are you waiting for?

Japan Tourist Attractions

Japan is a premier tourist destination in Asia and an undiscovered travel experience of exceptional value. Yokoso! (Welcome). It is fascinating to watch as Japan struggles to take its thousands of years of traditions with it into the future. So far, it has been able to do so with some mystery intact. The language barrier has helped, although that's slowly dissolving with education and bilingual signs. For a while at least, it will remain an intriguing challenge for visitors. more ....

Mt Fuji, Hakone and Onsen (Return by Bullet Train)
Leave the bustling city of Tokyo and hop on a 2 day trip to Hakone. A popular destination for its cable cars and famous hot springs or 'Onsens' to soak away those traveling aches and pains. This destination truly offers a fun break away! With the opportunity to sleep in true Japanese style or hotel style - the choice is yours!
Click here for more Travel Packages and extended tours in Japan

Travel to Tokyo - Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is one of the most treasured urban areas on the planet. Synonymous with Japanese high-tech industry, neon lights .... More

Visit Okinawa Island

Okinawa is located just under two hours from Tokyo and is found on the same latitude zone as famous resort destinations such as Hawaii and the Bahamas. The prefecture consists of 37 inhabited and 122 uninhabited islands and the unique blend of Japanese, Chinese and American culture has ensured that the island is a growing hot spot with local and international visitors.

Currently the most popular beach resort destinations in Japan, there are a number of hotels available to suit just about every budget. Many of the beach front resorts are located on the West Coast of Okinawa, with white sandy beaches right at the doorstep of many of the properties.

There are a number of must-see destinations to visit in Okinawa, including the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and Shuri Castle. The world class aquarium features local marine animals in breathtaking surroundings and tanks. It is also home to Okinawa’s largest mud crab and you can even find Nemo inside one of the tanks. The sophisticated complex also features sharks, tropical fish and crustaceans.

Shuri Castle is a world heritage listed site and features a distinct Chinese influence in the buildings’ architecture. The main palace of Shuri Castle plays on important role in Okinawa’s history. The building held formal events and kings of the Ryuku Dynasty made important decisions inside. The site was completely restored in 1992, with careful attention to historical details and landmarks. Shuri Castle also boasts breathtaking views of Okinawa from various look out spots.

Okinawa is truly a unique destination. The beaches are world class- think crystalline water and pristine sand that can easily compete with Thailand, Hawaii and even Sydney for the title of the world’s best beach.

Travel to Kobe - Located roughly in the center of Honshu, Japan's main island, Kobe is easily accessible by land, sea, and air. It is about 3 hours and 20 minutes from Tokyo by Bullet Train. Together with Osaka and Kyoto, it forms the focal point for the economy of western Japan.

Facts for the Traveler

Area: 377,835 sq km
Population: 127 million
Capital City: Tokyo
People: Japanese (including indigenous Ainu & Okinawans), Korean
Language: Japanese
Religion: Shintō, Buddhism, Christianity.

Visas: US passport holders, most EU residents and visitors from Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa if staying in Japan less than 90 days. For information on visas visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +9
Dialling Code: 81
Electricity: 100V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

When to Go

Spring (March to May), with its clear skies and cherry blossoms, is probably the most celebrated Japanese season, but it's a holiday period for the Japanese and many of the more popular travel destinations tend to be flooded with domestic tourists. Autumn (September to November) is a great time to travel: the temperatures are pleasant, and the autumn colours in the countryside are fantastic. Mid-winter (December to February) can be bitterly cold, while the sticky summer months (June to August) can turn even the briefest excursion out of the air conditioning into a soup bath; on the plus side, major tourist attractions will generally be quieter at these times of the year. It's also worth considering peak holiday seasons when you plan your trip. Moving around and finding accommodation during New Year, Golden Week (late April to early May) and the midsummer O-Bon festival can be a real headache.

Events

Expect a total sell-out for travel and lodging during Japan's biggest holidays, New Year (December 29 to January 3) and Golden Week (the lumping together of Green Day, Constitution Day and Children's Day, from April 27 to May 6). Other festivals include Coming-of-Age Day (second Monday in January), when ceremonies are held for boys and girls who have reached the age of 20. The Japanese celebrate the end of winter on February 3 or 4 by indulging in Setsubun (bean throwing) while chanting 'in with good fortune, out with the devils'. Hanami (Blossom Viewing) usually runs from February to April; the romantic Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) is on July 7; and O Bon (Festival of the Dead), when lanterns are floated on rivers, lakes or the sea to signify the return of the departed to the underworld, takes place from July 13-16 and mid-August.

Kyoto's Gion Matsuri (July 17) is perhaps the most renowned of all Japanese festivals. The climax is a parade of massive man-dragged floats decked out in incredible finery, harking back to a 9th-century request to the gods to end a plague sweeping the city. In the cute and kooky department, Niramekko Obisha (January 20; Chiba) combines a staring contest with consumption of sake - the one with the straightest face wins. The Yah-Yah Matsuri (first Sunday to the following Saturday of February; Owase) is an argument contest: competitors scream Samurai chants and try to look fearsome. Afterwards, they take off all their clothes and jump in the ocean. White Day (March 14) is a bizarre follow up to Valentine's Day where men are supposed to reciprocate to their valentine with a gift of chocolate or marshmallow.

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