Japan Tourist Attractions and Sights

Tokyo

What makes Tokyo fascinating is the tension between mammoth scale and meticulous detail. Sightseeing in its streets can be a neon assault that leaves you elated and breathless or an encounter with the exquisite art of understatement. Jump aboard the subway (click here for a map of the Tokyo subway) and see how one city is really many.

A stinking rich neon-lit metropolis; an Oriental monument to the gods of consumerism; a Japanese bow to America and the west. We think we know Tokyo even if we haven't been there. But look closer, past the McDonald's on street corners, the kids in baseball caps listening to hip hop and eating in Hard Rock and you'll see something unique. From the sushi and saki bars of Roppongi, to the design temples of Shibuya and the Bladerunner skyscrapers of Ginza, this is a hi-tech, surreal, sci-fi assault on the senses, a city like none other on earth. Say sayonara to what you think you know and fasten your seatbelts. Welcome to Tokyo! Tokyo Bars and Cocktail Lounges ...

Hokkaido

Hokkaido's weather is harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer, it does not get as hot and humid as in the other parts of the country.

With its unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September.

Daisetsuzan National Park

Japan's largest national park (2309 sq km/1432 sq mi) is in central Hokkaido, the northernmost and second largest of Japan's islands. The park, which consists of several mountain groups, volcanoes, lakes and forests, is spectacular hiking and skiing territory.

Shiretoko National Park

The peninsula is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, dear and foxes. In winter, the peninsula's coast along the Sea of Okhotsk becomes one of the northern hemisphere's southernmost regions to see drift ice.

In July 2005, Shiretoko was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for the irreplaceable value of the peninsula's ecosystem and biodiversity.

Kyoto

Natural scenery, temples, shrines, towns and homes intermingle with a poignant historical beauty. Whether it is the Gion Festival, the Tea Ceremony or Japanese flower arrangement or Nishijin-brocade, so many aspects of characteristic Japanese culture continue to thrive in Kyoto. Over a period of 1200 years, dating from the decision to move the capital to Kyoto in 794, it nurtured a splendid, delicate and unique kind of culture, and over the course of history came to be considered the mother of culture within Japan.

For this reason, Kyoto is often called "Japan's heartland", and it is said that it is impossible to know the real Japan without knowing Kyoto.

On the other hand, Kyoto is not simply protecting its old traditions and culture, but is rather building upon the rich traditions of predecessors as a foundation for open domestic and international exchange. It is a city which maintains a revolutionary spirit, a city of ideas and the cultural capital of Japan, constantly creating new traditions. In a partnership of trust with the people, efforts are made to create a "relaxing lifestyle in a vibrant city", as a positive response towards the new era, while simultaneously protecting and developing traditional culture. Kyoto is a true jewel - Japan's asset and the world's treasure.

Nagasaki

As one of Japan's closest port cities to the Asian mainland, Nagasaki has played a prominent role in foreign trade relations for many centuries and was the most important of only a very few ports open to restricted numbers of foreign traders during Japan's period of isolation.

In more recent history, Nagasaki became the second city after Hiroshima to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II.

Osaka Castle Park

On Sunday, there is a quirky (if not highly talented) live-music scene along the road leading from Osakajo-koen station (on the JR Osaka Loop line) to Osaka-jo Hall and the back entrance to the castle. Loud bands play to adoring teenagers and bemused elders strolling by. Less than 1km (.6mi) northwest of the castle park is another green oasis, Nakanoshima, on an island sandwiched between the Dojimagawa and Tosaborigawa rivers. It also houses the City Hall and Museum of Oriental Ceramics. The eastern end is Nakanoshima-koen Park, a great spot for a walk or a picnic.

Miyajima

Yokohama

Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867), during which Japan isolated herself from the rest of the world, Western nations forced the country to open its ports to foreign trade. In 1859, Yokohama's port became one of the first ports to be openend, and Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into one of Japan's major cities.

Until today, the Yamate residential area retains a Western touch and houses many foreign residents, while Yokohama's Chinatown is one of the world's largest.

Nagoya

Geihoku Ski Resort

Asahikawa