City founded in the 15th century, under Edo's name, 12 million people live in its metropolitan area today. Its ancient soul has been encapsulated in three symbolic places: the imperial palace where the Emperor and his family reside, immersed in a beautiful park of centuries-old trees; the Meij Shrine and the Asakusa Buddhist temple, the oldest in the region. Close to the temple there is a pretty market. The modern metropolis is symbolically represented by the Tokyo Tower, 336m high, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, which broadcasts TV and radio signals. Every neighborhood in Tokyo is a city in its own right. The most trendy is Shibuya (see possible tours from Tokyo).
The third city of Japan, located in the Kansai region, is ancient and modern metropolis at the same time. Absolutely not to miss the Osaka Castle, once the most important in Japan. The existing fortress, which rises on 5 floors, is a copy of the original building.
Ancient and prosperous commercial
city and cultural center is dramatically famous for the explosion of the atomic
bomb that razed the city in 1945. The Memorial Park of Peace was built to
testify this tragic mourning.
A mountain
town considered the "small Kyoto"; it a very pleasant locality, rich
in museums and interesting places and renowned for its shunkei-nuru lacquerware
and its sake.
The city of
Kanazawa, small pearl between the rivers Saigawa and Asanogawa in perfect
balance between sea and mountain is located near the spectacular Japanese Alps,
a mountain range that rises up to 3000 m. of altitude. It is popular for the
numerous cultural heritage, the enchanting Kenrokuen Garden, the Castle, the
ancient neighborhoods of the samurai and geishas, the innumerable temples, the
noble homes and arts and crafts. For the cultural heritage of a wide variety of
crafts (Yuzen silk kimono, Kutani and Ohi porcelain, Wajima lacquerware covered
with gold leaves and powders), the city of Kanazawa has been designated from
Unesco city of trades and popular Art in 2009
Itsukushima
Shrine, on the island of Miyajima is
dedicated to Shinto goddess of the oceans. Listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, it is very popular for its celebrated feature,
the Torii (traditional Japanese gate at the entrance of or within a Shinto
Shrine) floating at the high tide.
A two hour
train ride from Tokyo it’s a place of extraordinary natural beauty as well as
the home of one of Japan's architectural masterpieces, Santuraio Toshogu, which
houses the mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa sho-gunato.
Located about 40km away from Kyoto. Nara is also rich in monuments and temples that still revive the atmosphere of the most authentic Japanese tradition. Enchanting Todai-ji Temple with its huge image of the Buddha, the sacred place of Kasuga, one of Japan's most famous shinto shrines and the temple of Horyu-ji, the oldest timber structure in the world (erected in 607)
Established in 1192, Kamakura dominates Sagamiwan Bay. Perfect stronghold for the samurai and temples city, it was the capital of Japan until 1333. Today it is a luxurious residential area of Tokyo's outer belt and retains intact or partially restored many historic buildings.
It was the ancient capital of Japan and the cradle of the refined culture of the Heian period. Its glorious past is witnessed by the many temples, monuments and palaces spread throughout the city. Among the many are the Golden Pavilion, the Nijo Castle and the Kiyomizu Temple, famous for its rugged structure. It overlooks a beautiful valley and offers a magnificent view of the city (see possible excursions from Kyoto).
It’s the
most famous of the southwestern islands, located 2 hours and 30 minutes by air from
Tokyo. Famous for the ibischi blooming all year round and the nearby Kerama
Islands, well appreciated by divers for its coral reefs. The most beautiful
beaches are located on the northwest coast: Moon Beach, Okuma Beach, and Manza
Beach. For diving and snorkelling the best white beaches are Inbu and Seragaki
on the west coast. The capital of Okinawa, Naha, was founded at the beginning
of the 15th century, and the Suhri Castle is the main attraction.
Ishigaki
Island is one of the most popular seaside locality in Japan, for the
transparency of water and the beauty of the beaches. It is part of the Yaeyama
Islands archipelago. From here you can also visit the other islands with daily
excursions. The most popular beaches are: Maezato, Fusaki, Sukuji, Sunset,
Yonehara. The most secluded ones: Kuura, Uganzaki. The island's homonymous
capital is a city of about 50,000 inhabitants. Air links from Tokyo, flights lasting
about 3 and a half hours.
Fuji-Hakone-Izu
Wildlife Park
To be
visited in the park area: Hakone, one of Japan's most famous and popular spa
resorts, one hour and a half train ride from Tokyo, which rises on the shores
of Ashi Lake, which is one of the major attractions for its beauty; Mount Fuji
(3376 m) the highest peak in Japan is the country's most well-known symbol; the
Izu peninsula south of Hakone, a popular destination for its thermal resorts.
