Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, is a beautiful
and mysterious land of magical contrasts – from ancient to modern, tallest to
the fastest, hottest to the coolest, east to west. Discover its rich heritage
of thousands of years of history. Experience its beauty, adventure, beaches,
temples, shopping, nightlife and so much more.
The most modern of countries, Japan
retains its ancient traditions and the rich heritage of thousands of years of
history. It is a country of impossibly-high modern buildings and ancient
castles; of high-voltage energy and serene Buddhist temples.
Japan's archipelago of islands on the
eastern edge of the Asian continent is home to awesome natural landscapes of
misty mountains, verdant forests and shimmering lakes. Its oriental opulence is
highlighted in the magnificent golden temples, secluded shrines and tranquil
terraced gardens, while its futuristic cities illustrate the ultra-modernity of
this fascinating land.
But nothing beats the immense scenic
beauty of Japan during springtime when the delicate pink cherry blossoms bloom
on the branches of cherry trees across its gardens, parks, hills and fields. During
March to May, as the temperature rises the buds on the cherry trees unfurl and
a dazzling ‘cherry blossom front’ sweeps across the archipelago. The blossoms
hit Tokyo towards the end of March and then travel north through April and May
and are visible in Hokkaido, the northernmost main island, even in June.
Tokyo, one of the biggest and
most dynamic cities in the world, has incredible life and energy. The city
teems with fashionable people, modern malls, cutting-edge art galleries,
intriguing museums, skyscrapers, temples, shrines, parks, expensive cars and gourmet
food. At cherry blossom time, the parks are enlivened by revellers. Check out
the Ueno Park, on the slopes overlooking the Imperial Palace moat at
Chidorigafuchi, and on the spreading lawns Shinjuku Gyoen.
The
iconic Mt. Fuji is another
fascinating experience. Ride on the Hakone Ropeway to visit Owakudani, a
volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs, formed approximately
3000 years ago during the last eruption of the Hakone volcano. Taste the
Kuro-tamago or Black Egg, a local specialty of eggs hard-boiled in the hot
springs, which are supposed to increase longevity. Cruise on Lake Ashi, a
crater lake that offers great views of Mt. Fuji.
Only Rome has more designated World
Heritage Sites than the former Japanese capital of Kyoto.
This city has a stunning array of temples and shrines, including the Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji temples, the Golden Pavilion, and the Ryoanji Zen garden. Home to the Emperor for over 1,000 years, the city is a repository of the best of Japanese art, culture, religion and philosophy. Walk around Old Kyoto, through alleys of traditional narrow wooden houses, to restaurant terraces along the River Kamo. Visit the geisha quarter's Gion Corner for a glimpse into traditional arts like puppetry and kyomai dance performances by apprentice geisha.
This city has a stunning array of temples and shrines, including the Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji temples, the Golden Pavilion, and the Ryoanji Zen garden. Home to the Emperor for over 1,000 years, the city is a repository of the best of Japanese art, culture, religion and philosophy. Walk around Old Kyoto, through alleys of traditional narrow wooden houses, to restaurant terraces along the River Kamo. Visit the geisha quarter's Gion Corner for a glimpse into traditional arts like puppetry and kyomai dance performances by apprentice geisha.
Nara, located 42 kms south
of Kyoto, is the older capital of Japan, and was also a major cradle of Japan’s
arts, crafts, literature and culture. It is home to the Deer Park, the Nara
National Museum, the Kasuga Grand Shrine and the Todaiji Temple. A UNESCO World
Heritage Site, the Todaiji Temple is a Buddhist temple complex and houses the
Great Buddha Hall, the largest wooden building in the world and the world's
largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana.
Hokkaido, Japan’s romantic
northern island, abounds in natural grandeur – mountains, highlands, rivers,
lakes, sea and azure skies. Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is located at
roughly the same latitude as Milan and Marseille and shares these European
cities’ long hours of daylight in the spring and summer. Odori Park, at the
centre of Sapporo city, looks magnificent with the pink cherry blossoms on
cherry trees, soothing green lawns, fountains and flowerbeds. The city’s
culinary choices are vast and the ingredients outstanding, especially as most
of them come fresh to the dinner table from the surrounding countryside.
Japan, an extraordinary country of friendly
and welcoming people, awaits you!
