Japan Travel Guide

Mount Fuji

The nation of Japan is an archipelago of islands between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. The capital, Tokyo and the encompassing Greater Tokyo area forms the largest metropolitan area in the world. There are many things iconic to the country, from hot springs and cherry blossoms to Mount Fuji to sushi.

Let’s begin with the landscape and the ecological features. The most well-known would be Mount Fuji, which is a volcanic feature. The snow-capped peak is especially beautiful, thus visiting it mid December is a definite must. In most cases, you can simply check with your hotel concierge to reserve a place in one of the many tours. Another well-known feature is during the summer when the numerous cherry blossom flowers come into full bloom. The period when the flowers bloom varies from region to region, so be sure to check out the approximate period before making your trip down for a spectacular sight.

Many tourists flock to Japan for her hot springs, most of which have been transformed into resorts. There are many health benefits associated with volcanic springs, or onsen as they call it in Japan. So why not spend a day or two in a resort and take a dip? After all, this is the only country in the world where hot springs are so pervasive.

Cherry Blossoms

City life is full of hustle and bustle. Workers abound in downtown Tokyo, whereas in Hokkaido, you could enjoy a slower pace of life. There are night-life districts in many cities, many of which would suit young adults. Shopping and huge department stores will tempt any traveler looking for bargains and local products. An interesting fact would that the basement of most shopping centers is a food paradise, where you can find many small stores selling anything from local delicacies to delicious meals. Being a modern developed country, you can expect to find the latest fashion accessories and apparel too.

With a long history, tourists will find many unique and old monuments and buildings within the various cities. There are temples, pagodas, gardens and shrines representing historic milestones in Japanese history. Most are well guided, with signboards explaining the rich culture behind the landmarks.

When would be a good time to visit?

During the summer months, the main attraction would be the cherry blossoms blooming. However, for those that desire a more complete Japanese experience, it is highly recommended to visit the country during the end of year winter festive period. This is when tourists get to marvel at the various light festivals around the country. Examples: Sapporo illumination in Hokkaido and the Roppongi hills illumination in Tokyo. In addition, you will get to see a magnificent snow-capped Mount Fuji. Finally, snow sports enthusiasts will flock to the various ski resorts in Hokkaido especially for a great experience.

Top travel destinations

The most popular places in Japan are the cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo. They are the few largest cities, offering diverse cultures, great cuisines, and efficient transportation systems between city to city.