If your time in Japan is limited – this list will create a valuable source of great places to go in Japan.

If safety is your concern, note that Tokyo is known to be one of the safest cities in the world. It is actually one of the most pleasant places in the world to travel.

Regarding the language issue – there’s no problem navigating the Tokyo subway, since all signs are in English too. Regarding the rest of Japan – English does become a rare virtue the further you travel from city centers, but you can always get along in Restaurants by pointing the food you’d like to order from the plastic models presented in the Restaurant window. Japanese people are very helpful, and beside the embarrassed giggles they will accompany you to your destination (much easier than giving directions in English).

So here are…

Top Places In Japan

• Kyoto – Kyoto’s famous and beautiful sites – the Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace – make Ancient Japanese culture come to life in front of your eyes.
• Tsukiji market – the world’s largest open air fish market. One of the most Exciting Things to do in Tokyo. Fish and seafood worth millions of dollars are sold there each day. Tokyo fish market Tuna auctions are world known.
• Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, with a beautifully symmetrical volcanic cone. It goes without saying that majestic Fuji Mountain is a Must see Place to Visit in Japan. Mt Fuji area is worth visiting too, thanks to Fuji five lakes and Hakone which is famous for its hot springs. The are the perfect reflecting pools for the mountain’s beauty.
• Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital city. This mysterious city has so many Romantic and peaceful things to do – Todaiji Temple housing a huge image of Buddha, colorful Kasuga Shrine with 3,000 lanterns, and the Deer Park, where tame deer roam freely. This is for sure one of the Top Japan Tourism Attractions.

In spite of modernization, Tokyo blends the spice of the urban vibes with the sweetness of traditional ambiance of their culture. In the following Tokyo attractions, both modern and ancient collide in the nation’s capital, letting the tourists experience Japan at its best.

Shibuya and Harajuku

For the ultimate shopping experience in Tokyo, these are the places for you! Shibuya and Harajuku are only a train station away in the Yamanote line, so it’s convenient. Not only is this district filled with the hottest apparel, but the people here, especially teens dress to impress.

Asakusa District

The Asakusa District is a great spot to experience the traditional Japanese ambiance. The district has many Buddhist temples and frequently hosts matsuri, a Shinto Festival.

Many years ago, the Asakusa District was a great entertainment center in Tokyo and was once known as a Theatre District featuring famous cinemas. However, Shinjuku surpassed Asakusa in modernity and entertainment.

Attractions are shrines such as the Sensoji and the Sumida River. Also, some geishas are still actively working around the area. It is noted for the establishments’ affordable prices for travelers.

Ueno Park

Located in Taito-ku, the park is exceptionally beautiful on the months of March and early April as cherry blossoms adorn the place. The entrance is free and tourists can enjoy the garden without breaking the bank. Other spots in the park include the statue of Taigo Takamori, the Tokyo National Museum, Pagoda Kan’eiji Temple and Bantendo Hall Temple at the center of Ueno Park.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

This is the home of Japan’s Head of the State and is available for pubic tour. It is surrounded by a moat and high walls. Foreigners can apply online for a scheduled tour inside. The gardens around the palace, including the famous East Garden, are available to the public for free. Like Ueno Park, it is also beautiful during the cherry blossom season.

If you’re determined to explore Asia but unsure which country to visit, you might want to set your sites on Far East Asia and travel to Japan. Here is some general but useful information that is good to know when you travel Japan. It will help you get a better understanding of Japan before your trip and allow you to experience Japan more comfortably.

About the Country

Japan consists of four main islands and several smaller ones. Together the islands take the shape of a sea horse and occupy an area of 377,435 square kms. Tokyo, the capital city, is very modern and bustling with activity, so when you travel to Japan, be ready for a few crowds. The landscape of Japan, away from the big cities, is mountainous with spectacular scenery; some of the mountains are volcanic. Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan, and is known for its symmetrical slopes.

About the Climate

When you travel to Japan, it’s important to know the country’s seasons and when they occur during the year. The islands of Japan lie in the temperate and at the northeastern end of the monsoon area. The climate is generally mild, although it varies considerably from place to place when you travel Japan. Summer, which is warm and mild, begins around the middle of July following a rainy season that usually lasts for a month. Except in northern Japan the winter is mild with many sunny days. Spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year with balmy days and bright sunshine.

About the People

Before you depart to travel Japan, it’s a good idea to get a sense of the people and their culture. Japan is one of the most densely populated nations in the world, with some 330 persons per square kilometer (almost 860 persons per sq. mi.). The Japanese are a Mongoloid people, closely related to the major groups of East Asia. However, some evidence also exists of a mixture with Malayan and Caucasoid strains. About 750,000 Koreans and much smaller groups of Chinese and Caucasians reside in Japan.

Religious Beliefs

When you travel Japan, you will be exposed to a new world of religious and personal beliefs. Buddhism is important in Japan’s religious life and has strongly influenced fine arts, social institutions, and philosophy. Most Japanese consider themselves members of one of the major Buddhist sects.

Shintoism is an indigenous religion founded on myths, legends, and ritual practices of the early Japanese. Neither Buddhism nor Shintoism is an exclusive religion. Most Japanese observe both Buddhist and Shinto rituals: the former for funerals and the latter for births, marriages, and other occasions. Confucianism, primarily an ethical system, profoundly influences Japanese thought as well.

About 1.3 million people in Japan are Christians, of whom 60% are Protestant and 40% Roman Catholic.

Japan is an exotic and beautiful travel destination that is worth traveling to. Now you can travel to Japan for less with the lowest discount airfare on cFares. The number one wholesale travel site for the shrewd international traveler.

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About the Author: Discount airfare to Japan

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Rail is one of the best ways to see the world – enabling the traveller to sit back in comfort, enjoy delicious cuisine, wine and company, while viewing the world’s most magnificent scenery. A luxury rail tour allows the traveller to witness some of the wildest and most beautiful places on earth from the comfort and convenience of an air-conditioned carriage.

For the ultimate in luxury travel experiences, here are a few of the world’s most stunning trains.

The Royal Scotsman

To step aboard The Royal Scotsman is to step into a different world. The Royal Scotsman evokes the nostalgia of a bygone era; the romantic age of travel when the journey was as important as the destination.

This train provides an effortless way to experience Scotland in absolute luxury with just a few fellow travellers. With a maximum of only 36 guests aboard at any one time, it is easy to see why the Scotsman is considered among the top ten of the most luxurious trains in the world.

Seen from the comfort of the Observation Car the spectacle of Scotland’s great wilderness does take the breath away – from sweeping glens to towering peaks and black lochs.

Al Andalus Express

The Al Andalus Express is comparable to a luxury hotel on wheels, a comfortable vantage point from which travellers can admire the Spanish countryside. Andalusia is the birthplace of flamenco and one of the most beautiful regions of Spain. Today it is a paradise for everyone to enjoy, with its stunning olive groves, picturesque villages and ancient cathedrals.

The interior of the Al Andalus Express offers all manner of exquisite touches, refinement and services. Travelling the Al Andalus across the panoramic landscape of Andalusia is an unforgettable experience.

The Express is made up of twelve cars: two restaurant cars, a lounge and game car; the Giralda bar car; five sleeping cars, two shower cars and a staff car.

Rovos Rail

Rovos Rail boasts international reputation for offering a world-class travel experiences. Passengers simply step aboard the wood-panelled coaches – classics remodelled and refurbished to mint condition – and enjoy fine cuisine in five-star luxury as some of the most varied scenery imaginable unfolds beyond the windows.

In a series of journeys lasting from 24 hours to a fortnight, the Pride of Africa links some of Africa’s greatest destinations – from Cape Town to Dar-Es-Salaam in Tanzania, from scenic splendours such as the game reserves of Mpumalanga to the stark beauty of the Karoo.

Eastern & Oriental Express

This luxury train was first built in Japan in 1972 and first operated as the Silver Star train in New Zealand. The interior of the carriage is inspired by the East. The carriage walls are decorated with wooden marquetry of Eastern designs, while the bar and restaurant cars are decorated in Chinese and Thai lacquer.

Accommodation on board the Eastern & Oriental Express includes three grades of compartments: Presidential Suite, State Compartments and Pullman Compartments. All are air-conditioned, with en suite shower rooms. During dinner the steward transforms passenger compartments from daytime seating to bedrooms.

Facilities include a 24-hour steward service, international electric sockets and 110 volt adapter for razors, personal safe and hairdryer. The Presidential Suite also features a complimentary bar.

The train’s observation car provides the perfect vantage point to witness the ever-changing terrain as the journey progresses through tropical countryside and jungle, past ancient temples, rivers and rice paddies.

The Trans-Siberian Express

The Trans-Siberian Express can satisfy one’s thirst for adventure without sacrificing comfort. Tour Russia and other countries of the former USSR in luxurious style. The Express does not operate a ‘fixed formation’ train, as the composition varies to suit the number of passengers. For this reason the choice of the cabins can vary from trip to trip.

The Express Cars are purpose-built, new carriages designed for the 21st century to offer top-class comfort and service. Each carriage has four compartments which can be configured for double, twin or single occupancy, with the lower berth converting into a sofa for daytime travel.

Each compartment features its own private shower and toilet facilities and has a wardrobe, audio system, DVD/VCR and air conditioning with individual climate control.

Live out your wildest dreams by booking a luxury rail tour today.

Karen Cooke is a professional consultant with Travel Associates, an exclusive Australian travel agency catering to the premium travel market. More helpful travel tips and suggestions are available at http://www.travel-associates.com.au

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Many foreign tourists may often find traveling in Japan, because only a few people in Japan can speak English. However, Japan is a great country, and the Japanese are wonderful people.

Before you buy your ticket to Japan, you should know that Japan is an expensive place to travel. The cost of living is very high. You should have at least 5,000 yen per day for your pocket money. If you do not have a lot of money, you should use Japan Rail Pass. It is very cheap way to travel.

Food is one of the best things in Japan. Japanese food is incredibly delicious. Since Japan is an island, seafood is the most popular food in this country. When you think about Japanese food, you probably think about sushi. Sushi consists of raw fish and rice.

If you have a chance, you must visit Japanese hot bath. It is not something that you will see in other countries. The Japanese hot bath is called, “ Onsen ”. In some area, people take a bath together in the open area. This is often known as “open sky bath”.

Housing is very expensive in Japan. There are too many people in Japan, and there are not enough apartments. Most Japanese can not afford to own a home. However, travelers may camp at various places in Japan. The camp site is usually safe and cheap. The Capsule hotel is one of these many cheap camp sites.

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By Thanakit K.

Japan is notably one of the best destinations in Asia, if not one of the better now. Japanese culture has found its way throughout the world and common cultural items are recognized just about everywhere. Getting to vacation where these popular trends came from is like a dream come true. The wealth of cultural diversity is almost dizzying and its not hard to find something for every type of traveler.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Most tours of Japan start or end in Tokyo if they ever leave. Tokyo is a very large, and very expensive city but well worth the time. There are many great sites to be visited among its crowded streets. Among the must-visit wonders are Akihabara, Tsukiji, and the Imperial Palace. Akihabara is the electronic gadget lover’s paradise. Many goodies are found here in the wall to wall electronic shops, and may never see the mass market. Tsukiji is the world’s largest open air fish market. It reportedly sells hundreds of different types of fish each day. The Imperial Palace is not generally open to the public except twice a year, and then only the outer areas. The gardens and grounds around the palace are open and a wonderful place to get glimpses of the Palace. The Tokyo National Museum is also a great stop to view a large suppository of Japanese antiques and artifacts.  Some other things to take into account while traveling in Tokyo is the transit system during peak times might be a little uncomfortable to the average traveler who isn’t use to packing into a subway car like a sardine.

Another city of interest is Hiroshima. Hiroshima is the site of the world’s first atom bond detonation used in war. The Peace Memorial Museum is located here which houses a large collection that includes artifacts from its militaristic past, the events leading to the dropping of the bomb as well as the fallout afterward and Hiroshima’s anti-nuclear movement. Living in the shadow of great tragedy has allowed a great place for wisdom to flourish.

Another great city is Kyoto and its famous geisha houses. You can easily tour some lovely historic structures as many made it through the war, and the basic grid structure makes it easy to navigate. There are numerous walking tours, including one by a native English speaker, Peter Macintosh, who helps the crew of Memoirs of a Geisha scout locations.

There are plenty of Japanese cultural events you can participate in no matter what city you are in. What trip to Japan would be complete without attending a Traditional Tea Ceremony? While it is usually not in English, several hotels in Tokyo offer it in English to accommodate tourists. Attending a sumo match is also great cultural events. Even if you can’t actually attend one, they are highly televised during the tournaments. After a long day of touring the wonders of Japan, a shiatsu massage is a great treat. They are available at most first class hotels and many others as well. If massage isn’t your thing you can also go to a hot springs. While not very common in some countries they are incredibly popular and can be found in all parts of the country.

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When people talk about skiing deep powder snow, they have a tendency to think of Alaska, Canada or the U.S. In recent years this chain of thought has been transformed into thinking of Japan, to be more specific, Niseko on the northern island of Hokkaido.

Hokkaido receives some of the world greatest snow conditions and has so much to offer in the way of ski-able terrain. In close proximity to Hokkaido’s capital of Sapporo you can find one of the most under rated resorts, Kokusai. Kokusai is just south of Sapporo and due to its close proximity to the city normally attracts a trendy, urban crowd that don’t venture off the marked trails very often leaving a lot of untouched powder.

If you are staying in Sapporo and transportation is a factor, try visiting Teine Ski Area. Approximately 30 minutes from the entertainment district of Susukino in Sapporo. Teine has something to offer everyone, Olympia, a perfect area for beginners and Highland, steeper with a terrain park that will keep you smiling for hours. If you are holidaying with the family perhaps try Kiroro Ski Resort, just outside of Otaru.

Central Hokkaido has a number of quality resorts for all abilities from the back country powder lover to children and beginners. Furano does not receive as much snow as the Niseko area, but the snow that it receives is super light and tough to beat. The drawback to Furano is the lack of back country access due to the strict off-piste regulations that is enforced by the Nazi style ski patrol.

However there is hope for the back country adventures; Asahidake is your dreams come true. It has one gondola and two massive runs surrounding a big bowl with some great terrain. Now strap on your snowshoes and hike to Hokkaido’s highest peak, enjoy the view before you are subjected to some exhilarating skiing. Make sure you make your way back to the rope way (gondola) and do it all again.

If luxury and kids facilities are a concern, head east to Club Med Sahoro. You will all the facilities you’d expect from a Club Med and is without a doubt the best resort for kids to enjoy. You will find Club Med just outside of Obihiro.

Heading back towards the powder mecca of Niseko you will find Rusutsu Resort. A great escape from Niseko and easy access to Sapporo depending on your location. With 3 ski-able areas there is plenty of terrain to keep you finding new untouched lines all day long. When night falls you can make your way over to the half pipe that is under lights and a great way to finish your day, if your legs are up to it!

Niseko, how to describe this majestically place that so many international snow junkies are now calling it their home all year round. It does not stop snowing, you might see the sun or blue skies for weeks on end, off-piste and on terrain that you can let your imagination run wild to keep you entertained, resort is open for up to 9 hours a day, village atmosphere, 3 ski-able resorts linked under one lift pass, onsens, fantastic people…….. sorry but you will not like your holiday to Niseko one little bit.

Sorry I forgot to mention, Niseko accommodation is second to none.

See you there!

From a lover of snow, powder and everything Japan has to offer as a skiing destination and its cultural experiences.

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