 ![Sparrow dance [Aoba Festival at Sendai ]](images/151559.jpg)      
Japan is formed by an archipelago of
over 3, 000 islands stretching a distance similar to that of the western seaboard of the
United States. Its seasons are similar to that of northern Europe and there are
similar active weather systems too. Japan was founded as a country in the 14th
century during the Yamata Dynasty and has followed Shintoism and Buddhism.
Art forms a very important role in Japanese culture
featuring in painting, textiles, furnishings, architecture, landscapes, ceremonies and
cuisine, attaining unparalleled heights of excellence. It is this scope of artistic
involvement which is the focus of most travellers experience in Japan.
 Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and the
northern gateway. It is home to nearly 12 million people and covers an area of more
than 2, 000 sq. km. Amongst the traditional sights are the Meiji Shrine, the
Imperial Palace, and the Asakusa Kannon Temple. There are also many beautiful parks
and gardens plus a number of interesting museums.
Tokyo has a vast rail and subway network to
enable you to explore the city, and most trains to the northern and southern areas of
Japan depart from Tokyo Central Station. As a base from which to explore within a
couple of days then perhaps the Ginza area is most suitable, however if late night
shopping, dining and entertainment are important then maybe consider a hotel in the
Shinjuku Area.
To the north of Tokyo is the Nikko National Park, a
natural wonderland of rivers, lakes and forested highlands. You can g![Autumn foliage[Kyoto]](images/151901.jpg) et to Nikko by
Japan Railways or Tobu Railways, or we can arrange for you to join an inclusive tour.
South of Tokyo is historic Kamakura, scenic
Hakone, and of course the famous Mt. Fuji. Again, it is possible to travel to these
areas by train but we suggest joining an inclusive tour which might proceed onwards to
Kyoto and Nara, before ending in Osaka.
 Kyoto is a beautiful city surrounded by hills and
exudes the atmosphere of the glory and splendour of Japan's ancient culture. The
main attractions are the temples, shrines, gardens and two magnificent imperial villas.
Nara has a long history and features ancient tombs, ruins, and otherhistorical
relics, such that there is an atmosphere of antiquity.
We have an individual 7 day Japan Highlights Tour
which can include Tokyo & Nikko and then travel by Shinkansen (Bullet Train) through
Hakone & Mt. Fuji to Kyoto & Nara before departure from Osaka or return by train
to Tokyo.
There are flights from Europe and all over the
Far East into Tokyo and Osaka again enabling combination with other Oriental destinations
or perhaps as a Stop-Over en-route Down Under.
Click here for holiday suggestions
Japan Highlights
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