Japan offers a lot to see, from rural beauty to neon metropolises.
The island nation of Japan is known for its rich, exotic history and grace as well as its unique take on popular culture. This dichotomy has made the country an attractive destination for travel, with a nearly unlimited source of tourist attractions and seasonal events.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is the highest mountain in Japan and one of the most recognizable symbols of the country. On a clear day you can even see the mountain from Tokyo. Mount Fuji's remarkable symmetry has made the peak a staple of Japanese art and photography. The mountain base is within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and there are four trails to the summit divided into ten different stations. The Kawagushi-Yoshida-guchi Trail is the most easily accessible from Tokyo, and most hikers like to begin at midday and stay the night in a hut, at the 7th or 8th station, and finish the climb the next day. The best months to visit Mount Fuji are July or August, when there is no snow or other unstable conditions.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the largest city in the country. Tokyo houses both historical attractions and unique modern attractions as well as an abundance of museums. Ueno Park is home to four national museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the country's largest museum, specializing in traditional Japanese art. There are also a variety of different festivals celebrated in Tokyo, such as the cherry blossom festivals each spring in Ueno Park, Inokashira Park, and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Tokyo is also home to the area known as Harajuku, which has become renowned as a center of style and fashion. Harajuku is famous for its unique street fashion, promoted in international publications.
Kyoto
Kyoto, a city in the central part of the main island of Japan, was formerly the imperial capital of the nation. Since then it has become the capital of the Kyoto Prefecture and a major metropolitan area along with the cities of Kobe and Osaka. Kyoto is home to literally thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Among them are five great temples of Zen Buddhism. Kyoto also offers other experiences steeped in Japanese tradition, such as tea ceremonies, zazen meditation, and flower arrangement.
Tags: Mount Fuji, from Tokyo, Ueno Park