Japan Feature

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji, the nation's highest peak, rises 3,776 meters. One of Japan's most famous symbols, the symmetrical Fuji-san inspires artists and commoners alike. The dormant volcano sits between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. During nice weather, it can be viewed from Tokyo and Yokohama. For a closer peek, climb it in summer or see it from the Shinkansen train between Tokyo and Osaka.

Imperial Palace East Gardens

Open to the public, the gardens are all that remain of the former innermost circle of defense for Edo Castle, the residence of the Tokugawa Shogun between 1603 and 1867. The gardens are accessed by three gates: Hirakawa-mon, Ote-mon, and Kitahanebashi-mon. Sculpted, rolling greenery surround stone walls, moats, and guardhouses.

Grand Shrines of Ise

Located in Mie Prefecture, the Ise Jingu Shrine is arguably Japan's most revered shrine complex. Often referred to simply as Jingu, or "The Shrine," it includes more than 100 small Shinto shrines and two main shrines, Naiku and Geku. Naiku, the Inner Shrine, houses the sun goddess Amaterasu omikami. The Outer Shrine, Geku, is home to the deity for industry and agriculture, Toyouke no omikami.

The Temples of Kyoto

The former capital of Japan, Kyoto, is known for its grand, historic structures. Two of the famous Buddhist temples are the Ginkaku-ji (1474), the "Temple of the Silver Pavilion," which features the Kannon Hall and a rock-and-gravel Japanese garden, and Kinkaku-ji (1393), its golden sister that includes a gold-leaf adorned hall. Each is fronted by a spectacular lake.

Dotombori

Osaka's liveliest entertainment area, Dotombori is a single street running along the Dotombori canal in the city's Namba district. It is filled with many small bars and restaurants. Be sure to sample the local specialty: takoyaki (battered octopus). Following large sporting events the street is at its most frenzied, with revelers sometimes diving into the canal.

Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to those killed following the atomic bomb attack, is the city's most famous tourist attraction. Inside is the Peace Memorial Museum, which provides a history of the bomb. Also in the park is the A-Bomb Dome (the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall), whose curved roof stands partly intact and serves as a symbol of peace.

Maehama Beach

This spectacular 7-km stretch of sand is on the island of Niijima, a volcanic island under the jurisdiction of Tokyo. Located 163 km south of the capital (accessible by boat or ferry), the beach offers water recreation opportunities and camping. The beach also provides a view of Mt. Fuji on occasion and is the starting point for the Miyako Triathlon.

Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum

Located in the Nibutani village of Hokkaido, the museum preserves the history and traditions of the Ainu, an ethnic group indigenous to this northern island. The museum has three themes: "Ainu (Human being)," "Kamui (Gods)," and "Moshiri (the blessings of nature)." On display are examples of woven items, carvings, and canoes. Be warned that descriptions are only in Japanese.