Japan is situated in northeastern Asia and has a landmass of 377,873 square kilometres. It consists of four major islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, and is surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands.

Japan's population is approximately 126 million, with most people residing in its densely populated urban areas. The nation’s capital is Tokyo, home to some 12 million people.

TOKYO

Tokyo is Japan’s major political, cultural and financial centre, and as such, it is an extremely busy and crowded city. Many of the city’s districts have well established reputations; the Ginza district is renowned for its chic designer boutiques, Shinjuku is popularly known as a centre for entertainment and excitement, and Akihabara is the place to go for electronics.

Zen gardens, Shinto shrines and old-fashioned shops provide welcome respite for visitors and locals alike to relax and recharge, and are charming remnants of traditional Japan.

Other local attractions include:

Sony Building - (Ginza) Part showroom, part museum, all electronic products ever made by Sony are on show here. A real must for anyone interested in electronic gadgets.

Tokyo National Museum - Housing the largest collection of Japanese art in the world, with some 89,000 pieces of Japanese and Asian art, and an impressive collection of samurai armour and exquisite 18th century lacquerwares

Meiji Shrine - Located next to Harajuku Station, this beautiful old Shinto shrine is nestled amongst a vast expanse of cedar trees that very quickly block out the sounds of the modern world.

Tsukiji Central Seafood Market - Open from 5am to 10am every morning (except Sundays), this bustling market offers the biggest variety of seafood in the Tokyo area, and is a great place to try fresh sushi.

Odaiba - Built on reclaimed land, this manmade island was specifically designed as an amusement and shopping centre. It offers magnificent views of the Rainbow Bridge, and is home a several vast shopping malls, the giant Toyota showcase and the very futuristic Fuji TV studio.

HAKONE

Hakone is a popular hot spring resort region to the southwest of Tokyo, right at the very heart of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

Mount Fuij, and Lake Ashi with its breathtaking views of the revered mountain, are the region's primary attractions, as well as the many Hot Spring resorts.

Owaku Valley - Bursting with volcanic activity, where steam rises from crevices in the rocks, and where you can try a Black Egg (thought to enhance long life) is also a popular attraction.

The Fujikyu Highland Park - Located at the base of mount Fuji has earned a well respected place on the map as home to the longest and fastest roller coasters in the world.

This region is also famous for its Hōtō (flat, tagliatelli-like) noodles.

KYOTO

Kyoto was once the former cultural and religious centre of Japan, and was the nation’s capital from 764 to 1868 A.D. Much of Japan’s traditional heritage is still very well preserved here, and the city is by far the most popular tourist destination in Japan.

With its numerous temples, shrines, gardens and monuments, Kyoto is a city steeped in history. Gion Corner and Kawara-Machi are centres where traditional arts and theatre are still very much alive to this day, and it’s not unusual to see the occasional Geisha hurrying through the labyrinths of narrow streets here.

Nearby Nara with its beautiful park, where deer roam freely among temples and shrines, is also a popular attraction.

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