Steden van Japan

About the destination: Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest urban area in the world. Tokyo is the financial center of Japan and a blend of high-technology and tradition. Tokyo is huge and a well-organized modern city. The city landscape of Tokyo consists of temples and shrines, quiet nature reserves, historical buildings, futuristic architecture and neon lights. The core of the city includes Chiyoda and Chuo. This area features the impressive Imperial Palace, the national government buildings, the famous shopping area of Ginza, Tsukiji fish market, Akihabara electronics market and the historic Tokyo Station. The quiet neighborhood of Asakusa has some must-see attractions such as the Sensoji Temple, the Nakamise-dōri shopping arcade, and the Golden Poo. Nearby is the Ueno area, including the Ameyoko market. A perfect spot to shop for traditional gifts and see a great Buddhist temple. Another major attraction of the city is the Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya. Tokyo is a unique city that has something for everyone, busy shopping areas, famous nightlife, historical sights, quiet parks, and amazing scenery.

About the destination:

Hakone is a popular tourist destination in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, known for its natural beauty, hot springs and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. It offers an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, as it is only about 80 kilometers from the capital. Visitors can enjoy relaxing baths in its famous hot springs, known as onsen, and stay in traditional ryokan. Lake Ashi is another major attraction, where you can take boat trips and enjoy views of Mount Fuji. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is an outstanding open-air museum with contemporary sculptures and a collection of Picasso art. In addition, Hakone Shrine, located on the shores of Lake Ashi, is known for its iconic red torii gate that is reflected in the waters of the lake.

About the destination: Takayama was settled as far back as the Jōmon period. The city is best known for its inhabitants' expertise in carpentry. It is believed carpenters from Takayama worked on the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and on many of the temples in Kyoto and Nara. The town and its culture, as they exist today, took shape at the end of the 16th century, when the Kanamori clan built Takayama Castle. About a hundred years later the city came under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. However, the high altitude and separation from other areas of Japan kept the area fairly isolated, allowing Takayama to develop its own culture over about a 300-year period. The city was formed on November 1, 1936 by a merger of the towns of Takayama and Onada. On February 1, 2005, the town of Kuguno, and the villages of Asahi, Kiyomi, Miya, Nyūkawa, Shōkawa and Takane (all from Ōno District), the town of Kokufu, and the village of Kamitakara (both from Yoshiki District) were merged into Takayama, which made Takayama the largest city in Japan by surface area.

About the destination: For over a thousand years Kyoto was the capital of Japan and it is probably the best preserved of all its cities. It’s a beautiful vibrant city where modern life meets old traditional Japan. The city is surrounded by the mountains of Western Honshu and is a perfect base when visiting the Kansai region. The city is rich in heritage sites and culture, it has a great variety and number of restaurants and is fairly easy to navigate around. Its rich culture and heritage permeates from each and every architecture and customs. Kyoto has thousands of temples and shrines, including the spectacular golden Kinkaku-ji, Ryoanji with its Zen garden, the popular Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo with its life-size statues of Kannon and the more tranquil Tenryu-ji in Arashiyama. Also in Arashiyama, there is the famous Bamboo Grove. A wonderful thing to do in Kyoto is a walking tour of Gion, one of the main Geisha districts. Its wooden buildings and lamps create the perfect ambiance. Kyoto is one of the greatest historical cities in the world, filled with temples, shrines, teahouses and imperial residences. Kyoto is a city steeped in culture and heritage it’s a must for anyone with an interest in Japanese history and culture.

About the destination: Koyasan, located in the Wakayama prefecture of Japan, is a destination that will transport you to a world of peace and tranquility. This small town is nestled in the mountains and is known for its rich history and culture. One of the main attractions is the Buddhist temple complex, which is home to over 100 temples. The most famous of these temples is the Kongobu-ji, which is the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect. The temple features stunning architecture and beautiful gardens that are a true delight to explore. Another must-visit spot in Koyasan is the Okunoin cemetery, which is the largest cemetery in Japan. This sacred site is the final resting place of many prominent Buddhist monks and samurai, and it is believed to be a place where the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living. If you're looking for a unique experience, consider staying in one of the many shukubo, or temple lodgings, that are scattered throughout Koyasan. These accommodations offer visitors a chance to experience the daily life of Buddhist monks and participate in meditation and other spiritual practices. No matter what your interests or beliefs, Koyasan is a destination that offers something for everyone. So why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of this magical town?

About the destination: Osaka is a big modern city in Japan. It is the central metropolis of the Kansai region and the largest of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto trio. It is a lively and exciting place that exudes a definite charm. Its history is rich, its scenery is gorgeous, and it's well-located close to the major cultural centers of Kyoto and Nara, and just a few hours by bullet train to Tokyo. Osaka has two major city centers, Kita, north side, and Minami, south side. Kita is a large shopping and business area, Minami is Osaka's most famous entertainment district. Osaka’s major attractions are the impressive, beautifully restored, castle and the truly wonderful aquarium. Osaka has some striking modern architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and tasty local cuisine. To experience the city’s nightlife head to bustling Dōtonbori, a street jammed with restaurants and bars. There are also some beautiful places to visit just outside of the city. Minoo is a suburb of Osaka which offers pleasant woodland, an impressive waterfall, hiking opportunities and a relaxing spa. Osaka combines historical, cultural and artistic attractions with all the delights of a modern Japanese metropolis. Japan's third-largest city offers an exciting atmosphere, with fantastic connections to some of the most historic cities in Japan.