The northernmost of Japan's four main islands, Hokkaido is renowned for its dramatic volcanoes, tranquil geothermal pools and impressive ski slopes. The island is the least developed of the group and features vast expanses of untouched wilderness protected by the Daisetsuzan and Shikotsu-Tōya National Parks. Visitors can look forward to hiking the area's towering volcanic mountains, exploring the remarkable aquamarine caldera lakes and soaking in the relaxing hot springs. Over fifty percent of the island is comprised of dense forest, which is home to bears, owls, hawks, cranes, foxes, and other wildlife you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Japan. With an annual snowfall of almost fourteen metres and cold air blowing in from Siberia that keeps the powder remarkably dry, the island offers some incredible skiing opportunities on the numerous uncrowded slopes of the coastal mountains.
Tokyo is a massive, wealthy, and fascinating metropolis, including a mainland located northwest of Tokyo Bay and two beautiful and subtropical archipelagos, the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. It encompasses rugged natural scenery, high-tech visions of the future, and glimpses of traditional life. The various districts of this phenomenal city vary wildly in character, from the electronic blare of Akihabara to the magnificent Imperial gardens and shrines of Chiyoda; from the lively youth mecca of Shibuya to the splendid pottery shops and temple markets of Asakusa. If you don't like what you see, hop on the train and head to the next station, and you will find something entirely different. The city truly has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Surrounding the remarkably scenic Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, Fujikawaguchiko is a Japanese resort town in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji. This charming little village serves as a popular base for travellers eager to explore this iconic volcano along the Yoshida Trail. Visitors seeking more sedentary pursuits can look forward to relaxing in the area’s wonderful hot springs and riding the cable car up to Mount Tenjo’s lookout deck which offers breathtaking views of Mt Fuji and the surrounding countryside. The village of Fujikawaguchiko itself features a range of tourist facilities and attractions including art galleries, museums, theme parks, ski slopes, and a variety of exciting activity programs.
Japan’s ‘cultural capital’, Kyoto, is located on Honshu Island within the Kansai region. Filled with awe-inspiring shrines, temples, and Zen gardens, as well as a host of extraordinary modern attractions and numerous things to do, the city offers a plethora of experiences. First stops include the other-worldly Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shinto shrine; Kiyomizu-Dera, offering a ‘love providing’ ceremony and jaw-dropping views, and Buddhist Tōfuku-Ji, famous for its glorious garden. It is also entirely possible to visit Kyoto for the sake of food alone; hubs like Nishiki Market provide a dizzying array of culinary adventures. Culture enthusiasts can attend a traditional tea ceremony; soak up the striking displays at the Kyoto International Manga Museum; or head to Gion, the vibrant downtown district, to visit artisan studios or watch a Kabuki show. Exquisite hikes and natural hot springs await just outside the city.
Osaka is a large port city and a busy commercial centre on the Japanese island of Honshu, known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. This bustling city features a number of appealing attractions, most notably its restored 16th-century Shogunate Osaka Castle, surrounded by a moat and plum, peach and cherry blossom trees. The city also boasts an impressive array of museums including the National Museum of Ethnology, the Open-Air Museum of Old Japanese Farm Houses and the Japan Folk Crafts Museum. Other must-see attractions include the Universal Studios Japan and the Expo Commemoration Park, which features the iconic Tower of the Sun.
