Honshu is the largest of the four main Japanese islands, a mere fraction larger than the island of Britain for comparison purposes. Over 100 million people live on Honshu, making it the second most-populated island in the world after Java in Indonesia. Historic castles and temples, traditional districts with geishas, skyscrapers and neon lights, relaxing hot springs, and nature scenes like ones seen at Lake Biwa and Mount Fuji are all experiences you can enjoy while on Honshu, just to name a few!
Just a three or four-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo, Tohoku is a great place to explore the Japanese countryside. Rolling farmland and rice paddies make way for lakes and mountains, where there are traditional towns and villages with well-known hot springs and ryokans.
The Kanto region is largely comprised of the Kanto Plain, the largest plain in Japan, which fits a third of Japan`s population into an eighth of Honshu. Tokyo, the nation`s capital and one of the world`s major cities, is located in the middle of the Kanto Plain.
The Chubu region comprises much of east-central Japan. It is home to the majestic Japanese Alps, the legendary Mount Fuji, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and priceless and unforgettable vacation experiences, whether you decide on a city or a country stay.
The Kansai region (also called the Kinki region) is the historical heart of Japan, home to the country`s former capitals, Nara and Kyoto. Kansai is known in equal parts for its history and its great natural beauty, and it boasts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Chugoku means `the middle countries` in Japanese, and it was once the link Nara and Kyoto had with Asia`s mainland. Cut in two by the Chugoku Mountains, the south (Sanyo) is home to its two largest cities, and the north (San'in) is perhaps the most rural part of Japan.
There are so many experiences you can enjoy that are unique to Japan, such as attending a kabuki theatre performance, being a spectator at a sumo wrestling match, watching geishas administer the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and the list goes on!
Japan is particularly well-known for its castles. Today there are over 100 open to the public. From Hokkaido to Okinawa, the castles of Japan educate visitors on what life was like during the late feudal and Tokugawa shogunate eras.
There are tens of thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines across Japan, and they can be found even in the remotest towns and villages. One of the most accessible ways to learn about Japanese culture and customs is to visit a temple or shrine.
Cities of Tradition!!!...Fly into Tokyo, Japan's most lively capital, which mixes the ultramodern with the traditional, featuring neon-lit skyscrapers and anime shops to cherry trees and temples.This city is famed for its vibrant food scene, and its trendy and fashion districts of Shibuya and Harajuku. Next, get on the famous bullet train and go to Takayama, a picturesque town that houses three of the most beautiful festivals in Japan. Up next is Kanazawa, a magical place that features the Tera-Machi, where 70 temples are gathered together, and also the Kenroku-en Garden.Then take the train to Kyoto, known as the City of the Ten Thousand Shrines for a reason, since it holds about a quarter of Japan's National Treasures and popular festivals.
Up next roll-on to Osaka, famous for its delicious traditional food along with its Castle and renowned Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. This is a flexible vacation package. Select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities.
Japanese cuisine is one of the world`s most popular cuisines, and definitely one of the most delicious. You will find certain regions are cities are known for the best of the best of certain Japanese delicacies and staples.
Over 500 ski resorts dot Japan, from Hokkaido all the way down to Kyushu. You will find the widest selection of ski resorts in the Japanese Alps, where the Winter Olympics took place, and in the Tohoku region, home to many of the country`s largest resorts.
Many people think of four major islands when they think of Japan, but as one of the largest island countries in the world, there are hundreds of inhabited islands that offer some of Asia`s most fabulous beaches, from Hokkaido down to the Ryukyu Islands.