Why Japan?
Japan, land of the rising sun
Japan is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean and is bordered
on the west by the Sea of Japan and by the Philippine sea in the
south. Japan is called the "land of the rising sun" because in the
beginning of the 13th century, a group of sailors who met Marco
Polo in China told him about a land that existed in 'the sun's
origin' or where the sun rises. The Japanese word 'Nippon' means
Sun origin.
Japan is a beautiful country with a fascinating history that dates
back thousands of years. There are many temples and shrines
throughout Japan that showcase this rich history. Japan's
landscape is mountainous as large cities are concentrated along
the coastlines. Japan is divided into 47 administrative
prefectures and eight traditional regions. The capital city,
Tokyo, is the most populous metropolitan area in the world.
Attractions
Popular attractions in Japan
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, with its iconic snow topped cap, is the highest peak in Japan and is a must see tourist attraction. Bring your camera and hope that the weather provides you a great view.
Address
Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112, Japan
Transportation options
Best reached by bus as it is approximately 62 miles from the capital city of Tokyo.
Tokyo
Tokyo has endless things to see and do within its many districts. From quirky shops in Harajuku displaying Japanese pop culture, to themed cafes in Shibuya, to sightseeing towers like Tokyo Tower and Skytree.
Quick travel advice
It could take a full week just to explore most of the major city centers as Tokyo is home to 14 urban hubs.
Kyoto
Founded in 794, Kyoto has a rich traditional history evidenced by imperial palaces as well as hundreds of temples and shrines. The two main religions, Shinto and Buddhism, co-exist as many Japanese follow both religions daily.
Other attractions
Make sure to check out the famous Arashiyama Bamboo forest for a relaxing soundscape walk.