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Yokohama

Yokohama - An industrial port city which developed in conjunction with the transplantation of the capital of Japan from Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo) at the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. Prior to that it was a fishing village. Yokohama port is a common destination for sightseers and the city also has a large international population. Viewing the Yokohama Bay Bridge is something of a must for young Japanese lovers. A popular draw to Yokohama is its Chinatown. While it is not as large as many of the Chinatown's around the world it is the largest in Japan with a multitude of restaurants packed into a few square blocks. The Japanese adaptation of Chinese cuisine to fit the national tastebuds has resulted in some interesting dishes. Also good for an afternoon stroll is the Sankei-en garden, commissioned by a local silk merchant in 1906. However, there is an entrance charge to this attraction.

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji - This mountain is Japan's national icon. Mt. Fuji has been dubbed a 'shy mountain' due to the modest covering of clouds it dons at most times of the year. If your idea of seeing Fuji is to look out the window of a shinkansen, you should plan your railroad excursion in the winter months. Visitors who are more hands-on oriented can usually bus and climb their way to the top in about 6 hours - though the walk isn't as good as the views. The climbing season is quite short, and many Japanese make Fuji their destination during the Obon holidays, so if you plan to stay in the area its best to make accommodation reservations early.

Shizuoka

Shizuoka - This was the site of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa's so-called retirement, the city hosts some historical remnants from this period. Basically he wanted to be halfway between his powerbase and his new capital. Onsens are plentiful, and a big draw for Japanese tourists. Green Tea (ocha) farms are also abundant and Shizuoka ocha is famed throughout Japan for its delicious taste. A musuem of artifacts from the Yayoi period (Japan's Bronze Age) provides an intriguing glimpse into Japan's past.

Nagoya

Nagoya - Nagoya is the fourth largest city in Japan, the center of Chubu region. It is a manufacturing powerhouse and one of the strongest regional economies. Among other distinguishments, it is the birthplace of Pachinko (pinball gambling) and parlors for this game of chance are everywhere. A relaxed metropolis, it is a nice place to rest, shop view galleries etc or seek some nightlife. If you are missing food from home, grocery stores selling foreign products are available to soothe your nostalgia. Department stores and an underground shopping complex are good places to pick up some omiyages or momentoes of your travels in Japan.

Gifu

Gifu - Home to an interesting innovation of fishing, ukai is practiced from May 11 to October 15 each year. Fishermen take a crew of cormorants, (and a boatload of tourists), onto the river and then set the cormorants to work doing what they do best, catching fish. The fishing takes place directly under the mountain top castle built by Nobunaga Oda. Each bird is attached to a leash and a small metal ring is fastened around their throats to prevent them swallowing the catch. Gifu's other offerings include kasa (oiled paper parasols) and chouchin (paper lanterns). These handicrafts are very popular and are sold at all the souvenir shops.

Ise

Ise - Site of Japan's most sacred shinto shrine, "Ise-jingu Grand Shrine," is located here. Worshippers and sightseers trek here at all times of the year. However, the Hatsumode Festival from 1-3 January, is especially packed, and accommodations are booked out months ahead of time. There are also some beautiful beaches in the area and a few little fishing villages that travelers in search of a quiet day might like to visit. The "pearl islands" are located nearby (the famous Mikimoto pearls - the result of an innovation leading to the world's first cultured pearls) at Toba and are only a ferry ride away from the coastal resort of Gamagori (just 15 minutes by train from Okazaki).

Hikone

Hikone - Best known for its ancient castle, the reputation is well deserved. One of the few original castles still standing in Japan (many of those that weren't destroyed in internal warfare were leveled by bombing in WWII) it has a lovely view over Lake Biwa. The castle's garden, Genkyuu-en, is a beautiful example of this Japanese art. Admission to both attractions is on the same JPY 500 ticket, so don't lose the ticket! The Lake itself is Japan's largest and is very scenic - there are boat cruises to islands on the lake.

Kyoto

Kyoto - The ancient capital of Japan, this city is cupped in a ring of mountains. Although the situation is picturesque it makes for unfortunate weather patterns - Kyoto is notorious for burning uncomfortably hot/humid summers and frigid cold winters. This said, Kyoto is a must see for any traveler interested in Japanese temples or gardens. Among other famous edifices, Kyoto is home to Kinkakuji (Golden Temple) and Kiyo Mizu (Pure Water). If you visit at an off-peak time of year accommodation prices are lower and you can enjoy the sites without the tourist hordes.

Nara

Nara - The first official capital of Japan. It was quickly abandoned due to the growing power of Buddhist clergy in the area (one resourceful monk seduced the empress and very nearly succeeded to the emperorship himself). However, this city is still a treasure trove of historic temples and traditional Japanese atmosphere. The world's largest wooden building, Todaiji temple, is located here. The temple contains the world's largest bronze casting of Buddha. Nara Park is a lovely reserve of greenery, that also boasts a large population of tame deer. (No hunters please) It is great fun to "deer watch" and even "deer pet" but, once you buy deer biscuits these cute things can be aggressive - they are used to being fed.

Osaka

Osaka - A gritty metropolis well linked through various transportation routes. Osaka castle, a spectacular aquarium and various high-tech attractions are about the extent of sightseeing venues. If you have the cash, this city is great for shopping. Check out Umeda's underground maze of small boutiques and ten floor department stores. If you are the gadget type, make your way over to Senritown for low priced electrical products. The northern area of Osaka sports a national reserve that supports wild monkey colonies. You need a car to get there but, it is a nice breather from the concrete and asphalt atmosphere of the rest of Osaka.

Himeji

Himeji - The premier castle of Japan is worth a look, flood lit at night it is absolutely spectacular. This castle with its white walls is nicknamed the "White Egret" and was ruled by 50 different masters during Japan's Tokugawa era. It is a five storey edifice and sports some agressive looking battle defenses and the top of the main donjon offers views over the city and out to the harbour. Shoshazan Engyouji and the local museum about castles around the world (appropriate for the home of the White Egret) are also good ways to pass a day. Accommodation is also relatively inexpensive.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima - This city has been entirely rebuilt since it was destroyed by an atomic bomb at the end of World War II. An entire park devoted to commemorating the tragedy of lost lives and suffering that began when the atomic bomb was dropped surrounds the museum. Likely the most striking monument is the skeletal remains of a riverside building preserved from the time of the blast - it is now known as the Genbaku Dome and is a notable tourist attraction as is the rebuilt Hiroshima Castle. For travelers interested in some serious eating - Hiroshima offers two tasty culinary specialties: Hiroshimayaki and momijimanju. Hiroshimayaki is a variation on the Osaka invention which includes soba noodles and fried egg. Momijimanju is a maple leaf shape cake filled with creamy sweet bean paste (less concentrated than the common variety).

Sapporo/Chitose

Sapporo - Hokkaido's main city, it is a pleasant place to stay and enjoy the bustle of a Japanese metropolis while still being able to breathe. There are several museums and unusual buildings such as Sapporo's famous clocktower available for the touristically inclined. Those who are more interested in satisfying the senses will find an array of eating options and nightlife. Students visiting the Sapporo brewery will find a wide range of food and beer and could possibly run into Yamasa's Admissions Coordinator if their timing is unfortunate. Hokkaido is famed for its potatoes, corn, crab and ramen. Try a local specialty and see if its all it is cracked up to be. Probably the best asset to Sapporo, from the Japanese perspective, is the abundance of nearby nature and the absence of a rainy season. Accordingly, there are a lot of tourists during Honshu's hot, humid summers. The winters are cold with heavy snowfall and fierce winds from Siberia - but its a great place for a skiing and snowboarding holiday if you have the money.

Nagasaki

Nagasaki - A city replete with history, that is generally overshadowed by its notoriety as the target of the second atomic bomb dropped on Japan. In 1542 an island off Nagasaki was the site of arrival for a Portuguese trading ship gone astray. This event instigated the growth of Nagasaki as a port to the world outside of Asia. The history of Christian missionaries in Japan also begins with this episode and it was through Nagasaki that St Francis Xavier landed in Japan. The Portuguese, Dutch and eventually English traders muscled in on the trade between Japan and China and also introduced firearms to the samurai. Christianity was eventually perceived as a growing threat by Tokugawa Ieyasu's grandson and the religion was eventually banned, all foreigners expelled and converts to Christianity persecuted. Only a small Dutch contingent were allowed to remain - under heavy restrictions. Nagasaki once again became an international link with the reopening of Japan during the Meiji restoration and remains a lively city today. In addition to the plethora of sights related to the atomic bomb, there are a number of other historical and religious attractions in Nagasaki.

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