honshu

Japan’s main island and cultural heartland is a must for the first time visitor with world-famous cities, spectacular mountains, bullet trains, Mount Fuji and the Hakone National Park.

Tokyo

Japan is often described as being both ancient and modern, but Tokyo is the place to go for all things futuristic! Tokyo has been the capital of Japan since 1868 when it was called Edo, having been shifted from Kyoto by the reinstated Emperor. Since then much of the ancient buildings have been razed to the ground by earthquakes and US bombs in WWII, paving the way for the post war phenomenon that is the Japanese capital today. Tokyo is split into 23 wards, each a mini city unto itself with distinct character and attractions, providing endless opportunities to explore huge varieties of shops, world class restaurants, fascinating markets and superb nightlife. Perhaps the most iconic area in Tokyo is the Shinjuku district, characterised by its streets of neon, huge public video screens, grand department stores and the famous four-way pedestrian crossing. Also not to be missed is Tsukiji market, a riverside fish market dating back to the 16th century at the beginning of the Edo period. The market is a hive of activity and one of the world's largest fish markets distributing over 2,000 tons per day, especially famous for the auction of high quality tuna highly sought after across the country for sushi and sashimi. A comprehensive display of Japanese artefacts can be seen at the Tokyo National Museum, which displays historic costumes including samurai armour, priceless kimonos, swords, antique folding screens, tea ceremony utensils and Japanese paintings. For a sense of old Japan of the only Edo period buildings can be seen at and around the Asakusa Kannon Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The surrounding streets and alleys are lined with shops and stalls selling an eclectic mixture of kimono, handicrafts, and a dazzling variety of street food. For a break from the pace of city life the Zen inspired Hamarikyu Garden is a tranquil oasis on the edge of the bay and flanked by the modern skyscrapers of the Shiodome district, where you can enjoy a Japanese tea in the wooden pavilion by the edge of the park's lake.

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Nikko

Nikko is a sacred city founded in the 8th Century that has been the centre of Shinto and Buddhist worship for centuries, located in the hills 50 miles to the north of Tokyo. The city is a tranquil place with many of Japan’s most important shrines protected by UNESCO, carved wooden bridges, gardens with fishponds and is surrounded by delightful cedar woods. The most famous shrine in Nikko is the intricate Toshogu Shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It is an impressive building, elaborately decorated in gold with dozens of stone lanterns perfectly aligned to frame the grand shrine. A visit to Nikko can be taken as a day trip from Tokyo, or extended with an exploration of the National Park just beyond the city. The National Park offers spectacular scenery of mountainous landscapes, lakes and waterfalls, hot springs and hiking trails.

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Mount Fuji & Hakone National Park

At 3776m Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and most famous symbol, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful conical volcanoes in the world. The base of Mt. Fuji forms an almost perfect circle stretching 35 to 40 km from east to west and the same distance from north to south, and is visible from Tokyo on a clear day. The volcano has not been active for more than 250 years. There are several ways in which to experience Mount Fuji, and if you are lucky with clear weather, experience the breathtaking views of its perfect conical dome. Day trips are available from Tokyo, which take you by coach to the 5th Station at 2400m and includes several other attractions in the area. A more leisurely way of enjoying the National Park is by spending a night or two in Hakone or nearby, and purchasing a Hakone Free Pass for independent exploration of the National Park. The Hakone Free Pass entitles you to unlimited use of most modes of transport in the area, provides discounts at many outlets, and allows entrance to Hakone’s many and varied attractions including museums, art galleries, gardens, boat rides, cable car, funicular and switch back train. One of the best views of Fuji can be seen on the excursion to Owakudani, a steaming valley of hot mud springs. A cable car takes passengers over the valley to a viewpoint from where it is possible to explore the area on foot. On clear days there are good views from here of the surrounding mountain ranges and of Mount Fuji. Another popular excursion is taking a cruise on Lake Ashi, a lake created from a volcanic crater, which is surrounded by wooded slopes that are dotted with small shrines. For the more active, during 2 months of the year in summer time it is possible to take a 3 day hike to the summit of Mout Fuji, staying overnight in simple mountain huts, a tough trek that requires good fitness levels and some training.

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Kyoto

Capital between 794 and 1868, Kyoto remains Japan’s cultural heartland with many of the country’s historical treasures, Zen gardens, pavilions and temples - 17 of which have World Heritage status. As you approach the city by train at first glance this looks like any other Japanese city, but as you wander from the train station towards the ancient heart of the city you are filled with the excitement as images old Japan come to life in the tight cobblestone lanes of old houses packed with secretive doorways, the ornate bridges and willow trees swaying over gentle streams. The real gems of Kyoto are the temples, each with an individual character but with intertwining histories. One of Japan's most famous sights is Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a glittering temple covered entirely in gold leaf and set on a mirror pond amongst well-tended gardens. The original temple dates from 1394 but was burned down by a protesting monk in 1950 but was immediately re-built, events fictionalised in Yukio Mishima’s book "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion". Another highlight of Kyoto is Kiyomizu, dating from 1633, which is perched on a hillside with good views over central Kyoto. The main hall sits on hundreds interconnecting wooden pillars and just below this is a spring of sacred waters that are supposed to have therapeutic qualities. The streets leading up to the temple are lined with souvenir shops, although branching out from these are some interesting quiet lanes with old houses. Kyoto’s other significant places of interest include the attractively decorated Ryoanji Temple and gardens, founded in 1450 which belonging to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism, and Nijo Castle built in 1603 to demonstrate the power of the first first Shogun of a united Japan, reflecting an ambition to impress rather than anticipation of combat, and the nearby Bamboo Forest as seen in "Memoirs of a Geisha". After visiting these fascinating sights, Kyoto is a marvellous place to spend a few days to explore at your own pace and unravel its many hidden beauties, the centre of the city being filled with wonderful old buildings and an array of shops, riverside restaurants and theatres. A fascinating way of understanding more of Kyoto’s famous hidden society is to take a guided tour of Kyoto’s geisha districts, which come to life in the early evening as these traditional entertainers make their way to their appointments. It is also possible to arrange an evening meal and drinks with entertainment provided by genuine Maiko and Geisha.

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Kurashiki

Located between Kyoto and Hiroshima, Kurashiki has a delightful district of ancient black-tiled warehouses connected by canals filled with carp, and ornate bridges linking the narrow pedestrian lanes. During the Tokugawa period, the rich farmland surrounding Kurashiki produced high-quality Bizen-mai rice, and these warehouses date from that period when they were used to store rice before it was shipped to other parts of Japan. Today many of the warehouses have been restored and converted into museums and galleries, including Kurashiki’s pride and joy, the impressive Ohara Museum of Art, which boasts many famous works including pieces by Monet, Picasso and Renoir.

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Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

Indelibly etched into world history as being the target of the first atomic bomb on the 6th of August 1945 when 200,000 lost their lives, Hiroshima has risen from the ashes to become a vibrant and prosperous city. With a spectacular backdrop being flanked by mountains and sea, dotted with small islands, and a forward thinking approach to planning, the city is a pleasant place to visit. In the centre of the city is the A-Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park, built on open field created by the explosion, with a moving collection of memorials, sculptures and monuments dedicated to the abolition of nuclear arms and campaign for world peace. The adjoining museum documents life in Hiroshima before, during and after the tragic event, and can be an overwhelming experience. A few miles from the coast of Hiroshima in the Inland Sea lies Miyajima Island, famous for the huge red Tori gate rising from the ocean guarding the entrance to Itsushima Shrine. Miyajima is a delightful island with a serene atmosphere, with deer and monkeys roaming freely, and a wonderful place to wander around town and in the wooded hills. For those spending more time on the island, there is an excellent 4 hour hike to the summit of the island’s mountain Misen at 530m from where there are spectacular views of the Inland Sea. For a more leisurely walk there is a cable car which takes you to within 20 minutes from the summit, and leaves an hour long descent. To complement the tranquillity of the island we recommend staying at the Iwaso Ryokan, a charming traditional Japanese guesthouse located in serene woodlands next to a crystal clear stream, and only 10 minutes walk from Itsushima Shrine. All rooms are en suite and there is an onsen (hot spring bath) available for guests.

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Mount Koya (Koya-san)

Sacred Mount Koya, or Koya-san, is an elevated area of hills with a collection of over 100 temples and lodges, surrounded by delicately scented cedar trees and misty peaks. Koya-san is one of the most important spiritual centers in Japan and the centre of Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism. Accommodation at Koya-san is in Shukubo, or temple lodges, which offer simple rooms and vegetarian meals prepared by monks. Guests are encouraged to embrace the spirituality of Koya-san by rising early and joining monks for early morning meditation. An interesting sight not to be missed is the Okunoin Cemetery, situated in the middle of a forest of cedar trees, and the resting place for many of Japan’s most famous figures in history. After dark the mile long path leading through the cemetery is lit by lights and stone lanterns, which makes for a wonderfully atmospheric evening stroll.

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Nara

A short train ride from Kyoto, Nara was Japan’s first real capital and centre of cultural and political life between 710 and 794. The city is packed with shrines and temples in a small area, which can easily be covered on a day trip from Kyoto. One of the seven great temples of Nara, Todaiji is the largest wooden temple in the world and Nara’s main attraction. The present structure was built in 1709 after a fire destroyed the original, and although immense, is only two thirds the size. Inside the main hall is a Giant Buddha statue and amazingly lifelike wooden carvings of characters by the famous 13th Century sculptor Unkei. Another top attraction is Nara’s Deer Park, covering a wooded area of 5.25 hectares and so called for its 1000 strong herd of tame deer. The deer are regarded as divine messengers of the Kasuga Shrine and a popular activity with visitors is to feed them biscuits that are on sale from the park offices.

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Takayama

Set on the edge of the Japanese Alps, the delightful town of Takayama was established in the 16th Century and flourished as a trading town, attracting many artisans to cater for the refined tastes of the wealthy merchants. Today the centre of town retains the charm of old, with atmospheric streets of dark wooden buildings that have changed little in centuries housing craft shops, traditional Inns, restaurants, galleries and sake breweries. There is also a vibrant morning market selling produce grown in the surrounding farmlands, and a number of impressive municipal buildings have been restored to their former glory and converted into museums. A popular time to visit Takayama is during the spring and autumn festivals when huge floats hundreds of years old are paraded through the streets. These spectacular floats were originally built by the town’s wealthy merchants who competed to create bigger and more ornate floats as a display of their wealth.

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Shirakawago

Around 30 miles from Takayama are the villages of Shirakawa and Gokayama, set in spectacular valleys and surrounded by steep mountains. Dating from the 12th Century these villages were founded by the Taira clan who were escaping from a bitter battle with their rivals the Minamoto clan, and these remote valleys cut off by heavy snow for several months of the year were considered the ideal location. Aside from the dramatic location, this area is most famous for the distinctive Gassho houses, often called ' hands in prayer' which refers to the steeply sloping thatched roofs. This A-frame design was to withstand the weight of heavy snow during the winter, which created an ideal environment for the cultivation of silkworms in the loft space. Several of these ancient houses have been converted into guesthouses offering simple accommodation, and it is a wonderfully romantic experience to stay overnight to experience the peace and solitude of the valleys once the crowds have left.

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Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a town rich in history and culture located on the western coast on the Sea of Japan. The Maeda clan ruled over Kanazawa for three prosperous centuries from the 16th Century when the area was producing some of the largest quantities of rice in all Japan. During this time the Maeda clan built an impressive castle and created one of the country’s finest gardens, which are both still in excellent condition and a highlight of any visit to Kanazawa. During the bountiful years, the wealthy inhabitants developed sophisticated tastes and the town developed as a centre for artisans, chefs and geishas. The flavour of the Maeda era can be seen today in the impressive architecture of the well preserved samurai and geisha districts.

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Kiso Valley

The Kiso Valley is an area of mountainous terrain covered in thick cypress forests with several picturesque towns, originally set up as stations along the ancient Nakasendo highway linking the old capital Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto to the west. Many of these ancient towns fell into decline in the early 20th Century, but more recently many of the Edo style streets and building have been restored and protected by the local government, preserving the unique ambience of the Nakasendo station towns of the Edo period (1603 – 1868). The two most attractive and famous towns in the region are Tsumago and Magome, which are traffic-free and rich in traditional buildings housing restaurants, shops and inns, giving them a delightful old world atmosphere. These two towns and connected by a well signposted hiking trail which leads over a small peak, and through pleasant scenery of farmlands, waterfalls and forests.

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The Japanese Alps

The Japanese Alps is a National Park offering the most spectacular mountain scenery in the whole of Japan. In addition to world class skiing during the winter, the area offers excellent hiking, trekking and mountaineering and several delightful Onsen towns. Kamikochi is one of the most popular resorts in the area located on a river plateau at 1500m above sea level and surrounded by some of Japan’s tallest mountains. In the summer time the area offers a superb variety of treks catering for most fitness levels, including a rewarding hike linking Kamikochi and Shin Hotaka Onsen, which includes a ride on Asia’s longest cable car reaching an altitude of around 2900m offering spectacular panoramic views of the Japan Alps and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. A delightful place to stay in the area is Shirahone Onsen, an atmospheric hot spring resort located in a deep gorge. There are a number of traditional Inns in the village, all with outdoor baths filled with this Onsen’s exceptional silky milk blue hot spring water.

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Gunma’s Hot Springs

Those in search of Japan’s most traditional hot springs resorts should consider visiting Gunma prefecture and the Onsen towns of Kusatsu and Takaragawa. Kusatsu has been famous for several centuries for its bountiful supply of high quality hot spring water from a nearby source, and the whole town seems to revolve around the age old ritual of soaking in baths. In addition to the baths at each and every guesthouse in town, there are a number of exceptional public open-air baths, and it is quite accepted to wander through town to take a bath dressed only in the Yukatas (bathrobe) provided by your guesthouse. For a superb natural setting the traditional styled Osenkaku ryokan at Takaragawa Onsen has a number of fabulous riverfront rooms. Next to the ryokan is a number of spacious mixed-sex open air baths running parallel to the river in a delightfully natural setting. Modesty towels are provided!

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