Mount Fuji. Japans highest mountain (3776 meters, 12,377) is unquestionably the countrys most iconic natural landmark.

Photographed in all seasons from all angles, its near perfect cone is climbed by one quarter million people yearly, usually during the months of July and August. Its high visibility and traffic is partially owed to its proximity to the Kanto, or the plain surrounding Tokyo. However the best time to view the mountain is in the winter months when visibility is best. Considered one of the three holy mountains in Japan, along with Tateyama and Hakusan, there is understandably a collection of shrines on the crater rim. Since many people climb the mountain hiking trails and facilities are well established and there is a considerable amount of development on the mountain. The meteorological station marks the high point of the mountain and the country. Popular hiking routes to the summit are Gotemba, Fujinomiya, and Kawaguchiko. All of the trails have ten stations each, which are situated strategically to offer refreshments, lodging, and facilities for the hikers and tourists alike. Most hikers start from the 5th station/s, which are located between 6,000 7,000 and have access by paved roads. However, Mount Fuji lacks train access. If you are interested in climbing and dont have a POV the best way to get there is by catching one of the many Fuji -bound buses departing from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo during the months of July and August. Fuji, a strato-, or composite volcano, last erupted in 1708 and is considered dormant. Ginza, Tokyo. A UNESCO World Heritage Site it is not, but instead an unofficial shrine to Japans industry, technology, and material culture, if there is one. Ginza epitomizes Tokyo, if not Japan. Its ground zero for neon, shopping, and as close to what Tokyo calls center, or downtown, for such a huge city. Within walking distance are the National Diet, the center of Japans government, and the Imperial Palace, a vast complex of buildings, which houses Japans Head of State, the Emperor of Japan and his administrative apparatus. Ginza is best experienced at night so you can view the electronic fireworks. There are so many interesting places in Tokyo and this is a logical place to orient yourself if you visit Japans largest city and capital. Himeji Castle. Japans most famous castle and one of twelve that is in its original condition. Known as the White Heron Castle, it is one of the three most famous in the country, and the most visited. Its fame, not to mention its beauty, is perhaps why it was used as one of the locations for shooting the 007 film, You Only Live Twice (1967) starring Sean Connery. Located in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture, not far from Osaka, the castle is surrounded by pine and cheery trees, which make it especially scenic in the spring. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its original construction was between 1333-1346 with other expansions occurring in 1601-1608, a well-known period for

castle building in Japan. Not without coincidence it was during this time period when warlords fought for control of the country. Kamakura. The outdoor Daibustu is, alongside Miyajimas floating torii, the best known monument in Japan. Kamakura is close to Tokyo, even closer to Yokohama, so day trips from the Kanto are easy. Known as the Great Buddha it was once housed in a building that was destroyed by a typhoon in the 15thcentury. For the curious, the statue is 13.35 meters (44 feet) high and weighs 93 tons. The first mention of the bronze statue dates to 1252. Now hoards of tourists come to get their photos taken in front of the Daibutsuand the many edible (and rotten) offerings left at its foot. The city has a long history and perhaps thats why the Daibutsu stands. Although theDaibutsu gives Kamakura its deserved recognition the citys historical record is long and rich. It is no accident that a period in Japanese history is named the Kamakura period (1185-1333), which marked the beginning of the shogunate established in the city. The city is also famous for Nichiren Buddhism, found by the Japanese monk Nichiren (1222-1282) and sometimes associated with radicalism. It is also recognized as aUNESCO World Heritage Site. Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto. It is best known as the Golden Pavilion and it said to be Japans most visited site and its beauty, accented by surrounding pine trees and ponds, is remarkable. The Temple of the Golden Pavilions history dates to 1397 and it is affiliated with Zen Buddhism. The one you look at today dates to 1955 thanks to a radical Buddhist monk who burned it down in 1950. Despite its relatively recent date, it still draws crowds of the camera-ready Japanese who become frenzied with picture taking. Recognized as aUNESCO World Heritage Site, it is however only one of many historic and cultural sites in Kyoto, Japans cultural capital. A trip to Kyoto would not be complete without visiting Heian shrine, Kiyomizudera, Nijo castle, To-ji, and of course the less spectacular Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Temple Pavilion. Theres much more too as the city has 17 places designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Most date from between the 10th and 19th centuries. The incidence of many prewar buildings in Kyoto is because the city was largely sparred as a bombing target in WWII. Matsumoto Castle. Construction started in 1504 and the castle eventually was nicknamed the Crow Castle because of its resemblance of that bird with outstretched wings. It remains one of twelve castles in Japan that have survived reasonably intact of any major structural damage other than routine repair since the Meiji Restoration began in 1868. Its fame is further enhanced by the well deserved designation as one of the three finest in Japan along with Himeji (see above), and Kumamoto Castle. What makes it unique is the water-filled moat, something the other two do not have. Following

the Meiji Restoration the Castle was slated to be demolished but locals, led by a school principal, managed to save it from destruction by land developers. Still the outer castle was demolished and what remains is the beautiful keep. Some of the gates have been rebuilt as have many other castles across Japan that once stood during the long period of shogunate, or warlord, rule. The castle is considered a National Treasure of Japan and it does not belie such a designation. Located away from the coastal area, Matsumoto is as far inland as you can get in Japan and it remains a gateway to the Kita Alps. The Kaichi gakko(school) in Matsumoto is also worth seeing and is located close to the castle. Modeled after western school buildings with a central cupola adjoined by two wings, it looks out of place in Japan, yet it was built in the 1870s. Nikko. Nikko is a long day trip from Tokyo, but possible if you take theshinkansen, or high-speed rail, which stops in Utsunomiya 35 km to the east. Set in the mountains, the town has a number of famous shrines and temples that make it well worth the visit. Against a backdrop of mountains, beautiful forests, and rocky, wooded, ravines with fast flowing streams the temples and shrines are perfectly set in their natural background. The town essentially developed around the temples, the first said to have started in 766. Among the most famous are the Toshogu Shrine, founded in 1617, with its ornamental gate and Three Wise Monkeys. The Shrine is set among giant cryptomeria trees, a relative of the cedar. The Futarasan Shrine, founded in 767, is at the base of Nantai-san, a sacred mountain popular with hikers. Nearby is the beautiful Sacred Bridge which spans a brook. Finally there is the Rinno-ji, a complex of Buddhist temples, with its beautiful ornamental wood work, established in 766. All three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Besides the shrines and temples there is the nature of Nikko: Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, one of the three highest in Japan, which drains the aforementioned lake. The mountains are breathtaking and rise abruptly from the town. Watch for the monkeys on the winding road that leads up to the lake. The Japanese Macaque can often be seen foraging along the road. Todai-ji Hall, Nara. Nara is not to be missed by any visitor to Japan. Its Japans oldest capital and traditionally ranks as its first city. Founded in the 8th century, Naras best known monument is Todai-ji Hall, the worlds largest wooden building. Its hard to get a sense of scale until you stand beneath it. Inside are the giganticDaibutsu (Buddha) and other humungous statues. A number of buildings have stood on the site and the latest dates from 1709; only two-thirds the size of the building that preceded it, which was destroyed by fire. Todai-ji Hall incidentally is also the center of Kegon Buddhism in Japan. There are other interesting sites in Nara as well and some archaeological foundations of the ancient city. Also of interest are the skittish deer that inhabit the city and wander the streets looking for handouts.

Matsuyama Castle, Ehime prefecture, Shikoku. Matsuyama Castle was first built in 1603 and sits on Mount Katsuyama above the surrounding city of Matsuyama. The current tenshu was the latest of the original twelve to be constructed between 1820 and 1854. The older one was burned down after a lightning strike.

Hiroshima Castle. This five story castle was rebuilt in 1958 after being obliterated in the atomic bomb attack of August 6, 1945. The height of the present tenshu is 26.6 meters, which sits on a stone base 12.4 meters high. Inside the castle is a museum dedicated to Hiroshimas pre World War II history. It was also known as the Carp Castle.

Himeji Castle, HyogoPrefecture, Honshu. Often considered Japans finest castle this is a huge complex consisting of 80 buildings. It is nicknamed the White Heron because of its white exterior. It is not surprisingly an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle dates to 1333 although it was demolished by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1580 and rebuilt between 1601 and 1608.

Kanagawa While the name may not be very familiar to American tourists, this is the prefecture where Yokohama (Tokyos neighboring city) and Kamakura (a historic city along the coast) are located. With a huge Buddha statue, Kamakura is a popular and easy destination for those who stay in Tokyo (just an hour or so away by train) and travelers come to stroll between temples along the calm beaches. Hakone, where people go for hot springs, ryokan, and the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji, is also in the Kanagawa prefecture.

Osaka. As the second largest city and a major business travel destination, Osaka is the home of several major international companies. But in addition to business, Osakan culture is also heavily focused on food. In fact some lovers of Japanese cuisine view Osaka is the capital of affordable dining spree! Outside of the urban centers, pockets of tranquility are tucked away in the countryside. Chiba. Just east of Tokyo, Chiba is where Japans gateway Narita International Airport is located. The city of Narita, close by the airport, is sometimes visited by international travelers as a quick taste of Japan during a layover. The Tokyo Disney Resort is also in Chiba, just cross the border with Tokyo. The Tokyo Motor Show usually takes place in Makuhari Messe, one of the largest and popular convention centers in the country.

Aichi. In addition to being the home of Toyota Motors, Aichi is known for traditional manufacturing and thus attracts many business travelers. Midway between Tokyo and Osaka, is Nagoya, a major location for business conferences that also attracts visitors with its castle, museum and gardens.

Nara. Nara is actually the very first capital of the country even before Kyoto. Although the Nara era was less than 80 years long, the city is the birthplace of the fundamentals of Japanese tradition. In spite of an obvious Chinese influence in architecture, UNESCO designated Naras landmarks and designated them as World Heritage Sites.

Hiroshima. World-renowned because of the atomic bomb, Hiroshima today is known as the global peace center. The Peace Memorial Museum, located right next to the dome that was the only structure to survive at ground zero (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is a must-see for visitors here. The city also has another World Heritage Site: Itsukushima Shrine of Miyajima Island, one of the post-card icons of Japan.

Okinawa. Okinawa, a group of islands stretching southward from Japan, is the countrys equivalent of Hawaii. The islands have a unique indigenous culture andare popular for their sub-tropical climate, beautiful beaches, some of the worlds best diving spots and its incredible Churaumi Aquarium.

Hyogo. The greatest attraction for tourists to Hyogo prefecture is Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most impressive castles in all of Japan, if not all of Asia. Close to Osaka the prefecture is also home to the city of Kobe, considered by some to be one of Japans most attractive cities, despite being leveled in a massive earthquake in 1995.

Moss pink, or shibazakura, is a flower that grows close to the ground in brilliant colors of magenta, pink, and white. The season for moss pink, which is from late April to mid-May, comes after the more well-known cherry and peach blossom season in Japan. A popular way to enjoy moss pink is to go to a pink moss festival or park and see the various designs made by arranging the moss pink by color. One of the best places to enjoy the blooming of moss pink is at Hitsujiyama Park close to the city of Chichibu, in Saitama Prefecture. About 400,000 Shibazakura plants of eight varieties bloom from April to May on the slope of the Hitsujiyama Hill at the foot of Chichibus symbolic Mt. Buko, creating an elegant carpet of pink, purple and white. Winding paths lead you across the surreal pink and purple hillside overlooking the city. The backside of the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range offers its pointy snow-covered peaks as a backdrop and tulips adorn the the wide gently-sloped paths on your journey across the hill. Aside from Shibazakura, approximately 1,000 cherry trees, including yoshino cherry, weeping cherry, and double-petal cherry trees, planted in the park, blossom out in April.