Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is every bit as "Disney" as you might expect, and in many ways, of a higher standard than the other Disney Parks. Just slightly bigger than Disneyland in California, Tokyo Disneyland features all of the most popular Disney theme park rides and attractions. Opened in 1983, it was an instant success with over 10 million visitors in the first year. It can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays. For current operating hours, call the Information Hotline (English spoken): +81 047 - 354 - 0001

Hakuhinkan Toy Park (Tokyo)
This impressive five-storey toy store in Ginza is more than just a store; it also has a children-oriented theatre and special restaurants designed with kids in mind.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens (Nagoya)
These grounds provide a sprawling sanctuary encompassing one of the largest zoos in Asia, botanical gardens, and an amusement park. Traditional zoo favourites include lions, tigers and bears as well as elephants and giraffes. Also popular are a koala exhibit and tiny medaka tropical fish that flew on the space shuttle with one of Japan's astronauts. The Higashiyama Sky Tower has observation decks and a restaurant 100 metres high which offers panoramic views of the area. Opening hours are every day from 9:30am-4:30pm.

Kobayashi Doll Museum (Tokyo)
Visit this small museum in Tokyo to observe first-hand the traditional method of handcrafting Japanese dolls, an art that has earned worldwide praise and admiration. Dolls like the ones displayed here are seen in Japanese homes on Girl's Day on 3 March. You may hear a Japanese song as you tour the museum. It is an old song sung by little girls after their dolls are packed away at the end of the annual doll festival. Address: 6-31-2 Yahiro, Sumida-ku, Tokyo.

Maruyama Zoo (Hokkaido)
Set in the tranquil surroundings of Maruyama Park in Sapporo, it has the feel of being miles from the city, yet it is only four subway stops away from the action of Hokkaido’s capital. Gathered here are all the usual characters you would expect in any zoo: chimps, elephants, camels and lions, but it is the entertaining penguins that draw the most visitors. Within the grounds of the zoo there is Kid Land - an amusement park for children of all ages. Admission into Kid Land is free for children and pensioners.

Space World (Fukuoka)
This worldwide theme park is the largest and most popular amusement park in Fukuoka. It is located in Kitakyushu City, which is a little less than an hour from Hakata Train Station (unless you are using the bullet train which is faster). The attractions are numerous, but one interesting feature is that you can pay for individual attractions if you like. Otherwise, you could do what most do and buy a pass which gives you admittance to the park and most attractions. Opening hours vary depending on the day and season. Check their website for exact hours: www.spaceworld.co.jp or telephone: +81 (0)93 672 3600.

Tokyo Tower
Japan’s tallest building resembles the Eiffel Tower, yet at a soaring 333 metres, it is 13 metres taller than the Paris monument. There are two observatories offering spectacular panoramic views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji on a clear day. Also inside the Tokyo Tower, is the Tokyo Tower Wax Museum, the Mysterious Walking Zone and the Trick Art Gallery, offering children and parents hours of amusement.

Wan Nyan Fureai Park (Hokkaido)
This pet park in Sapporo is an ideal place to take pet-loving children. There are 180 four-legged stars here, including 80 different breeds of cats and dogs. They love to be spoiled. Of course the animals have their own agenda, but they usually enjoy affection and may agree to sit on your or your child's lap. There is also a store that sells pet-related souvenirs. Everything purchased here contributes to the upkeep.

Yokohama Science Centre
A recommended place to take children of all ages and interests, the museum is divided into five fun and educational sections: Space Captain, Space City Yokohama, Space Gym, Space Laboratory and Space Theatre. The exhibits are "hands-on," and the interactive games, videos and planetarium show will provide a very nice outing for the entire family. Opening hours are Tuesday-Sunday 9:30am-4:30pm.

Yume-no-shima Tropical Greenhouse Dome (Tokyo)
If you were wondering where Tokyo grows eucalyptus trees to feed the koala bears in the zoo then look no further - this is the place! The greenhouse is an educational rain forest replica, offering a peaceful escape from the city and an interesting outing for the family. Address: 3-2 Yumenoshima, Koto-ku, Tokyo.

Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
USJ vows to be the Osaka equivalent of Tokyo Disneyland. Visitors can experience live-action shows and amusement park rides inspired by some of the more popular Universal Studios' films, such as Jaws, Back to the Future and Terminator. The park also features a number of American-style restaurants centred on movie themes. It promises a great time for children, teens and adults, but very young children may be overwhelmed by the realistic attractions.

The most fascinating and colourful of Japan’s religious festivals takes place in Kyoto, the old imperial capital. The most impressive are the Gion Festival which reaches its peak on 16-17 July with elaborate and colourful ceremonies at the Shimogamo-jinja shrine; the Aoi (or hollyhock) Festival on 15 May which dates back to the 6th century and includes an extraordinary procession of over 600 people; and the Jidai Festival (Festival of the Ages), with participants dressed in costumes from various time periods, is also splendid to watch.

Those wishing to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony (Sado) can arrange to do so through the tourist information centres in Kyoto and Tokyo. Tea ceremonies are held in traditional Japanese rooms in cultural community centres or private homes. For further information, contact the Japan National Tourist Organisation (JNTO) in Tokyo, located at Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building, 10th Floor, 2-10-1 Yuraku-Cho, Chiyodaku, Tokyo. Tel: (3) 3201 3331.

Experiencing Japanese cuisine is definitely one of the top reasons to visit this fascinating country. When thinking of Japanese food, most people immediately think of sushi. While this is one of the true delicacies, Japan offers an abundant selection of mouth-watering dishes from noodles to Nabe – the food of Sumo wrestlers. 

Sushi is the most popular and famous of Japan’s cuisine both in and out of Japan and comes in many forms. Norimaki is the most widely recognized sushi consisting of rice and seafood or vegetables rolled in sheets of dried seaweed (nori). Nigiri consists of small rice balls commonly topped with seafood or fried egg. Temaki Temakizushi are the hand rolled cones made of nori seaweed and fillings. Inari is cheap and simply consists of rice stuffed in deep fried tofu bags (aburaage). Other types of sushi that are not so common outside of Japan are: Gunkan - small cups made of rice and dried seaweed filled with seafood, etc; Oshizushi - pressed sushi, in which the fish is pressed onto rice in a wooden box (a popular train station lunch); and Chirashi - a dish in which seafood, mushroom and vegetables are spread over sushi rice.

Sashimi is raw seafood. A large number of fish can be enjoyed raw if they are fresh and prepared correctly. Most types of sashimi are eaten with soy sauce and wasabi (hot mustard).

There are varieties of noodle dishes ranging from the traditional and hearty buckwheat Soba and wheat Udon noodles, served hot or cold; to classic Ramen noodles adapted from China. Somen are similar to Soba and Udon, but are thinner and usually eaten cold. Yakisoba are fried Chinese style noodles served with vegetables, meat and ginger.

Tempura is seafood, vegetables, etc. coated with tempura batter and deep fried.

Okonomiyaki, also known as Japanese Pizza is a cross between pizza and pancake.

Gyoza are dumplings with a filling usually made of minced vegetables and ground meat.

Chawanmushi is steamed egg custard that contains additional pieces of food such as chicken, shrimp or fish cake. Tsukemono are Japanese pickles, normally served as a side dish with most Japanese meals.

Yoshoku means Western food. A large number of Western dishes have been introduced to Japan over the centuries. Many of them have become completely “Japanized”, and these dishes are now called Yoshoku dishes. Some of the most popular ones are Omuraisu, which is a thin omelette wrapped around rice; Hayashi is Japanese style hashed beef, thinly sliced beef and onions in a sauce made of ketchup and soy sauce, and served on rice; Hamubagu is a Japanese style hamburger without the bread; and Korokke, with origins in breaded and fried croquettes, most commonly using meat and potatoes.

Be sure to try the many green teas Japan is famous for. They are not only tasty, but very good for one’s health! The most polite way of drinking green tea is to hold the cup with one hand and support it from below with the other hand.

Besides tea, the next most popular drink in Japan is beer, with Sake (Nihonshu) as a close second. Wine is also popular, especially among women. The sweet variety of Plum Wine is also quite nice. When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is a Japanese custom to serve each other, rather than pouring for yourself. While it is considered bad manners to become obviously drunk in some formal restaurants, it is not true for other types of restaurants such as casual Izakaya type venues, as long as you do not bother other guests. Do not start drinking until everybody at the table is served and the glasses are raised for a drinking salute, "Kampai!"

See Japan Travel Tips for Japanese Dining Etiquette.

Japan has an abundance of natural hot springs (onsen) set in spectacular natural surroundings or within traditional bath houses. Every region of the country has its share of hot springs and resort towns. Soaking in their soothing water is a major part of Japanese culture and can be enjoyed by all who visit.

There are many types of hot springs, offering numerous health benefits according to which minerals are abundant in the water. The minerals give the springs different colours and smells. You can bathe indoors, outdoors and in many different sized pools. Some outdoor baths are magnificently situated in the mountains, valleys or along rivers, lake or sea shores.

Besides conventional hot water tubs, a popular feature of larger baths are small waterfalls, which comfortably massage your shoulders if you sit below them. Other bath types include sand baths, where bathers are buried in naturally heated sand, mud baths and steam rooms.

The ultimate hot spring experience is spending a night at an Onsen Ryokan, a Japanese style inn with hot spring baths. They are found in hot spring resorts throughout Japan. A typical onsen ryokan visit starts with a bath before dinner. The beautifully arranged Japanese style dinner, featuring local specialties, is either served in your tatami room or in a dining hall. 

Hot springs in Japan are generally enjoyed in the nude, however, it is customary to bring a small towel into the bathing area, with which you can enhance your privacy while outside of the water. The majority of baths are gender-separated, though in more remote areas, bathing may be co-ed.

Although there are a few exceptions, swimsuits are not allowed as residual detergent pollutes the pure water. If you do not feel comfortable naked in front of other people, you can inquire about kashikiri (private) baths, which are available at most public baths and some Ryokan resorts.  

Noboribetsu Onsen is the most famous hot spring resort in Hokkaido, and its spectacular Jigokudani ("Hell Valley") is the source of some of the country's highest quality hot spring water.

Although Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world, you can still find some good bargains and certainly some exquisite and unique items to fill your bags.

Tokyo offers an endless array of shopping with the largest shopping zones in Shinjuku, Ginza, and Shibuya-Harajuku areas. Large department stores chains such as Tokyu, Seibu, Daimaru, Tobu and Odakyu can be found side-by-side and can vary greatly from one another in prices. It pays to shop around if you’re looking for the best deal.

The service in a Japanese department store is excellent. The staff stand ready to bow and greet customers, many lifts are operated by lift ladies, items are beautifully presented, and much care is given to the wrapping of purchases.

In addition to all the high-tech electronic gadgets Japan has to offer, you can find a wide range of traditional crafts, such as delicate dolls (ningyo), ornate umbrellas (kasa) and classic kimonos. Some other traditional crafts to look for are Japanese paper (washi) which has been sought after for over 1,000 years; lacquer ware (shikki), another mastered art involving as many as 15 layers of lacquer to create a range of items from dishes to furniture; carp fish banners (koinobori); wood-block prints (ukiyo-e); and the legendary swords (katana). Real Samurai swords will cost a bundle due to their mystique, ancient Samurai symbols and great care that goes into making them. Sword shops will also sell complete sets of Samurai armour. Department stores, on the other hand, stock realistic-looking imitations at more affordable prices. Pottery can also be found in department stores as well as in numerous pottery villages that still exist today. Be sure to at least try on a kimono and discover how utterly regal you feel. If kimonos don’t seem practical, check out the more functional cotton yukata robes. They are less expensive than kimonos and are worn at hot spring resorts (ryokan) and summer festivals. The Chicago thrift shop in Tokyo sells many styles of yukata.

On the high-tech end of shopping, there is no better place in the world to find electronics than in Tokyo’s Akihabara district and Osaka’s Den-Den Town. The big stores are the only places where you can do a little bit of bargaining, where you may be able to get a 10% discount. Keep in mind that most electronics are designed for Japan’s power supply (100V at 50 or 60Hz). You can either get a transformer or go for the export models that can be used overseas. Tokyo offers an excellent hunting ground for photographic equipment. Almost all the big-name brands are made in Japan, therefore you can find some great deals. Tokyo’s Shinjuku and Ginza areas are the best place for buying camera equipment. Be prepared to shop around and consider buying second hand as well. The quality is still quite good and the price is normally half of what you would pay for new equipment. In Osaka, the area just south of JR Osaka Station has a large selection of used camera shops as well in Tokyo. 

Japanese-made clothing and shoes are reasonably priced and of high quality. Up-market fashion district’s such as Tokyo’s Ginza, are loaded with exclusive boutiques with exclusive prices, however there are clusters of more affordable stores near by as well. In less fashionable areas, there are hoards of outlet stores selling mass quantities of designer- labelled clothing.

The Japanese are especially creative when it comes to creating toys to keep their kids entertained. Tokyo has some remarkable toy stores, such as Loft in Shibuya, Kiddyland in Harajuku, and Hakuhinkan Toy Park in Ginza which even has a children’s theatre and special restaurants designed with kids in mind. For classic Japanese dolls, go to JR Asakusabashi Station in Tokyo. Both sides of the street are lined with many shops specializing in traditional and modern Japanese dolls.

Japanese of all ages enjoy sports, both as participants and as spectators. At sporting events, competitors are customarily urged by shouts of “Gambatte!” (do your best). Cycling is popular in April and May during the cherry blossom season and also in October and November when autumnal colours adorn Japan. Diving and snorkelling are enjoyable year-round. Japan offers a wide variety of fishing within lakes, rivers and seas. For a unique fishing experience, try ukai or cormorant fishing. This lets you relax and watch as the crew and cormorant birds do all the work. Golf courses in and around Tokyo are considered by some to be among the most challenging in the world. Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport and draws huge crowds. It has a 2,000 year history and can boast of professionals as far back as several hundred years ago. Kendo, Japanese fencing, is practised in numerous clubs and college halls. Karate, the art of self-defence, is taught at schools in Japan and has become a very popular sport since it was introduced in 1922. Kyudo, Japanese archery, is one of the oldest martial arts. It is closely associated with Zen Buddhism, as it requires precisely focused energy and a clear mind.

Skiing is very popular and there are over 50 major ski resorts, especially in the Japanese Alps and on the northern island of Hokkaido, which has some of the best skiing grounds in Japan. The Sapporo Kokusai Ski Area has excellent facilities, fantastic skiing over seven different courses, and is conveniently located, just one hour from the city centre. Various resorts at Nagana in Central Honshu offer facilities for night-skiing. The southernmost natural ski slope in Japan is the Gokase Highland Ski, in the north Miyazaki prefecture, which offers grass skiing out of season between late April and late November.

Indoor surfing can be found at the surreal and spectacular Ocean Dome in Miyazaki, on Kyushu Island. An 85-metre immaculate white marble-sand beach lined with palm trees, 13,500 tons of warm, salt-free water, an erupting volcano replica, and numerous shops and restaurants sit inside an enormous dome measuring 300 by 100 metres! Every hour on the hour, perfect 3.5-metre waves are churned out with professional surfers providing entertainment riding the waves. The weather is always perfect, warm enough for swimming, but without the danger of sunburn.