Japanese gardens are legendary and celebrated world-wide. Don’t miss these tranquil places while visiting Japan. They are truly a mastered art. Many gardens are part of temple or castle grounds.

Outstanding gardens in Tokyo include Rikugien - arguably Tokyo's best Japanese garden, it consists of 88 miniature scenes from famous poems. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of Tokyo’s oldest gardens which presents small-scale replicas of famous landscapes from Japan and China. Hama Rikyu Park, along Tokyo Bay offers a surreal contrast with the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Shiodome; and of course the Palace East Gardens of the Imperial Palace with original castle moats and ruins.

Kairakuen Garden is most famous for its three thousand plum trees and hosts an annual plum blossom festival from 20 February to 31 March 31. This garden is located in Mito, about one hour northeast of Tokyo by train. In addition to 100 varieties of plum trees, the garden features a bamboo grove, cedar woods and the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese style building.

If you visit one garden in Kyoto, go see Katsure Villa. It presents one of the finest examples of purely Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Royal Family. Permission to visit the villa has to be obtained in advance at the office of the Imperial Household Agency next to Kyoto Imperial Palace (bring your passport). Kyoto’s Byodoin Garden features the most beautiful of Japan's few remaining Pure Land Gardens, a garden style that was popular in the Heian Period (794 A.D.-1192 A.D.). The garden includes the famous Phoenix Hall which was built in 1053 and is shown on the 10 Yen coin.

Kenrokuen Garden features ponds, streams, waterfalls, bridges, teahouses, trees, stones and flowers. The water for the many streams and rivers of the park is still brought there from a distant river by a sophisticated water system constructed in 1632. It lies about 2.5 hours outside Kyoto by train. It is Japan’s most famous garden and is regarded by many as the most beautiful garden in the country.

Nijo Castle was completed 1603 and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It survives in its original form and is famous for its Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors and floors that squeak like nightingales when someone walks on them (a security measure against intruders).

Between Kyoto and Nagoya are the beautiful Ueno Castle and the fascinating Ninja Museum. Ueno Castle was originally constructed in the late 16th century and later enlarged and reconstructed. Unlike many other Japanese castles, which were reconstructed in the 20th century using concrete, Ueno Castle was rebuilt with wood only, giving it a beautiful, original atmosphere inside and out. Ninja were the spies of Japan's feudal ages. Located in Ueno Park, the small but excellent Iga Ninja Museum consists of a ninja residence with revolving walls, trap doors and hidden compartments, exhibition halls, and spectacular shows featuring ninja skills and real weapons.

Don’t miss Himeji Castle and its Kokoen Garden. It lies in Himeji, less than one hour by train from either Kyoto or Osaka. Himeji Castle is the most spectacular castle in Japan. Unlike many other Japanese castles, Himeji Castle was never destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and survives in its original form since 1609. It is both, a national treasure and a UNESCO world heritage site. It consists of nine separate gardens designed in various garden styles of the Edo period. Among the gardens are the garden of the lord's residence which features a pond with waterfall, a tea garden where visitors can enjoy green tea in a tea ceremony house, a pine tree garden, bamboo garden and flower garden. It takes one to three hours to explore Himeji Castle. Many travellers visit it on an easy day or half day trip from Kyoto.

Between Kyoto and Tokyo lies Hakone Castle, one of four castles in Japan designated as a national treasure. It is uniquely constructed and has survived in its original form since 1622, giving visitors a good impression of a relatively complete feudal castle.

Okinawa’s capital city of Naha possesses Shikinaen Garden, a proud member of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was a second residence for the former Ryukyu kings and can be viewed from a circular path, which leads through woods, along ponds, over bridges and past a pretty hexagonal building on a small islet. It has a distinct Okinawan appeal. While in Okinawa, Shuri Castle is a beautiful reconstruction of the original Royal residence. There are several other sights in the Shuri Castle Park surrounding the castle, including Tamaudun mausoleum of the Ryukyu kings, the Okinawa Museum and two small temples, the Enkakuji and Bezaitendo. 

In Yokohama, Sankeien Garden is a beautiful, spacious place with ponds, flowing streams, meandering paths and charming tea houses.

Not far from Nagoya in Inuyama is Inuyama Castle and Urakuen Garden. The castle remains in its original form since 1537 and is considered Japan's oldest. It stands majestically on top of a small hill next to the Kiso River, offering breath-taking views. Urakuen Garden is famous for its celebrated teahouse. The Joan Teahouse was built in 1618 by a disciple of Japan's most famous master of the tea ceremony.

Sensoji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is located in Asakusa, a central part of the Shitamachi old town of Tokyo. A legend tells of two brothers who, in 628 fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida river, and even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built there for the goddess Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo's oldest temple. A long shopping street called Nakamise leads from the outer gate to the temple's main gate, and has a history of several centuries.

Of Kyoto’s many temples, one of the most stunning is Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion). The enchanting petite temple is covered in gold leaf and perched above a pond. It is a unique Zen temple and houses sacred relics of the Buddha.

Kiyomizudera Temple (Pure Water Temple) is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 and remains associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest sects within Japanese Buddhism. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kiyomizudera towers above Kyoto in wooded hills, offering fantastic views from its famous wooden terrace. Below the terrace, you can taste the spring water, which gives the temple its name and which is said to have healing power. Part of the fun of visiting Kiyomizudera is the approach to the temple along the steep and busy lanes of the atmospheric Higashiyama district. Except early in the morning, do not expect a tranquil, spiritual atmosphere.

Daitokuji Temple is considered one of the best places to experience Zen in Japan. The main temple is surrounded by many smaller temples, forming a kind of temple village. The main temple and some others are open to the public and display Zen architecture and design, including beautiful gardens and tea ceremony rooms.

Sanjusangendo Temple is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. An impressive display of statues in housed in the main building which is Japan’s longest wooden structure. One large Kannon stands in the centre, flanked on each side by 500 smaller statues, each as tall as a human being. The temple was founded in 1164 and its present structures date from 1266.

Horyuji Temple is the oldest surviving wooden structure in the world, with several buildings dating back to the 7th century. Due to its ancient preservation, the temple compound is part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Unlike many other historic attractions in Japan, Horyuji is wheelchair accessible and provides pamphlets in various foreign languages. It is about 45 minutes by train from Kyoto in Nara.

Also in Nara is Todaiji (Great Eastern Temple) is a famous landmark and one of Japan's most historically significant temples. Constructed in 752 as the head temple of all Buddhist temples in Japan, it houses the largest statue of Buddha in the country. It is also the world's largest wooden building, even though the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two thirds of the original temple's size.

Toji Temple boasts Japan’s tallest pagoda, rising at 57 metres. It was founded in 794 as Kyoto’s guardian temple, and is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just outside Fukuoka, is a small town called Dazaifu which houses the Komyozenji Zen Temple and its enchanting rock garden. About 40 minutes by train outside Fukuoka in Yamaguchi City, is the spectacular Rurikoji Buddhist Temple and Garden. It stands out for its beautiful 15th century five-storied pagoda, ranked among Japan's three most beautiful.

While many of Japan's historic buildings and districts have been lost in fires, wars redevelopment, some cities and towns have managed to preserve a street block or whole district of traditional buildings that let the visitor step back in time.

Traditional geisha districts are characterized by the wooden tea houses, in which the geisha perform during banquets. The most beautiful, traditional geisha quarters are found in Kyoto and Kanazawa:

The narrow streets ascending the slope to Kiyomizudera, one of Kyoto's most popular temples, are lined by many old buildings, shops and restaurants.

An independent kingdom for several centuries, the Ryukyu Islands became part of Japan as Okinawa Prefecture in 1879. Despite past assimilation efforts, the distinct Ryukyuan culture is proudly surviving today and has become one of Okinawa's main tourist attractions.

The Historic Village of Hokkaido (kaitaku no mura) is in the suburbs of Sapporo. It exhibits about 60 classic buildings from all over Hokkaido, dating from the Meiji and Taisho Periods (1868 to 1926). The open air museum is divided into a town, fishing village, farm, and mountain village sections. The Historical Museum of Hokkaido (kaitaku kinenkan), which documents the history of Hokkaido's development, can be found nearby

Climb Mount Fuji. Japan's highest and most famous mountain, can make for lifelong memories. Enjoy the views (on clear days) and the mystical experience of climbing through the early morning hours. The official climbing season is from July through August when the mountain is free of snow, the weather is mild, getting there is easy and the mountain huts are open. If you want to avoid the crowds, climb on a weekday in the first half of July. Or join in the international spirit and climb during Obon Week in mid-August when climbers from around the world arrive and sometimes have to stand in queues for certain passages.

Soak in a hot spring (onsen). Onsen are abundant throughout Japan, with one of the most famous being Kusatsu Onsen, 150 kilometres from Tokyo and the Beppu area outside Fukuoka. The ultimate hot spring experience is spending a night at an onsen ryokan, a Japanese style inn with hot spring baths.

Visit temples in Kyoto. The city, once the capital of Japan, has some of the most significant temples and shrines. Don't miss the spectacular Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), which is covered with gold leaf and often reflected in a small lake nearby. Stroll down the cherry-tree lined Philospoher's Walk, check out the Sanjusangendo with its 1000-handed statue of the goddess Kannon and admire the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Visit this site for Virtual Sightseeing in Kyoto.

Try out the ski slopes for exciting downhill action. In early December, head for the northern areas such as Hokkaido and Tohoku. As winter settles in, head for the Hakuba area in Nagano where downhill and Super G ski events were held during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. While there, you can visit the snow monkeys in the Yaen-koen Monkey Park.

Meet a geisha girl. Kyoto's historic Gion District is the most elite geisha district in Japan and the best place to see one of these traditional entertainers who undergo five years of tough training. To meet and be served by a geisha, book a package with a travel agency. Alternatively, stroll down Hanamikoji Street in Gion in the early evening as they arrive for work. For a fun souvenir, have your picture taken in geisha costume.

Go shopping. The Ginza is Tokyo's version of New York's 5th Avenue and is the most exclusive and expensive shopping area in Japan. It is also known for having the most expensive real estate on earth. The streets are lined with neon signs, department stores, boutiques, bars and restaurants. Major Japanese department stores battle it out with everything from fashion shows to traditional tea ceremonies.

Visit Hiroshima. The city is synonymous with the horrors of a nuclear holocaust. Destroyed by the atom bomb in 1945, it has been rebuilt, but victims are remembered in the Peace Park. The Atomic Bomb museum, with its macabre photographs of the city and its victims is not for the faint-hearted. Although some may perceive it as depressing, some visitors come away with an inspiring feeling of peace.

Ride a bullet train. The famous shinkansen super-expresses, or 'bullet trains', reach speeds of up to 270km/h (167mi/h). Use your Japan Rail Pass (which can only be bought outside Japan) to make your trips more affordable.

Go bargain-hunting in Akihabara, Tokyo's world-famous "electric town". Here you will find some of the cheapest electronic goods in the world. Buy a new digital camera or check out all the latest Japanese technology. To be eligible for the special duty-free prices, all you need is a passport with a valid visa.

Visit the Ninja Museum. If you want to know more about the Ninja, head for the Iga Ninja Museum near Osaka. It celebrates the spies of Japan's feudal ages, who gathered information about their enemies and conducting various other acts of espionage. The museum consists of a ninja residence with revolving walls, trap doors and hidden compartments and a demonstration zone with spectacular shows.

Dine out on sushi. Even if you don't fancy raw fish, there are many uniquely Japanese dishes to feast on. Try Yakitori (barbecued chicken kebabs), Tendon (rice and deep-fried prawns), Ramen, Udon and Soba (Japanese noodles) and Shabu Shabu (beef and vegetable broth). For a real treat, spend an evening at an upmarket restaurant where food is served by kimono-clad women.