Hiroshima Peace MemorialThe Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a haunting tribute to the lives lost when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Set in a park, the memorial features Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing in the vicinity after the bomb dropped. This harsh reminder of a world at war reminds visitors of the importance of human life and honors the victims so they will never be forgotten.Jigokudani Monkey ParkJigokudani Monkey Park is a famous hot spring area near Nagano,. The name Jigokudani (meaning Hells Valley), is due to steam and boiling water that bubbles out the frozen ground, surrounded by steep cliffs and formidably cold forests. It is famous for its large population of wild Snow Monkeys that go to the valley during the winter when snow covers the park. The monkeys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm hot springs, and return to the security of the forests in the evenings.Kiyomizu-dera

The Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple is located in Eastern Kyoto and can be traced back as far as the year 798. An indoor waterfall fed from the outside river keeps the temple in harmony with nature and not one nail was used in construction. While locals used to jump off the edge to have a wish granted (with a survival rate of 85.4%), modern visitors can enjoy the shrines and talismans and artwork on display without risking life and limb.Himeji Castle

The Himeji Castle is considered the best existing example of Japanese castle architecture. It was fortified to defend against enemies during the feudal period, but it has been rebuilt many times throughout the centuries and reflects the different design periods. It survived the bombings of World War II and is frequently seen in domestic and foreign films, including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice. The white exterior and design give the castle the appearance of a bird taking flight, earning the the castle the nickname white egret castle.Great Buddha of KamakuraThe Great Buddha of Kamakura is a colossal outdoor representation of Amida Buddha, one of Japans most celebrated Buddhist figures. Cast in bronze, the Great Buddha stands at over 13 meters (40 feet) high and weighs nearly 93 tons. The statue reportedly dates from 1252. Although it originally was housed in a small wooden temple, the Great Buddha now stands in the open air as the original temple was washed away in a tsunami in the 15th century.Todaiji TempleThe Todaiji Temple in Nara is a feat of engineering. It is not only the worlds largest wooden building, it is home to the worlds largest bronze Buddha statue. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife, the Kegon school of Buddhism is centered here and the grounds hold many artifacts of Japanese and Buddhist history. Deer are allowed to freely roam the grounds as messengers of the Shinto gods.Tokyo TowerThe Tokyo Tower is a testament to the advancement of technology and modern life. Inspired by the Eiffel tower design, it is the second tallest man-made structure in Japan and functions as a communications and observation tower. Visitors can climb the tower for unparalleled views of Tokyo and the surrounding areas as well as visit shops and restaurants.Tokyo Imperial PalaceThe Emperor of Japan makes his home at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. It also functions as an administration center and museum to showcase Japanese art and history. The palace is set on the ruins of older castles that were destroyed by fire or war, and architects have honored the past by incorporating design elements of the different eras into the modern palace. The new palace is surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens and has many reception and function rooms to receive guests and welcome the public.Mount FujiMount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388 ft). The volcanos exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as a popular tourist attraction for sightseers and climbers. An estimated 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji every year, 30% of whom are foreigners. The ascent can take anywhere between three and eight hours while the descent can take from two to five hours.Golden PavilionKinkaku-ji or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is the most popular tourist attraction in Japan and Kyoto. The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century. Unfortunately, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950 by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. Five years later, the temple was rebuilt as an exact copy of the original. Emphasis is placed on the building and surrounding gardens being in harmony with one another. The pavilion is covered in gold leaf which highlights the reflection of the pavilion in the pond and the ponds reflection on the building.HokkaidoHokkaido (, Hokkaid) is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands. Itsweatheris harsh in winter with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it does not get as hot and humid as in theother parts of the country. With its unspoilednature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, includingskiers and snowboardersin the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September.Tohoku RegionThe Tohoku Region (, Thoku Chih, literally "North East Region") consists of six prefectures in the north of Japan's largest island, Honshu. It is well known for its countryside, mountains, lakes,hot springs, high quality rice and rough winters. The Tohoku Region was hit by the earthquake and tsunami ofMarch 11, 2011and the ensuing nuclear accident. However, most areas of the Tohoku Region are now safe and welcoming tourists again. Of all the destinations in our travel guide, onlySendai,Matsushima,Iwakiand theSanriku Coastsuffered direct damage from the earthquake and tsunami, and even there most attractions reopened within a few weeks or months.Kanto RegionThe Kanto (, Kant, literally "east of the border") is Japan's largest plain and very densely populated. The large metropolises ofTokyoandYokohamaare located in the Kanto Region which consists of seven prefectures.Chubu Region

The Chubu Region (, Chbu Chih, literally "central part") consists of nine prefectures and is located in the center of Japan's largest island Honshu. The northern part of the Chubu Region along the Sea of Japan coast (Fukui,Ishikawa,Toyama) is also known as Hokuriku Region, while the southern part (Shizuoka,Aichi,Gifu) is also known as Tokai Region and the prefectures ofYamanashi,NaganoandNiigataas the Koshinetsu Region.Kansai RegionThe Kinki Region (, Kinki Chih), also commonly known as Kansai (, literally "west of the border") encompasses the Kinki Plain and consists of seven prefectures. It used to be the political and cultural center of Japan for many centuries and includes the cities ofKyoto,Osaka,NaraandKobe.Chugoku RegionThe Chugoku Region (, Chgoku Chih, literally "central country") makes up the western part of Japan's main island Honshu. It is commonly subdivided into the heavily urbanized and industrializedSanyo Regionalong theSeto Inland Seacoast and the much more ruralSanin Regionalong the Sea of Japan coast.ShikokuShikoku (, literally "four countries") is Japan's fourth largest island, southwest of Japan's main island Honshu. True to its name, Shikoku is divided into four prefectures.KyushuKyushu (, Kysh, literally "nine provinces") is Japan's third largest island, located southwest of the main island Honshu. An early center of Japanese civilization, Kyushu offers many historic treasures, modern cities and natural beauty.Okinawa PrefectureOkinawa (, Okinawa-ken) is Japan's southernmostprefecture, consisting of a few dozen, small islands in the southern half of the Nansei Shoto, the island chain which stretches over about one thousand kilometers fromKyushuto Taiwan.Okinawa Prefecture can be divided into three major island groups, theOkinawa Islands(Okinawa Shoto) aroundOkinawa Island(Okinawa Honto), the Miyako Islands (Miyako Retto) aroundMiyako Islandand theYaeyama Islands(Yaeyama Retto) aroundIshigaki Island.Japanese TraditionsJapan is known for its unique culture and heritage, which has been preserved by the Japanese people since ancient times. The age-old Japanese traditions and customs which give a unique character to the lifestyle of the Japanese people have to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Some of the unique aspects of Japanese life are mentioned here as an introduction to the traditions of Japan.

Japanese Gardens:The original Japanese gardens were inspired by Buddhist and Chinese philosophy and later evolved to have their own distinct Japanese identity. The gardens found in Japanese temples and shrines are inspired by the Shinto religion and the belief in an ideal state of harmony. The Japanese attempt to recreate this idealized harmony in their beautifully designed gardens that include aspects such as water, rocks, gravel, moss and miniature plants or Bonsai. One of the most famous Zen Rock Gardens in Japan is the Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden in Kyoto.

Japanese Architecture:Traditional Japanese Architecture has a distinct style deeply influenced by the religions Buddhism and Shintoism. Houses and temples made of wood, placed on stilts to raise them above the ground, and with sloping roofs made of thatch or tiles create a distinctive silhouette in traditional Japanese architecture. The use of lightweight wood and bamboo to create Fusuma (sliding doors) and straw or woven grass to create Tatami (mats) are other unique features of Japanese architectural design. People usually sat on the floor and furniture only came into widespread use after the late-nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Japanese Tea Ceremony:The Japanese ceremony of preparing and offering tea to revered guests is a formal and stylized ritual, almost like a meditative performance. The art or skill of preparing tea and all the elements of the tea ceremony have special and symbolic meaning. Deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, the Japanese tea ceremony has evolved into a cultural ritual which means much more than the mere sampling of powdered green tea, and is a unique part of Japanese traditions.

Japanese Cuisine:Japan is an island nation and seafood plays an important role in Japanese cuisine. Rice and fish along with vegetables are eaten by most Japanese. Tofu or soya bean curd is another popular and healthy dish often consumed by the Japanese people. Japanese food such as Sushi (rice flavoured with vinegar and combined with seafood or seaweed and sometimes vegetables) and Sashimi (cut and sliced raw meat, usually seafood) are forms of Japanese cuisine that have become famous worldwide. Teppanyaki or food cooked on an iron griddle is another popular form of Japanese cuisine. Sake or Japanese rice wine is also drunk at traditional meals as a toast to the health and long life of one's dining companions.

Japanese Festivals:The Japanese people celebrate many festivals, most of which are of the Buddhist and Shinto religions. Different temples or shrines across Japan have their own specific Matsuri or festive holiday. Some festivals that began long ago are also celebrated today in a modern form. These include Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Hadaka Matsuri Festival and the Cherry Blossom Festivals, which are an integral part of Japanese culture.

Cherry Blossom Festivals:Every year in Spring the Japanese people make time to appreciate the beauty of nature as the Cherry trees burst into full bloom and their lovely pink flowers offer a wonderfully appealing sight. People picnic in the Cherry groves, drink tea and Sake and enjoy music in the delightful ambience of the blooming Cherry flowers. The Cherry Blossom festivals at Okinawa and at Matsuyama Castle in Ehime prefecture are the best-known among many flower festivals across Japan. The natural beauty of the Cherry blossom season is celebrated by the Japanese in their art and music, and even in the designs of their traditional clothing, the Kimono.

Japanese Kimono:The traditional Japanese costume, the Kimono, is a graceful full-length robe that falls from the wearer's shoulders to their ankles. The robe is tied around the middle with a sash called the Obi. Kimonos for special occasions were made of rich fabric such as silk, satin and brocade and feature designs inspired by nature such as Cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, butterflies and pine trees. Kimonos are now worn mostly for ceremonial occasions and events such as festivals and marriages.

The Great Wave of Kaganawa Japanese Painting:Japan has a long tradition of painting and woodblock printing.Some of the famous Japanese painters are Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) who is famous for the Ukiyo-e or woodblock printing style of art. Another famous Japanese painter is Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) who is famous for a series of woodblock prints depicting Mount Fuji. The best known among these is The Great Wave off Kanagawa.

Japanese Calligraphy:The Japanese script consists of characters which were traditionally painted using smooth brushstrokes on handmade paper. The fine art of calligraphy requires many years of practice and was considered essential learning for an accomplished person in Japanese society.

Ikebana:The Japanese cultural practice of flower arrangement is a fine art that encompasses the ideas of aesthetics, spirituality, discipline and harmony with nature. It is believed to have evolved from the Buddhist practice of offering flowers in memory of those who have passed away. The emphasis on minimalism, attention to the line and form of the plants or flowers used in an arrangement and the harmony of the overall arrangement exemplify this Japanese tradition.The 7 Rules for Happiness Japanese Style1. Dont step on the edges of the tatami mats2. Honor your ancestors.3. Appreciate simple beauty4. Respect sacred places.5. See How Art Reflects Nature6. Wear shoes outside. Wear slippers inside7. Enjoy the 4 seasons. The seasonality of life: everywhere, in everything, all the time.Facts & Trivia

1. Late-nightdancingwas illegalin Japan until 2015.2. Japan suffers 1,500 earthquakes every year.Z3. Japan has more than50,000 people who are over 100 yearsold.4. Japan has just 2 gun-related homicides per year5. The World's Oldest Company operated in Japan from578 AD to 2006.6. Square Watermelons are grown by japanese farmers for easier stack and store.7.In Japam there are more pets than children.8. Japan's birth rate is so low that adult diapers are sold more than baby diapers.9.98% of all adoptionsin Japan are ofmale adultsso that family businesses can remain within the family.10.In Japan,90% of mobile phones are waterproofbecause youngsters use them even in the shower.11.Japan has5.52 millionvending machines.12.Sleeping on the jobis acceptable in Japan, as it's viewed as exhaustion from working hard.13.Around24 billionpairs ofchopsticksare used inJapaneach year.14.In Japan, there's abuildingwith ahighway passing throughit.15. InJapan, there's afestivalthat is a celebration of thepenisandfertility.16. Black catsare considered to bring good luckinJapan.17.InJapan,Ronald McDonaldis calledDonald McDonalddue to a lack of a clear "r" sound in Japanese.18.InJapan,KFCis a typical feast ofChristmas Eve.19.ManyHot springsandpublic bathhousesin Japanbancustomers withtattoosfrom entering.20. There's anislandin Japan that'sfull of rabbits.21. In Japan, there's atrain that "floats"above the tracks by magnetism, reaching500 km/h (311 mph).22. If you commitsuicide in Japanby jumping in front of a train, thefamilyof the deceased will becharged a disruption fee.

23. There's atown in Spainwhere700 peopleshare the surname "Japon" as they aredescendantsof 17th-centurysamuraiswho stayed there after an embassy returned to Japan.24. NorwayintroducedSalmon Sushito the Japanese in the 80s.25.Moststreetsin Japan haveno name.26.In Japan, there's a'Crying Sumo' contest, where wrestlers compete to see who canmake a baby bawlfirst.27.In Japan, Burger King has anall-black burger.28.Godzillais an officialCitizenofJapan.29.The Japanese authorities constructed afence around a volcanoat Mount Mihara to stop a trend of over 2000 peoplecommitting suicideby jumping in.30. Japanhas over70 flavors of Fanta including 'The Mystery Fruit', 'Genius Energy' and 'Hip Hop' flavor.6. 10. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 24. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.