"Japan" Japan by naruto

Japan Travel Guide: 22,704 reviews and 48,192 photos

Yearly Pligrimage

I try to go to Japan at least once a year, sometimes two or three times. It's a great place to chill (onsens!!), to enjoy nature (Hokkaido), to culture soak (Kyoto, Nikko, etc), to get my manga/anime fix, and perhaps to stay hip about what's new in the land of electronics, fashion and J-pop trends (Tokyo). :)

There is so much to explore in the Land of the Rising Sun, and there is definitely more to Japan than just Tokyo and Kyoto.

The energy of Tokyo is very infectious, and it is very easy to get caught up with the trends or fads that happen to be sweeping across the country at that moment. This is never more apparent in a city like Tokyo.

The other cities of Japan all have their own special characteristics as well. My favorite being the great vast northern prefecture of Hokkaido. I especially enjoy visiting in the fall and winter. Hokkaido has its own travel page, do check it out! :)

Being a country with a very rich culture, you get to have whole new experiences - be it taking part in their festivals, visiting their many shrines and temples, going for a Noh play or dressing up as a Geisha girl in Kyoto, skiing in Hokkaido or going for a hot springs bath.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Rich Heritage, Ultra-modern & Efficient, Great Service Culture
Cons:Steep prices, Very crowded and fast pace in the major cities. Few English speakers
In a nutshell:12-storey Department Stores and Giant Video Screens, UNESCO World Heritage sites and Hot Springs!!!

Last visit to Japan: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Nov 1, 2004
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Reviews (19)

Authentic Mountain Hot Springs at Nyuto... Off The Beaten Path (5)

One thing anyone should do when they visit Japan is to indulge at a hot springs resort. A place I highly recommend is... more travel advice

Monuments of Nara Things to Do (3)

Nara is a great day-trip from Kyoto or Osaka and should not be missed. It has many beautiful and historically... more travel advice

Geibi Gorge Off The Beaten Path (5)

Geibi Gorge is situated near Ichinoseki City in Iwate Prefecture. It is a gorge where the erosion of limestone by the... more travel advice

Ancient Temples and Shrines in Kyoto Things to Do (3)

Kyoto is a MUST-VISIT for any visitor to Japan, whether a first-timer or a regular. It is one of a handful of places to... more travel advice

Shopping (3)
See All Get your Tax Refunds!
Restaurants (2)
See All Delicious Ramen!!
Hotels (3)
See All Ryokan w/ Multilingua owner n Gd...

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (6)

Toshioohsako Jun 6, 2008 at 8:39 AM Report Abuse

I have not been here. Wonderful pictures. Hope you enjoyed your Japan trip. A magnificent view against the snow-covered mountains.
Wild_Orchid Jun 27, 2005 at 3:27 AM Report Abuse

I'd love to visit Japan in winter to try out the HOT springs in the midst of snow! : )
Confucius Jan 16, 2005 at 12:11 AM Report Abuse

Snow monsters. Naruhodo!
Diplomat Oct 21, 2003 at 7:34 AM Report Abuse

HI! Thanks for Your comments! Keep on creating nice pages&collecting wonderful travel experiences! Atte
Pavlik_NL Aug 17, 2003 at 4:48 AM Report Abuse

If only I could hop on a airplane and go back to Japan ... Thanks (domo arigato gozaimas) for your great page and happy birthday to you! Best wishes for the new livingyear and greetings! Paul
yen_2 Jun 10, 2003 at 2:00 AM Report Abuse

Oh...the shopping thing can be alot of expensive but it's worth it! i'll be back later after you finished this...;-)