Japan has 2 main kinds of travelling resources. The first one is its nature, beautiful landscapes of an island country with high mountains and deep gorges, rivers and waterfall, and the most attractive unique Japanese volcanos and onsen hot springs. The landscapes Matsushima, Miyashima and Amanohasidate are representative for Japan. The second one is various cultural and historical heritage. Many of these spots are concentrated in Nara, Kyoto, Kamakura- cities well known all over the world. Japanese people saved their traditions, at the same time they managed to use the most advanced foreign technology. Tokyo is one of the most advanced cities in the world, but if you drive one hour away from downtown, you will see people leading traditional Japanese way of life.

　　　　Most popular travel destinations in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima etc

▲Tokyo is a capital of Japan, it is situated at the south-eastern tip of Honshu island, on the shores of Tokyo bay. It is the biggest industrial city of the country, the cultural center and an important port. It area is 2155 sq.km, population is 11.67 million people. It is one of the biggest cities in the world. The acient name is Edo. In 1868 year Meiji Emperor removed the capital from Kyoto to Edo, and renamed it to Tokyo, that means “eastern capital”. The city was ruined almost completely by earthquakes and wars several times. After World War II it was rebuilt as a modern city. There are more than 800 parks and Japenese gardens in Tokyo, among them there is Ueno park, it is known all over the world for sakura blossom and cicadas. Emperor Palace is situated in the center. Akasaka area of the Palace is used for receiving foreign guests and delegations. There are more than 200 universities in Tokyo, besides there are National Museum, Museum of Western Arts, National Library. Ginza, Shinjuku, Sibuya are popular shopping areas. Situated in Minato district, near Shiba Park, Tokyo Tower is the tallest steel tower in the world, its height is 333m, there is an observation desk at 250 m height, lots of beautiful Tokyo views can be seen from there. Near the tower there are Science Museum, shopping mall, Museum of wax figures. Other sightseeing spots are Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen National garden etc. Situated in 10 km from Tokyo, Urayasu town is a place of location of Tokyo Disneyland, it is the biggest amusement park in Japan. It was opened in 1983 year. Having a shape of pentagon, it is divided in 6 areas: Adventureland, Westerland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, Tomorrowland.

Situated in 10 km from Tokyo, Urayasu town is a place of location of Tokyo Disneyland, it is the biggest amusement park in Japan. It was opened in 1983 year. Having a shape of pentagon, with Cindirella`s castle as a center, it is divided in 6 areas: Adventureland, Westerland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, Tomorrowland. Visitors can feel the atmosphera of western American life of 19th century and enter into a fairy tale world.

　　　　▲Honshu is the biggest island of Japan. It has a lot of mountains in south-west part; it is rich in beatiful landscapes and historical heritage spots, including Nikko, Yokohama, Izu Hakone Fuji National Park etc. Nikko National Park is situated in the center of Honshu, with Nikko volcano as a center, area is 1406 km2. It has volcanos, hot springs, lakes, gorges, woods, waterfalls and a lot of historical buildings. The most famous natural spot is Nikko`s 48 waterfalls, one of them, Kegon, has height 100 m, it is one of the 3 biggest waterfall in Japan. There are a lot of temples in Nikko, the most famous are Toshogu Shrine; having more than 1200 years history Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple. There is Oze higlands bog area to the nort west of Nikko National Park, there are more than 800 kinds of plants in that area.

　　　　Yokohama is the main port of Japan, it is situated in the eastern part of Honshu, distance from Tokyo is 20 km. It has a lot of historical places such as Gumyoji Temple, Kanazawa Bunko Library, Sojiji Temple, Isezan Shrine. Sojiji Temple is the main base of Japan`s Zen Buddhism sect. There are many parks in Yokohama, the most famous one is Sankei Garden, opened in 1906. It has a lot of traditional Japanese buildings, which are constructed in accordance with the landscape. Yamasita park is also well-known, it has a zoo, children playgrounds etc inside. There are a lot of universities in Yokohama: Yohohama State University, Yokohama City University etc. There is a China town, situated in the centre of the city. It is a place of residence for many Chinese people. Yokohama has siter-city relationship with Shanghai since 1973.

　　　　▲Izu Hakone Fuji National Park is situated to the south-west of Yokohama. Its area is large, it includes Izu peninsula, Hakone and Fuji areas. Izu peninsula is situated in the eastern part of Shizuoka prefecture. It has Amagisan mountains, Darumayama mountains and a lots of hot springs (the biggest one is Atami hot spring) and temples: Tyorakuji Temple, Gyokusenji etc. From the southern tips of peninsula you can observe beautiful ocean views and Izu Syoto islands, which appeared due to volcanic activity. Hakone is situated in sout-western part of Kanagawa prefecture, in 90 km from Tokyo. It is a recreational area, famous for its landscapes formed by volcanic activity. Lake Ashi is situated in a former volcanic crater, its water is transparent, when the weather is clear, snow-white peak of Mt Fuji can be seen from here. There was a fort on the right bank of the lake during Edo period, now visitors can see the swards and guns, which were used that time. Owakudani volcano is still active nowadays, sulphur gas constantly comes from its craters. It is a natural geological museum. Mt Fuji is situated to the south-west of Tokyo, this volcano is a symbol of Japan and its highest mountain, the height is 3776 m. Mt Fuji has 8 peaks. Fuji volcano errupted several times. The last erruption was in 1707, that time the modern shape of Mt. Fuji has been formed. The crater of Fuji has diameter 800 m and depth of 200 m. Climbing routes on Mt Fuji have lot of acient shrines and temples. There also many interesting spots around mt Fuji: Fuji five lakes (the most famous one is Kawaguchi lake, in wchich reflection of Mt Fuji can be seen when the weather is good), museums, parks and gardens, safari park etc.

　　　　▲Kanezawa is situated in the north-western part on Honshu, on the shores of Japan sea. It has a lot of historical monuments of feudal period. The most famous one is the castle. There are samurai`s houses along the both sides of the road, leading to the castle. There are aslo a lot of souvenirs shops nearby. Kenroku park is situated near the castle, this is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Japan. It was constructed in Edo period (1837 year) as a private garden, during Meiji period it was reconstructed and made as a public park. Its area is 100 000 m2. There is an acient library and Museum of arts inside the park, the museum has a collection of Japanese national treasures, such as works by Nonomura Ninsei.

　　　　▲Nagoya is the forth biggest city of Japan, the capital of Aichi prefecture. It is situated in the central part of Honshu, on the banks of Ise bay.

　　　　It is a modern industrial city, at the same time he has a lot of historical heritage. Nagoya castle was founded in the 17th century, but was destroyed almost completely during World War II, and was reconstructed in 1959. Its main building consists of 7 floors, 1-6 floors are used as exposition halls (for castle paintings remainings), the 7th floor is used as an observation ground. The castle is a symbol of Nagoya. The others sightseeing spots include Atsutajingu Shrine (with a collection of national treasures, more than 3000 items), Danpusan tomb, Shinfukuji Temple (Shingonsyuchisan sect of Buddhism). Turuma park (harmony of Japanese and western culture), Toyama park, Nakamura Park, Heiwa park, Sirogawa park etc. Besides Nagoya is famous for production of Shibboyaki- glazed ceramic items.

　　　　▲Kamakura is one of the ancient Japan capitals. It is situated in the central part of Honshu, on the shores of the ocean, and is surrounded by mountains. In 12-14 centuries it was a center of shogunat, that time is called Kamakura period. Kamakura has a lot of historical heritage places, such as Kenchoji Temple, Engakuji Temple, Kotokuin Temple, temples of Nichiren-shu Buddhist school, Koumyoji Temple etc. Kotokuin Temple has the second largest statue of Buddha in Japan. It was folded from copper in 1252. Height is 11.3 m, weight is 121 tons. It is a masterpice of acient art and a national treasure. A lot of famous Japanese writers, artists, for example a laureate of noble prize, Yasunari Kawabata, lived in Kamakura.

　　　　▲Nara is also an acient capital of Japan, it is an international culture city, situated in the western part of Honshu. The time, when Nara was the country`s capital, is called Nara period. It has numerous objects of cultural heritage. Heijoku Palace is built the same way as the capital of Chinese Tang dynasty- Changan and contains more than 20 000 precious historical items. Besides, there are a lot of acient temples and buildings, such as the largest wooden structure in the world-Todaiji Temple; Toushodaiji Temple, constructed by Chinese monk Ganjin; Yakusiji Temple, Koufukuji Temple, Daianji Temple, Horyoji Temple etc. More than 1200 deers live in Nara park, who slowly work in the park and do not afraid of people. Deers and pines are the pride and beauty of Nara park. In 1974 Nara established sister-city relationship with Chinese Xian city.

　　　　▲Osaka is situated on the shores of Osaka gulf. The population is 3 million people, it is the second largest city in Japan, its very important industrial and traffic center. It has lots of rivers and channels and is known as “water city”. Some of the Emperors chose Osaka as their capital. Osaka is a modern city. Its night life and shopping areas are the same luxury as Tokyo. Its famous sightseeing spots are ruins of Emperor palace of Nara period; Sumiyoshi Shrine; Dainenbutuji Temple of Heian Period; Enjuan Shrine of Edo period; Osaka Castle, built in 17th century; Shitenoji Temple, built in 6th century(lots of national treasures are kept here); Tenmangu Shrine- home shrine for Tenjin Matsuri festival. In summer, Japan music festival is held in Osaka. In 1970 Osaka established sister-city relationship with Shanghai.

　　　　▲Kyoto is a famous ancient of culture and religion. It is situated in the west of Honshu, to the south-west of Biwa Lake. From 794 to 1869 it was the capital opf Japan, so it is called “thousand year capital”. In 1950 it was awarded a name of the city of international culture visits. It has more than 1500 temples, 200 shrines, 211 buildings and cultural items that are considered to be national heritage. Old Heian-kyo town was simillar the cities of Tang dynasty China- Luoyang and Changan, the same planning and shape of buildings were used. Suburbal sightseeing places include Syugakuin Ryukyu Palace, Katsura Rikyu Palace etc. Every year every month Japanese traditional festivals-matsuri- are held in Kyoto. Kyoto is the cultural and educational center of west Japan. It has more than 20 universities, including world-wide known Kyoto University, lots of museums, including National Art Museum, Center of traditional arts, Yomei library. The most famous landscape is Arashiyama mountain. In 1994 Kyoto and Xian established sister-city relationship. Every year more than 3 million international visitors come to Kyoto.

　　　　▲Kobe is a famous international trade city and a port. It is situated in the west of Hosnshu, on the north shores of Osaka gulf. The population is 1.4 million people. It was a small fishermen village before, then it developed into a port. There are a lot of Chinese immigrants living in Kobe. During Meiji period lots of foreigners from all over the world lived in Kobe, you can see many of foreign buildings in the district called Kitanocho. In suburbs there are such places of interest as Rokkosan mountains, Mayasan mountains, Arima hot spring, Nenobiki waterfall etc. In 1981 an artificial island with 4.4 km2 area island was constructed near Kobe, it is connected with the city by a bridge. Sport complex, parks, exhibition halls, shopping areas are situated on this island, making it one of the most attractive spots of the city. Now the second artificial island is under construction. In 1973 Kobe and Tianjin established sister-city relationship.

　　　　▲Kurashiki is a city situated in the western part of Honshu. It is a center of culture and arts. Art Museum has famous works by Picasso. Ethnography Museum has more than 3500 items of Japan crafts, including carpets, textile, ceramics, bamboo items etc. There are also Archeological Museum and History Museum in Kurashiki city.

　　　　▲Hiroshima is an industrial center of Seto Inland Sea region and an important tourist city, situated in the south-western part of Honshu. During World War II American army dropped the first nuclear bomb on Hirosima (1945/8/6, 08:13), which killed about 200 thousand citizens and destroyed almost all the building. After the war the city was rebuilt and became a “beautiful water city”. There are many parks in Hiroshima, one of the most famous is Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which includes Children's Peace Monument, the Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, a Bomb Dome, Statue of Mother and Child in the Storm etc. More than 7 million people visit park every year. Seto Inland Sea is situated between Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. It stretches 440 km from east to west and 5-55 km from north to south. There are more the 500 islands in the sea, the landscape is very beautiful. National park is established in Seto Inland Sea, including all its territory. Sea cruise is one of the most popular amusements of the tourists. There are many places of interest in the park: Kankakei gorge in Shodoshima island, Miyajima, Okojo Castle, Oyamatumi Shrine etc. Naruto strait between Awaji Island and Shikoku is also a popular tourist spot. The maximum speed of water flow reaches 20 km/h.

　　　　▲Nagasaki is situated in Kyushu, it is the main port of Kyushu. After shogunat started the policy of seclusion in 17th century, Nagasaki remained the only port in Japan open to foreigners, it was a place through which Buddhism, Christianity, modern knowlage was koming to Japan. On the 9th of August of 1945 Americans dropped the second nuclear bomb on Nagasaki. In 1955 in the hypocentre of the explosion Nagasaki Peace Park was founded, then a huge Peace statue was constructed inside the park. Other places of interest are Chinese style Kofukuji Temple, Sofukuji Temple, Fukusaiji Temple; Oura Catholic Church; Confucious Shrine etc. More than 1 million people visit the city every year. Nagasaki has sister-city relationship with Fuzhou.

　　　　▲The northern Japan consists of Hokkaido and the northern part of Honshu. Northern Honshu has magnificient nature: lots of lakes, mountains, hot springs will make a great impession on everyone. Hokkaido is divided from Honshu by Tsugaru strait. Hokkaido has wild and severe nature-deep gorges, volcanos, hot springs, virgin forests- which attracts lots of visitors. The weather in winter is snowy and suitable for various winter sports. In 1972 Winter Olympic Games were held in Sapporo.