WHEN TO GO?
Whilst diverse in its regions and landmarks, Japan is also a country of clearly distinct seasons. Depending on the time of year, Japan can seem like a completely different country. Spring is the time to experience ‘hanami’ (cherry blossom viewing) by sitting under the trees with groups of friends, eating and drinking below the falling pink petals, whilst in autumn people travel up and down the islands to find the best aleidoscope of red, yellow and orange hues visible in the autumn trees. A trip in the midst of snowy winter provides an idyllic paradise of powder snow for winter sports fans, or a photographer’s dream at the several snow, light and igloo festivals up and down the country. Each season offers travellers a new way to experience Japan.
TRAVELLING THE GOLDEN ROUTE
Japan has a number of iconic locations which are a must see for first time travellers. ombining a visit to Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Kyoto brings together the fast-forward thinking and bustle of the metropolis, with the calm of Kyoto’s tranquil temples and zen gardens, topped off with the sublime experience of witnessing ount u i’s snowy crest first hand. Tokyo is a microcosm of futuristic Japan, and gadget fans from across the world floc to the electronic district of Akihabara to buy the latest technology from world-renowned Japanese brands. As well as being at the forefront of technology, however, Tokyo holds its own in terms of historical sights – such as Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine and the impressive Imperial Palace. These tangible contradictions of old and new mark Tokyo’s fascinating ability to blend contradictions and make them seem perfectly in sync. Ten minutes in the capital can involve a whirlwind of sights; from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku – the world’s busiest station, witnessing the scramble of people at Shibuya crossing, taking an early morning stroll through the more secluded, wooded areas of Yoyogi Park, watching the tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market, or ordering yakitori and a beer at one of the tiny Golden Gai bars. Even a short stay will give you a taste for Tokyo – busy but orderly, crowded but calm. Only two hours and twenty minutes away by bullet train, Kyoto is home to an enormous concentration of temples, shrines and postcard-perfect streets waiting to be discovered. The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) is a site which brings to life those jawdroppingly stunning photos printed in magazines, whilst the 10,000 bright orange ‘tori’ gates of the ushimi nari shrine are every bit as magnificently vivacious in the flesh. visit to rashiyama on the outskirts of the city is also a must for travellers, where they can receive a warm welcome to Japan from the friendly macaques in the monkey park or witness the towering shoots of the vividly green bamboo forest. Kyoto’s not-to-miss list also includes i o astle, once the home of the o ugawa shogun, a TRAVEL FEATURE