Tourism (Visit Japan)

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Tourism (Visit Japan) Japan in general Open a world map and look at the extensive Asia / Pacifir region.

Polo first introduced it to the world back in the 13 th century as Zipang the Land of Gold.

interwoven by distinctive four seasons, and not to mention the overflowing hospitality of Japan s people. This is where the past literally greets the future. This is where they both mingle.

Later it began to assimilate elements of Western civilization from the latter half of the 19 th century.

1 Tourism (Visit Japan) Japan in general Open a world map and look at the extensive Asia / Pacifir region. Almost at the very centre, you will find the Japanese archipelago stretching north to south along the eastern edge of the Asian continent, Japan has lured untold numbers of adventures since Marco Polo first introduced it to the world back in the 13 th century as Zipang the Land of Gold. Although the Japan today may not be a land of gold, the Neo Zipang does possess powerful and magnet-like attractions: great cultural variety, colorful and inspiring natural scenery beautifully interwoven by distinctive four seasons, and not to mention the overflowing hospitality of Japan s people. This is where the past literally greets the future. This is where they both mingle. Japan has a long history of absorbing advanced cultures form the Asian continent from ancient times through the middle age. Later it began to assimilate elements of Western civilization from the latter half of the 19 th century. By selectively assimilating these many cultural influences, the country has successfully added rich new dimentions and depth to indigenous culture. This marvelous harmony between the refinement of things and consepts, Oriental blended with the leading-edge technology and the often ultramodern urban lifestyle you will find in Japan today is truly proof of a long and eloquent history. Beautiful, relaxing, nostalgic, profound, fashionable, mouth-watering, exciting, succulent, historic, cultural, just name it Japan. Which aspects of Japan would you like to meet? Intertwined with a genuine and heart-warming hospitality, Japan awaits you. Yes! Welcome to our Japan! 1

Charmes of Japan The essence of Japanese culture Temple in gold, temple in simplicity, shrines in tranquility and gardens in refinement..which is your favorite?

Shinto shrines rest amid the dark green woods, these are what Japan have.

Shinto, an ancient, indigenous religion unique to Japan, with emphasis on ancestor worship and harmony with the natural world, Buddhism, brought in from the Asian

Both of them continue to be prime and moving sources of inspiration, culturally and esthetically for the Japanese even today.

Japanese gardens are world-renowned as refined reproductions of nature s beauty all confined within a limited space.

2 Charmes of Japan The essence of Japanese culture Temple in gold, temple in simplicity, shrines in tranquility and gardens in refinement..which is your favorite? Magnificent Buddhism temples, and those which embody the essence of architectural elegance through the elimination of almost all decorative features, quiet and stately Shinto shrines rest amid the dark green woods, these are what Japan have. You can find them everywhere in Japan (even nestled in large population centres like Tokyo or Osaka.), and many of them date back well over 1,000 years. Shinto, an ancient, indigenous religion unique to Japan, with emphasis on ancestor worship and harmony with the natural world, Buddhism, brought in from the Asian continent way back in the 6 th century teaches spiritual enlightenment and salvation. Both of them continue to be prime and moving sources of inspiration, culturally and esthetically for the Japanese even today. Putting temple structures aside, the Buddhist images enshrined therein and their gardens are splendid pieces of art. Japanese gardens are world-renowned as refined reproductions of nature s beauty all confined within a limited space. Charmes of Japan Nature, rural landscapes with distinctive four seasons Only a few hours ride on a train from the great urban centres like Tokyo brings you to a totally different world. Picture yourself in a peaceful pastoral area with lush mountains and peaks in the background. How about a small community in the remote mountains, or a seaside fishing village? A journey to the countryside can be the key to satisfaction especially if travelling means getting away from it all and exploring a world yet unknown to meet the people in their own locale. 2

the country. Rice cultivation began in Japan over 2,000 years ago. Since then, of course, Japanese society and industry have evolved tremendously but rice cultivation has always been the very core.

In autumn, the fields are drained and turn into golden carpets as the crop ripens.

known as two winter Olympic games were already hosted in Japan. Winter is also a hot spring season.

Spring is the right time when you are welcomed by Japan s national flower, Sakura, cherry blossoms. The dream-like scenery with Sakura is really a once in a lifetime occasion.

3 the country. Rice cultivation began in Japan over 2,000 years ago. Since then, of course, Japanese society and industry have evolved tremendously but rice cultivation has always been the very core. In early summer, the paddles shine with the fresh green of young rice plants orderly set in fields brimming with water. In autumn, the fields are drained and turn into golden carpets as the crop ripens. These scenes evoke nostalgic images of Japan and can be seen far and wide throughout In winter, mountain areas as well as northern cities are covered with snow and Japanese winter sports are widely known as two winter Olympic games were already hosted in Japan. Winter is also a hot spring season. In Japan there are more than 3,000 hot springs all over Japan and at some place even monkeys love to bathe in the open-air rotenburo. Spring is the right time when you are welcomed by Japan s national flower, Sakura, cherry blossoms. The dream-like scenery with Sakura is really a once in a lifetime occasion. Charmes of Japan Gourmet pleasures The freshest and best ingredients from the sea and mountain. Indulge yourself in genuine Japanese cuisine in its very own home! As a visitor to a foreign country, you naturally want to enjoy the genuine local food to your heart s content. In Japan (especially in large cities), cuisines from all over the world can be enjoyed. French, Italian, American, ethnic Asian and so much more. But as a visitor coming all the way to Japan, try the real thing. Japanese cuisine is a world of kaleidoscopic diversity, from Kaiseki, full course dinner at an upper-class restaurant to the well-known Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura and Sukiyaki, and on to the even more popular Soba or Ramen noodles. 3

What do Japanese cuisine has in common? They are healthy and made from the freshest possible ingredients, Taste?

EXPLORING JAPAN For the first-time visitors to Japan, so-called the Golden Route, starting from Tokyo, pay a one day

Nara, this route is highly recommended. The explanation below follows this Golden Route.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and the place where over 13 million people live, making it one of the most populous

When the Shogun Governer established a government there in the early 17th century, the area started to develop,

Most of the city was devastated by two catastrophes, an earthquake occurred in 1923 and bombing during Workd War Ⅱ,

Tokyo is not only the political and economical center of Japan, it has also emerged as a center of the world economy

4 What do Japanese cuisine has in common? They are healthy and made from the freshest possible ingredients, Taste? It couldn t be better, Sanitation. The best.this is Japan. EXPLORING JAPAN For the first-time visitors to Japan, so-called the Golden Route, starting from Tokyo, pay a one day visit to Nikko National Park, one night stay in Hakone National Park with onsen hot spring and visit to Kyoto and Nara, this route is highly recommended. The explanation below follows this Golden Route. Tokyo One of the most populous cities in the world. A thriving center of economy, culture and industry. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and the place where over 13 million people live, making it one of the most populous cities in the world. When the Shogun Governer established a government there in the early 17th century, the area started to develop, spreading out around his residence, Edo Castle. Most of the city was devastated by two catastrophes, an earthquake occurred in 1923 and bombing during Workd War Ⅱ, Tokyo was able to achieve a remarkably rapid recovery both times. Tokyo is not only the political and economical center of Japan, it has also emerged as a center of the world economy and culture. There are a number of attractions in Tokyo that should not be missed. There are large-scale downtown areas, including Ginza where famous shops from around the world stand side by side, the sleepless Shinjuku that has become the "new city center of Tokyo," Asakusa which is reminiscent of the traditional Edo (the former name of Tokyo), and Shibuya that starts the trends for the young people. Other unique areas include the computer town 4

Akihabara, a dense retail area where numerous electronic shops compete against each other, attracting many shoppers from Japan and overseas, by them Akihabara is also designated as the sacred place

Simply rife with the elaborate and beautiful architecture of temples and shrines. Nikko lies at the foot of Mt.

Toshogu Shrine is where the famous Shogun of the Edo Period in the 17th century, Tokugawa Ieyasu, was worshiped after his death.

5 Akihabara, a dense retail area where numerous electronic shops compete against each other, attracting many shoppers from Japan and overseas, by them Akihabara is also designated as the sacred place for Otaku, or Tsukiji, an open-air wholesale food market catering to shops and consumers everywhere in Japan. Nikko A luxurious and popular location for vacationing. Simply rife with the elaborate and beautiful architecture of temples and shrines. Nikko lies at the foot of Mt. Nyoho-san in the western part of Tochigi and it has developed as the temple town for Futara-san-jinja Shrine, Toshogu Shrine and Rin-no-ji Temple. And the city forms a part of the Nikko National Park. Toshogu Shrine is where the famous Shogun of the Edo Period in the 17th century, Tokugawa Ieyasu, was worshiped after his death. It became as luxurious and elaborate as it looks today when the grandson of Ieyasu, the third Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, reconstructed it. The engravings on the Yomei-mon Gate are especially overwhelming, provided with every luxury imaginable and redolent in gorgeous colors. The engravings of the three monkeys in Shinkyu-sha and Nemuri-neko, the sleeping cat, are also well known. Rin-no-ji Temple was built in 766 and was developed from the 12th century to the Kamakura Period in the 14th century. The structures in the precincts are definitely worth seeing. Futara-san-jinja Shrine is said to bring happiness and marriage for those who visit. Legend has it that the Futara-Reisen, the sacred fountain there, has water that restores youth. The buildings in Mt. Nikko-san and the forest areas in the surroundings are registered as a World Cultural Heritage site and as a cultural property where nature and buildings are united. Hakone One of the best international holiday resorts. Home of renowned spas and a large historical zone. The town of Hakone is situated in the southwestern part of Kanagawa, and is part of Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Hakone is an 5

internationally well-known holiday resort that includes many renowned hot springs. They have about 20 different qualities, nicknamed "Hakone Seventeen Spas." A view of Mt.

There are a number of spots to visit, including O-waku-dani (where volcanic fumes still bear a trace of the Hakone Volcano), Lake Ashi-no-ko (created in the crater of the Hakone Volcano),

Various methods of transportation, such as mountain railway, cable car, ropeway, and cruising boat, are available to bring you to these spots. In addition, Hakone is also home to various museums.

6 internationally well-known holiday resort that includes many renowned hot springs. They have about 20 different qualities, nicknamed "Hakone Seventeen Spas." A view of Mt. Fuji is not the only view that you can enjoy in Hakone. There are a number of spots to visit, including O-waku-dani (where volcanic fumes still bear a trace of the Hakone Volcano), Lake Ashi-no-ko (created in the crater of the Hakone Volcano), Susuki-sogen (silver grass field) of Sengokuhara, a stone Buddha and stone towers situated in Moto-Hakone, and cedar trees along Kyu-Kaido Street. Various methods of transportation, such as mountain railway, cable car, ropeway, and cruising boat, are available to bring you to these spots. In addition, Hakone is also home to various museums. The Hakone Open Air Museum, the Narukawa Art Museum for modern Japanese paintings, the Pola Museum of Art featuring Western paintings, and the Venetian Glass Museum are only a few to mention among many that attract a number of visitors. Gifu Prefecture Located geographically right in the center of Japan, with more than 80% of its total area occupied by forests, this Prefecture spreads out from the mountainous Hida region to the flat Nobi Plains downstream from the Kiso-sansen (Three Kiso Rivers). The Hida Mountain Range, rising to a height of 3,000 meters above sea level, is part of Chubu-Sangaku National Park. The Ryohaku Mountains, with a vast forest of Japanese beech and alpine plants, are part of Haku-san National Park. The rows of traditional thatched roof houses at the World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go, located at the foot of Mt. Haku-san, are a must-see! Gifu Prefecture abounds with places of natural beauty, such as Ena Valley, which is dotted with interesting rock formations and Gero hot spring, a popular spa resort that dates back to about the 10th century. Visitors to Gifu shouldn t miss the traditional cormorant fishing, which has a history of about 1,300 years in the area and takes place on the Nagara River between May 11th and October 15th. Takayama, with its historic streets and alleyways, is known for the gorgeous Takayama Festival. Every summer, Gujo Hachiman becomes 6

the stage for the Gujo-odori dance, which continues for 32 nights.

Kyoto was the center of politics and culture for 1,100 years. Kyoto became the capital of Japan in the 8th century.

There remain many temples and shrines in Kyoto that were built during this long period.

You may meet some 'maiko,' young dancing entertainers, who walk in long hanging-sleeved kimono in the Gion district, see the townscape characterized with popular 19th century style latticework, and

The three major festivals of Kyoto are the Aoi-matsuri Festival in early summer, the Gion-matsuri Festival in mid-summer and the Jidai-matsuri Festival in fall.

7 the stage for the Gujo-odori dance, which continues for 32 nights. Visitors can relax in Gifu's tranquil scenery and be fascinated by its traditional festivals Kyoto The former capital of Japan, famous worldwide for its temples and shrines. Kyoto was the center of politics and culture for 1,100 years. Kyoto became the capital of Japan in the 8th century. It flourished as the center for Japanese politics, economy and culture since then, until the capital functions were transferred to Tokyo in the mid-19th century. There remain many temples and shrines in Kyoto that were built during this long period. Seventeen historic sites including, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle, are inscribed as World Cultural Heritage Sites. You may meet some 'maiko,' young dancing entertainers, who walk in long hanging-sleeved kimono in the Gion district, see the townscape characterized with popular 19th century style latticework, and visit the Nishijin where they weave traditional 'Nishijin-ori' textiles with vividly colored threads. The festivals in Kyoto are famous not only in Japan, but are also known worldwide. The three major festivals of Kyoto are the Aoi-matsuri Festival in early summer, the Gion-matsuri Festival in mid-summer and the Jidai-matsuri Festival in fall. There is also the Gozan-no-Okuribi, more commonly known as Daimonji-yaki, held on the night of Urabon (August 16th). During this festival numerous torches are ignited on the five mountains surrounding Kyoto, with the flames laid out to form a letter or figure. It is a summer event known both at home and abroad. Nara An ancient capital with excellent examples of traditional architecture. After the capital was relocated to Heijo-kyo (now Nara City) in 710, many temples and shrines were built there under the direction of the imperial family and aristocrats, and temple towns soon developed. Such temples and shrines include Todai-ji Temple, which has the Daibutsu, the world's largest Buddha statue, made of 7

8 copper and gold, it is enshrined in the world's largest wooden structure, Daibutsu-den (Great Buddha Hall). Other famous temples include Yakushi-ji Temple, which has wonderful old wooden architecture and a statue of Buddha, and Toshodai-ji Temple which was founded by the Chinese priest Ganjin, who came to Japan after difficult journeys and spread the principles of Buddhism. Horyu-ji Temple, which is said to have been built in the early 7th century, is known as the oldest existing Buddhist temple in Japan. The temple boasts of the world's oldest wooden architecture, and there are many paintings and sculptures in its possession. The temple is also inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Lastly, but not the least, for further information on tourism in Japan, please don t hesitate to contact the Japan National Tourism Organization in Frankfurt am Main. Japan National Tourism Organization Kaiserstrasse 11, Frankfurt am Main Germany Tel ++49-(0) FAX:++49-(0) fra@jnto.de Photographs are offered from JNTO. cjnto 8

Your Japan trip at a glance Discover the highlights of Japan with this luxurious itinerary. You begin your journey in the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo

Japan in Luxury Your Japan trip at a glance Discover the highlights of Japan with this luxurious itinerary. You begin your journey in the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo before heading to the ancient city