Nagoya: one of Japan's largest cities, a modern busy metropolis. From the heights of
Nagoya Tower to the depths of the subway system, from the old castle to the modern form
of Oasis21, Nagoya really mixes it up.
Koyasan: an ancient small town with temples and shrines in the snow. Here you can stay with Buddhist monks in the
birthplace of Japanese buddhism. Wake early for the morning recitations and then enjoy the best food.
Kyoto: the old capital of Japan. With a modern heart built on ancient foundations, temples scattered throughout the city,
and a surprise on every corner.
Hiroshima: a once-ruined city rebuilt in the name of peace. The museum details the horror and the hope for building
a world without nuclear weapons.
Jigokudani: a little valley with a population of snow monkeys. It may take a few hours to reach from civilisation,
but the monkeys will surprise you with their antics and make the trip worthwhile.
Shizuoka: another modern town. Bursting with busy karaoke places, signs and lights everywhere, and a dinosaur.
Tokyo: the capital of Japan in all its shiny glory. All neon and lights and mirrors and skyscrapers. Tokyo never
sleeps!
Fujisan: Japan's highest peak. At 3,776m high at the moment, it is an active volcano so this could change! The views
from the bullet train are stunning.
Castles and temples. Pagodas and pavilions, shrines and gardens.
All the Japanese shiny newness. Buildings and towers create the distinctive
form of the modern japanese town.
Trains and planes. The trains dont always arrive on time, but
they do always stop in exactly the right place.
The unique cuisine of Japan - or at least some of the things
I sampled whilst trying to stay vegetarian.
I took two trips to Kyoto. The first time the train was nearly two hours late, and so I didn't have much time so I went back the next day. I could have had another day there and still not seen everything.
Kyoto castle is set in landscaped grounds with ponds and greenery. The outer castle walls hide their secrets.
My first sign of poverty - people living in cardboard houses under the bridge in Kyoto
The river had some interesting stepping-stones and a variety of bird life.
Temples are scattered all round Kyoto, nestling amongst the shiny new architecture. Kyoto was mainly spared from bombing during the war because of its cultural heritage.
Kyoto Tower reflects well in the railway station glass and chrome.
The second day in Kyoto didn't start too promising when I got to Nijo Castle. I took some more urban scenes.
Finally I reached the golden pavillion at Kinkaku Temple.
After the first two shots, a pack of schoolboys arrived. I waited a while and then got some more pictures of the pavillion and its lake.
From the other side of the pavillion the light reflects off the pond and casts illumination into all corners.
In the palace grounds are other small shrines and features.
Ryoan-ji is a temple famous for its enigmatic zen garden, but its panel paintings are equally impressive.
A small pagoda suddenly appears in the garden of Ryoan-ji.
Need a sword? We have all the latest models! The sharpest blades! The finest handles! Traditional Japanese craftsmanship! And only two minutes walk from this web page! Come to Kyoto Swords!
