Cultural Treasures of Japan

As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is also the most populous city with over 13 million people and is the cultural and financial center of Japan. Originally known as Edo prior to the move of the empire in 1868 from Kyoto, Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis with over 23 city sections all connected by an excellent public transit system. While most of ancient Tokyo was destroyed by bombing in WWII, today’s Tokyo is a mix of architectural styles and eclectic structures.

With views of Mt. Fuji visible on clear days, Hakone is a city located outside of Tokyo and part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. A popular destination for locals and tourists looking for a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hakone is famous for hot springs, an open-air sculpture museum and wetland gardens.

Valued for its hot springs and spas, the scenic resort town of Hakone sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Ashi. Mt. Fuji rises in the distance as you cruise the deep-blue waters on a voyage that features incredible views of the mountain and stops at lakeside towns.

This 400-year-old castle is known as the “Crow Castle” because of its stunning black interior. It’s Japan’s oldest and most important historic castle, and as such, it is considered a National Treasure and an absolute must-see.

Catch a glimpse of the past in Takayama’s historic district that reveals its ancient culture. Explore the winding streets lined with traditional inns and houses. The well-preserved old town provides you with a great example of what rural Japan is like. The bustling open air markets where you can find lots of local food and handicrafts date back over 600 years.

Discover the unique fairy tale charm of this enchanting rural village and see why tourists from all over the world are drawn to this very place. Learn about the long history and unique architectural character of the centuries old wooden farmhouses that were built without the use of a single nail.

As a former home to the Meada feudal lords, Kanazawa today is one of two cities spared from the destruction of WWII. Because of this preservation, many of the original castles and buildings remain today, including the Ninja Temple and Kanazawa Castle. Another highlight is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenroku-en.

Once the imperial capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is also known as the city of 10,000 shrines. From Buddhist temples to Shinto shrines, Kyoto remains a treasure of Japan with the wide range of historic buildings and gardens protected during the bombings of WWII. Also the center of the Geisha culture, today's visitors can stroll through the former Geisha quarters or try their hand at being a "Geisha for a day" with the locals.

In Japan, high speed trains (bullet trains) are called “Shinkansen.” They run at speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour and are known to depart on time right to the second.

A modern Japanese city, Hiroshima is most known for being one of two cities hit with an atomic bomb, helping to end the Second World War. Though reclaimed as a cosmopolitan center, the city is never far from its past; amongst the electric neon of its bustling streets, Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park is a historical time capsule right in the city center that’s both a dedication to the victims of the bombing and to world peace. The park’s main site, the A-Bomb Dome is the mark of the ruined remains of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The nearby Peace Memorial Museum gives you the opportunity to learn about life in Hiroshima before, during, and after WWII. For those interested in world history, Hiroshima is a must-see.