Until 1868, Kyoto was the capital of Japan since the end of the 8th century, it is one of the most popular destinations amongst overseas tourists to Japan. With a variety of historically valuable structures such as temples, shrines and Japanese gardens the city draws over 50 million visitors annually from all over the world.
Osaka is an exciting city for visitors and the town becomes more vibrant after sunset. Large neon billboards along the Dotonbori River in the Minami (southern) area is the most iconic landscape of the town. There are dizzying arrays of restaurants, food stalls, and shops in Dotonbori, Hozenji Yokocho and Shinsekai. The traditional atmosphere in the busy quarters of the town have not changed for decades.
Nagano Prefecture is located in the center of Japan’s main island. It has highlands and mountains with stunning scenery and excellent hiking. Kamikochi is one popular resort in the Northern Japan Alps with beautiful landscape. Take a walk along the river from Taisho Pond to Kappa Bridge or venture further up into the mountains. Away from the big cities, Nagano’s highlands like the Utsukushigahara plateau have stunning night skies. And Achi Village in Southern Nagano is known as the best place in the country for stargazing. For history, visit Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto City, the oldest existing castle in Japan.