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.
Nagoya is the capital of Aichi Prefecture, located in the center of Japan’s main island Honshu. In the past, Nagoya was an important castle town. On the castle grounds stand the reconstructed main keep and the palace of the ruling lords. Present day Nagoya is one of Japan’s industrial centers and home to both traditional and modern manufacturers like Toyota. Toyota’s museums focus on the development of automotive technology while the SCMAGLEV and Railway Park is all about Japan’s trains. Located on the Shinkansen Tokaido Line between Tokyo and Kyoto & Osaka, Nagoya is an excellent base for Japan travel.
Tokyo’s famous Asakusa district is home to the city’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. Many small shops, restaurants, and bars are located in the area surrounding the temple. Kappabashi Street is lined with shops that sell everything you might need in a kitchen or restaurant, including food sample imitations many stores use to show their menu. You can make some food samples yourself or learn how to cook real Japanese dishes here. For a special experience, go on a dinner cruise on Sumida River, which runs past Asakusa. Cruises include traditional Japanese meals and are a fun way to see Tokyo.