Japan

A modern country with an exotic ancestry - Japan is a delicious combination of influences. Japan is a traditional society with its sights set on the future. Japan is made up of four islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

Hokkaido is by far Japan's largest prefecture. Hokkaido is Japan's best natural wildlife destination, due to the many national parks it contains. The Shiretoko National Park was recently designated a World Heritage Site. The Shikotsu-Toya National Park is another must-see, with its volcanic hot springs and caldera lakes next to rumbling volcanoes and canyons.

Since most of Hokkaido's population lives by the sea, local cuisine consists of seafood. Local dishes include: hairy crabs, Akkeshi's oysters, Saroma's scallops and sea urchin. Hokkaido is also home to some of Japan's finest sakes.

Honshu is the most populated of the islands. The Japanese imperial cities Tokyo and Kyoto are both located in Honshu. Kyoto was Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868. For a luxury holiday, Kyoto is the perfect choice.

Over the centuries, Kyoto has been ravaged by countless wars - however its temples, shrines and ancient structures still stand today.

Kyoto Imperial Palace is a destination worthy of note. It was the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the Kyoto Imperial Park.

The palace has been burnt down and moved around the city several times in Japan's history. The present reconstruction dates back to 1855. The palace is enclosed by a wall and consists of several halls and gardens. The palace can be seen through guided tours held by the Imperial Household Agency.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Tokyo is the centre of the most populated urban area in the world, Greater Tokyo, which has a population of 35 million. Tokyo is best thought of not as a single city, but a group of cities.

Tokyo is the city that never sleeps. Tokyo has many centres for shopping, eating and simply wandering around. The city is dotted with museums focussed on every possible interest from pens to clocks to traditional wares and modern arts. There are a wide range of luxury hotels in the Tokyo area. Many hotels have English-speaking staff.

If you're looking for a viewing platform, the highest spot in Tokyo is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku. Its viewing platforms are free, offering splendid vistas of the city and beyond.

To get away from the bustle of the city, why not take a boat ride on the Sumida River from Asakusa? Or enjoy a soak in a local 'sento' or public bath?

If action is what you're after, check out Tokyo Disney Resort - the world's most visited theme park.

Matsuyama, or 'Pine Mountain', is the capital of Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Founded in 1889, this city of 515,000 is located in the Matsuyama Plain. Matsuyama offers a rich array of cultural experiences.

The Dogo Brewery is a favourite with many travellers. Visitors are given a complimentary tour, and invited to taste each of their signature brands - Stout, Madonna Alt and Botchan Kölsch. Beer is brewed in the spring and summer.

From mid-March until April, Dogo Park is filled by visitors who come to take part in hanami, or viewing of sakura (cherry blossoms). An oval patch of grass in the Dogo neighbourhood, Dogo Koen is an important part of Matsuyama's identity as it harbours the ruins of Yuzuki Castle.

Matsuyama Castle is another great destination. Situated in the centre of the city, it is one of three hilltop castles still remaining in Japan. The castle, constructed by the lord Kato Yoshiaki over the course of 25 years, was completed in 1627. With four of its eight gates designated national treasures and the wealth of historical artefacts within its walls, Matsuyamajo is worth the walk.

Kyushu is Japan's third largest island, located southwest of Honshu. An early centre of Japanese civilization, Kyushu has much in the way of historic treasures and natural beauty. In terms of population, Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu and a major business centre.

The Yatai (food stalls) are one of Fukuoka's most famous attractions. At night, workers bring wheeled stalls to their locations and prepare for the night markets. Fukuoka's best yatai dish is ramen noodles. Yatai are located in the Tenjin, Nagahama and Nakasu areas.

Taishi Kobo established Tochoji Temple centuries ago. It features an eleven-metre, thirty-tonne Buddha and the statue of a thousand-handed goddess.