DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Japan

Inspire / Plan / Discover / Experience

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t The glowing lights of Nagasaki

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t Kiyomizu-dera Temple, surrounded by fall foliage.

Konnichiwa from one of the most fascinating countries on earth. Japan is a land of contrasts of tranquil zen gardens and steaming onsen, teeming crowds and robot restaurants and it has charmed visitors for centuries because of it. Whatever your dream trip to Japan includes, this DK Eyewitness Travel Guide is the perfect companion.

Formed of thousands of scattered islands, Japans impossibly varied landscape stretches 1,864 miles (3,000 km) from the edge of Siberia in the north to tropical Okinawa in the south. In between, youll discover the snow-covered slopes of Hokkaido, majestic Mount Fuji, the otherworldly Arashiyama bamboo grove, and much more besides. This is a land of eternal natural beauty, as well as the yearly flowering and falling of ethereal cherry blossoms.

Japanese efficiency is no myth these islands may be some of the most densely populated on the planet, but the countrys thronging cities really do run like clockwork. Tokyo, the capital, where it sometimes feels that the only constant is change, is a science-fiction movie brought to life, with its cosplaying locals, cat-filled cafs, and psychedelic neon street scenes. To the west, the ancient capital of Kyoto the ying to Tokyos yang with its gilded shrines and graceful geisha, is a heritage wonderland, and whisper it a cosmopolitan city. And dont forget Osaka, where proud locals, a chaotic downtown and vibrant food scene meet under the enormous shadow of the countrys largest castle.

Even with its unparalleled rail networks, Japan can still overwhelm with the sheer number of unmissable sites on offer. Weve broken the country down into easily navigable chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local knowledge and colourful, comprehensive maps to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether youre staying for a few days, weeks or longer, this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see the very best Japan has to offer. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Japan.

A stone statue of the Buddha at Eikan-do, Kyoto.

Neon lights of Tokyos frenetic Akihabara Electronics District.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, surrounded by fall foliage.

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An avant-garde capital that pulsates with quirky cosplayers and raucous karaoke bars, hovering trains that rocket through awe-inspiring countryside, engrossing traditions, and an obsession with etiquette whats not to love?

t When Japan launched the shinkansen in 1964, they left the rest of the world in the dust. Silently speeding at 200 mph (320km/h), youll feel as if youre already in the future.

Discover Reasons to Love Japan

t These guesthouses provide the ultimate Japanese experience. Don a yukata (kimono), indulge in a communal bath and savour a home-cooked meal, washed down with plenty of sake.

Discover Reasons to Love Japan

t Once an offensive term for a super fan, more and more people are calling themselves otaku. Explore the world of manga, anime, and cosplay in Tokyos .

Discover Reasons to Love Japan

t Dont let its introvert reputation fool you Japan hosts some raucous celebrations. Expect loin-cloth-clad revellers, sumo wrestlers, and tantalizing scents drifting from .

Discover Reasons to Love Japan

t From the imposing fortresses of the Warring States Period, such as , Japans castles seem straight out of a fairy tale.

Discover Reasons to Love Japan