Made up of four major islands and surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands Japan has coastlines with varied scenery. The country also offers imposing mountains, which are very often volcanic and amazing valleys that encompass the onlooker with the magical world of nature. Being covered with over 70% of forest and mountains makes it unsuitable for any inhabitants. That however does not alter the fact that Japan is the thirtieth most densely populated country in the world.



With many hot springs in this country, they have given rise to some stunning resorts.

Tokyo, Japan's city is a modern city of which is full of wonderful diversity. There are many sacred shrines and temples that hold there own amongst the imposing might of the skyscrapers.

The Tokyo Disney Resort in Chiba, is a holiday and recreation resort which has become the most popular and most visited theme park in the world since it was opened in 1983.

Mount Fuji is stunningly impressive and standing at a stunning 12,388 ft., has earned it the title of the tallest mountain in Japan. The Japanese revere this majestic mountain and use it as a symbol to the very spirit of their country. The best viewing place for Mount Fuji is Hakone and although it is almost always shrouded in clouds on a clear day the peak becomes visible.

The adventurous among you will be pleased to know that there are 6 ascents to the peak of the mountain of varying difficulties. Depending on the weather you can climb in the months of April to October although the "official" climbing season is from mid-July to the end of August.

Lake Ashi can be found in the volcanically active Izu National Park in Japan. The lake is breathtaking and was apparently formed in the caldera of Mt. Hakone 3000 years ago after the volcano's last eruption. This is a popular tourist attraction which is well known for its hot springs and stunning views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

You will have the opportunity to take cruise boats resembling pirate ships along the lake where some small towns are located on the shore.

Nikko is a small city at the entrance to Nikko National Park. Here you can experience the famous Toshogu shrine which is Japan's most elaborately decorated shrine.

Nikko National Park offers one of the most scenic landscapes, boasting mountains, stunning lakes, impressive waterfalls, hot springs. You can get close to the wild monkeys on one of the many walking trails.

Hiroshima is the largest city in the Chugoku region on the largest of Japan's islands and was rebuilt after World War II.

You cannot mention Hiroshima without it conjuring up the reminder that it was the first place in history to be subjected to an atomic bomb by the United States of America.

Thankfully in modern times, new buildings have grown all over the city. Now proclaimed as a City of Peace by the Japanese parliament, Hiroshima has become the seemingly appropriate place for holding international conferences on peace.