The majestic Shuri Castle stands in Naha, Okinawa. Though it was wrecked during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the historical site was laboriously reconstructed in 1992. Developing plans that would be authentic and faithful to the original structure took a massive amount of information. Individual memories were studied just as much as photographs and records to build it once again. Nevertheless, the new Shuri Castle site welcomes visitors to this unique part of Japan. The area around the castle has been named Shuri Castle Park, and it was welcomed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2000. No travel package to Okinawa should pass up this attraction.
There was a period of almost five centuries when this site was the very heart of the historical Ryukyuan Kingdom. In 1879, when Okinawa became part of the burgeoning Japanese state, the castle passed into Japanese hands. Having been the center of political and cultural life in the previous period, it has a remarkable architectural flavor. Okinawan strongholds have a distinctive look that is quite remarkable, and referred to as gusuku. For those who enjoy their time at Shuri, an excursion can be planned to a number of other similar sites. Castle touring can be an excellent way to explore the cultural experience of an area in Japan that is very different form the rest of the nation.
Even if one doesn’t have enough time to spend a full day at the Shuri site, they can at least pause and reflect for a few moments at the Sonohyan-utaki Ishimon if they are in the Naha-shi area. Though it may not be as majestic as the former, it shares UNESCO recognition with Shuri and marks the point of an important grove. This utaki area is sacred, and comprises the trees and plants that are within the area.
There are those that have the idea that Kyoto’s position as a cultural center has made it a stuffy and dull place. For some people, history will always be boring. However, it really doesn’t need to be. For those that enjoy history, a visit to any of the 17 titled Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto is a fascinating proposition. Those that don’t find that interesting might still find that a few places are still exciting, however.
The period drama genre known as Jidaigeki has an interesting relationship with the city, and even the most jaded visitors will want to check out the Toei Uzumasa Eigamura where many samurai action films were shot. The Eigamura complex has numerous mock ups of famous traditional Japanese sites that are used for filming. Occasionally, a film will actually still be shot there and visitors to the complex are actually invited to have a look.
Shijo Street is the end all to shopping in the city, and it has changed quite a bit since the time of its naming. The term refers to it being the fourth street in Heian-kyo, which was the ancient capital at Kyoto. 
While it may still be as charming as it was in 19th century photographs, today there are numerous methods of modern public transportation to help people around the city.
The Hankyu Kyoto Line goes underneath the street, and has stations at Omiya, Karasuma, Kawaramachi and Nishioji. The street goes east to west straight through the commercial heart of Kyoto, and this should put it on the top of anyone’s list that is interested in modern shopping. Interestingly, the city has a ban on smoking in this district. The eastern end of the street is home to the Yasaka Shrine, and the intersections often feature delightful department stores. Kyoto doesn’t have to be a dull stop.
Why visit Japan? There are numerous reasons to treat yourself to a Japanese vacation. Even if the idea of visiting a country where English is not the primary language is intimidating, Japan has so much to offer you’ll regret not going there.
The food is fabulous. In Tokyo, you can eat inexpensively at the many small fast food places serving udon and soba noodles, tendon (tempura and rice) and gyudon (beef, onions and rice) and sushi. The fresh fish is fabulous and you’ve got to take a look at the famous Tsukiji fish market.
If you like hot tubs, you’ll swear you’ve gone to heaven when you try out the natural hot springs. Japan is full of these beautiful springs. Soak at your leisure while you enjoy the pristine natural surroundings. You’ve never been so relaxed.
You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen Shinjuku at night. Even if you’ve braved Times Square on New Year’s Eve, you won’t be prepared for the sight and experience of Shinjuku on any night of the week. This busy section of Tokyo features lots of shopping, museums and restaurants to keep the thousands of people busy at all hours of the day or night.
If you like history, you can visit the famous gold temple at Kinkajuji. You can visit beautiful castles that are nothing like the European castles. Hiroshima and Nagasaki have preserved some of the effects of the atomic bombs that fell in World War II. It is a solemn place that will change you forever.
If you visit in the spring, you can catch one of the magnificent Cherry Blossom festivals throughout the country. The opening of the blossoms is actually tracked as it moves through the country with spring weather from the south to the north.
Looking to experience all the joys of Japan? First you’ll need to learn how to speak Japanese!
I used to watch Iron Chef and marvel at the many ways they used rice, and it made me more interested in finding out more about Japanese food in general. Now, I’m hooked.
Rice is used at every meal… just plain steamed white rice. I admit I thought brown rice would be more popular than it is in Japan. It is amazing how many ways rice can be used. Rice cakes are used as a dessert, often stuffed with red bean paste or other sweet filling. Mochi is a chewy sweet or savory sheet of rice-y goodness (is that a word?) that can be cooked and eaten on its own or may be found wrapped around other goodies like bites of ice cream. I’ve since managed to try some of these tasty treats from Japan and they really are good.
I want to learn more ways to use rice. Learning about how the Japanese utilize it has inspired me. It is an amazing grain that feeds a large portion of the world’s population. It deserves more attention from those of us in the West.
Japan is a very mountainous country, yet there are a few majestic peaks that stand above all the rest. If you plan to visit Japan, you must see at least one of them. These picturesque peaks show off the natural beauty of Japan.
Mount Fuji
This is the tallest mountain in Japan. Mount Fuji is a perfect peak… it has the classic pointed cone that is often depicted in artwork and admired the world over. A dormant volcano, Mount Fuji is revered in Japan for its beauty and perfection. Mountain climbing and skiing are activities that are common around this mountain. Climbing is done only during a short period in the high summer as attempting the climb the rest of the year is very dangerous. Mount Fuji rises to an impressive height of 12,388 feet above sea level.
Mount Tate
Mount Tate is 9892 feet above sea level. It is located in the Toyama region of Japan. This mountain is known for its impressive fall beauty, when all the trees are draped in bright colors. The Oyama Shrine is located at the peak of Mount Tate. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Shomyo Falls while they make the climb to the plateau.
Mount Haku
Mount Haku is also a dormant volcano. It stands 8783 feet above sea level. This mountain is a designated national park and remains pristine. Hiking is allowed and wildlife abounds here. Seasoned hikers may choose to take some of the rougher trails. They offer quite a challenge and can be very treacherous. Mount Haku is at its best in the late summer and fall.
Other mountains in Japan include Mount Aso, Nantai-san, Akaishi-dake and Hachimantai. If you truly love the mountains of Japan, check out the book “100 Famous Japanese Mountains” by Kyuya Fukada. Written in 1964, it celebrates the mountains of Japan and gives their history as well as climbing tips. It maybe out of print where you are so you may want to pick up a copy of Hiking in Japan
instead.
