A stay between tradition and modernity

The volcanic archipelago, located north-east Asia between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, has forged a culture of originality and an exceptionally rich. However, Japan still seems like a strange country for Westerners. Samurai of the Kamikaze, through Geishas, its culture, history and traditions fascinates us and we intrigue. While respecting their traditions millennia and cultivating their identity, the Japanese have made their country a major world economic powers. “The Land of the Rising Sun” was opened to foreigners until the mid-nineteenth century and a tourist destination remains mysterious and still largely unknown to tourists. But you have more time to lose: get to its scenery, its 4000 islands, a culture which combines the manga and samurai and where cities like Tokyo, retain the traditional habitat and temples, while building, a few meters of shopping malls.

City or mountains? You have the choice!

About 73% of the country consists of mountains, with a string through each of the main islands. The largest Japanese mountain is the famous Mount Fuji (Fujisan) peaked at 3 776 m altitude. Atlasov Island at the north end of the Kuril islands, is a magnificent snowy peak (2 337 m) emerging directly from the sea Because there is so little flat land, many hills and mountains are cultivated on any their height and cities are often taken over where tradition and modernity go hand in hand! Tokyo is a very good example. Visit the Asakusa district with its Senso-ji temple and its traditional shops then head to the district skyscrapers of Shinjuku overlooking the city from the two observatories Tokyo Government Office and made a tour in Shibuya, Harajuku , Omotesando and Ginza for shopping.
In Kyoto the contrast is equally striking temples and shrines of Nikko will amaze you with their colors and delicious restaurants Pontocho satisfy the biggest appetites! During a day visit the Todai-Ji and his great Buddha and walk in the shopping district Naramachi. At nightfall, Osaka and the direction the 39th floor of Umeda Sky Building a garden there with view over the city!
The air of the mountain will make you a crazy and a little hiking on the volcano Fujiyama in the heart of the island Honshu, promises of magical landscapes.

Immersion in Japanese culture

Japanese culture has always fascinated western populations. Come discover first the fighting in sumo, the Japanese sports struggle par excellence, attending the tournament in Tokyo where the biggest wrestlers clash.
You also may be lucky to host a Japanese family who will be a pleasure to serve you mint tea. During the ceremony, which can last for hours, the owner of the house must engage all his being to create “an atmosphere conducive to aesthetic delight, the physical and intellectual stimulation, spiritual and calm of his hosts’ . All you say that the reception is more than warm!
While Japanese cuisine is established not only around the major four ingredients (rice, pasta, fish and soy), it offers a wide variety of original dishes and especially a very healthy food. It is of course impossible to miss sushi and sashimi, both based on fish or seafood, which will be accompanied by sticky rice noodles or Japanese. There are also recipes for fondues, meat in sweet sauce to omelets, etc..

Unlike other Asian countries, the dishes are rarely very spicy.
And as in France, there are regional cuisines and kitchens in different social strata: bowl of noodles or Donburi workers, or Buddhist vegetarian cooking meals finest ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). And if you do not know you use chopsticks, you learn very quickly once Japan. There can not eat with it!
The Shinto and Buddhist temples are genuine haven of peace and invites you to quiet even if you’re not a believer. And all around these temples, many cherry trees (in bloom in April) just brighten more gardens. Found elsewhere, everywhere in major cities, green spaces completely artificial. These gardens take many forms but the most famous garden is the dry Zen temples, consisting of gravel, rocks and bushes.

You can return from Japan of bonsai (miniature trees that cost so dear in Europe!), The famous manga or a bunch of objects Hi-Tech, which the Japanese love but also tourists, especially for very attractive prices stores offer.

Land of contrasts, Japan and attracts intrigue. Brutally modern for some, this small archipelago is primarily a concentrate of history, just as rich as that of France for example. Immergeons us in the Japan Samurai and discover what lies behind the Tokyo high-tech …

Tradition and modernity
The history of Japan is very old. Its civilization is equally, and the archipelago has developed alongside the countries of old Europe. The Japanese are very attached to their history, which mixes religion, architecture, art and philosophy.

Respect for elders and their memory to preserve cultural and architectural invaluable scattered throughout the territory, on the outskirts of cities that have become Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Zen gardens, markets and grouillants still correspond to the image we have of traditional Japanese civilization. As you discover among the maze of modern life, that sows highways to 8 lanes and buildings wherever it can.

Composing a route
Now you know the old Japan won. The hectic life of this small parcel of land hidden treasures. The Tokyo area is the best example. A few miles from the center ultra-modern and buildings, was discovered wooden houses, temples and religious sites natural unbelievable. To find the authenticity, we must move towards the mountainous center of Japan, little affected by the construction to oversimplify.

A Kamakura, for example, do not forget to visit the great Buddha Daibutsu, colossal stone statue impassive prevailing since 1252. A little further on the side of Kyoto, you admire the famous Zen gardens in Japan, variations of stones, gravel, together with harmony and conducive to meditation.

The nature takes its rights on the island of Hokkaido where we still live on fishing and the cultivation of algae. The harsh climate and costs lush nature preserves are also beautiful parks sheltering temples and statues of various ages. Scenery after a passageway provided by the cities of the country!

Where to stay in Japan?
With the comparator Excelloz Search, find good plans for a cheap hotel reservation in Japan.
Also, see our section to find Japan Travel Guide Information.