Reis Japan

1. Must sees
1.1. Kyoto

Streekomschrijving

The ancient capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, Kyoto remains the most historically important city in Japan. At first glance, Kyoto appears to be like any other Japanese city. It is a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million people, and it possesses prosperous industrial and technological sectors. However, with a good map in hand and some planning in mind a visitor will quickly discover the incredible richness of Kyoto's

past. There are over 1,700 Buddhist temples, 300 Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens, and some of Japan's top museums and galleries located in this city. Although there is so much to see and do in Kyoto, even a short-time visitor can soon get an appreciation of what this ancient capital has to offer. The best time to visit Kyoto is in the spring and fall when the weather is at its finest.

Bezienswaardigheden: Kinkakuji (Gouden paviljoen)

tempel Heian jing

Ryokan verblijf (favorieten) a) Tamahan

b) Kamogawakan

c) Hiiragiya Bekkan (mijn favoriet!)

1.2. Nara (van Kyoto - Nara) Streekomschrijving

Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan, established in 710 AD and is now celebrating its 1300th birthday. Although the capital was soon moved to Kyoto where it remained for the next 1,000 years, Nara saw the development of Japan's first arts, crafts, and literature. Nara became the political and cultural center of Japan, and it established many shrines, temples, palaces, and pagodas. Most of Nara's historical buildings remain, and they are surrounded by a large and spacious park. Some of the bigger attractions are the bronze Buddha statue at Todaiji (pictured above), and Horyuji which is said to be

the world's oldest wooden building. The presence of wild, free-roaming deer at Nara add a very special atmosphere to the area. Although most visitors make only a day trip to Nara, the historical and natural beauty of the city and the surrounding area warrant at least a couple of days of exploring. Bezienswaardigheden: Kofukuji

Daibutsu

Kasuga Taisha schrijn

Narapark

Ryokan verblijf (favorieten) a) Asukaso

b) Nara Kasuga hotel

1.3. Tsumago en Magome Streekomschrijving

Tsumago and Magome are located in the southern part of the Kiso Valley in Nagano Prefecture. Many years ago, it was one of the eleven post towns in that district of the Nagasendo Highway. When the Chuo Rail Line was constructed along the Kiso River in 1911, Tsumago lost its role as a post town and it gradually became a deserted village. However, in 1968 a movement to preserve Edo and Meiji Period buildings began and during the following three years many structures were repaired and restored. In 1976,

Tsumago was designated as a "Protected Area for the Preservation of Traditional Buildings" by the Japanese government. The Old Nagasendo Highway can now be enjoyed by visitors who wish to see a very important part of old Japan preserved in tact. Bezienswaardigheden
Kiso valley

Matsumoto castle

Ryokan verblijfplaats a) Fujioto

1.4. Koyasan Streekomschrijving

Koyasan (Mount Koya) is one of Japan's holiest mountains located in Wakayama Prefecture. The journey to Mount Koya takes visitors a cedar-filled valley 800 meters above sea level, surrounded by 8 mountain peaks. In the early 9th century, the Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi founded the first temple and it has grown to more than 100 monasteries surrounding the head temple of Kongobuji. Visitors also have the opportunity to stay overnight at one of the many temple lodgings. Bezienswaardigeheden
Mount Koya

Speciaal verblijf! Boedistische Tempel a) Eko-Inn (mijn favoriet)

b) Sainan-Inn

1.5. Nikko Streekomschrijving

Ninety miles (144 kilometers) north of Tokyo in Tochigi Prefecture lies the historical site of Nikko. Nikko's colorful shrines and temples and its national park offer the visitor a wonderful combination of both Japanese history and natural beauty. Nikko means "sunlight," and its shrines and temples were constructed in the 17th century in honor of the great shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. This complex of temples and shrines at Toshogu are the highlight of Nikko, and afterwards visitors can explore the mountains along Nikko's numerous hiking trails. At the nearby 200,000 acre Nikko National Park sits the tranquil lake of Chuzenji-ko and the resort of Yumoto. Bezienswaardigeheden
Toshogu Shrine

Nikko National Park

Ryokan verblijfplaats a) Nikko Hoshino Yado

b) Hotel Tokugawa

1.6. Beppu Streekomschrijving

Beppu is located on the east coast of Kyushu island, sandwiched between the Seto Inland Sea and its steep mountains and hills. It has long been known as Japan's premier hot spring resort city. In fact, there is more hot spring water in Beppu than anywhere else in Japan. Over 100 hot spring resorts are located in this city of 125,000, and visitors from all over Japan flock to Beppu to relax in the hot spring pools, hot mud baths, and hot sand baths. Bezienswaardigheden
Hot springs !

Ryokan verblijfplaats a) Asahiya Ryokan

1.7. Kamikochi (japanse alpen)