Page 9 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

Formed of thousands of scattered islands, the ancient capital of Kyoto – the ying to Tokyo’s
Japan’s impossibly varied landscape stretches yang – with its gilded shrines and graceful
1,864 miles (3,000 km) from the edge of Siberia geisha, is a heritage wonderland, and – whisper
in the north to tropical Okinawa in the south. it – a cosmopolitan city. And don’t forget Osaka,
In between, you’ll discover the snow-covered where proud locals, a chaotic downtown and
slopes of Hokkaido, majestic Mount Fuji, the vibrant food scene meet under the enormous
otherworldly Arashiyama bamboo grove, and shadow of the country’s largest castle.
much more besides. This is a land of eternal Even with its unparalleled rail networks,
natural beauty, as well as the yearly flowering Japan can still overwhelm with the sheer
and falling of ethereal cherry blossoms. number of unmissable sites on offer. We’ve
Japanese efficiency is no myth – these islands broken the country down into easily navigable
may be some of the most densely populated chapters, with detailed itineraries, expert local
on the planet, but the country’s thronging cities knowledge and colourful, comprehensive maps
really do run like clockwork. Tokyo, the capital, to help you plan the perfect visit. Whether
where it sometimes feels that the only constant you’re staying for a few days, weeks or longer,
is change, is a science-fiction movie brought to this Eyewitness guide will ensure that you see
life, with its cosplaying locals, cat-filled cafés, the very best Japan has to offer. Enjoy the book,
and psychedelic neon street scenes. To the west, and enjoy Japan.

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