Japan is easily one of the prettiest countries in the world. The number of earthquakes and other natural calamities have pushed landscapes into picturesque valleys and mountains, created beautiful lakes, rivers and ponds as a direct result of post volcanic activity, lovely beaches and other unique seascapes. The cities though can be somewhat dull and gray. The islands of Hokkaido and Okinawa are quite diverse with regards to its animal and plant species, as well as its amazing landscapes.
Okinawa, being a separate kingdom until the late 1800s, offers architecture and culture quite different from “Japan”, having been more influenced by the Chinese, as does Hokkaido with the influence of Japan’s first people, the Ainu. Surely one of the prettiest cities in all of the world is Hakodate, which is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Japan Sea.
Prices historically for travel within Japan meant, for most expatriates, trips to Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, and North Asia, due to proximity and prices for airfare and accommodations being cheaper. Prices nowadays for domestic travel have inspired many to see what Japan has to offer.
First on the list for most people to experience what is Japonaise is Kyoto, for the number of attractions and to get an idea of what the former capital means to the Japanese people both from historic and cultural standpoints, but also because it is quite a lovely place, its only negative points being exposure to harsh weather conditions in mid-summer (very humid) and mid-winter (cold, snow and winds can be strong).
List of Attractions in Tokyo area:
