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Where to Visit
in Japan (Major Sightseeing Spots in Japan)
Japan: A Country with Four Seasons
Japan, an island country located to the east of the Asian continent, consists
of four major islands -- Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu -- and about
3,000 smaller islands including Okinawa, Sado and Awaji. Stretching over
a distance of 3,000 kilometers north to south, these islands are characterized
by a wide diversity of climates ranging from Hokkaido in the subarctic
zone with a short, beautiful summer to Okinawa in the subtropical zone
surrounded by coral reefs and a warm climate throughout the year.
The terms "sakura zensen" (cherry blossom front) and
"koyo zensen" (colored leaves front) illustrate how seasonal
changes occur in Japan. Cherry trees start to blossom in Okinawa in January,
and the blossom front moves up to Honshu in late March. In late May in
Hokkaido, flowers of every kind are in full bloom. In reverse, autumnal
leaves in blazing color descend from north to south.
To fully enjoy the change of the seasons, festivities are held in various
regions. There are also many hot spring resorts scattered throughout Japan.
A variety of fresh seasonal delicacies from the woods and the sea can
be enjoyed all year around.
The rich variety of nature is not the only attraction of Japan. Advanced
technologies such as consumer electronics and Shinkansen (bullet
trains) support large dynamic cities like Tokyo and Osaka, which stand
in contrast to the traditional beauty observed in Nara, Kyoto, Nikko,
Asakusa and other regions, and beautiful rice paddies in the countryside.
Japan's many attractions are certain to charm you..
Japan, a country with four beautiful seasons, may be the ultimate cruise
destination on earth. |
