Exploring Japan

		BEST OF JAPAN The best way to make your trip successful is to ask professionals. 15 travel agencies provide recommendations for the hottest places, convenient package tours and services, and not-to-miss events. Since Japan is so rich in history and culture as well as full of scenic areas, it is not easy to pick a destination when traveling here. For this purpose, 15 travel agencies will help you decide which way to go by providing recommendations for the hottest places, convenient package tours and services, and not-to-miss events. Check out what they have to say!

BEST OF JAPAN

The best way to make your trip successful is to ask professionals. 15 travel agencies provide recommendations for the hottest places, convenient package tours and services, and not-to-miss events.

Since Japan is so rich in history and culture as well as full of scenic areas, it is not easy to pick a destination when traveling here. For this purpose, 15 travel agencies will help you decide which way to go by providing recommendations for the hottest places, convenient package tours and services, and not-to-miss events. Check out what they have to say!

@TABIT

1. To enjoy nice weather, good atmosphere and interesting culture, Otaru is the place to be. Known for its glass and small shops, you’ll feel relaxed while being entertained by its food and good-natured people.
2. For a peek at what life was like back in the Edo Period, try going to one of the Edo Wonderland theme parks in Noboribetsu, Nikko or Ise. Try on a kimono or watch in awe as samurai walk around and ninjas fly over your head!
3. If you want to be adventurous, climb Mt. Fuji. Take a bus to the 5th Station and be sure to snap pictures of the pretty sights.

		@Tabit 274 Madison Ave., Suite 905 New York, NY 10016 TEL:212-689-6868 800-838-9086 www.tabit-usa.com

A-KIND

1. Just an hour travel by local train from the Tokyo metropolitan area, you can visit the city of Kamakura where numerous temples, shrines, and other historical monuments are preserved.
2. Harajuku/Aoyama is home to fancy fashion streets. It is not surprising to find young people here dressed up as anime heroes. With its top-brand clothing stores, you will enjoy shopping.
3. For those who love skiing and snowboarding, Sapporo is one of the best places in Japan. It is also famous for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival in February.

		A- Kind 152 W. 57th St., 8th Fl. New York, NY 10019 www.a-kind.com

AMNET NEW YORK, INC.

1. The Japan Rail Pass is your passport to travel in Japan. It allows unlimited rail travel, including the Shinkansen, across the country over a 7, 14, or 21-day period. Regional rail passes are also available if you want to explore particular areas, such as splendid ski resorts in Hokkaido, hot springs in Honshu, or the steaming craters of Mt. Aso and Sakurajima in Kyushu.
2. Nagasaki: “Champon” is a popular soul food of Nagasaki. It is a Japanese noodle dish with origins in China, made by frying pork, seafood and vegetables with lard, and it is a soup made with chicken and pig bones added. Don’t miss it when you go to Nagasaki.

		Amnet New York, Inc. 152 W. 57th St., 8th Fl. New York, NY 10019 TEL 212-247-1900 www.amnet-usa.com http://amnet.exblog.jp/

ANA SALES AMERICAS

1. The Japan Rail Pass allows you to fully appreciate the beautiful scenery and culture in Japan. Take the comfortable and fast Shinkansen to explore sites like the Torii Gate in Miyajima, the historic village of Shirakawago and the bamboo forest in Sagano.
2. Sumida River Cruise: The Sumida River flows through old downtown Tokyo. Get on board the Yakata-Bune, a traditional style cruise line, and enjoy the atmosphere of the good old days of Tokyo.
3. Sanrio Puroland: This Sanrio theme park is paradise for Sanrio fans. Meet popular Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty!

		ANA Sales Americas 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 823 New York, NY 10020 TEL: 917-229-4920 www.anavacations.com

BOSTON INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

1. Himeji Castle is a good example of Japanese castle architecture from the 17th century, and it has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Use the special English guided tour for this historically important and aesthetically beautiful castle.
2. With an English guided walking tour, you can fully enjoy Kyoto, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan.
3. The Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Koen (Hiroshima Peace Park) commemorates the atomic bomb attack that ended World War II. Self walking tours with English maps and guides are available.

		Boston International Travel 1330 Beacon St., Suite 309 Brookline, MA 02446 USA TEL: 617-713-0070 www.travel-bit.com

H.I.S. INTERNATIONAL TOURS (NY), INC.

1. Sumo Tour : A Day in the Life of a Sumo Wrestler: Experience the typical day of a sumo wrestler, starting with early morning practice followed by the special dining experience of chanko.
2. Samurai Tour : Samurai Sword Action: You will learn how to fight using a samurai sword from a group of experts led by Tetsuro Shimaguchi, a head choreographer of swordfight scenes.
3. 2009 Japanese Pop Culture Anime Fair Special: Explore the Ghibli museum, Nakano Broadway, Akihabara and the TOKYO ANIME FAIR accompanied by professional anime cosplaying tour guides.

		H.I.S. International Tours (NY), Inc. 489 Fifth Avenue, 20th Fl. New York, NY 10017 TEL: 1-800-275-4447 www.his-usa.com/en

IACE TRAVEL

1. Tokyo Darkside Goth-Loli Tour: Join us as we take you through Tokyo, the home of Gothic-Lolita fashion! We will go to Shinjuku Marui, Harajuku LaForet and even a visual-kei rock concert! (Departure April 7th, 7 days)
2. Fujoshi Paradise Yaoi Tour: Indulge your yaoi fantasies at Otome Road, a yaoi butler cafe, Roppongi's drag revue Kingyo, Muscle Musical and more!! Plus a once-in-a-lifetime *exclusive* meeting with a yaoi manga creator.
(Departure May 13th, 7 days)

		IACE Travel 370 South Crenshaw Blvd. Suite E 106 Torrance, CA 90503 TEL: 1-866-735-4223 www.iace-asia.com

IWHALE TRAVEL

Japan Honshu Delights 8-Day Tour
This one-way trip from Tokyo to Osaka highlights popular tourist destinations for experiencing different aspects of Japan. The tour includes a Tokyo Bay cruise, a sightseeing tour of historical buildings and artifacts from the Edo Period in Tokyo, a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi in Hakone, a visit to a tea plantation in Shizuoka, an onsen (hot spring), and one of the Japan's three major castles, Nagoya-jo. From Nagoya to Kyoto, you can enjoy a comfortable and fast ride on the Shinkansen. The only departure dates for this tour are Jan. 28, Feb. 18, and Mar. 10.

		IwhaleTravel 80 Mott St., Suite 303 New York, NY 10013 TEL: 212-966-2323 212-966-1803 718-690-7820 www.iwhaletravel.com

JTB

There are many notable cherry blossom colonnades in Japan.
1. In early April, Kyoto is the perfect destination to enjoy the contrast between the cherry blossoms and temples and shrines. Kiyomizu-dera and Ninna-ji are the must-see spots during this season. 2-day tours are available from JTB Sunrise Tour.
2. In Tokyo, don’t miss the Cherry Blossom Festival in Ueno Park from late March to early April. Also in Tokyo, the view from boathouses by Chidorigafuchi Moat is also popular. Try the waterside café Canal Café (www.canalcafe.jp).

JTB Manhattan
156 W. 56th St. 3rd Fl.
New York NY 10019
1-800-235-3523 (Manhattan)

JTB New Jersey
(at Mitsuwa Marketplace)
595 River Rd. Edgewater, NJ 07020
1-800-222-5824 (New Jersey)
www.jtbusa.com

JALPAK/JTB GLOBAL TRAVEL, INC.

1. Miyajima is a spiritual island where the famous red floating Torii Gate is located. You must see it to find out why it is called “floating”! If the tide is low, you can go through the Torii.
2. Naoshima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea. It has a three floor underground museum designed by Tadao Ando and an area where contemporary artists use old houses for their works.
3. Kirishima is located in the southern part of Kyushu. Enjoy its natural onsen, delicious local cuisine and relaxing atmosphere surrounded by the beauty of nature and an active volcano range.

		JALPAK/JTB Global Travel, Inc. 1212 Avenue of the Americas 19th Fl. New York, NY 10036 TEL: 212-850-7474 www.jalpak.com

KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL

1. In Tokyo, don’t miss Nakamise Street and Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the intersection in Shibuya and Meiji Shrine in Harajuku. In Kyoto, put Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi-inari Shrine on your “must-see” list.
2. Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. On a clear day, look out for Mt. Fuji on the right side less than an hour into the trip.
3. For stress relief, rent a private karaoke room for an hour and sing your heart out Japanese-style or relax at onsen or sento (public bath), but don’t bring your bathing suit!

		Kintetsu International (KIE) 1325 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2002 New York, NY 10019 TEL: 1-800-422-3481 www.japanforyou.com

NIPPON EXPRESS TRAVEL USA, INC.

1. Kamakura is the first place where samurai set their governmental headquarters in 1192. Located 30 miles away from Tokyo, this historical city has numerous sightseeing sites, including Kamakura Daibutsu, Tsuruoka Hachimangu and many other temples and shrines.
2. Do not miss Kyoto Gosho (the Kyoto Imperial Palace). It was the royal family’s residence for over 600 years until it was transferred to Tokyo in 1869. Although public visits are usually permitted only through the Imperial Household Agency, it will be open to the public without any permission necessary from April 23-29, 2009.

		Nippon Express Travel USA, Inc. 590 Madison Ave., Suite 2411 New York, NY 10022 TEL: 212-319-9021 www.nipponexpresstravel.us

NIPPON TRAVEL AGENCY AMERICA

1. Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, celebrates its 1300th anniversary in 2009. Here you will find Japan’s historic, cultural and architectural legacies and it is an easy one-day excursion from Kyoto.
2. Miyajima is a sacred island near Hiroshima. The famous “floating” Torii Gate and Itsukushima Shrine are the jewels of Seto Inland Sea.
3. Hiraizumi is famous for the Golden Hall of Chusonji Temple, reminiscent of the northern glory of the 11-12th centuries. Staying at a ryokan (Japanese inn) at Hanamaki Onsen hot springs is the best way to enjoy the off-the-beaten path of Northern Japan.

		Nippon Travel Agency America, Inc. One Harmon Plaza Secaucus, NJ 07094 TEL:1- 800-682-7872 www.japanvacation.net

SAMURAI TOURS

1. If you are in Kyoto in April, you should attend the Miyako Odori. Geiko and Maiko from the five geisha districts of Kyoto perform in this spectacular dance.
2. Stay overnight on Miyajima Island. The lighting of the famous floating Torii, the lanterns along the shore and the lights from the mainland combine to make a charming atmosphere.
3. Be sure to try an outdoor bath (rotenburo). You can find them everywhere in Japan and the experience of bathing outdoors is very relaxing.

		Samurai Tours 7900 E. Union Ave., Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80237 TEL: 1-866-316-7268 www.samuraitours.com

TRAVEL ORIENTED

1. Edo-Tokyo Museum provides insight into the lifestyles of the people from Tokyo's birth to present day.
2. Denny’s, Coco’s, Royal Host, etc.— many family restaurant chains in Japan serve a variety of foods at reasonable prices, including seasonal specials and dishes featuring local ingredients.
3. If you are into fashion Harajuku and Shibuya are the places to go, as it is exciting to watch the hottest fashions unveiled before your eyes. On Meiji-dori Street, you can find lots of tiny, cute shops.