Things to See in Japan

Picturesquely sited atop a hill that virtually erupts in the middle of the town, Matsuyama-j is one of Japan's finest original surviving castles. It only squeaks in with the 'original' label, as it was restored just before the end of the Edo period. In the early years of the Meiji Restoration, rebuilding feudal symbols was definitely not high priority.

The Tokyo National Museum is the one museum in Tokyo that is worth going out of your way to visit. Not only is it Japan's largest museum, housing some 87,000 items, it also has the world's largest collection of Japanese art. Only a portion of the museum's huge collection is displayed at any one time.

The Kyoto Gosho is surrounded by the spacious Imperial Palace Park, which is planted with a huge variety of flowering trees and open fields. It's perfect for picnics, strolls and just about any sport you can think of. The park is most beautiful in the plum- and cherry-blossom seasons (March and April respectively).

Sometimes spelled 'Taisetsuzan', this is Japan's largest national park, consisting of several mountain groups, volcanoes, hot springs, lakes and forests. It also includes Asahi-dake, at 2290m (7557ft) Hokkaid's highest peak. The park is spectacular hiking and skiing territory, but bear in mind that a few days are needed to get away from tourist areas.

Kinkasan (Golden Mountain) is one of the three holiest places in Thoku. Women were banned until the late 19th century. An overnight stay is ideal for those seeking tranquillity from frenetic Japanese life. The island features a pyramid-shaped mountain (445m/1460ft), an impressive shrine, a handful of houses around the boat dock and mostly untended trails.

Dense jungle blankets much of Iriomote-jima, an island that could well qualify as Japan's last frontier. Trekking through the interior, you may find leeches, which in Japan is probably good enough to merit the 'wilderness' tag. The island's major attractions are beaches, rivers and waterfalls, and the rarely seen Iriomote yamaneko (wildcat).

The Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) was completed in 1252 and is Kamakura's most famous sight. Once housed in a huge hall, the statue now sits in the open, its home having been washed away by a tsunami (tidal wave) in 1495. Cast in bronze, the statue is 11.4m (37.4ft) tall.

Japan's highest mountain stands 3776m (12,388ft) high. When it's capped with snow, it's a picture-postcard perfect volcanic cone. Fuji-san last blew in 1707, covering the streets of Tokyo with volcanic ash. On an exceptionally clear day, you can see Mt Fuji from Tokyo, 100km (62mi) away, but on many days it's wreathed with clouds.

For budget travellers, youth hostels are the best option, and it is quite feasible to plan an entire itinerary using them. The best source of information on youth hostels is the Japan Youth Hostel Handbook, which is available from the Japan Youth Hostel Association. Many youth hostels in Japan sell this handbook.

If you're staying long-term, adjusting to life in Japan can be tough; but there are places to turn to for help. The Foreign Residents Advisory Center is a useful service operated by the Tokyo metropolitan government.