Scuba Diving

Similar to transporting yourself to another world is when you visit Japan. Life revolves around ancient traditions and the beauty of nature.

1. Nagasaki

Don't forget to visit the Spectacle bridge near Nagasaki. This beautiful ancient stone bridge is a popular tourist spot and when viewed with the reflection of water flowing under the bridge, it resembles a pair of glasses. You will have glimpses of Chinese treasures on loan from Beijing when you visit the beautiful red and yellow shrine known as Confucius Shrine and Museum of Natural History near Nagasaki. Chinatown dates back to the seventeenth century and can be a haven for food lovers visiting Japan. Dejima now houses a museum and many historical buildings and it is also an artificial island once used to confine Dutch workers.

On August 9, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Don't forget to visit the museum that is dedicated to this tragedy when you visit Nagasaki as well as Nagasaki Peace Park. An open air museum featuring nine western style homes including Glover Mansion are the Glover Gardens. Nishizaka Hill located in Nagasaki is the site of a religious monument to the twenty six martyrs who were crucified on this spot for practicing Christianity in the 1600's.

Tokyo

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is a sushi lovers paradise and it is also an interesting tourist stop. It is the largest wholesale market in Japan. Asakusa in Tokyo is a popular neighborhood filled with shops and restaurants along with the famous Senso Temple. The East Gardens are located near the outside of the Imperial Palace and are open to the public. Don't forget the Yasukun jinja which is the site of a large, torii gate that stands at the entrance to this shrine built in memory of those who lost their lives defending Japan. August 15 is the anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War and many officials still come and offer prayer annually during that day.

As for the Kabuki Theater, it hosts traditional Japanese Kabuki performances and is located in the Ginza district. The Edo Tokyo Museum displays artifacts and architecture depicting Tokyo's history. Replicas of an ancient Kabuki Theater and the original Edo Castle are included in the exhibits. The Hama Rikyo park is located next to Tokyo Bay and is one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. The Tokyo National Museum is a must see with the largest collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the world. The exhibits are rotated constantly since it features over 100,000 pieces and room to display only 4,000. One of Asia's largest collectiong of contemporary art is in the Mori Art Musuem, which is located in the Roppong Hills.

Hiroshima

While visiting Hiroshima, be sure to see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The explosion of the first atomic bomb is commemorated in this park. The Peace Memorial Museum is what you will find here. The Hiroshima Castle and the Atomic Dome are also must see sites when visiting Hiroshima.