Our Destinations
Japan
Why Japan?
Each year thousands of travelers visit Japan. What draws them? Put simply, Japan offers “a high concentration of high quality and diverse attractions”. Find out about these attractions for yourself.
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General Information
A collection of links for important information on traveling to Japan (links located on the Japan National Tourist Organization website)
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Map of Japan
This map features a times between major cities in Japan, making it easy to get an idea of the size of the country and a helpful guide for travel planning.
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Destinations
An introduction of 12 major destinations in Japan. In addition to popular sites such as Tokyo and Kyoto, the guide covers Sapporo, home of the Snow Festival, in the north to Okinawa, Japan’s resort paradise, in the south, and all points, including their many attractions, in between.
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Typical Itineraries
In addition to Japan’s “Golden Route” that includes stops in Tokyo and Kyoto, this section also features popular itineraries for those who have the time to explore other areas of Japan and the many attractions it has to offer.
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Wallpapers
As you dream of your trip to Japan, decorate your computer’s desktop with images of the country’s beauty.
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Special Photo for this Season
"Jizo"
Jizo (Ksitigarbha) is a Bodhisattva who leads people to salvation. The name may be translated as "Earth Treasury".
Generally, Jizo is believed to be the guardian deity of children, including those who died at a very young age for any reason. If you visit a temple while in Japan, you may find several Jizos in a row wearing red caps and bibs with snacks favored by children placed underfoot. This got its start from parents who lost children placing hats and bibs that still retained the scent of their children on the statues in the hopes that Jizo would save them.
Because Jizo is believed to be found everywhere in the 6 transient worlds thought
to exist on the path to the realm of enlightenment, you will usually find
6 statues in a row near the gate of graveyards at Buddhist temples.
Jizo’s round and peaceful face has a sense of calm and charity, signifying its grace as it saves people from the agony of hell.
