Tokyo Disneyland, the most popular theme park in Japan, is in the Maihama district only 17 min. by train from Tokyo Sta. It has developed into the all-embracing (and even more exciting) Tokyo Disney Resort thanks to recent additions of the IKSPIARI shopping complex as well as "Disney Sea" which offers a plethora of sea-related attractions.

Yokohama, Japan's second largest city, 30 min. by rail from Tokyo, is one of the first Japanese cities that opened up to foreign residents during the Meiji Restoration and is a bustling port city with numerous historic buildings and the spacious Sankei-en Garden. The "Minato Mira! 21" district on the waterfront is highly popular among younger generation, offering a most enjoyable shopping and fantastic gourmet experience. Yokohama's China Town offers any number of excellent restaurants.

Kamakura, 1 hr. by rail from Tokyo, is a small quiet coastal town with tranquil temples. Once the seat of the feudal government set up in 1192, the town today still retains much of its ancient and historical heritage.

Kamakura's most famous attraction is the giant bronze Great Buddha. This impressive "Daibutsu" is 11.4 m. high, weighs 122 tons and sits in the open-air.

Near Kamakura Sta. is Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. A number of Buddhist temples, large and small, also dot the area. A leisurely stroll here slips you back to the 12th-century Kamakura period. Whichever temple you visit, you'll be greeted by the beautiful flowers and blossoms of the season.

Hakone, 1 hr. 30 min. by rail from Tokyo's Shinjuku Sta., is a famous hot spring resort area set in the beautiful mountains which comprise the Fuji-Hakonelzu National Park. A major attraction here is the Open-Air Museum, with hundreds of sculptures. Relaxing in one of the many hot springs is simply a worthwhile experience. Take a pleasure cruise around Lake Ashi, offering marvelous views of Mt. Fuji. In Owakudani, steam and sulfurous fumes rise from crevices in the rocks.

Mt. Fuji, at 3,776 m., is not only Japan's tallest mountain but it's the best-known symbol as well. In addition to being a favored climbing site during the months of July and August, Mt. Fuji is the center of a wide-ranging natural recreation zone. This includes the Fuji Five Lakes district to the north, which offers extensive opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

The Izu Peninsula, south of Hakone, is an important recreational area known for its hot spring resorts. The peninsula's scenic backbone is formed by the hot spring and waterfall-rich Amagi Mountain Range.

The Seven Islands of Izu collectively form a superb resort area combining beautiful seascape attractions and hot springs as well as impressive volcanic topography. Oshima Island, for example, is a popular resort within an easy 2 hrs. 20 min. high-speed boat ride from Tokyo, allowing for even a day trip.

Nikko, 2 hrs. by rail from Tokyo, is both a gem of natural beauty and home to one of the must-sees of Japanese architecture. Toshogu Shrine which houses the mausoleum of the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, is Nikko's most famous attraction. The complex is unusual among Japanese architectural gems for its display of opulence and decorative complexity.