Japan has many characteristic symbols. One could, for example, refer to the country as the Land of the Rising Sun, The Home of Samurai, The Homeland of the Geisha, or an Island of Volcanoes. Less known, however, is the fact that Japan is also home to countless amusement parks. Japanese amusement parks constantly break records in regard to the number of visitors, but also the altitude, speed and acceleration of their rides. Having access to the most advanced technologies available allows the Japanese to create the most modern rollercoasters in the world.

Osaka is the third most populous city in Japan, Often called the Venice of the East due to its numerous canals. However, the scenery is not the same since Osaka has also won the title of “concrete jungle.” Despite that, it has a plethora of attractions. If you are planning to visit the city, you may be interested in an overview of the most popular museums in Osaka to help you make a choice.

Mountains cover 90% of Japan so the country has many trails running among 3,500-metre peaks, active volcanoes, or more accessible coastal Pacific valleys. How can one choose surprising and interesting trails from so many possibilities? There are several trails that you simply cannot miss while in Japan.

The Country of Cherry Blossoms has developed its own unique castle building style as early as in the 7th century. All that the Japanese needed to erect magnificent structures was wood. As a result, many edifices did not survive sieges, air raids or cataclysms. Attempts were made to ensure that contemporary reconstructions stay close to the traditions from the time of architectural greatness. Not everywhere the original has been preserved but nonetheless every castle has its own unique values.

Fukuoka (福岡市) is the sixth largest city in Japan, which used to be divided into two areas: Hakata and Fukuoka. The former was famous as a sea port and a trade district, while Fukuoka was the home of the samurai. When both cities decided to merge, Fukuoka became the regional centre of trade and maritime transport, and nowadays it is an international host of numerous business, sports or cultural events. What attractions should be visited in the former city of samurai and merchants?

Are people even interested in abandoned places? Actually, abandoned schools, hotels, amusement parks or even islands or towns are becoming increasingly popular. And Japan has its fair share of those. Enthusiasts of tours round such sites even have their own profession. Set out on a journey with Oyakata Master and explore the dark corners of the Country of Cherry Blossoms.

With its volcanic potential, Japan has over 2,000 hot springs – onsens (温泉). Public baths known as sentō (銭湯) are built near them. However, those are not regular geothermal spas. The water coming from the springs comes down with a plethora of minerals and elements and reaches even 90°C. Onsens play a very important role in Japanese culture, their diversity and accompanying customs startling.

Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan after Honshu, but yet it is the least populated. Because it is the northernmost point, in the winter it delights with the snowy landscape, while in the spring it is full of greenery. Hakkaido is not the most popular tourist area of Japan, but everything possible is done to attract as many visitors as possible. Hence, many remarkable initiatives and ideas are developed.

About 30 typhoons pass through the Pacific every year. They last up to a dozen or so days, and their effects are painful for the Japanese. They are especially felt in the southern part of the country. Fortunately, residents know when and from where they occur, so they are able to protect themselves against them. Interestingly, they do it very differently than we do in the case of our local hurricanes.

Japan is usually associated with high buildings and new technologies; however, almost 70% of its area is covered by forests. Among the thickets of trees there is one special grove known to all Japanese people. It is visited by crowds of tourists and many Kyoto residents go there to rest. Why is the park so popular?

The Japanese islands are large ranges of endless mountains emerging from the water. For this reason, Japanese national parks do not resemble the familiar views from Polish flat plain reserves like Białowieża Forest, the Tuchola Forest, or Kampinos National Park. Japan has a remarkable natural landscape, but continuous progress and development of the country lead to environmental degradation. That is why many protection programs are established to preserve the most important works of mother nature.

Japan is the kingdom of festivals. It is said that there are more of them there than days of the year. The largest parades attract millions of participants from around the world. One of such events is Kanto Matsuri in the city of Akita. The lantern festival is known all over the world and can boast an amazing procession, great history and amazing setting.