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Travel Guide

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Map Design & computer Scribed by ARAKI Hironobu, 1996 copyright 1997 Tsukuba Press

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• Kyoto

  Kyoto was ancient capital for more than 1000 years from 794 to 1868. There are many historic temples and shrines. We can enjoy architectural beauty and landscape beauty in each of them. In addition, there are many local fabrics such as Nishijin-ori, brocade, Yuuzenzome, dyed fabrics, Kyoningyou, Japanese style doll, Kiyomizuyaki, ware and so on. It takes about two hours and fifteen from Tokyo by the rapidest Shinkansen Nozomi. From Tsukuba, about one and half hours to Tokyo and then two hours to Kyoto. Recommend to stay at least for a whole day in Kyoto. You may use Kansai International Airport (Osaka) for your departure, which is within less than one hour from Kyoto.

• Nara

  Nara was also ancient capital of Japan for 70 years in 8th century. There are many famous temples. Among them, statue of Buddha (daibutsu) is the most famous. It is 53.18 feet high. The world oldest wooden structure is Horyuuji Temple locted in outskirts of Nara. We can expect famous ancient Imperial burial mounds, and historic relics near by Asuka Village. From Kyoto, about one and half hours to Nara. You may use Kansai International Airport (Osaka) for your departure, which is within less than one hour from Nara.

• Fuji Hakone

  Mt. Fuji (12,388 feet), is the highest mountain in Japan. It is famous for its beautiful shape. The five Fuji lakes ( Yamanaka, Kawaguchi, Sai, Shoji, Motosu) located around the northern foot of Mt. Fuji are also popular. Hakone is the most famous hot spring resort because its convenient location from Tokyo.. It is mountainous districts and it used to be the most hard place to pass in Tokaido (Ancient main road from Tokyo to Kyoto). Fuji and Hakone are designated as national park of Japan for their scenic beauty. It takes less than 2 hours from Tokyo.

• Kamakura

  Kamakura is the place where the ancient Feudal Kamakura Government was located between 1192 and 1333 and one of the most popular place of historic interest and seaside resort in Japan because of its easy access from Tokyo. It take about one hour from Tokyo by local JR line. There are many temples and shrines built back in those days (Kamakura Period) such as Kamakura Hachimangu (shrine), and Daibutsu(Statue of Buddha). We can expect scene of Mt. Fuji beyond Sagami Bay in clear day.

• Downtown Tokyo

  Asakusa is famous for Sensoji Temple, which is known by Asakusa Kannon (Goddess of Mercy). The street from Kaminarimon (the landmark of red painted gate of the temple) to the temple is called Nakamise Street, where Japanese-style cakes, fabrics and other fancy goods are for sale. We can enjoy unique atmosphere of downtown Tokyo there.
  Akihabara street is noted for large number of shops and stores handling electric appliances. The shops are conveniently concentrated around this area near Akihabara Station on Yamanote line.

• Nikko

  Nikko is located north from Tokyo and takes one hour and forty-five from Asakusa by train. It was designated as national park in 1954. Toshogu Shrine is noted for its architectural beauty with luxurious colors. As proverb goes "Never say kekko until you see Nikko. ( Japanese version of "See Naples and die.)