Japan Vacations

This island nation sports a complex climate. Northern regions are mountainous with distinct seasons, and the south is balmy, with its palm-studded islands and beach vibe. Cities facing the Sea of Japan get hard-core winters when Siberian air clashes with warm Pacific fronts. The result: huge snowfalls, ski resorts and cold snaps. The Pacific Ocean side sees less snow, while Honshu's big cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto) are chilly. Summers? Hot and sticky, with the exception of Hokkaido. June is Japan's brief rain season, and typhoon season is from August to October.

Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama are always buzzing, but nation-wide, peak holiday seasons are Golden Week (late April to early May) and the mid-August O-Bon (Festival of the Dead). But during Shogatsu (New Year) Japan basically shuts down.

Far beyond quirky, Tokyo takes the cake for its nothing-short-of-awesome theme restaurants. You'll find wacky combos, from medical/prison themes to vampire cafes (blood orange cocktails!) and oversized/miniature worlds inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Don't be alarmed if a little culture shock strikes. Japan is just as mysterious as it is accessible. Expect profound politeness and an almost pious sense of order. Money is exchanged on small trays (by hand is rude). Sugar is organized: liquid for cold drinks (doesn't sink), cubes for hot. And umbrellas have street cred -- the Japanese park them outside.

This fifth-generation shop attracts visitors from all over Japan. Kimono clad waitresses serve classic dishes such as sashimi yuba, grilled nori and soba (both hot and cold). This place as delicious as it is authentic, and listen carefully: Your orders are sung to the kitchen.

Don't rely on credit cards -- they're more the exception than the rule. While most department stores, major hotels and some restaurants accept them, most businesses do not. In Japan, cash-and-carry is best.

Elvis has made it to Japan. Lookalikes channel The King with pompadours, tight black tees and swiveling hips. Even the elite get giddy.

Tokyo is enormous, bright, uber exotic and astronomically futuristic. Whether you're in Mikimoto (world-renowned pearls) or Asakusa (temple district), wanderlust will accompany you everywhere. Shopping district Ginza will send you from kid-in-a-candy store glee to impenetrable confusion with its luxury retailers (Fendi, Prada) and basement food halls. (Mind your chopsticks -- in Japan, it's rude to eat standing up.)

Take Japan's rugged side head-on. Kirishima-Yaku National Park, on the southern tip of Kyushu Island, packs a punch with its numerous volcanoes, craters and onsen (natural hot springs). On a clear day, trek up to the summit of Karakuni-dake, the highest peak in the region. But if your dogs are tired, there are plenty of easy paths and photo ops.

Stroll up Nakamise Dori for classic souvenirs such as yukata, paper lanterns and folding fans. Snack on manju and ningyoyaki (cute-shaped sweets) en route to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Kappabashi sells wholesale goodies such as tea kettles, steak knives and ceramics. Famous tempura restaurants line the area. Take a cruise of the Sumida River; plenty of tour boats are nearby.

It's not Halloween, it's Harajuku. Here, teenagers outwit the fashion rules with some of their own: Kawaii (translation: cute) dress like kids toys with the help of decoras (fave colors and accessories). Cosplays are anime and/or cartoons, while wamono are Japanese/Western hybrids. From the hair to the handbags (not to mention shoes!), the shops of Takeshita Dori keep these youngsters cutting-edge. And just around the corner: the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine.

Everything's zen in Kyoto. This former Japanese capital boasts soul-stirring beauty with its ancient temples, shrines and meditation gardens. The emperor's residence for over a thousand years, this populous (1 million plus) city's heart wins visitors with Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nishiki Market (seafood, trinkets). Walk the cherry-blossom trails of Philosopher's Path and stunning streets in historic district Higashiyama. Gion is geisha territory, while northern Kyoto is home to the gold-leaf-covered Kinkakuji temple.

The Japanese rave about the castles here. Osaka Castle (near Kyoto) is one of Japan's most famous, especially when the hanami (cherry blossoms) bloom. Himeji Castle, a bit further out, flaunts poetic beauty with its hilltop perch and bird-like looks -- its nickname is Hakurojo (White Egret Castle). Hungry? Check out nearby Kobe, hometown of the famous beef.

Celebrate New Year in Nippon! Say sayonara to the old year with a bonenkai party -- where Japanese leave yesteryear's cares behind. New Year's Eve is spent cleaning, eating toshikoshi soba (for good fortune) and decking the halls in pine, bamboo and plum trees. More modern twists include J-pop and enka performances on TV. It's traditional to watch the hatsu-hinode (sunrise) on New Year's morn and visit a shrine or temple. Plan ahead: Japan basically shuts down from January 1st to the 3rd.

Located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, Shiretoko National Park is one of Japan's most flawless natural beauties. Bathe in hot waterfalls (Kamuiwakkayu Falls), or take a cruise along the rugged coastline, where the park's remotest areas are visible only by boat or on foot. In winter, the Sea of Okhotsk coast offers an idyllic spot to see Siberian drift ice.

Located in the mountainous hillside region of Gifu, Takayama is considered one of Japan's most traditional cities. And the Takayama Festival, held each spring and fall, is considered Japan's best. For two days, visitors marvel as yatai (giant floats) and mikoshi (portable shrines) make their way through Takayama's old town. The highlights are the tmatsuri (evening festival) and karakuri performances, where ornate mechanical dolls dance and caper.

It's hard to believe this urban metropolis was a remote fishing village some 100 years ago. It's now home to the world's biggest Chinatown and tallest inland lighthouse (Marine Tower), and you'll be wowed by Minato Mirai (ferris wheel), which doubles as the world's largest clock. Kannai, bound by the Ooka River and the sea, draws visitors to the heart of the city with its historic roads (the first in Japan to use gas street lamps). Sankei-en Garden is a must-see in Naka Ward.