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A GUIDE TO JAPAN
by Nicola Palmer, Perfect Getaways
Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient traditions are fused with
modern life as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Japan may
not immediately spring to mind for family holidays, but is actually a great
destination for families with kids both young and old, with a selection of
fun and fascinating family-friendly attractions.
TOKYO
Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. It is also
one of Japan's 47 prefectures, consisting of 23 central city wards and multiple
cities, towns and villages west of the city center. The Izu and Ogasawara
Islands are also part of Tokyo.
Prior to 1868, Tokyo was known as Edo. A small castle town in the 16th
century, Edo became Japan's political center in 1603 when Tokugawa Ieyasu
established his feudal government there. A few decades later, Edo had grown
into one of the world's most populous cities. With the Meiji Restoration of
1868, the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Edo, which was renamed
Tokyo ("Eastern Capital"). Large parts of Tokyo were destroyed in the Great
Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and in the air raids of 1945.
Today, Tokyo offers a seemingly unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment,
culture and dining to its visitors. The city's history can be appreciated in
districts such as Asakusa and in many excellent museums, historic temples
and gardens. Contrary to common perception, Tokyo also offers a number
of attractive green spaces in the city centre and within relatively short train
rides at its outskirts.
Top attractions include: Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo
Skytree and Imperial Palace.
KYOTO
Kyoto served as Japan's capital and the emperor's residence from 794 until
1868. It is one of the country's ten largest cities with a population of 1.5
million people and a modern face.
Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to
its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities
for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless
temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city
today.
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Top attractions include: Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji
and Ginkakuji.
OSAKA
Osaka is Japan's second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo. It has been the
economic powerhouse of the Kansai Region for many centuries. Osaka was
formerly known as Naniwa. Before the Nara Period, when the capital used
to be moved with the reign of each new emperor, Naniwa was once Japan's
capital city, the first one ever known.
In the 16th century, Toyotomi Hideyoshi chose Osaka as the location for his
castle, and the city may have become Japan's political capital if Tokugawa
Ieyasu had not terminated the Toyotomi lineage after Hideyoshi's death and
moved his government to distant Edo (Tokyo).
Top attractions include: Osaka Castle, Universal Studios, Minami and the
Museum of History.
Perfect Getaways have a special deal for 11nts in Japan at just £1899 per
person departing on 1st November 2020 and with a low deposit of £49 per
person. The price includes:
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Free Robot Cabaret Show In Tokyo
Manchester Flights - Via Heathrow - BA Flights
3 Nights Tokyo - Staying at the Tokyo Prince Hotel - Breakfast included
4 Nights Kyoto - Staying at the Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo Hotel
- Breakfast included
3 Nights Osaka - Staying at the Marriott Miyako Hotel - Breakfast
included
1 Night Tokyo - Staying at the Vista Kamata Hotel - Breakfast included
BOOK TODAY FOR JUST £49PP DEPOSIT
TOP TIP - Book your rail pass before you travel - ask in store today!
Call our office today for more information or to book on 0333 555 2223. Or
email us at [email protected] - We can hold seats! Or
pop into your local Perfect Getaways Branch and have a complimentary drink
on us... #yourholidaystartshere