| If you have limited time
to visit Japan, or if you would just prefer to see one area in depth rather
than rushing around like a headless chicken trying to tick boxes, then the
Kansai Region, just to the West of
Central Honshu, is probably your best bet.
Not only does it contain Kyoto,
arguably the most amazing city on earth, but also Nara, on a more
manageable scale where most of the major sights are within easy walking
distance. And, at the other end of the spectrum, Osaka, a monument to
Mammon and one of the noisiest, busiest most frenetic cities on the
planet...complete with cherry blossom framing views of the (reconstructed)
castle.
An anonymous guide book puts Tokyo at the top of
the world's metropolitan areas not be missed, but said guide book also
attempts to portray Birmingham as a vibrant multi-cultural centre, so you
know the benchmark. Not trying to put Tokyo down, for it too is
amazing; just trying to bring a bit of perspective. |
_small.JPG)