Rail travel Stretching from the southern tip of Kyushu Island to the far north of Hokkaido, Japan's extensive rail network is justifiably the envy of the world, running with a speed and efficiency that make travel by train an absolute pleasure. Furthermore, with English increasingly in use around the network, it is becoming ever easier for the first- time visitor to make the most of this fantastic service. The world- famous, futuristic shinkansen ' bullet trains' link Japan's main cities and make journeys from Tokyo to Kyoto ( and beyond) an experience in themselves. There are also some truly scenic rail journeys in Japan: among the best are the journeys that show off the coastal views around Tottori and Matsue or the dramatic river valleys and mountain vistas leading up to the Japan Alps region. In the majority of trips, we will include a Japan Rail Pass for either standard or first class seating, which allows free access on almost the entire Japan Rail network. These passes represent excellent value ( a one- week pass costs less than a return Tokyo to Kyoto ticket) and allow a degree of flexibility that puts you in full control of your trip. www. audleytravel. com/ japan ? 01993 838 210 ? Introduction5 Regions of Japan For the purposes of this brochure we have broadly split Japan into three sections. Northern Japan encompasses the northerly island of Hokkaido and the region known as Tohoku which stretches north from Tokyo to the tip of the mainland, Central Japan, which takes in central and western Honshu island and Southern Japan, which covers the smaller southerly islands of Kyushu and Shikoku and the sub- tropical island chain of Okinawa. Nebuta festival float, Aomori Rice fields, Shikoku

6 Central Japan two week period, along with the slightly more off the beaten track destination of Tsumago in the quiet Kiso valley. All of Japan's contrasts and icons can be found in central Japan, from towering skyscrapers and thronging crowds to peaceful temples and manicured gardens. Much of Japan's most glorious mountain scenery is in the Japanese Alps, linked to Tokyo by bullet train. Kamikochi and the Tateyama- Kurobe Alpine route offer breathtaking hiking and walking, and Nagano is a skiing and snowboarding paradise, with world- class runs and resorts. There is wildlife here too, with Yudanaka home to the playful snow monkeys. Further west, quiet and attractive artisan towns such as Matsue and Tsuwano show a different side to Japan. T he central and western areas of Honshu encompass many of Japan's classic highlights. Parts of the island are among the most densely populated and urbanised areas in the world, although there are pockets of rural village life and countryside scenery too. The must- see spots of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone and Hiroshima are all linked by an efficient rail system and can be easily visited in a