Culture of contrasts

Japan is a land of contrasts. Situated in north-eastern Asia, it balances centuries-old traditions and beliefs with a cutting-edge modernity verging on the futuristic. Japan consists of four major islands - Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu - surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands.

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Tokyo is the most popular city with visitors as well as being the number one city for international meetings. Rounding out the top five in Japan's most popular convention destinations are Osaka, Kobe, Nagoya and Kyoto. Travelling from Tokyo to the ancient cities of Kyoto and Osaka can best be done in the Shinkansen or bullet trains, the hyper-modern super express trains.

Tokyo, which prior to 1868 was known as Edo, is a neon-washed press of humanity, with a population exceeding 12 million. However, amidst the high rises there are plenty of parks and gardens. Famous shopping and entertainment districts include the Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya. The Imperial Palace, with its majestic Palace East Gardens, lies in the centre of the city.

The best way to experience Japan is to dive head-long into the culture. Japanese sports such as sumo, a traditional form of wrestling with competitors weighing up to 200 kilograms, provide some spectacular theatre.

And while Japanese cuisine is widely known throughout the world there's no better place to experience some of the lesser-known varieties than in the country that invented them. For a meal to remember, try sukiyaki, the artistic and gracious kaiseki ryori or the Japanese steamboat shabu-shabu.