Things to see and do in Japan

Hiroshima in Western Honshu is known around the world as the city which was destroyed by the world's first atomic bomb on August 6, 1945. Every year, millions of visitors come to the city to pay their respects in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Peace Memorial Museum. The park, which was reconstructed in 1949, is home to many famous monuments and buildings, including the Children's Peace Monument and the A-Bomb Dome, which was built in 1915 and designed by the Czech architect Jan Letzel. The ruins of the dome, which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, have become the symbol of an international desire for peace.

Address: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan

When the Japanese want to relax, they head to a natural hot spring resort, or onsen. Famous ones include Dogo in Matsuyama, Shikoku, one of the oldest in Japan; and Ibusuki, on the southern tip of Kyushu, renowned for its hot-sand saunas.

This coastal town, one hour south of Tokyo, was the seat of Japan's medieval feudal government, and is full of historic sights. Highlights include the giant bronze Great Buddha and colourful shrine Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu.

Near Hiroshima is the gorgeous island of Miyajima, where a famous red Shinto torii gateway seemingly floats on the sea at high tide. Attractions include the Itsukushima Shrine, the tame deer, and the cable car up the central mountain for panoramic views.

One hour south of Kyoto, Nara was also once a royal capital. See the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple, the world's largest wooden structure at 57m (187ft) high, and the sacred deer in Nara Park.

Japan's third largest city is renowned for its abundance of excellent restaurants, historic castle (an excellent reproduction of the original) and the performing arts of kabuki and bunraku. The city's Dotonburi area is particularly vibrant after dark.

This is Tokyo’s most revered Buddhist temple, and pilgrims have flocked here for over 1,000 years – though its size, noise and commerce may surprise you. A military commander commissioned Sensoji’s entrance gate – and boy does it show! Giant lanterns watch over smoking incense, swirling crowds and teeming shops. Originally founded in AD628 to enshrine a statuette of the Kannon Bodhisattva (the Goddess of Mercy), damage from bombing raids mean that today you’ll find a lavish, five-storey reconstruction. Smoke from the huge incense burner in front of the temple is said to have healing powers.

Watching sumo wrestling is an exciting and very traditional Japanese experience. Six major tournaments are held throughout the year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka (www.sumo.or.jp/eng). Geisha DancesFew will have the funds or connections to enjoy a private audience with a geisha, but Kyoto's geisha dances (odori) held in April, May and October, are open to all. The most prestigious is the Miyako Odori (www.miyako-odori.jp) held in Gion.

Gain access to generally off-limits parts of the Imperial Palace grounds by joining a tour (www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html). Otherwise, the East Gardens (Higashi Gyoen) are open year round without prior booking.

Get up early to witness the world's largest fish market at Tsukiji (www.tsukiji-market.or.jp) in Tokyo. The action kicks off around 0400 and winds down around midday. Afterwards, feast on the freshest of sushi and sashimi at the restaurants beside the market.