Home to the world's largest urban metropolis, rugged wilderness, and a culture steeped in ancient tradition, Japan is a travelers dream.
", "is_us_only": "false", "title": "Destination: Japan", "url": "http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/places/countries-places/japan/japan-dest/", "country_code_deny_list": [], "allowUserEmbed": "True", "related": { "link": [ { "url": "http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/japan-guide", "name": "Japan: Fast Facts, Pictures, Videos, More" }, { "url": "http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Places/Find/Japan", "name": "Get the Facts on Japan" } ] }, "credit": "National Geographic", "smil": "http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/data/xml/japan-dest.smil", "country_code_allow_list": [], "HTML5src": "/video/player/media-mp4/japan-dest/mp4/variant-playlist.m3u8", "still": "http://video.nationalgeographic.com/exposure/transcode/0/480/360/?url=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/media/japan-dest/japan-dest_480x360.jpg", "transcript": "Hi, everyone, I\u2019m Patty Kim.
Today, our destination is Japan - a country that\u2019s steeped in tradition but one that also lives on the cutting edge of the future.
It\u2019s one of the few places in the world where tradition and change go hand in hand.
A place built on paradox - this is Japan.
A throbbing country of more than 127 million people, crammed into a chain of islands, an area smaller than California.
Maybe it\u2019s not so surprising that such a modern place holds such a strong grip on its cultural past.
It was only as recently as the late 1800\u2019s, when the country emerged from hundreds of years of isolation brought on by its rulers.
Nothing embodies the contrasts of tradition and modernism quite like Tokyo.
Staying in the capital, a city of over 12 million people, you\u2019ll be able to experience some of the best shopping, dining, and cultural treasures the country has to offer.
And if you\u2019re looking for a taste of authentic Tokyo, you don\u2019t have to go far.
Head out to the Tsukiji Wholesale fish market, handling seafood for the entire region around Tokyo.
For a breath of fresh air, plan a daytrip to the iconic Mount Fuji.
Located 62 miles south west of Tokyo in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu national park, Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan rising more than 12 thousand feet.
Although it is covered by snow several months out of the year, the sacred mountain remains one of Japan\u2019s most popular attractions.
Just below Mt. Fuji is a natural wonder of a bay called Saruga.
Here boaters enjoy pristine water conditions, divers check out the sea life and researchers congregate to study this wonderful marine habitat.
Above water the wildlife is no less impressive.
Japan also offers the opportunity to come face to face with some amazing animals such as the Japanese giant hornet or the Japanese macaque.
When you\u2019re ready for more urban exploration, give traditional kabuki theater a try.
You\u2019ll be able to find a good show in Kyoto, Osaka, or Tokyo.
Japan\u2019s traditional theater, is known for highly stylized drama and the elaborate make-up worn by its all male performers.
Keep in mind, though, it might not be a great stop for kids; performances last about 3 hours.
Drinks and snacks are usually available in the foyer.
You can also buy a ticket for a set \u201cbento,\u201d or lunch box - it\u2019ll be served to you in the dining room during the intermission.
For those seeking out traditional arts and crafts\u2026Japan won\u2019t disappoint.
For ceramics lovers, you\u2019ll think you\u2019ve died and gone to Heaven.
Japan boasts hundreds of famous kilns and many of the country\u2019s master potters continue the tradition on the island of Kyushu.
From handmade Japanese paper called \u201cwashi,\u201d to the centuries \u2013old art of \u201cbunraku puppetry,\u201d to the thrill of watching some of Japan\u2019s finest athletes compete in the sumo rings of Tokyo or Osaka, Japan offers the unique promise of experiencing the past, but with one eye always looking toward the future.
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