Japan

Mount Fuji (AH1) At 3,776 metres, Mt Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. Described as a sacred mountain, it is climbed by about 200,000 climbers a year, usually around late July to mid August when there is virtually no snow on the peak. Rivalling Vesuvius as the world's best-know volcano, Mount Fuji has erupted at least 16 times since 781 AD, the most recent one being in 1707-1708.

Imperial Palace, Tokyo The Imperial Palace is in the center of modern Tokyo, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu at the end of the 16th century. The castle remained the political and military center until 1867. After the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo, a new imperial palace was built at the same location as the Tokugawa castle. It was totally destroyed in World War II and had to be rebuilt. Only the East Garden is open to the public.

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto Kyoto was the imperial capital of Japan from its establishment in 794 until the transfer of government to Tokyo in 1868. Surrounded by magnificent hills, Kyoto is considered the spiritual home of the Japanese people. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple may be one of the most known Kyoto's temples throughout Japan for its very high platform. From this platform, you can have an extensive view of whole town of Kyoto city.

Dazaifu, Fukuoka (AH1) Fukuoka's most famous Shinto shrine, it is dedicated to the 9th century scholar Suguwara No Michizane. Dazaifu was at that time an important administrative centre of government. The shrine was established in the beginning of the 10th century to propitiate Michizane's soul. Pupils and students visit it in droves to pray for examination success. It is one of the "Big Three" shrines in Fukuoka.

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