Japan comprises over 3,000 islands making it an archipelago. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. The country has one of the most efficient railroad systems in the world and a tourist is wise to buy a rail pass and travel the length of this contradictory nation, from steaming volcanoes to snow-capped mountains to rural farms among countless temples. From exquisite and refined art and architecture to highly advanced technology to the brutal violence of it past, this country is a complex adventure.

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A main street in Nagano leading to the Zenko-ji Buddhist
Another statue in Hiroshima celebrating rebirth with thematic figures of
A mailbox adorned with dancing children.
Modern downtown Hiroshima is actually one of the most pleasant
In the Peace Park is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum:
In the Peace Park is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum:
A mangled bicycle, in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, symbolizes
View from the train heading into the ‘Japanese Alps’, a
Heading into the ‘Japanese Alps’.
Farmers house in the ‘Japanese Alps’.
Farmer in the ‘Japanese Alps’.
Entering Nagano, in the mountains; site of the Winter Olympics
Detail of the bridge that crosses the river into the
Peaceful pond at the Zenko-ji Buddhist Temple.
Buddha statue at the Zenko-ji Buddhist Temple holding symbolic objects.
Buddha statues at the Zenko-ji Buddhist Temple. Each statue is
Buddha statue at the Zenko-ji Buddhist Temple. Each statue is
Buddhist costumes.
Large burner for memorial incense at Zenko-ji Buddhist Temple.
Large burner for memorial incense at Zenko-ji Buddhist Temple.
Reflecting pond at Zenko-ji Buddhist Temple.
Another compassionate Buddha statue.
Cherry blossoms.
Ceremonial costume at Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.
The 80 foot tall Kannon concrete statue was built in
Close to the Ryozen Kannon is a huge colorful pagoda
Kiyomizudera Buddhist Temple has a wide balcony from which the
Prayer flags at Kiyomizudera Buddhist Temple.
Balcony structure of Kiyomizudera Buddhist Temple.
Begging monk near Kiyomizudera Buddhist Temple; he does not
Buddha statue holding symbolic items at Kiyomizudera Buddhist Temple.
Elevated pagoda watchtower.
Todai-ji Buddhist Temple in Nara is the largest wooden structure
Statue of Buddha in death at Todai-ji Buddhist Temple to
The Ryozen Kannon, or 'Goddess of Mercy' in Kyoto is
Visiting monks from another Buddhist sect at Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.
Close-up of the entry to Todai-ji Buddhist Temple. The people
Memorial incense burners along a stone staircase.
One of the guardian warriors at Todai-ji Buddhist Temple.
Japan will always be associated with the horrific atomic bombing
Japan will always be associated with the horrific atomic bombing
The A-Bomb Dome is the skeletal ruins of the former
At the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, the A-Bomb Dome, to
The Memorial Cenotaph is near the center of the park.
One of several monuments to children killed in the bombing.

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