Japan things to see and do

Himeji-jo is Japan's most impressive castle. Dating from the 17th century, it survived WWII bombings and is still in excellent condition. Dominated by a towering six-storey central donjon, Shirasagi-jō (or "white egret castle" as it is nicknamed) is supposed to resemble the shape of the bird in flight. In 1993 it was added to UNESCO's World Heritage list.

Just off the coast of Hiroshima is the picturesque island of Miyajima – the name means 'Shrine Island' and accordingly, it is home to many shrines and temples, including the Itsukushima Shrine with the famous Torii gate that seems to float on the sea at high tide. Another famous temple on the island is Daishō-in, a holy site of Shingon Buddhism. Other attractions include the Museum of History, Miyajima Aquarium and Mount Misen – accessible by cable car and a network of walking trails.

When the Japanese want to relax, they head to a natural hot spring resort called onsen. Famous soaks include Dogo in Matsuyama – even the Imperial Family comes to one of the bathhouses here, and Ibusuki, renowned for its hot-sand saunas on the southern tip of Kyushu.

The Kii Peninsula is a vast area of stunning natural beauty blessed with sacred forests, towering waterfalls, and soothing hot springs. The area is crisscrossed with a network of ancient pilgrimage trails known as Kumano Kodo, which is a key part of the region's UNESCO designation.

The Kyoto International Manga Museum, housed in an old primary school, is the first in the world devoted to Japanese manga comics. The museum has a massive collection, both historical and contemporary, as well as international editions of Japanese comics. Visitors can take the comics off the shelf and read them in one of the many reading spaces.

In the mountains of central Japan, you'll find the remote yet utterly picturesque area of Shirakawa-go. It is famed for its Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which are charming traditional houses with high and narrow thatched roofs – said to resemble gassho (hands together in prayer). Many are still inhabited and open to the public, offering a fascinating glimpse of both traditional and modern rural life.

Come winter, do as many Japanese do and hit the slopes. Mountains here are sprinkled with top-class ski resorts, especially in the central Japanese Alps and Hokkaido, where pistes are famed for their powdery snow. Many resorts also have on-site onsen (hot springs) for guests to relax in after a fun day on the mountain.

Pilgrims have flocked to Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo's most revered Buddhist sanctuary, for over 1,000 years. Originally founded in 628 to enshrine a statuette of the Kannon Bodhisattva (the Goddess of Mercy), damage from bombing raids means that today you'll find a lavish, five-storey reconstruction. Walk under its giant lantern to reveal smoking incense, swirling crowds and teeming shops.

Arrange to take part in a traditional tea ceremony. The elegant ritual takes place in a chashitsu, a tranquil room designed and designated for tea. Kyoto and Uji (a city between Kyoto and Nara) are two excellent destinations to enjoy the country's tea culture.