Japan has a transportation network that extends from the heights of its famed Shinkansen bullet trains down to bicycles. While the cost of traveling long distances can appear expensive at first, thrifty travelers can find a variety of discounts to make trips more affordable. Be sure to explore your options thoroughly to find what's best for your budget.

Few countries in the world revel in the four seasons like Japan. Fireworks shows are one of the summer traditions not to be missed.

Mount Yoshino is one of the most celebrated mountains in Japan. It lies to the south of Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka, which were the center of Japanese religious, cultural, and political life for centuries.

Mount Koya is a time machine. While it is true that it is located on a fixed point on the map just two hours from the crowd and bright lights of Osaka, time has warped around the mountain in such a way that a visitor is transported to one of the last places where it is possible to steal a glimpse of an old Japan that is rapidly vanishing from other more tourist oriented locations.

Kobe is a port city best known internationally for the style of Japanese beef named after it, but the city has much more to offer than culinary delights. It is a vibrant area that played an integral part in Japan’s opening to the world in the 19th century.

Nachi Falls is a sight of natural and architectural beauty. Located on the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture, it is the tallest waterfall in Japan, and it is located on the Kumano Kodo, which is an ancient pilgrim road that runs between several significant religious sites in the area.

Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. While you might not have known its name, you have likely seen it on tourism brochures along with pictures of Mount Fuji and other scenic locations.

Mount Osore may be more haunting, Sakurajima more explosive, and Mount Fuji more famous, but Mount Hiei (Hieizan) bests them all when it comes to riches.

The aptly named Osorezan, which literally means Mount Fear in Japanese, is located at the northern tip of Honshu in Aomori Prefecture. The mountain is home to Bodai-ji Temple, and is one of Japan’s three holiest mountains along with Mount Hiei in Kyoto and Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture.