A traditional Japanese sport that dates back to ancient times. There are six tournaments held each year, each lasting for 15 days. The tournaments are held in: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. All wrestlers live and train in dormitory gyms called stables, managed by other former wrestlers. You can visit the stable at times there are not tournaments.

Professional female entertainers who perform traditional Japanese arts: ancient dancing, playing instruments, flower arranging, tea ceremony demonstrations and calligraphy. You can see Japan's oldest artisans perform in Kyoto or Tokyo in a tea ceremony demonstration or dance performance.

Shopping in Japan is great for electronic bargains and truly original items like kimonos for dogs, robots and youth-inducing collagen marshmallows. From luxury to the bizzare, you can find something to suit all tastes in Japan and all at lower-than-UK costs.

Come dusk Tokyo and Osaka blossoms into a profusion of giant neon lights and paper lanterns, and its streets fill with overworked locals out to have a good time. Entertainment districts are as crowded at 3am as they are at 10pm, and many places stay open until the first subways start running after 5am. Whether it's jazz, reggae, gay bars, dance clubs, rustic or chic bars Tokyo and Osaka have them all.

Japanese hot spring onsen are the perfect way to relax after a long day sightseeing. There are over 2,000 hot spring areas throughout Japan.

Japanese comics read by all ages on a variety of subjects. With a history that dates back to the late18th century, manga is now popular worldwide, with films like Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away' even picking up an Oscar.

The shinkansen or bullet train is a network of high speed railway lines in Japan. The shinkansen can reach speeds up to 186 mph (check speed?) making it the only way to travel.

Not only does Japan have fantastic sushi but offers a wide range of cuisine to suit everyone's taste buds, from traditional Kyoto cuisine kaiseki to Japan's version of pizza-omlette-pancake okonomi-yaki.

Japan has produced some of the most exciting contemporary architects from Tadao Ando to Shigeru Ban, and attracted many other international architects such as Herzog and de Meuron, resulting in amazingly innovative architecture throughout Japan.

Japan has always been renowned for its innovative design, with a traditional approach to craft that involves incredible attention to detail making Japanese design stand out from the crowd.

One of the top fashion capitals of the world, with many trendy designers and a great place to pick up some bargains.

Cruise Tokyo Bay in the futuristic Himiko boat designed by famous manga artist Leiji Matsumoto. At night enjoy cocktails on flating bar Jicoo.

Leading other countries with their technological advances, Japan is a great place to shop for the latest gadgets and electronics. Japan is the birthplace of PlayStation and Nintendo wii and Mario, the most recognized global mascot. Gaming fans should not miss the huge annual Tokyo Game Show. The Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation is a great place to see the latest technology and robot demonstrations.

When Oct. Traditionally held at the end of the Formula One season, the Japan Grand Prix is often a championship decider, and a must for all petrolheads. After nearly 20 years at the Suzuka Circuit, near Nagoya, in 2007 it moved back to its original venue, Fuji Speedway, at the foot of Mt Fuji. From 2008 it will alternate between the two tracks.
(c) TimeOut

Where Niigata, Chubu. When late July. Inspired by the UK's Glastonbury Festival, Japan's premier music fest (founded 1997) regularly attracts more than 100,000 partygoers to a stellar line-up of international bands. Although the current site is nowhere near Mt Fuji, the name remains.
(c) TimeOut

Much of this hit film was shot in the bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo. It's a great spot for a cocktail or dinner - you'll surely enjoy the view just as much as Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray did.