JAPAN

Universal Studios Japan located in Osaka, is one of four Universal Studios theme parks, owned and operated by USJ Co., Ltd. The park is similar to Universal Orlando Resort, since it also contains selected attractions from Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Most visitors are Japanese tourists and tourists from other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. In 2005 Goldman Sachs became the largest shareholder in Universal Studios Japan. The park opened on March 31, 2001. 11 million guests entered Universal Studios Japan in its first year of operation, the fastest any park reached that milestone.

The attractions are in nine areas of the park A tenth area, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will open by 2014 with its flagship attraction, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The area will be modelled on the areas of the same names at Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Matsumoto Castle also known as the "Crow Castle" because of its black exterior, is one of Japan's premier historic castles. It is located in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture and is within easy reach of Tokyo by road or rail.

The keep (tenshukaku), which was completed in the late 16th century, maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework. It is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.

Matsumoto Castle is a flatland castle (hirajiro) because it is not built on a hilltop or amid rivers, but on a plain. Its complete defenses would have included an extensive system of inter-connecting walls, moats and gatehouses.

 Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 12,388 ft.   An active volcano that last erupted in 1707–08, it straddles the boundary of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures just west of Tokyo, from which it can be seen on a clear day. It is located near the Pacific coast of central Honshu, surrounded by three small cities (gotemba, Fujiyoshida and Fujinomiya.

Mount Fuji's exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as visited by sightseers and climbers.

Scientists have identified four distinct phases of volcanic activity in the formation of Mt. Fuji. The first phase, calledSen-komitake, is composed of an andesite  core recently discovered deep within the mountain. Sen-komitake  was followed by the "Komitake Fuji," a basalt layer believed to be formed several hundred thousand years ago. Approximately 100,000 years ago, "Old Fuji" was formed over the top of Komitake Fuji. The modern, "New Fuji" is believed to have formed over the top of Old Fuji around 10,000 years ago.

The origin of the name Fuji is unclear. An early folk etymology claims that Fuji came from the kanjiis   不二 (not +two), meaning without equal or nonpareil. Another claims that it came from 不尽 (not + exhaust), meaningneverending.

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The island is approximately 24ha (the park zone of Yokohama City is 16.3 ha and the leisure zone is 7.7 ha). It is 18 times bigger than the grounds of the Tokyo Dome. There is no admissions fee to enter our park. It is perfect for having picnics and taking long walks because cars and bikes are prohibited from entering. You get a sense of freedom while you are there and lose all track of time. It is also great for sightseeing and being one with nature in a leisurely way.

JAPAN'S LARGEST COLLECTION OF MARINE LIFE ALL IN ONE AQUA MUSEUM

Over 500 different varieties of fish with more than 100,000 sea creatures in all. It is one of the largest Aquariums in Japan. There is an immense three-story aquarium filled with thousands of tropical and fresh water fish. You can travel through an undersea viewing tunnel which takes you through a section of our aquarium which is very popular.