KYOTO

It's not called Japan's cultural capital for nothing. If a morning spent exploring century-old temples and beautiful shrines, followed by an afternoon feasting on seafood delicacies in a traditional inn sounds like your cup of green tea, then you'll love the historic and gastronomic wonders of Kyoto.

As one of the only Japanese cities left unscathed by the bombs of World War II, Kyoto is filled with World-Heritage-listed buildings and a strong sense of traditional culture that is evident on every street corner. Just as Tokyo, with its neon lights and obsession with electronics, is the city of the future, Kyoto, with its paved streets, yesteryear townhouses and ancient shops and restaurants, is the city of the past.

When the temperature starts to drop outside, move into one of the many, warm and inviting teahouses and inns which has made Kyoto famous. Some of these inns are over 300 years old and still serving the same, traditional dishes they were three centuries ago. Most restaurants serve multi-course meals and are decked out with the traditional trimmings of sliding rice paper screens, tatami mats and tranquil courtyard gardens.

With so many historical attractions to visit, it's recommended you spend at least three or four days exploring Kyoto. The Kiyomizu Temple is deservedly one of the city's most popular attractions. Dating back to 798AD and resting on the foot of Mt Otowa the temple is known for its vast verandah, which is supported by hundreds of pillars and offers expansive vistas of the city. The temple is also home to shrines and sacred water sites that are believed to enhance your beauty, wealth and intelligence.

Another Kyoto highlight is the Ryoanji Temple with its famous Zen garden. Considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Japanese culture, the austere and minimalist rock arrangement encourages contemplation and introspection. The garden consists of 15 moss-covered boulders that are placed so that from any angle only 14 of the boulders are visible. It is said that the 15th boulder only comes into view when one has achieved enlightenment. Come here in the early morning to avoid the crowds and you'll find the hours slip by without you even noticing.

If the film, Memoir's of a Geisha sparked your interest in this beautifully mysterious culture then head to Kyoto's Gion district. The area of paved streets and traditional buildings is not only a picturesque neighbourhood flanked with significant shrines – it's also the best spot to catch a glimpse of a traditional and ever-elusive geisha.

TOKYO

Before you head home and hang up your kimono, you have to spend a few days in the capital. This electric city is brimming with enough excitement and peculiarities to keep travellers on their toes. One minute you’re admiring the fashion of Shibuya, the next you’re lying under a cherry blossom tree in a tranquil park. Spend your evenings partying in Roppongi and your afternoons eating noodles in a traditional inn.

If you're a lover of all things technological then the new-age gadgets of the Sony building in the Ginza district will really get your heart racing. You'll find all the trend-setting electronics and even a few prototypes. Try their latest video cameras, listen to car stereos and play with the newest computer marvels.

The Tokyo Tower is another must-see attraction, it's the tallest man-made structure in Japan and the world’s highest self-supporting steel tower. With panoramic views of the city and on a clear day, Mt Fuji, it's a definite camera opportunity.

Tokyo's nightlife is famous for a reason and one of the best areas to experience the city's nocturnal side is Roppongi. Here you'll find eclectic, underground bars, massive pool halls and clubs that pump out dance music till the wee hours of the morning.

In Tokyo, you'll love getting lost in translation.

SAPPORO

After you’ve experienced all the technology you can handle, head over to the picturesque city of Sapporo and take on some of the best ski slopes and snow activities in the country. This city gives a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘winter wonderland’ especially in February when for one week it celebrates the Snow Festival with hundreds of ice and snow sculptures.

Some of the creations are more than 25 meters high and range from cartoon characters, replicas of castles and churches to scenes from Japanese myths. The festival, which began in 1950 when high school students built snow sculptures in Odori Park, now attracts about two million visitors and is considered one of the best displays of ice sculpture in the world. This year the event will run from the 6-12 of February.

Of course no trip to Japan during the winter is complete without spending a few days skiing. Sapporo is famous for its ski resorts, which are easily accessed from the city. The best-known mountain is Mount Teine, or Teineyama, as the Japanese call it, which featured in the 1972 Winter Olympics.

With wide slopes and thick powder snow, Mount Teine offers some of the best ski conditions in Japan and some of the best views of Sapporo. With slopes only 30 minutes from the city, it's possible to spend the day skiing and still return in time to explore a few of Sapporo's restaurants and bars.

Apart from enjoying Sapporo's winter attractions, be sure to spend some time exploring the other Sapporo highlights. As the birth place of Japan’s favourite beer, a visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum followed by an afternoon in the adjacent Beer Garden is a must.

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