Tokyo: Side Trips

Japan is a small country, no larger than the state of California. With that in mind, it's well worth taking a few side trips to enjoy some of Japan's other sights when visiting Tokyo.

Japan's public transit is second to none, and the shinkansen (bullet train) makes visiting anywhere in the country a snap. The trains are quite pricey, but the good news is that as a tourist you can get a special pass allowing you to use the train for one low price for a set period. Inquire at any train station: they're easy to get and very practical.

From there, some of Japan's must-sees within a reasonable distance include:

1. Hiroshima -- the site of the infamous atomic bomb, Hiroshima includes a museum to that effect as well as a peace park. The famous story of Sadako reigns supreme here, and you'll likely see many paper cranes Japanese school children have sent to the park in her memory.

2. Kyoto -- Japan's cultural center. It's busy and a very touristy location, but also very beautiful with many sights well worth seeing.

3. Mount Fuji -- if you decide to climb Japan's hugest and inactive volcano, make sure you arrange to arrive at the top for sunrise. Everyone else does too, so you won't be alone, and the end result is well worth it.

Whatever you do, make sure you take advantage of that Japan Rail Pass -- there's too much in Japan not to see it!