The Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for wildlife watching, with opportunities to see brown bears and rare bird species.
Japan has a fascination with mascots, and there are thousands of them representing everything from cities to prisons.
Shabu-shabu, a dish made with thinly sliced beef or pork that is cooked in a hot pot, is a popular Japanese dish that is often served with various dipping sauces.