Where is the best location to stay in Japan? -

My girlfriend and I want to take a trip to Japan. She is interested in touring the more modern and high-tech cities, whereas I am interested in the both the new and the old. Any Suggestions?

Tokyo is a modern city with many old areas such as Meiji-jingu and Kaminarimon in Asakusa. Shibuya and Shinjuku are modern areas in Tokyo. Sendai is a relatively modern city. For the really old go to Nikko. It is the home of Ieyasu Tokugawa s tomb and the location of Toshogu shrine. This shrine uses lots of real goldleaf in its design. Kyoto is a beautiful mix of old and new. Don t forget to go to the Gion district for an opportunity to see a real Maiko-san(geisha). Osaka and Nagoya are also modern cities with a splash of old remaining, such as the castles in both locations. A better and old castle, though, is located in Himeji. Not so far from Osaka or Kobe and easy to reach by train. Be prepared to keep taking your shoes off and putting them back on again during the visit to this castle.

Kyoto definitely has the traditional flare you re looking for, but it s also close to Osaka, which is a more modern city. Osaka s not quite as crazy as Tokyo, but it s certainly got its fair share of the cutting edge. Kyoto s awesome though -- don t miss it!

I d say do the Tokyo-Kyoto circuit, you ll both find what you re looking for.

Kyoto, Osaka and Hakata

Do the quot;standardquot; tour of Tokyo for high tech modern, and Kyoto for traditional sights.