Japan, an island country in East Asia, comprises thousands of islands. The country’s topography is defined by mountain ranges and scenic coastal plains. The cities and villages across Japan offer a wealth of cultural monuments. Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital of Japan, boasts ancient shrines, imperial palaces and traditional architecture. Nara, located south of Kyoto, is a symbol of Japan’s ancient history. Japan is a country of unique culture and serene gardens. The magic of Kyoto and Nara lies in its imperial monuments, wooden architecture and traditional Japanese gardens.