Holidaymakers who usually take the easy way out and opt for cheap bargain flights to European destinations may not initially think of Japan when assessing possible holiday plans.

For one, it is half-way round the world, so a holidaymaker would have to factor in costs of a long-haul flight and a journey that crosses nine different time zones. But cost need not be a deterrent because Japan offers much more than meets the eye.

When you think of Japan, the image of Tokyo immediately springs to mind - a bustling metropolis firmly in the 21st century, bristling with the excitement of technology, neon signs and swarms of residents sweeping the streets as if they were one distinct organism.

Japan is certainly the world leader in technology and it is firmly at the vanguard of advances in gadgetry. For all technophiles, Japan is an absolute must. There are plenty of cultural delights that Japan offers the Western traveller, from tiny capsule-like hotel rooms, to vast amusement parks such as the Tokyo Disney resort.

Running parallel with this is the more ancient cultural attractions that can be enjoyed by seasoned culture vultures and newbie philistines alike. Why not embark on an expedition atop mount Fuji, experiencing the vast, tantalising panorama of the bustling mega city sprawling outwards below?

If a more sedate past-time is more to your liking, then you can experience the history of the national culture by participating in a traditional tea ceremony and drink Japan's famous green tea to your heart's content.

There are also numerous exhibitions and museums that tourists can enjoy, immersing themselves into the history of the country's unique cultural phenomena such as Hara-Kiri.

Japan is also famed as a fashion capital, with its residents redefining the aesthetic standard of the day with their own unique and idiosyncratic fusion of various styles - which at first glance may look mismatched - but is a manifestation of their desire for non-conformity.

This unique brand of fashion styling has influenced Western popular culture in recent times, championed by US singer Gwen Stefani's 'Harajuku' style.

Springtime (March to May), with its vivid cherry blossoms and blue skies, is perhaps the most popular Japanese season, but the Golden Week period, which lasts from April 29th to May7th, is a holiday period for the Japanese and many of the more popular travel destinations tend to be inundated with domestic tourists.

Autumn (September to November) is a also a particularly great time to travel - the temperatures are pleasant and agreeable, and the autumn colours in the countryside are a vibrant sight to behold.

From December through to February is mid-winter and this time can be very cold, while the sticky summer months of June through to August can leave you drenched in perspiration if you venture outside of an air-conditioned area for even the briefest time.

Although on the plus side, major tourist attractions will generally be quieter at these times of the year.

Visitors must also be warned that Japan has recently implemented a new immigration control system which requires all foreigners entering the country to be fingerprinted and photographed.

These new security measures are part of an anti-terrorist policy in light of recent terrorist attacks and only diplomats, children and some permanent residents are exempt.