See wild Japan's bears, whales and mountains

Japan is famous for its dense, hi-tech modern capital Tokyo, and the ancient culture and sights of towns such as Kyoto.

However, mountains and islands not far from Tokyo also offer some great opportunities for active holidaymakers to discover some of Japan's amazing wildlife, including bears and whales.

A new bear watching tour has been launched this summer for holidaymakers looking to discover another side to Japan's countryside.

Over July and August Asiatic black bears are a frequent sight in the mountains close to the castle town of Matsumoto, around 2.5 hours from Tokyo.

As well as being the site of Japan's oldest castle donjon - thought to date back to the 16th century - Matsumoto also offers excellent views of the nearby Alps, home to the bears.

Along with hiking into the mountains, holidaymakers will also get a chance to learn from local bear experts about the how humans and bears are co-existing in the region.

The two-day tours, which are available in July and August 2007, start from £195 per person including a night's bed and breakfast accommodation an evening meal and transfers from Matsumoto station to the mountains.

For more information see www.insidejapantours.com

For travellers keen on walking and hiking, the springtime presents an excellent opportunity to climb Mount Fuji away from the crowds.

Among the tour operators offering hikes up Mount Fuji in the spring are Hike Japan, who say climbing the 3,776-metre peak while it is still snow-capped is a special experience.

Holidaymakers are advised no technical skills are needed for the daytime ascent though the climb is classed as "vigorous" due to the mild altitude sickness it may cause. However being fit and having the right clothing and footwear is a must.

On the climb hikers will get a chance to get familiar with using ice axes and crampons while being led by a local mountain guide and a Japanese-speaking British guide.

The trip is part of a ten-day tour which includes a visit to the Ogasawara islands, which are known for being the location of the first-ever citing of a giant squid in the wild.

Sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of the east due to the unique way they have evolved, the Ogasawara islands are home to 140 different varieties of plants and animals.

They are also on a migration route for sperm whales, and in springtime the whales can be seen with their calves every day.

Travellers should note getting to the remote islands does take a long time though - it is a 28-hour ferry ride from Tokyo.

For more information see www.hikejapan.com

For more information on visiting Japan see www.jnto.go.jp