At Tokyo Arena, as I see the rotund 650 lb. man, in nothing but shorts and a hair clip, trying to push the opposing "rikishi" out of the "dohyo", I only wondered what would happen to the people in the front row if he was pushed off the platform onto their laps. To me the sumo wrestling match was more than just the grappling and clutching, I was more enthralled by the detailed, pre-match and post-match ceremonial rituals and the appreciation and respect that the wrestlers had for the event and their opponents, something that is completely lacking in Western fighting sports such as boxing. This respect for history and others was apparent outside the sumo wrestling arena by many of the Japanese citizens which I came across and something that etched a positive feeling on my spirit, something I'll never forget.

Toshogu Shrine (Nikko): Built in 1636, Toshogu is the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who put an end to the Sengoku civil war period (1467 - 1568) and laid the foundation for the 250 year period of peace up to 1868.

Kyoto: This city of 1,849,000, with its numerous temples and gardens, was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, and remains the cultural and spiritual capital. Visit the Golden Pavilion, the 17th-century Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple and Nanzen Temple and you'll leave the city a more balanced and spiritually harmonious person.

Kirishima National Park (Kyushu): Consists of 23 volcanic mountains ,numerous hot springs and ten crater lakes. The two major peaks are the volcanic Karakunidake (5,578 feet) and Takachihonomine (5,164 feet), the latter sacred in Japanese mythology as the place where Niniginomikoto, grandson of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu and founder of the Japanese imperial line, descended to earth.

Mount Fuji: The country's national symbol is located 12,390 miles 44 miles/71km south of Tokyo. This 12,390 foot tall dormant volcano is very climable and provides those who have reached it's peak the thrill "and view" of a lifetime. Or just visit Lake Ashi and see its reflection off the water.

Kabukicho (Tokyo): The wildest nightlife spot in Tokyo has many hostess clubs and massage parlors in addition to numerous clubs and karaoke bars.

Find cheap flights to Japan: October to May are the cheapest time to visit Japan. If you wait until the last minute you may still be able to find deals. Remember to set your arrival/departure dates for Monday through Thursday, if possible, to access even cheaper deals.