Itsukushima-Shrine in the Sea

The great red toril gate of Itsukushima Shrine, standing in the sea off Hiroshima, is one of the most famous images of Japan. The 1,500-year old shrine itself is unique - it stands over the water on pillars because it was forbidden t set foot on the sacred island of Miyajima in ancient times. Today, you can visit the shrine by boat and walk in the primeval forests of the island's Mount Misen, Itsukushima Shrine became a World Heritage Site in 1996.

Throw Away Your Wallet

Smart cards and mobile phones that can be used instead of cash are now becoming common. Containing a special IC chip and a built-in antenna, they transmit data securely over short distances Wave your phone or card over ticket machines or cash registers to pay for anything from train and airplane tickets to groceries. Used as credit cards or charged with prepaid e-money, these smart devices really can replace your wallet.

The Man who Mapped Japan

Setting off to walk the length of Japan in 1880, Ino Tadataka produced a map that would astound later Western naval surveyors with its accuracy. Ino developed his own surveying instruments, and covered 35,000 km on foot to create three sets of maps. The largest, at 1:36,000 scale, was recently exhibited near Tokyo. But, Ino is impressive for more than his skill - he only started to study surveying at the age of 50, and was 72 when he finished his survey.