History buffs in Japan can also visit a variety of sites related to this country's military past. In addition to the enormous Yushukan Museum on the grounds of the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward (www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/yushukan), numerous spots with historical significance can be found within easy reach of central Tokyo. The three listed here come highly recommended:
Battleship Mikasa and Sarushima Island (Yokosuka)
Built in Britain in 1899, the 15,000-ton battleship Mikasa served as Adm. Heihachiro Togo's flagship in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05. In its present location since 1926 (thanks to a media campaign orchestrated by The Japan Times to have it preserved), the ship still flies the famous "Z" flag, which just before engaging Adm. Rozhestvensky's Russian Baltic Fleet signaled: "The Empire's fate depends on the result of this battle. Let every man do his utmost duty." After viewing the guns topside and the museum below decks, check out the nearby gift shop, which sells unusual souvenirs such as necktie bars and cufflinks emblazoned with the Rising Sun flag. For more information, visit www.kinenkan-mikasa.or.jp/en/index.html.