Japan Major Areas of Interest

Tokyo
This major gateway to Japan is the most populated metropolis in the world. Yet, it also has the lowest crime rate in the world, and the crowded streets are orderly and pristine. To witness the sea of human traffic at Tokyo station during rush hour is a mind-boggling experience. While it has major world class museums and is the center for Kabuki theater, Tokyo’s major attraction is its high tech glamour and futuristic feel. Home to fabulous restaurants, hotels and shopping, Tokyo is a city lover’s delight. Major sights include: Imperial Palace, Senso-ji temple, Kabuki-za Theater, Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto
For those who want to experience the traditional side of Japan, Kyoto is a must. Since the city was spared from bombing during the war, much of its historical character has been preserved. In fact, many of the streets and neighborhoods in city have been designated world heritage sites. Long known as the cultural center of Japan, Kyoto is home to some of the most famous temples and gardens in Japan, such as: Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu, Ginkaku-ji and Sanjusangen-do

Nikko
Nikko National Park is a convenient day trip from Tokyo and is home to the magnificently carved Toshogu Shrine.

Hakone
This hot spring resort area in the shadows of Mt. Fuji is a perfect place to relax.

Takayama
Located in a valley high in the midst of the Japan Alps, Takayama is a great place to see traditional mountain architecture. The perfectly preserved streets are lined with wonderful museums, merchant homes and sake breweries, earning Takayama the nickname of "little Kyoto". The nearby hamlet of Gokayama, is a world heritage site.

Destinations: Japan

The inscrutible rock garden at Ryoan-ji. The glittering neon canyons of Ginza. The sound of a Maiko’s (apprentice Geisha) geta sandals on the quiet streets of Kyoto. The sublime taste of o-toro (fatty tuna) at a portside sushi bar. The gentle moisture in the air that makes ones skin glow. The delicious feeling of relaxing in a yukata (summer kimono) after a hot spring bath. Japan holds many such delights for the senses.

Blessed with natural beauty, enduring cultural traditions and a harmonious populace, Japan is a delight for the traveler. Lovers of fine art, architecture, and gourmet cuisine hardly know where to begin when exploring this fascinating country. Explore architectural masterworks of Frank Lloyd Wright and Tadao Ando and the ancient temples that served as their inspiration. Enjoy elaborate kaiseki meals served on exquisite lacquerware and ceramics. Take part in one of the many colorful and exuberant festivals, or enjoy the quiet art of the tea ceremony or flower arrangement.

Japan serves up a feast for the eyes as well as the palate in a way that is most satisfying. However, the more one learns about the layers of meaning inherent in every subtle aspect of the culture, the more one hungers for understanding. Perhaps that is the reason most visitors to Japan are bound to return.

Japan Overview

- Area: 377,835 sq km (about the size of California)
- Population: 127,214,500 million
- Capital City: Tokyo (population 12 million)
- People: Japanese, plus 1.7 million foreign residents
- Languages: Japanese, English (taught in schools from grade 7 on)
- Religion: Shintoism and Buddhism
- Government: Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary govenment
- Head of Government: Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi (since April 2001)
- GDP: $3.651 trillion
- Growth Rate: 0.2%
- Inflation: -0.9%
- Major Industries: automobiles, chemicals, electronics, machine tools, steel, ships, textiles, processed foods.
- Major trading partners: U.S.A, China, South Korea

Facts for the Japan Traveler

Visas
U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Health Risks
There are no health risks when traveling to Japan

When to Travel to Japan
Japan’s climate is generally mild. However, since the Japanese archipelago stretches over 3,000 km from north to south, the weather depends on the location and season of travel. For the major destinations on the main island such as Tokyo and Kyoto, spring and fall are ideal seasons for travel. Summers are generally hot and humid, and winters, though mild, do not highlight the beauty of Japan’s gardens.

Peak Travel Seasons
It is best to avoid the major holiday seasons, since there is a mass exodus to and from the major cities, and transportation and accommodations are heavily booked.
- Year end and the New Year holiday season (December 27 to January 2 and adjacent weekends)
- Golden Week (April 29 to May 5 and adjacent weekends)
- O-Bon festival (the week centering August 15)

Festivals
Japan celebrates many festivals throughout the year. Some of the most colorful are:
- Early February – Sapporo Snow Festival
- April 14-15 – Takayama Festival
- July 16-17 – Gion Festival in Kyoto

Currency
Japanese Yen

Tipping
Tipping is not common in Japan, since hotels and restaurant add service a 10 to 20% service fee to the bill.

Language & Environment
Japanese is the official language of Japan. English is taught in schools from the 7th grade onwards, and travelers are often approached by students who are eager to try out their English. The train system has bilingual signage throughout Japan, and trains along the major tourist routes (including all bullet trains) announce stops in English.

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