Japan
Summary: Located in eastern Asia, Japan is a chain of islands in the Pacific Ocean that through
250 years of isolationism by a Tokugawa shogunate, from 1603 to 1854, developed a unique
culture that has become a technological leader and strong economic power, behind only the US
and China in economic size. With a terrain that is mostly rugged and mountainous with many
dormant volcanoes, and some active ones, Japan suffers from more than 1,500 seismic tremors
each year, most of which are too small to notice.
Capital: Tokyo
Time Zone: UTC + 9
Population: 127,288,416
Languages: Japanese
Power: 100 V, with 50 Hz in the East and 60 Hz in the West
Currency: yen - Currently 1 JPY = 0.0106 USD $
Climate: Japans climate varies from tropical in the south to cool temperate in the north. Currently 91º, Mostly Cloudy
Tokyo: Japan’s capital Tokyo is best described as a stunning megopolis of
sprawling inter-joined cities with no real center that combines both tradition and
charm with neon and enterprise. Among the sights are the Imperial Palace, whose
buildings are only open twice a year but whose gardens are open year-round, the
contrasting neighborhoods of Asakusa, the traditional, and Akihabara, the modern
electronic market, and the shopping of the Ginza and Shibuya districts. About 62 miles away to
the west, and visible from Tokyo on a clear day, is Japan’s most recognizable geographical
feature – Mount Fuji, a nearly perfectly symmetrical volcano 12,385 feet in height.
Kyoto : Kyoto spent more than a millennium as Japan’s capital before being
supplanted by Tokyo in 1868 and is still the country’s cultural center. Traditional
scenes will include geishas and temples, and some of the best sights are among
the pavilions, like Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji, the Golden and Silver Pavilions,
Buddhist temples like Kiyomizudera, or Kiyomizu Temple, museums like the Kyoto
National Museum, and Nijo Castle, dating from 1603.
Osaka: Osaka is about 250 miles away from Tokyo by train and is one of the oldest
cities in Japan. Two of Osaka’s best sights are Osaka Castle, Japan's most visited
destination which dates originally to the 16th century but has been rebuilt several
times since then and includes a large park, museum and a great view of the city,
and Shitennoji Temple, which dates to 593 and is apparently the oldest Buddhist
temple in Japan and is home to festivals throughout the year and flea markets every month on
the 21st.
Nagoya : Nagoya was founded in 1612 and developed into a strong international
port and Japan’s fourth largest city. Among the sights are Inuyama Castle,
enamored in gray and bright red and one of Japan’s national treasures dating back
to the 15th century, the Aichi Arts Center, or Aichi Geijutsu Bunka Center, with
works or art from Picasso, Klimt, and Nakajimam, and well worth a side trip, the
Arimatsu Narumi Shibori Kaikan, a town next to Nagoya famous for its Arimatsu-shibori, or tiedyed silk with demonstrations as well as stock for sale.
Hiroshima: Hiroshima attracts many tourists simply because of its role in the
ending of World War II, however, there is much more revealed below that surface.
Among the sights are the famous Peace Memorial Park, built near where the atomic
bombs were dropped in 1945 and a touching memorial to both history and peace
and includes the Peace Memorial Museum, the Hiroshima City Museum of
Contemporary Art, which sits in Hijiyama Park and has a sculpture garden and great views of
the city, Hiroshima Castle, dating back to the 16th century, and Sandankyo Gorge, only 11 miles
away but great for hikers and ecotourists who relish the waterfalls, forests, and Japan’s largest
natural bridge, the Onbashi Bridge, so close to the city.
Local Customs: Visitors can get by with a little courtesy in most situations. Remember to refer to
locals by their surname, note that bowing is not expected as a handshake will do, and show
respect to elders and other people's business cards.
Cash On Hand: While credit cards and ATMs should make traveling easy in large cities, have a
supply of yen if you travel into rural areas.
Art and Music: Kabuki and nô are the familiar Japanese theatrical traditions and can be seen in
the major cities, and while the time-honored gagaku music includes drums, zithers, oboes, flutes
and lutes, modern pop music is very popular.
When To Visit: Most locals travel during spring (March to May) and will make travel plans more
difficult during this time, so go during autumn for the same good weather, fall colors and easier
bookings. The peak of winter can be very cold while the high summer months can be hot and
humid, which are balanced by the less crowded tourist destinations.
Food: Japanese food, widely known for sushi, tempura and sukiyaki, thin slices of beef or
chicken served with vegetables, makes eating easy. Shokudô are the best place as they serve all
kinds of traditional cooking allowing you to try a little of each, although most meals concentrate on
the basics: rice, seafood or meat, and vegetables. The most popular drinks are beer, sake, a rice
wine often served warm, and the refreshing green tea, which is often flavors the local ice cream.
Phrases: Yes = hai, excuse me / I am sorry = sumimasen, hello = konnichiwa, please = dozo,
thanks = arigato, cheers = Kampai!
Tipping: Save your yen, as tipping is not expected.