Introducing Japan
Travel warning: On 11 March 2011, a massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, triggering a tsunami and radiation problems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The US government now says travel to Japan outside the 50-mile zone surrounding the nuclear plant presents low risks. Lonely Planet has an update on the situation here. As with any destination, stay in touch with the news before you go.
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When you hear the word 'Japan', what do you think of? Does your mind fill with images of ancient temples or futuristic cities? Do you see visions of mist-shrouded hills or lightning-fast bullet trains? Do you think of suit-clad businessmen or kimono-clad geisha? Whatever image you have of Japan, it's probably accurate, because it's all there. But you may also have some misconceptions about Japan. For example, many people believe that Japan is one of the world's most expensive countries. In fact, it's cheaper to travel in Japan than in much of North America, Western Europe and parts of Oceania. Others think that Japan is impenetrable or even downright difficult. The fact is, Japan is one of the easiest countries in which to travel. It is, simply put, a place that will remind you why you started travelling in the first place.
If traditional culture is your thing, you can spend weeks in cities such as Kyoto and Nara, gorging yourself on temples, shrines, kabuki, ō (stylised dance-drama), tea ceremonies and museums packed with treasures from Japan's rich artistic heritage. If modern culture and technology is your thing, Japan's cities are an absolute wonderland - an easy peek into the future of the human race, complete with trend-setting cafés and fabulous restaurants. Outside the cities, you'll find natural wonders the length and breadth of the archipelago. From the coral reefs of Okinawa to the ski-resort of Niseko, Japan has more than enough natural wonders to compete with its cultural treasures. Then there's the food: whether it's impossibly fresh sushi in Tokyo, perfectly battered tempura in Kyoto, or a hearty bowl of rāmen in Osaka, if you like eating you're going to love Japan.
But for many visitors, the real highlight of their visit to Japan is the gracious hospitality of the Japanese themselves. Whatever your image of Japan, it no doubt exists somewhere on the archipelago - and it's just waiting for you to discover it!
日本語のウェブサイトはこちら こちら (if you're wondering what that says, it's a link to our Japanese web page)
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Download our new Japanese Offline Translator app. Simply talk or type, and it translates. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android.
- Travel in 14 days from Tokyo to Kyoto
- Journey along the backroads of Japan
- Visit the iconic Mount Fuji and cruise Lake Ashi
Last updated: Jan 19, 2012
Tips & articles
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The right place at the right time
9 February 2012
Visiting a city at the right time of year can make all the difference to the experience, whether that means...
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Whose round is it anyway? The world’s best booze
19 January 2012
Drinking the local beverage is a sure way to warm the hearts of the locals. Here is a selection of...
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Eyes bigger than your stomach
19 January 2012
Bring a hearty appetite, roomy trousers, and a camera to these delicious destinations, where the presentation of food has become...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Japan for Chuseok
by GrogBlossom 14 September 2011
thanks for the summary. glad you had such a good time and doubly pleased that my advice was helpful :-)
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RE: Japan for Chuseok
by happyhannaho 14 September 2011
GrogBlossom, just wanted to say... I totally agree with you about the Silver Pavillion.... it was by far my favorite temple, and it was…
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RE: Travelling to Japan and Bali with only one-way tickets?
by SingObserver 14 September 2011
Good advice in the previous two posts. But if you continue to want to plan one-way travel, consider Air Asia for the routing DPS-KUL-TYO.…
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Japan
Things to do
- All things to do (1,790)
- Activities (145)
- Entertainment (269)
- Restaurants (493)
- Shopping (223)
- Sights (646)
- Tours (14)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Japan
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1 Kyoto
See beautiful temples, shrines and gardens in the cultural heart of Japan
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2 Tokyo
Japan's not-to-be-missed quirky, curious cosmopolis that glitters and pulses with constant energy
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3 Nara
Check out Japan's first permanent capital which boasts eight World Heritage sites
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4 Iriomote-Jima
Trek through the tropical jungle or dive in Manta Way
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5 Takayama
Visit this charming town of ancient traditions and eclectic cuisine amid refreshing mountain scenery
Fast Facts about Japan
- Religion
One of the few religions in the world to have a female sun diety, or a female supreme diety
- Latitude of Tokyo
at 35.4°N, the same as Tehran, and about the same as Los Angeles (34.05°N) and Crete (35°N)
- Number of vending machines in Tokyo
6 million
- GDP
US$4.4 trillion (the world’s second-biggest economy)
- World’s busiest station
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station, servicing 740, 000 passengers a day
- Population
127 million people
- Gender wage gap
women earn only 66% of what men earn
- Average annual snowfall at Niseko ski area in Hokkaidō
more than 11m
- Number of rāmen restaurants:
more than 200, 000
Our favourite Japan Blogs (beta)
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Lessons From Hiroshima
Blog: Never Ending Voyage - 7 February 2012
On the 15th August 1945, ‘Little Boy’ exploded directly above the Hiroshima Prefectural Commercial Exhibition Hall instantly killing everyone inside. The crumbling skeleton of the building stands as a haunting monument to the tens of thousands that died immediately and in the decades that followed.
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Busiest Train Station In The World – Millions Go Through Here!
Blog: The Travel Tart - Offbeat Tales From A Travel Addict - 7 February 2012
The Busiest Train Station In The World. It’s no surprise that the Busiest Train Station In The World is also located in the Biggest City in The World – Tokyo,...
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Mt. Mashu (摩周岳)
Blog: Hiking in Japan - 6 February 2012
Perched on the shores of a stellar volcanic lake, Mt. Mashu offers a chance to experience a taste of the Hokkaido backcountry without a huge climb to get there. It may also offer your best opportunity to spot the elusive Japanese brown bear. The hike: The trail starts at the end of the massive parking [...]
