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Introducing Japan
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.
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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 probably 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)
Make it happen
Ready to go? These recommended tours make it easy:
- earn great money teaching English and fund your travels
- take a www.gapadventures.com/trips/discover-japan/AJDJ/2009/?aff=18424">train journey around Japan and combine it with some hiking
- check out Japan’s mountains, temples & hot springs
- trek along ancient pilgrimage trails
- see whitelabels.railkey.com/pds/LPA/Region-Asia_and_Pacific_Trains"> Japan by rail
Visiting a Japanese city? Check out:
Last updated: Oct 22, 2009
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Japan
Our Top Picks For Japan
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1 Yakushima
Visit the ancient cedars, then soak in seaside hot springs
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2 Iriomote-Jima
Trek through the tropical jungle or dive in Manta Way
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3 Takayama
Visit this charming town of ancient traditions and eclectic cuisine amid refreshing mountain scenery
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4 Kyoto
See beautiful temples, shrines and gardens in the cultural heart of Japan
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5 Hiroshima
Experience this dynamic modern city and learn about its tragic past
Fast Facts about Japan
- Literacy rate
99%
- 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)
- Islands in the Japanese archipelago
approximately 3900
- 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
- Female life expectancy
84.5 years
- Average annual snowfall at Niseko ski area in Hokkaidō
more than 11m
- Number of rāmen restaurants:
more than 200, 000
Related Groups
Our favourite Japan Blogs (beta)
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An American in Hiroshima
Blog: GoBackpacking - 23 November 2009
I saw a group of people around my age holding signs that said "Free Hugs." (Photo: Utente Adriano)Buy travel insurance from Worldnomads.com (Lonely Planet's preferred carrier) No related posts.
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Transport in Japan (outside the JR lines)
Blog: World Travel Blog - 22 November 2009
Japan isn’t a big country really, at least if you compare it with other destinations as China, India, USA or even my home country, Argentina. Despite that I think Japan has the most extensive transportation system I have ever seen, including trains, subways, metro, tram, busses, monorail, cable cars… and they are all linked to [...]
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I "heart" konbinis
Blog: Budget Trouble - 21 November 2009
Two words for you: convenience stores. Actually, only one word if you say it in Engrish (or Japanese – depending how you look at it) – konbini. Japan does them like nobody else. They’re everywhere, easy to get to, sell all sorts of stuff, they're clean, efficient, and well, convenient. Konbinis were the one thing about Japan I missed the most when living on the northern outskirts of Europe. But they’re not just simple convenience stores. They’re conveniently convenient stores, too. And not just when it comes to melon bread and adult manga. Want to pay your car insurance and...
