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 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)
Make it happen
- Experience the best of Japan with Lonely Planet's new, full colour Discover Japan guide. Take a look inside.
- Earn great money teaching English and fund your travels.
- Check out Japan’s mountains, temples & hot springs.
Last updated: Jul 16, 2010
Tips & articles
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Kōyō: Japan’s autumn explosion of colour
31 August 2010
Literally translated as ‘red leaves,’ kōyō is to autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring in Japan. Both natural events...
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Top 10 highlights of 10 great countries
31 August 2010
Want to get straight to the cream of 10 great destinations? Check out these Top Tens!1. Top 10 ways to...
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Perfect season and place combinations
27 August 2010
A city can be dramatically transformed depending on what time you visit. In this excerpt from Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Skype in Japan
by kimmykitty33 0 replies, last post 09 September 2010
Hey, I'm heading to Japan on Monday and downloaded Skype to try and keep in touch with people at home. Am I right in thinking that I…
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Codeine illegal to bring in, what similar product is allowed?
by dungeonjo 6 replies, last post 09 September 2010
I want to take my sister to tokyo for a week. because she has had a brain surgery she needs to take Codeine regularly for pain relief…
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Molesters and abusers among us. Case #1: Lester the Molester
by Boinkity_Boink 51 replies, last post 09 September 2010
I was in boy scouts for three or four years and got a lot out of it. A lot of it was due to the adults in the troop who showed up to…
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Japan
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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Japan Rail Pass - Essential for Longer Budget Travel
Blog: Living the Dream: RTW - 8 September 2010
The Japan Rail Pass has turned out to be a pretty good purchase for saving money while in Japan, and is an essential for those wanting to see a lot of the country on a minimalist budget.
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Kobe is for Beef. Sweet, Glorious, Expensive Beef
Blog: Living the Dream: RTW - 6 September 2010
Kobe, Japan is an interesting city. If you would drop me there without telling me where I was and no local signs or people walking around I would guess that I was in a place like London or Chicago - most definitely not Japan. Hello Kitty and Cartoon figures are all but missing and repl
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12 Views of Tokyo Tower
Blog: Muza-chan's Gate to Japan - 6 September 2010
Tokyo Tower was the world’s tallest steel tower and a symbol of Tokyo for over 50 years. Now, Tokyo Tower is probably living its last months of glory, until the inauguration of the new Tokyo Sky Tree, which will certainly become the new symbol of the city. Click on photo for higher resolution:
