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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Business lunches on the go
22 July 2010
You’re bored of boardroom sandwich platters, instant coffee, and water from crushable plastic cups. So...
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Tokyo’s sumo wrestling scene
20 July 2010
Highly ritualistic and more athletic than initial appearances may imply, sumo is a stunning, charged...
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Top 10 places to shop in Tokyo
20 July 2010
You can shop ’til you drop in Tokyo – just watch the Japanese. Here, people shop as they work – long...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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day trip to Tsumago and Magome from Inuyama
by lilly369 3 replies, last post 01 August 2010
Hi there Can you please advise whether it's worth a day trip in a hire car to these villages? I know cars aren't allowed on the main…
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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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Mexican Food Tour: Tokyo
Blog: Vagabond3 - 30 July 2010
I’ll admit it- I didn’t research Mexican joints for Japan. I know, I know, I let myself down, too. Our search had been going so well that I figured we could just wing it. WORST. DECISION. EVER. We waited until our last night in Tokyo to have mexican food (as a little treat, you could say). Our options [...]
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An Escalator Sign – Funny Engrish Photo
Blog: The Travel Tart - Offbeat Tales From A Travel Addict - 30 July 2010
Today’s Funny Engrish Photo is An Escalator Sign, spotted by one of my friends on a recent trip to Japan. Check it out. This photo isn’t doctored either. This Escalator Sign reminds me of a really bad joke someone told me, where the ‘L’ is substituted with an ‘R’ with Engrish. Question: What does a [...]An Escalator Sign – Funny Engrish Photo is a post from: Funny Travel, Offbeat Travel, Weird Travel - The Travel Tart
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japanese desserts: sweet and squishy
Blog: The Road Forks - 30 July 2010
sweet and squishy Gummy desserts
