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)
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: Mar 30, 2012
Tips & articles
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Japan for bargain hunters
9 May 2012
It’s no secret Japan is on the pricier end of the scale when it comes to Asian travel destinations. You...
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Local flavour on Kyoto’s Kiyamachi street
8 May 2012
Kiyamachi, Kyoto’s biggest nightlife strip, is a one kilometre stretch running parallel to the central Kamo River between two main...
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The 11 best street foods worth blowing your diet over
27 April 2012
You’re on holiday abroad exploring a local market. Suddenly an enticing aroma encircles you and makes you turn your head...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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WHAT TO DO IN JAPAN
by PAULTABLE 19 May 2012
I am currently 19 and looking to travel to japan july/august 2013. i will be sting there for about three weeks. anyone who has been there…
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RE: Ikebana class for tourists in Japan (not too expensive?)
by carpediem26 19 May 2012
Thanks so much for the replies, everyone! This has given me some helpful information and I will inquire to the places mentioned about…
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Re: vegetarian restaurants in Fukuoka, Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo
by erin_zita 19 May 2012
If you eat some fish you'll find things much easier. We have written a lot about being a vegetarian in Japan and especially in Kyoto:…
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Japan
Things to do
- All things to do (2,580)
- Activities (242)
- Entertainment (374)
- Restaurants (725)
- Shopping (257)
- Sights (969)
- Tours (13)
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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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Kanda Shrine's Fireproof Gate
Blog: Muza-chan's Gate to Japan - 16 May 2012
The Kanda Shrine, known also as Kanda Myojin, is one of the must-see shrines in Tokyo. Even if you’re not interested in the Japanese religion, if you visit Akihabara for electronics or for anime related merchandise, it would be worth to take a small detour and relax by visiting this beautiful place.
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Mt. Iino (飯野山)
Blog: Hiking in Japan - 14 May 2012
Mt. Iino, known to the locals as Sannuki-Fuji, is a dormant conical volcano with commanding panoramic views. The ease of access and variety of paths make it a popular outing for both locals and tourists alike. The hike: From the bus stop, cross under the overhead expressway and turn left, following the highway for a [...]
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What to see in Tokyo - Life-size Gundam is back for good in Odaiba
Blog: Muza-chan's Gate to Japan - 12 May 2012
After the huge success from 2009, when the life-size statue of the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam was first built in the Shiokaze Park in Odaiba, Tokyo - then the statue attracted over 4 million visitors in only 52 days - the Gundam was dismantled and many of my readers were hoping that the giant robot will be reinstalled again somewhere.
