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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
Tips & articles
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Conquer your fear: 4 tips for solo women travelers
5 February 2010
Lonely Planet produced this article in conjunction with our partner, Self Magazine. Take our travel poll...
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Extreme cuisine: top 10 ‘exotic’ tastes
28 January 2010
Part of travel is coming up against local foods that might raise your eyebrows. Here we take a global...
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World’s best traditions
16 December 2009
Think Christmas traditions are special? What about these? High tea, The Ritz, London, England Take a...
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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Setsubun at Futara Shrine in Utsunomiya
Blog: Budget Trouble - 3 February 2010
Since I had to work (well, somebody has in this house) I couldn't participate in the Setsubun festivities. Instead, I sent the husband to the shrine downtown telling him not to come back without some snacks and lots of photos (and bento for dinner). And I’m pleased to say that he followed my directions exactly. He came back home with two bags of snacks and a few tissue packets. Not bad for a guy who was taking pictures the whole time. Oh, but yes, Setsubun. What is that? Because I know you’re to...
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Holocaust Memorial Day in Fukushima
Blog: Budget Trouble - 30 January 2010
Even though the actual Holocaust Memorial Day was on January 27th, at the Auschwitz Peace Museum in Fukushima (I wrote about the museum here) it was observed today - January 30th. The reason for moving the candle ceremony to a Saturday night was very simple and pragmatic - so more people would be able to attend. Candle ceremony at the Auschwitz Peace Museum in Fukushima The scheme worked - according to the museum's staff the turnout was better than expected. And we contributed our two humble selves to the total count as well. The ceremony started at 5PM with a series of speeches.
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Winter Trip to Kegon Falls
Blog: Budget Trouble - 29 January 2010
Because nothing says “stupid” like a drive to lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖) in the middle of January, in a minicar (yellow tag car) without winter tires, we immediately decided to do it. Hey, we might be highly educated, but I’ve never said we were smart. Initially, all we wanted was to go to Nikko. And once in Nikko, we just kept going. And before we knew it, we were on the Irohazaka and since it’s a one-way road up the mountain, we had no choice but continue. Irohazaka is one twisty mofo of a road, and...
