Table of Contents
Introduction
Japan is a country in East Asia made up of a number of islands; it is popular for its technological, historical and natural beautiful sceneries. It consists of four main islands: Main Island called Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku and several tens of thousands of offshore islands. The country is well known for its balance between modernity and tradition, ancient temples, Shinto shrines and castles of samurais, as well as the cities based on the latest technologies and megapolis like Tokyo and Osaka.
This is more so because Japan has four different seasons where the weather and probably the scenery, if not the events, are different from one another. It has principally become a tourist destination where some of the reasons for visiting the country include; the beautiful sceneries, foods, quality festivals and the Japanese people.
Planning Your Trip: Best Times to Visit, Budget, and Visa Requirements
Best Times to Visit
- Spring (March to May): This is the time for the famous Sakura or cherry blossoms and all of Japan seems to be pink and white. This is a perfect time for the visitors. It is also perfect for sightseeing because the weather will be favorable during spring.
- Summer (June to August): The famous festivals (matsuri) and fireworks, however, the summer is also perfect for the beach and hiking. But the climate can be a problem and it is hot and very humid during the summer months.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is also great if you like getting to see the trees change their colors – to the bright tones of orange, and yellow. The drink features wonderful colors, and the climate is rather cool to go in for a walk or have a picnic.
- Winter (December to February): Skiing is more preferable in the winter time as Japan is known to have many skiing winter resorts in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps. It is also the best time to have a hot-bath or onsen if you wish to rejuvenate your dried skin.
Budget
Believe it or not, Japan is always capable of being cost-effective or as expensive as you expect it to be.
- Backpackers: It costs ¥8000 to ¥ 10000 (75 to 100 USD) per day for the average budget traveler to travel through Japan eating in local restaurants, using public means of transport and sleeping in hostels.
- Mid-range travelers: Those who want a slightly more affluent experience of hotels, restaurant meals and the occasional sightseeing should budget ¥15,000 to ¥25,000 ($140/$230) per day.
- Luxury travelers: However, if you want a high end travel which involves luxury hotels, great restaurants, and own-sourced transportation, the daily cost could rise to ¥40000 or above ($370 and above).
Visa Requirements
Many foreign countries whose citizens can visit Japan without a visa are offered a permit to stay up to 90 days Provided these countries include the United States of America, Canada and most of the countries in Europe. As usual the travelers are encouraged to approach the Japanese embassy or consulate in their country for accurate information.
Must-Visit Cities and Attractions
Tokyo
Tokyo is a lively and bustling city that is characterized by both; modern towering buildings and the latest neon signs in Japan, and yet one can find some of the best temples and shrines in this place. Engage in shopping at the famous crossing of Shibuya, get to see the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa and enjoy the scenery from the Tokyo tower. One should make it a point not to fail to visit Tsukiji fish market, and take time off to visit the Disneyland or DisneySea in Tokyo.
Kyoto
As you may have already known, Kyoto is famously known as the ‘cultural capital of Japan and’ with over 1,600 temples and shrines. There are several tourist places; the Fushimi Inari Shrine with thousands of bright red torii gates, Kinkaku-ji Temple, largely known as the Golden Pavilion and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It is also nice to go to Kyoto where one can also get to taste on the traditional tea ceremonies, not forgetting the natural qualifications of geishas in the Gion district.
Osaka
Osaka is known as the stomach of Japan and there are many specializing in dishes for example takoyaki or okonomiyaki or street food in Osaka. Every history lover will not want to miss Osaka Castle while Nights in Dotonbori is there to entertain you with their ill-lit billboards and flashy signs; entertainment lovers, Universal Studios Japan is for you and is one of the four in the world. For the lovers of shopping, Shinsaibashi and Namba are places that one should not miss to visit most especially in Japan.
Hiroshima
While a visit to Hiroshima is a black stain on the history it is worth visiting if travelling around Japan. The park with memorial and museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome give the people the feeling of what happened in World War II. Later on, one can board a short ferry to Miyajima Island for visiting the unique floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Nara
Located just a short train ride away from Kyoto and Osaka it is easy to get to Nara and is most famous for its tame deer and temples. Nara Park, where deer are freely wandering, also has Todai-ji Temple of the largest self-existing Buddha statue.
Exploring the Culture and Traditions
Japan boasts of its rich culture and there are so many ways to learn all about such aspects of the country. From dressing like a real Japanese in kimono and enjoying tea ceremonies to watching wrestling on the sumo tournament and practicing in Zen meditation, there is few of the many culturally-oriented activities.
In the Japanese scenario, the manners and the protocol also go hand on hand with the trip. For instance, one must bow while greeting someone, people take off shoes when entering people’s homes and temples, and one should never raise his voice in public. Such actions and customs are consistent with the regard and reverence underpinned in Japanese perspectives.
Indulging in Japanese Cuisine and Sake Tasting
Japanese food is a very unique category on its own thus sampling some of the food specialty is a must do while on the tour.
- Sushi: Sushi is Japan’s most famous dish and is characterized by fresh fish, perfectly rice prepared with vinegar, and precision. When it comes to having sushi you can go to kaitenzushi or the famous Japanese sushi restaurants.
- Ramen: This warm soup dish is also called ramen. It has various preparations; it has miso ramen with Hokkaido, soy sauce ramen with Tokyo and KyuShu style based on pork’s soup.
- Tempura: One kind of food which must be tried is tempura, they are kind of food which is covered by layer of batter and fried like seafoods or vegetables.
- Sake: A tour to Japan cannot be anyhow complete if visitors have not tasted Sake, the traditional Japanese rice wine. There are different Sake tasting tours depending on the area, especially in Kyoto and Takayama among others.
Tips for Navigating Japan’s Transportation System
Japan today is one of the countries that boasts of a good transport network in the world. Here are some tips to make navigating Japan easier:
- Suica/Pasmo Cards: These are the cards that can be recharged and are functional in almost all the public transport which include buses, subways, and trains. The other time that you can use them is when you want to buy some goods particularly in the counters of convenience stores.
- Taxis: However, there are taxis which can be costly at times as compared to the public means of transport. If you do use one, you should know that, the doors of the taxi open and close on their own!
Check Out: Discover the Charm of Kanazawa: Your Ultimate Travel Guide.
Accommodation Options: From Traditional Ryokans to Modern Hotels
Basically, there are numerous kinds of facilities available in Japan including cheap hostels and various classes of luxurious hotels.
- Ryokans: The choice of the hotel as an accommodation option is special as well, you will stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn. Also, you’re dining with kaiseki meals, bedding on the tatami mats on a futon, and taking on spiritual baths in the onsen hot springs. Some ryokans are in beautiful sites which include Hakone or Kyoto respectively.
- Capsule Hotels: Instead for budget customers or those who want unusual idea, capsule hotels have small beds that are personal for sleeping.
- Modern Hotels: There is various type of accommodations in Japanese cities: from the economy hotel chains to full-service five star hotels.
Immersing Yourself in Nature
This can be seen in Japan’s rural areas which are as beautiful as the cities of the country.
- Hiking: Japan is incredibly well-endowed with beautiful places for hiking; the Japanese Alps, Mount Fuji, and some national parks in Hokkaido. One of the major attractions to hiking is that it is mostly done during autumn since the trees produce attractive colors.
- Hot Springs (Onsen): Over a day of sightseeing or doing any activity, the best way to end one’s day is by being able to take a dip in an onsen. It is important to note that there are thousands of hot springs across Japan and many of them are located in zones that known for their beautiful nature critique. Hakone, Beppu, and Kinosaki Onsen are some of the prominent hot spring towns of Japan.
- Gardens and Parks: There are beautiful Japanese gardens which will help to create a feeling of calmness while taking a walk. Pop into Kenrokuen, Kanazawa, Ritsurin Garden at Takamatsu and Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Tokyo for a take of nature.
Conclusion
One thing I can promise is that Japan, the country, will reimagine or rather redefine the words surprise and delight. It features the metropolitan centers and impressive architectural structures such as temples, exciting and spectacular food and scenic calm country views and much more. The funny thing about Japan is that no matter if you go for a two-week vacation or several months, the country will impact you.
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FAQs
Do I need to speak Japanese to travel in Japan?
It is not necessary to know Japanese in order to travel in Japan although it will be of big advantage. It is also common to see signs in both Japanese and English and most transportation means such as buses, trains and subways have English annotations on them even where the major writing is in Japanese. That is why in zones for reception of tourists various numbers of the population, knowing at least the basic English, work in the hospitality sphere. Although it is useful to remember some basic phrases in Japanese, such as greetings or directions, it makes the trip more enjoyable and indicates respect to the country’s culture.
Is Japan expensive to visit?
When it comes to budget travelling, many people think of Japan as being rather expensive, however there are always ways to save money when travelling. Some are even those expensive lodging such as capsule hotels and hostels, and cheap and simple food such as ramen, meals bought in convenience stores or through the street. Transportation in Japan is well-developed, affordable, and reliable, especially by using Japan Rail Pass. However, that can be rather costly; on a positive note, eating in the restaurants, high end and luxurious hotels or indulging in some activities will not hurt your pocket based on your own choice.
What are the tipping customs in Japan?
It should be noted that tipping is unknown in Japan and doing the opposite may appear offensive. This is as a result of implying that exceptional service is expected as part of the job and that the price you pay is inclusive of all the services. If you leave a tip for the staff then I think this will confuse the employees. Thus, the etiquette of saying thank you is more appropriate in the case of speaking the words of thanks for giving a small present.
