Japan

Japan - General
Japan for many years has had the reputation of being prohibitively expensive. While in some cases this can be true, anyone on a budget can also enjoy most of what this beautiful country has to offer. This is not to say Japan is not expensive, it can be, but with a little homework you can visit the Land of the Rising Sun on your own terms and allowance.
Japan is located between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan, and is nearly the same size as Germany and Switzerland combined. Japan is made up of of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. The four major islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Japan's population is over 126 million, with most Japanese residing in densely populated urban areas. The Tokyo Metropolitan Area including the city, some of its suburbs and the surrounding area is believed to house a staggering 12 million.
Language can still be a problem but over the years more and more Japanese speak better and better English, but we still recommend you to carry a handy phrase book and learn a few essential words, especially if you plan to travel to some of the more remote areas of Japan.
In this section of ASIA Travel Tips.com we aim to provide you with some useful information on Japan. What to see, where to stay, when to travel, what to do and of course some special rates available from hotels in the major parts of Japan.
Japan - When to Travel - Climate
Japan, located in North Asia, has four main seasons, Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Choosing when to travel can make all the difference when planning your trip as parts of Japan can get very cold, and other times very hot and humid. Knowing a little of what weather to expect will also help you know what to pack.
Japan's Winter season is generally from December to February. The temperature rarely drops below 0?C in the plains along the Pacific coast during wintertime. It is also quite dry and very often sunny. Central Japan and Northern Japan are highly reputed regions for winter sports. Southern Japan is comparatively mild in winter. Hokkaido is famous during the winter season for its incredible Ice Festival.
Japan's Spring time is from March to May. The weather during this period still tends to remain cool, and we would advise packing some light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of clothing.
Japan's Summer is from June to August. Generally the Japanese summer season begins in June with a three to four week rainy season. It then becomes very hot and humid from July onward. Japan's Autumn season is from September to November. Autumn is a lovely time to visit Japan especially areas such as Kyoto and other more rural areas, as forests are dyed in glorious autumn colors. As the season brings a more refreshing cool after the hot summer light jackets, light sweaters and similar is advised.
Japan National Holidays 2006
If you are travelling to Japan on leisure then knowing when the National Holidays are can help you to enjoy some of the more cultural festivals that may take place during that time. For those travelling on business, then trying to avoid National Holidays, will help save you save time and money.
The following are Japan's National Holidays for 2006:
1 January 2006 New Year's Holiday
2 January National Holiday
9 January Coming of Age Day
11 February National Foundation Day
21 March Vernal Equinox Day
29 April Greenery Day
3 May Constitution Memorial Day
4 May National Holiday
5 May Children's Day
17 July Marine Day
18 September Respect for the Aged Day
23 September Autumnal Equinox Day
9 October Health and Sports Day
3 November National Cultural Day
23 November Labor Thanksgiving Day
23 December The Emperor's Birthday
Japan Visa Requirements
Japan offers many nationalities a visa on arrival system as long as the reason for travelling to Japan is not to reside in the country, obtain employment or work in another capacity with remuneration.
Japan has 'Reciprocal Visa Exemption Arrangements' with the following countries:
For a period of 6 months or less
Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK citizens only)
For a period of 3 months or less
Argentina, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Rep., El Salvador, Finland, France, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal (except when the passport was originally issued in present or former Portuguese colonies), San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay
For a period of 90 days or less
Andorra, Australia, Barbados, Czech Rep., Estonia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Monaco, New Zealand, Poland and the USA
For a period of up to 14 days
Brunei
For all nationalities not listed above, a visa must be obtained prior to travelling to Japan. If travelling on business or as a tourist a 'Temporary Visitor's Visa' can be issued at your local Japanese Embassy and usually gives you permission to stay in Japan for a period of up to 90 days. If you are travelling to Japan to work, find employment or live then it is best to call your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate and ask them the best procedure.
Japan Safety Considerations
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and while at times many Japanese do not speak English, most people are extremely hospitable and will go out of their way to help travellers find their way around, and make the most out of their trip to Japan.
The actual crime rate is very low in Japan, and is not something that should concern travellers to the country. Of course common sense should be applied anywhere in the world, but it is rare for travellers to feel anything but safe in this beautiful country.
As for those bugs and pests that are a little harder to spot, then rest assured that no inoculations are needed to enter Japan from anywhere in the world.
The tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan, but bottled water and mineral water are also readily available.
If something unforeseen does happen to you on your trip, the hospitals and medical facilities are among the best in the world, but we always recommend you to make sure your travel insurance is valid and appropriate.
Toilets in Japan
Stop laughing! We know that the subject of toilets is a rather unusual one to say the least, but while Japan may be one of the safest countries in the world, beware of the toilets!
We kid you not, everyone knows that Japan is well known for its electronics and advanced technology, and this is definitely true when it comes to toilets. Some of the toilets in Japan are so high tech you would think that you are controlling an advanced fighter jet. In some of the better restaurants, bars or other public toilets, the toilets look more like a computer system than an actual toilet.
These scary toilets we are rambling on about, are electronic, and seem to be able to do anything you would want your toilet to be able to do, and many things you won't have ever even imagined! Therefore, if after a few drinks with an important client, you are confronted with the need to use one of these electronic marvels, and you find all the toilet 'controls' labeled in Japanese, ask someone where the flush is.
It would not look good if you accidentally press the wrong button and the toilet reacts by spraying your neatly pressed suit with water. Remember if in doubt ask, toilets in Japan can be an embarrassing hazard and should be approached with caution!
Buying Electronics in Japan
There are hundreds if not thousands of reasons to travel to the beautiful country of Japan. For some though, the lure of being able to see, and shop for some of the latest electronic items and gadgets is one of the greatest attractions.
If you want to simply marvel at all the latest technology or want to do some serious shopping then there is just one word or name you will need - Akihabara. Akihabara is the area of Tokyo which has been dubbed Electric Town. You could quite easily spend all day in this area going from shop to shop, all displaying some of the latest gadgets and electronics available anywhere. There are of course electronic shops all over Tokyo but Akihabara has the greatest concentration.
Do not expect the cheapest electronic good and gadgets in the world but do expect most of the latest releases.
Akihabara is easy to get to, and even has its own underground stop. As with all overseas electronic purchases do check with the sales person about the warranty, as many will just be local or regional, which could leave you in a real mess if whatever you buy breaks down. Also remember to check whether the instruction manual is in English or not, as some electronics and gadgets in Japan do not come with English manuals.
Most shops in Akihabara are open 7 days per week, from around 10 or 11am to 7 or 8pm. Most major credit cards and currencies are accepted. Some of the larger stores do have English speaking staff, but it would still be advisable to have a small phrase book with you or better yet, buy an electronic translator while you are there!
Hotels in Japan
Japan offers everything from leading international five stars brand hotels to cheaper more local options that should be able to accommodate any budget.
All the major hotels in Japan, are of a very high standard and service is quite simply excellent. The five stars hotels will all have very well trained, English (and other language) speaking staff and the amenities are comparable to five stars hotels in any other major city around the world.
One type of hotel you will only find in Japan and makes for a very unusual and rich cultural experience is the Ryokan. Ryokan's are generally small buildings with only 12 or so rooms, and they have quite a few rules and regulations, which follow the average Japanese culture. Ryokan's are perhaps better suited for people that have an understanding and respect for Japanese culture, or leisure travellers looking to learn, rather than business people who have a tight schedule to fill. To learn more about Ryokan's read our article about Ryokan in Japan .
Another novelty to Japan's hotel world is the capsule hotel. Capsule Hotels are very popular among Japanese business men who have missed the last train home, or have had perhaps too much of a good time entertaining clients and/or friends. These unusual hotels are in-expensive but not somewhere you would really want to spend any length of time. There are no rooms as such at a capsule hotel, guests sleep in enclosed, cramped, almost coffin like in shape, spaces.
Whatever your budget or accommodation needs Japan has something for everyone.
Ryokan in Japan
While all, or at least most, of the International brands of hotels claim to offer unique experiences, one has to be honest and say that at most of these hotels once you close the curtain in your room you could be anywhere, in any city, anywhere in the world.
Japan's Ryokan however are one of the few types of accommodation that really does offer you something unique, something that no matter what you do, makes sure you know you are in Japan, and in an entirely different culture. In fact, this is what makes Ryokan's so very special, as they not only offer travellers a comfortable place to stay but also a very good look at Japanese Culture and to some extent Japanese Daily life.
Ryokan's can be found all over Japan, and most are small offering only a few rooms that generally face on to a nice Japanese style garden. There are over 70,000 Ryokan in Japan, but only around 1,600 are members of the Japan Ryokan Association. There are a few extremely exclusive Ryokan's in Japan but generally most of the quality Ryokan's will charge somewhere between 12/20,000 Yen per person per night which should include two meals.
Ryokan's are not quite as simple as a regular hotel, they do have rules and regulations that need to be respected. For this reason Ryokan's are better suited to those that understand a little and respect Japanese culture, or those wanting to learn, rather than perhaps a business traveller on a very tight schedule.
At a Ryokan guests are obliged to remove their shoes at the entrance, just as they would be at any type of Japanese home. Slippers are worn inside, except on the tatami matting, so bring thick socks if the weather is cold.
A room in a Ryokan is usually a single large, undivided room floored with traditional tatami, with the only piece of furniture being a single low table. Doors are shoji (sliding screens), and decoration will usually be one or two simple ink brush drawings or scrolls. Seating in the room is on cushions, called zabuton, arranged around the low table.
Guests sleep on futon (Japanese style bedding) laid out in the evening by maids after the evening meal. It ordinarily consists of a mattress, sheets, thick coverlet, and extra blankets if needed.
The typical lounging wear of a Ryokan is a blue and white-patterned yukata (cotton robe) which is also provided. In cold weather it is supplemented by a tanzen gown which is worn over the yukata.
The toilet may pose the largest problem for some travellers as they are not normally a fancy new high-tech Japanese toilet but a traditional squat style. If you feel uncomfortable with this, it may be worth contacting a few of the higher quality Ryokan's to see if they have a more modern variety of toilet available for guests.
Bathing in Japan is a ritual with a lot of traditions. Most Ryokan will have a separate sex communal bath. Before going into the communal bath, you disrobe in a small room, then drape a small towel over your midriff. This towel is also used for scrubbing and drying. To take a bath, first sit on a low stool in front of the shower heads, shower yourself while seated on the stool, never standing up, soap and rinse off thoroughly. Only once you have completed washing in this way are you ready, and acceptable, to get into the bath for a good soak. This is exactly how the Japanese bathe at home, showering and washing first before using the bathtub as a means of a relaxing soak.