Japan

Japan is a destination of striking contrasts, where travellers will meet a unique ancient culture and experience astonishing innovations. The major cities (Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka) appear on the surface to be westernised, but visitors quickly realise that the sleek modern society of Japan is seamlessly blended with millennia of tradition. This is revealed in the Buddhist and Shinto temples sprinkled throughout the urban centres, the intricate social rituals for eating and greeting, and other small reminders of Japan's long and proud history.

Once out of the cities, visitors can climb one of the country's 200 mountains, soak in secluded hot springs, visit ancient shrines and castles, or attend a sumo match. Whether it's for skiing in the winter, viewing the cherry blossoms in spring, or enjoying the street festivals in summer, a holiday in Japan is a rewarding adventure for all.

Best time to visit Japan

April is considered the best time to visit because the cherry blossoms are likely to be in bloom. Otherwise, the weather in Japan varies dramatically from the north to the south, with the rainy season generally lasting from June to early August. September is typhoon season; however, October and November tend to be a good time to travel to Japan, as the weather is mild and pleasant.

What to see in Japan

-Stroll the spectacular grounds of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

-Spot traditionally dressed geisha in the Kyoto district of Gion.

-Hike Mount Fuji for stunning panoramic views.

-See a traditional Kabuki play at the Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto.

What to do in Japan

-Sing in a Tokyo Karaoke bar.

-Relax in the hot springs of Noboribetsu on Hokkaido.

-Follow the 88 Temples Pilgrimage Circuit around Shikoku.

-Spend a weekend skiing the slopes of Furano in the Japanese Alps.

Getting to Japan

There are a few direct flights to Japan from the UK, mostly from London, but they don't tend to be cheap. Likewise, direct flights to Japan from the US tend to be pricey and depart from cities on the west coast such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Read

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami, and A Year in Japan by Kate T. Williamson.

Listen

O-Daiko (Kodo), Kodo (Yoshida Brothers), and I'm Blue (The 5678's).

Watch

Lost in Translation (2003), Kikujiro (1999), and The Last Samurai (2003).

Drink

Sake (Japanese rice wine), flavoured soy-milk drinks and Japanese teas such as Matcha, Sencha, Hojicha and Genmaicha.

Eat

Sushi, unagi (river eel grilled over charcoal and lacquered with sweet barbecue sauce), tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood) and kaiseki (a procession of small courses designed to evoke the current season).

What to buy

Cloissane and lacquerware, or silk kimonos.

What to pack

Slip-on shoes, as Japanese temples, museums, private homes and even some restaurants will require that visitors take their shoes off before entering, so having non-lacing shoes will save a lot of time and effort.

What's on in Japan

Tokyo turns pink each spring during the Cherry Blossom Festival. See fantastical sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in February. Watch giants face off at Osaka's Sumo Spring Grand Tournament.

Did you know?

It is common in Japan to eat rice at every meal, including breakfast.

A final word

A holiday in Japan combines the best of both ancient and modern attractions, and makes this enigmatic country a delight to explore.

Things to do in Japan

Home to pink cherry blossoms, sushi, and manga comics, Japan is a cultural explosion of historic attractions, neon-lit cities, and exquisite mountainous landscapes. Thankfully, this mystical country retains plenty of its ancient charm resulting in an experience of a lifetime.

Visitors should head to the capital Tokyo for a spot of shopping, to sample authentic Japanese cuisine, and maybe even enjoy a little karaoke. Though famous for its glitz and neon glam, this impressive modern metropolis also has ancient shrines and temples round just about every corner, making the sightseeing a wonderful combination of old and new.

The city of Hiroshima is the country's most famous tourist destination, as it's where thousands of visitors make a pilgrimage to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, taking in the museums and lively city that have emerged triumphantly from the horror of the atomic bomb dropped during World War II. Hiroshima is a must for anybody interested in modern history and is a deeply moving place to visit.

Once visitors have had enough of Japan's cities, they can visit the countryside and witness picturesque volcanoes, take a dip in the hot springs, and explore the mountainous interior of the islands. Japan is a beautiful country and even in the cities the parks are punctuated with cherry blossom trees and mathematically correct Zen gardens that never cease to amaze foreigners.

Japan travel info

Electricity

The electrical current is 100 volts, 60Hz in the west (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima); 100 volts, 50Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo, Sapporo, Yokohoma). Flat two- and three-pin plugs are used.

Language

Japanese is the official language. Most Japanese people will have studied English at school, but few can speak it well or understand exactly what is said to them in English.

Money

The currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, but most Japanese operate with cash. Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities. ATMs are common but do not accept all credit and debit cards; only the international ATMs in post offices, airports and some major stores will accept foreign cards. Money can be exchanged in banks, post offices and currency exchange bureaux; the best foreign currency to take for exchange purposes is the US dollar. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm.

Tipping

Tips and bargaining are not expected in Japan. In fact, tipping is usually considered almost rude and shouldn't be attempted.The thinking is that that by dining out or drinking at a bar, patrons are already paying the establishment for good service.

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Japan. Long-term travellers, staying for more than a month in rural areas, should consider getting a Japanese encephalitis vaccination if they are travelling between the months of June and September.

Medical facilities are very good in Japan, but medical assistance can be very expensive and visitors have to pay the whole cost upfront. Travellers should ensure that they have adequate medical insurance before travelling.

Vicks inhalers and other common medications used for allergies and sinus problems are banned under the strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law, and visitors are advised to check with the Japanese embassy if in doubt.

It is always best to take prescribed medications with you when you travel, in the original packaging and with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing what the medication is and why you need it.

Safety

Japan is generally a very safe, stable, highly developed country with low levels of common crime, and the vast majority of visits are trouble free. Travellers should, however, be vigilant about personal safety and belongings.

Visitors should be especially careful in the Kabukicho, Roppongi, Shibuya and Ikebukuro entertainment districts of Tokyo, as foreign nationals have been targeted for extortion, robbery, assault and sexual assault in clubs and bars. There have also been reports of drink spiking and credit card fraud, often in combination.

Typhoons are common, particularly from August to October, and travellers should take note of storm warnings along the coastal regions if travelling during this period. Japan is in a major earthquake zone; earthquakes of varying sizes occur very frequently.

Local customs

The Japanese are formal and reserved, and visitors are expected to behave politely. Their famously complex system of etiquette has a strict code of conduct for almost every situation, with the purpose being to create harmony, which is very important in Japan.

Among other things, it's important to avoid causing 'loss of face' by insulting or criticising someone in front of others. Bowing is the customary greeting, and the amount of respect shown increases with the depth of the bow and the length for which it is held. Bending to around 15 degrees is enough for a quick informal bow, but bending the torso to a 30-degree angle is necessary for a more formal situation. The deepest bow should be to a full 45 degrees.

Visitors should remove their shoes when entering someone's home, and it's important to avoid shaking hands and hugging when meeting with loved ones. It's polite to make the slurping sound when eating noodles.

Doing business

Business in Japan can be highly formal and greetings are usually rather ritualistic due to the hierarchical society. A third-party introduction is useful. Central to doing business in Japan is the notion of kaizen, which represents the drive for constant improvement. Japanese business culture is very formal in dress code and conduct.

It's important to always greet in order of seniority, first by bowing and then offering a handshake. A polite bow is customary; the more senior the person, the deeper the bow. Foreigners must expect silence in meetings and shouldn't be surprised if a business associate goes silent and closes his eyes in a meeting, as it indicates reflection. As with many Asian countries, it is important to avoid being too direct, while still illustrating sincerity and honesty. When deflecting difficult or embarrassing questions, vague forms of expression are key.

Relationship building is central to business culture in Japan. Meetings often include excessive small talk as a means of building rapport. Calm, introverted and humble personality types garner respect. However, sober attitudes are suspended during social activities; evening drinks with business associates is an important part of solidifying business relationships in Japan, and whatever happens during the evening drinks is never repeated or spoken about during business hours.

Business cards are exchanged often, using both hands. It can be useful to have cards printed with both English and Japanese, and one should present the card with the Japanese side facing the recipient. English translators are vital when conducting business in Japan as Japanese tends to be the language of business. Office hours start at 8am and finish at 6pm throughout the week. Business wear is formal and gifts, although not expected, are appreciated. Small items branded with the visiting company's logo are generally well received.

Duty free

Travellers to Japan over 20 years do not have to pay duty on 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g tobacco; perfume up to 60ml; and gifts and souvenirs to the value of ¥200,000.

Prohibited items include all types of firearms and ammunition, narcotics, pornography, meat products, counterfeit money, all plants and vegetables with soil, fresh fruit, vegetables and plants or parts thereof.

Communications

The international access code for Japan is +81. Hotels, cafes, and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Passport & Visa

All foreign passengers to Japan must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Japan. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Japan. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Japan. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Japan. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Japan, and a visa is required to enter the country.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Japan. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay in Japan. A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Useful contacts

110 (Police), 119 (Ambulance/Fire)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Japanese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 238 6700.

Japanese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7465 6500.

Japanese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 241 8541.

Japanese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3244.

Japanese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452 1500.

Japanese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 202 8300.

Japanese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 1540.

Embassies / consulates in Japan

United States Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3224 5000.

British Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5211 1100.

Canadian Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5412 6200.

Australian Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5232 4111.

South African Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3265 3366.

Irish Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3263 0695.

New Zealand Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3467 2271.

Climate in Japan

The weather throughout the four main islands that make up Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The climate varies according to island and terrain, so visitors should be sure to check the weather for the region they are visiting.

The weather can get very hot during the summer months (June, July and August), which can also be humid. In the south, winters are cool but sunny, as travellers moves further north temperatures drop and snow falls. The island of Hokkaido in the far north of Japan is bitterly cold in the winter, with snow guaranteed. The rainy season runs from June to early August, and August, September and October are typhoon season.

The best time to visit Japan varies depending on desired activities and regions, but April is a wonderful choice as cherry blossoms usually adorn the trees, making it the prettiest time of year in the country.

September, October and November (the autumn months) are also a pleasant time to visit, though the period does fall within typhoon season. Japan is a year-round destination as it attracts winter sports enthusiasts in the cold months and sightseers the rest of the year, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable weather-wise.