Travelwings

Japan is a name that always ignites curiosity in every traveler's soul. This island country is not only home to the largest city in the world- Tokyo, but also an amazing example of endless beauty. Visit Asia's favorite destination and explore spots such as charming Kyoto, cultural Nara, outstanding Mount Fuji, historic Hiroshima, and serene Hokkaido. Have a picnic surrounded by the Sakura bloom, take part in tea ceremonies, enjoy Geisha performances, stroll through temples, and rediscover zen in picture-perfect Japanese gardens.

USEFUL INFO. ABOUT JAPAN

OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of the Japan

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Constitutional Monarchy

CAPITAL: Tokyo

POPULATION: Over 126 million

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Russian, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Dutch

CURRENCY: Japanese Yen

ETHINICITY: Japanese 98.1%, Chinese 0.5%, Korean 0.4%, other 1% (includes Filipino, Vietnamese, and Brazilian).

MAP REFERRED: ASIA

AREA: 377,975 km square

ELEVATION: 12,388 ft

Network / Connectivity

Internet availability and usage is widespread in Japan, over 90% of the population has access to the technology. Most hotels provide free Wi-Fi access, in addition to the local restaurants, cafes, bars, and general public spaces such as airports. High-speed and reliable, there might be a need to install an app such as Japan Connected-Free Wi-Fi, or FREE WI-FI PASSPORT (largest number of hotspots in Japan), or TRAVEL JAPAN Wi-Fi depending upon the connection.

Alternatives are renting a pocket Wi-Fi device that can be delivered to your hotel prior to your arrival. The price on average is about $15/day from service providers such as Air's or G-Call. Renting a SIM card for your smartphone is also an option, though the most expensive one to pursue. One GB of data can cost up to $25; the prepaid SIM for visitors is available from the Narita Terminal 1,2, Haneda, Niigata, Kansai, Chubu; Chitose (Hokkaido), Fukuoka, Naha, and Kagoshima airports.

The Japanese currency is called 'Yen'. The word Yen means "round object" or "circle" in Japanese. Getting your currency converted to the Japanese Yen can be done at the local banks, post offices, large hotels, and licensed money changers at the airport. You can find favorable rates for the US dollar, though it will be better to get the conversion done in the country that you're traveling from.

Symbol: ¥
Code: JPY
1 Japanese Yen = 100 sen
1 United Arab Emirates Dirham (as on 12 February 2019) = 29.91 Japanese Yen

Japanese Yen notes can be found in 1000 yen, 2,000 yen (rare), 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen denominations.
Japanese Yen coins can be found in 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen denominations.

Japan is a rare country where using large currency bills is readily accepted in the markets, though smaller denominations are preferred for taxi rides and smaller shops. Always carry paper money for tourist sites that are usually cash-only entry, and the vending machines as well. Debit and credit cards are generally accepted in the bigger cities.

Japan's history is divided into periods, a journey that started in 1500. Initially ruled by warlords or "shogun", the shogun made all foreigners that refused to disassociate religion from trade leave the region. The Japanese left were not allowed to travel; the distinct local art flourished with literature, philosophy and martial arts gaining significance.

Until 1868, the Tokugawa clan controlled the land and it was the Meiji Restoration when the power was returned to the Emperor. This is when Western influence started gaining momentum; Japan was forced to restart trading and the local education and overall governance system was modernized.

After World War I, Japan felt the pressure to prove their power. In 1931, they invaded China through Korea and appointed a puppet emperor. Later, more wars followed in 1937 and 1945. In fact, Japan's expansion was so successful that they were able to reach far off territories of New Guinea, India, and Hawaii.

After Pearl Harbor, air raids caused widespread destruction in Japan. The Japanese army refused to surrender unconditionally and later, the US army dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Soviet Union also declared war against Japan and the Emperor agreed to the terms that were presented before further bloodshed followed.

Eventually, it was in 1945 that Japan's fate took a turn for better with a revamped international policy and constitution. They have since worked hard and emerged as one of the best countries in the Asian continent with decades of impressive development to show.

Japan is an island country; there are four main islands of HonshÃ», Shikoku, Kyushu, and HokkaidÃ´. Additionally, there are thousands of smaller islands that cover Japan's territory on the pacific coast of the Asian mainland covering about 142,000 square miles in total.

The islands are covered with mountains, forests, natural hot springs, and swift-flowing rivers. Only 15% of the land is fit for agricultural activities, and it is the same land that can be used for people to live on in communities. Due to this terrain and the location where several continental plates meet, earthquakes and typhoons are common. It is important to note that Japan is also home to 10% of the earth's active volcanoes. Mount Fuji, a key highlight of Japan, is now dormant with its last eruption recorded in 1707.

The culture in Japan is influenced strongly by China. The country's history has periods of heavy isolation experienced during the Edo area; the Japanese were not allowed to travel and they were shut off from the external impact. It was later after 1868 that this policy was reversed and different influences from all across the world started entering the region. This is why the current day cities of Japan have elements of western culture such as art and food incorporated into the day-to-day lifestyles.

Religion
Shinto and Buddhism are the two most prevalent religions in Japan. Shinto itself is a Japanese religion, whereas Buddhism reached the country in the 6th century from China. Almost 40% of the population identifies as Buddhist, 4% as Shinto and about 2.5% as Christian. A general rule to remember is that Shintos worship in shrines and temples are for Buddhist worshipping purposes.

Births are typically celebrated by visits to shrines by the family and coming of age celebrations such as graduations are held in town halls followed by a trip to the shrine. Religion is a pivotal component of the culture and unites the community at times of both happiness and grief. 99% of the Japanese are cremated after their passing and their ashes are buried under gravestones.

Sports
Athletics and sports have an instrumental role to play in Japanese culture. Common sports such as sumo, kendo, judo, and karate not only keep the traditions alive, but contemporary ones such as soccer and rugby have also earned their spot as preferred recreational activities. Sumo is the national sport of Japan with over 1500 years of history and originates as a form of Shinto ritual, while baseball is the most-watched sport in the country.

Luck and Destiny
The Japanese can be very superstitious and you'll find many small charms being sold at shrines and temples. Different charms are used to attract different kinds of luck.=; the locals attach them to their cell phones, key rings, bags. etc. to ward off any evil. Some temples also have fortune slips (don't worry if your fortune isn't something you want, simply tie it to a tree branch in the temple grounds and leave it behind).

Customs
The Japanese highly value their customs and traditions that make their culture unique and occasionally complex. Bowing is used as a way to greet others, bid farewell, say thank you or even sorry. The deeper the bow, the greater the respect that is being shown. You do not need to worry about bowing to everyone who bows to you. Shoppers usually shout "irrashaimase" meaning "welcome" when they see visitors.

Due to the tatami-mat floors still used in houses and some restaurants, the use of footwear within homes is frowned upon. As you enter buildings, you will see "genkan" or entrance halls with shoes neatly organized- a simple gesture that means a lot in Japanese society.

Tipping is another area where Japan is significantly different than most other countries. The Japanese work hard and put in their best efforts to satisfy customers, thus being given a tip is almost seen as condescending to the locals.

Food and Drink
Local food focuses a lot on fish as an ingredient. In fact, Japan is the top fish importer with consumption of around 12% of the world's total catch. Sometimes, it is eaten almost alive (odorigui), raw (sashimi) or grilled (yaki). Food is such a critical part of Japanese life that most towns have a local specialty dish or dessert that they are known for. From TV shows focused on cooking to delicate culinary artistry- the trained chefs add their magic to make the simplest foods look spectacular.

Foods being offered at restaurants generally switch based on the season. "Kaiseki" cuisine is popular; small dishes containing a variety of up to 12 courses of steamed, simmered, or grilled dishes are presented with immaculate garnishing. If you want to try something more general, the Japanese pubs known as "Izakaya" have an affordable and wide range of food and drink to offer.

Must-Try Delicacies:
'Okonomiyaki' is a regional superstar. This savory pancake is widely consumed in Hiroshima and Osaka in particular. If you're a fan of Ramen noodles, there's great news. This is a staple in the Japanese diet and found in abundance with various dressings and broth flavors.

Don't miss the sushi. Be adventurous and try different kinds at one of the conveyor belt restaurants. Do pair it with some "Gyoza" or potstickers for a steamy and nutritious meal that you'll remember forever.

Must-Try Drinks:
Japanese love their drinks and you'll often hear "kanpai" meaning cheers in restaurants and bars. Sake or rice wine is the national drink and is readily available in many different brands. A rare treat that only Japan has is Canada dry ginger ale, but the twist is that it's a hot fizzy drink.

Japan is also a dream come true for tea drinkers; green tea ceremonies called "Sado" are a powerful experience. Tea or "Cha" is served in many different flavors with its roots being traced down to the early days of Zen Buddhism.

Filled with ancient Buddhist temples and Shintro shrines (over 2000 in Kyoto alone!), you'll love the spiritual enlightenment that Japan offers.

An extraordinarily clean country, you won't find any litter anywhere and respecting one's surroundings is a key pillar of the cultural norms.

The Sakura bloom during spring is magical in the 2-3 week window; the views are unbeatable with the pink blossoms in the parks with Japanese tourism at its prime.

Japan is one of the safest countries to visit with some of the lowest crime rates to be recorded.

From the mighty Mount Fuji to the breathtaking Arashiyama bamboo Forest, the natural landscapes are as mesmerizing as the metropolitan skyscrapers.

From the most high-tech toilets to unconventional food flavors, Japan is one of the quirkiest destinations to explore.

The public transport is very reliable; the punctuality makes commuting stress-free and comfortable.

Japan has the most three-star Michelin restaurants in the world, the food here is high quality and irresistible in taste.

There are snuggle cafes for pet lovers; animal-themed cafes are common where you can choose from rabbits, goats, cats, dogs and more to be your coffee companions.

Bathing in Japanese hot springs not only has physical benefits, but the relaxation is worth the dip too.

Halloween in Japan is taken very seriously; the crazier the costume, the better.

The weather in Japan varies based on the region you're planning to visit. Though the country enjoys the four distinct seasons making Japan tourism a thriving industry, Okinawa and the southern islands have the perks of staying warm all year round. Meanwhile, northern Japan is known to attract heavy snowfall making it great for winter activities. August and September are usually peak typhoon months, thus traveling during this period is not recommended.

Rainy Season
Japan, in general, is a wet destination with high humidity. Expect the rainy season from mid-June to mid-July with some storms sprinkled in. The rain takes a brief break in August before returning in September with typhoon warnings. May to October are typically typhoon seasons and not the ideal time to discover Japan as a tourist.

Dry Season
December to February are the drier months of Japan, whereas November and March are known to be comparatively less rainy as well. The month of March is a great time to plan your trip to Japan with the locals flocking to parks for picnics and outdoor fun. The much-awaited cherry blossom blooms begin in Okinawa, Japan, and other warmer areas around mid-March. This bloom continues northwards until the beginning of May.

Visit Japan with Family

Visit Odaiba, Tokyo; a man-made island filled with panoramic views, amusement park-like activities and terrific shopping.

Find your way through the shades of the gorgeous Sagano Bamboo Forest in Kyoto.

Take a walk to the Sensoji Temple- the oldest and most visited temple in Tokyo.

Go for a ride on a bullet train; a journey from Tokyo, Japan, to Kyoto (450 km) can be covered in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

View the Sakura or cherry blossoms in Spring with a picnic under the trees.

Visit Japan as a Couple

Discover the surreal beauty of Japan's largest castle- Himeji castle.

Take memorable pictures at Tokyo Skytree- the tallest structure in Japan with its observation deck being 450 m high.

Take a relaxing dip in an Onsen- Japan's favorite hot springs with bathing facilities.

Spend a night in a minimalist Ryokan- a traditional Japanese inn.

Feast on delicious sushi at romantic Japanese eateries.

Visit Japan with Friends

Explore the Harajuku culture in Takeshita Dori's side streets and trendy outlets.

Take a thrilling walk across the suspended Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Kobe.

Visit the tech-savvy Mitsubishi Industrial Museum in Yokohama filled with mind-blowing technology.

Go Izakaya hoping to experience the local bars.

Watch a traditional Geisha performance to admire the local arts and culture.

Offer your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Museum.

Visit Japan with Kids

Head to Nara; the Nara Park has friendly freely wandering sacred deers (over 1500 in number).

Go to one of the robot restaurants with dragons, ninjas, and more attractions.

Japanese taiko drums are a key highlight in the local arcades.

Let your children try out the different Ramen flavors- a local delicacy available everywhere.

Famous Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, Okayama, Milt, and Kyoto are ideal to let your kids run free in immaculate nature.

What to Buy?

Japan's specialty KitKats chocolate bars

Japanese name stamps called Hanko

Kimono

Vending machine toys

Sake- local alcoholic drink

Wagashi confectionery

Japanese cosmetics

Folding fans called Sensu

Traditional toys called Kendama

Fashionable Randoseru bags

Green tea

Japanese musical instruments

Japanese luck charms called Omamori

Traditional tea sets

Cross the Busy Intersection in Shibuya
See the "Scramble crossing" located by the Shibuya Station. This famous street has earned its fame as a must-see landmark in Tokyo with up to 1000 pedestrians crossing it at a given time. For a better view without taking part in the chaos, grab a coffee at the nearby Starbucks, and peacefully watch the world go by.
Location: Tokyo

Visit the Japan Essential- Kyoto
The largest city center has hundreds of temples with beautiful sights such as the Kinkaku-Ji or Golden Pavilion. Walk through zen gardens, feel the bliss at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and don't forget the Kyoto Imperial Palace. With so much to see such as the Nijo Castle and hidden waterfall of Nanzen-Ji, there's wonder everywhere in Kyoto.
Location: Kyoto

Explore the Cultural Hub of Tokyo- Asakusa
Experience the pulse of the city with many attractions including small temples and shopping. Staying true to the old Tokyo vibe, the tradition comes alive in Asakusa; visit the Buddhist temple of Sensoji, and feast on local snacks from the vendors. You can also take a rickshaw tour for two with prices starting at just $85.
Location: Tokyo
Best time to visit: Hours are usually between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Step Into the Geek Capital- Akihabara
Akihabara, Tokyo, has a strange claim to fame as the world's geek capital. Fans of anime, video games and more come here to see what is called the gamer's paradise. There's plenty of electronics shops, but do keep in mind differences in voltage and technical specifications before making a purchase.
Location: Akihabara
Best time to visit: Visit on a Sunday- it is closed to car traffic between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

See the Man-Made Island of Odaiba
Located within the Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, this is where you can witness Japan's extravagance and a taste for the finer things in life. There are also family-friendly attractions such as a giant Ferris Wheel; tourists love going to the Oedo Onsen Monogatari- a natural hot spring-themed park.
Location: Odaiba, an Island in Tokyo

Enjoy Spring at Hitsujiyama Park
The cherry blossom bloom can be experienced all across Japan, but the views at Hitsujiyama Park with its backdrop of Mount Buko are exceptionally majestic. The awe-worthy shibazakura or 'lawn cherry blossoms' are a splendid sight with 400,000 trees painting this park a lovely shade of pink, red, white, and violet.
Location: Chichibu

Stroll Through the Grand Tohoku Area
The northern part of Japan's main island is famous for its Aomori's Nebuta Festival. There's plenty of other highlights to enjoy. In fact, Shirakami-Sanchi is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Offering serene countryside, mountains, lakes, hot springs and more, this is a lovely getaway from the busy city life.
Location: Region of Japan's Honshu Island

Fall in Love With the Enchanting Mount Fuji
Mt. Fuji is not just a point of attraction for avid climbers, but its beauty from a distance is enough to make it a must-visit spot for Japanese tourism. With mentions in Japan's earliest literature pieces dating back to the 8th century, it has always been an adored piece of natural beauty. Fuji-san received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013.
Location: 99 km away from Tokyo near the Pacific coast of central Honshu

See Green at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Take a walk under a lush green canopy of bamboo in Kyoto's bamboo forest. Arashiyama has tons to see. There is the Tenryu-Ji Temple, Kameyama-Koen Park, and Nison-in Temple amongst many other iconic landmarks that make discovering this district a beautiful experience.
Location: Eastern Kyoto

Bond With the Deer at Nara Park
This sacred deer sanctuary with over 1500 of the gorgeous species is one of the main reasons locals and tourists flock to Nara. The friendly deer roam around freely for you to admire. Do visit Kofukuji - the family temple of the most powerful clan when Nara's influence was at its peak.
Location: Nara

See the Home of Kobe Beef
You may have heard of Kobe beef; did you know that Kobe, Japan, located between Osaka and Hiroshima is one of Japan's ten biggest cities. Their world-famous wagyu meat has fans following across the globe and other attractions include the hot spring resort of Arima Onsen and the Shin-Kobe Ropeway with remarkable views of the city.
Location: Kobe

Head Over to Mini Kyoto- Kanazawa
This Japanese town surrounded by scenic mountain ranges, parks, and quaint neighborhoods that reflect heritage from the Edo Period is one you'll never forget. From the robust Ninja Temple to Kanazawa Higashi Chaya District and trendy gold-topped ice cream spots, your Instagram stories will be envied by many.
Location: Kanazawa

Yuki Matsuri
Also known as the 'Sapporo Snow Festival', this week-long festival in Hokkaido is a very famous winter event dating back to the 1950s. Large-sized snow and ice sculptures are built with some being 25 meters wide and 15 meters high. It's no wonder that over 2 million visitors attend this event in Odori Park.
Date: January/ February
Location: Hokkaido

Omizutori
Experience the 'sacred water-drawing' religious service in the city of Nara. A Buddhist practice, this occasion symbolizes the cleansing of sins and starting the new year on a positive note. There are various different events that take place including Otaminatsu- huge fire torches up to 8 meters are used as a blessing of safety.
Date: January/ February
Location: Nara

Gion Matsuri
One of the most significant celebrations, the entire month of July is dedicated to the ritual of pleasing the gods of fire, floods, and earthquakes. The Yoi-Yama events are of particular interest for tourists where float processions in Kyoto make the city colorful, lively, and filled with an overall festive mood.
Date: July
Location: Kyoto

Aoi Matsuri
One of the most significant festivals in Kyoto, this is a day when you'll see a large parade with more than 500 people dressed up in attire from the Heian Period (794-1185). The parade walks from the Kyoto's Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines- a reason why the festival's official name is Kamo Matsuri.
Date: May 15th
Location: Kyoto

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri
A splash of music and colors like no other, get ready for beautiful floats in the shape of mythological creatures and popular Japanese characters. Nebuta is the name of the famous warrior-like figure that gets carried around the city alongside the floats made of intricate cotton, cloth, and bamboo materials.
Date: August
Location: Across Japan

Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
A festival used to pray for great autumn harvests, the Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri takes place in Kishiwada, south of Osaka. Various danjiri or wooden floats carved and decorated with ornaments are pulled through the streets. Their weight can exceed 3000 kg and requires a team of up to a thousand people to be pulled during the festival.
Date: September
Location: Kishiwad

Chichibu Yomatsuri
A fun-filled night time festival, this is considered one of the best Japanese celebrations. Massive floats called "yatai" with wood carvings and gorgeous lanterns are not the only highlights- there are drum and flute music, and an unforgettable firework display that lasts over 2 hours.
Date: December
Location: Chichibu

Awa Odori
If you're a fan of dance and music, this festival is perfect for you. Taking place in the Obon season in mid-August, the word Odori translates into 'dance'. Groups of dancers in stunning uniforms called "ren" head over to Tokushima to perform a special "Fool's Dance" that dates back 400 years.
Date: August
Location: Tokushima

Before traveling, it is recommended that your passport is valid for at least six months after your date of arrival in Japan. Their official guidelines say: "The passport must remain valid during the period of the stay, but there is no minimum period of validity required."

The citizens of the following countries or regions can visit Japan for up to 90 days with visa exemption:
All European Union Citizens, Andorra, Australia, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Brunei (15 days), Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia (15 days), Israel, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Suriname, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand (15 days), Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates (30 days), United States, Uruguay.

Via Bus
Busier cities such as Osaka and Tokyo do not have the most well-connected bus routes and departure frequencies. Cities with no subways have tourist buses with fixed loops that are budget-friendly and perfect to see the main landmarks. The buses connecting cities or rural areas charge passengers based on distance traveled. Once you board the bus, collect a paper ticket with a zone number marked on it and match it with the electronic signboard located in the front. You can put the fare in the farebox, or pay the driver directly.

Via Metro
The metropolitan Japanese cities such as Fukuoka, KÅbe, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, and Yokohama all have their own subway systems to accommodate commuters. Used by the majority of the residents of Tokyo, the subway is known for its punctuality, affordability, and safety. Apps such as the 'Tokyo Metro' are very helpful to familiarize yourself with directions and unlimited passes such as the Tokyo Subway Day Ticket are great for visitors.

Via Train
The connectivity of trains in Japan from one region to the other is nothing short of impressive. The three categories of trains are Shinkansen (famous bullet train known for speed and luxury), JR trains (regional train network), and private lines (better service than JR with an extensive network of routes available).

Via Taxis
Taxis are found everywhere around the bigger cities and the smaller islands and cities have mini fleets available at the main train and bus stations. Alternatively, tax stands outside hotels make it convenient to find a ride, and the JapanTaxi app makes booking taxis on-the-go effortless.

The fares are standardized and all vehicles are metered. The cost is approximately $2 for the first 2 km, and then $1 for each additional 350 m. You can pay by credit card and it is recommended to have your destination written down on paper in Japanese to avoid confusion.

Via Rent-A-Car
Renting a car is recommended if you want to venture beyond the main cities and explore the rural towns of Japan. Otherwise, traffic can make driving stressful and parking is also expensive. The minimum age for driving is 18 and an International Driving Permit is mandatory in order to rent a car. Average prices to be expected for 24 hours rental are an estimated $45 based on the service provider.

Via Plane
There are multiple international airport options available to fly to Japan. These include Narita Airport (an hour-long express ride from Tokyo), Haneda Airport, Kansai International Airport, and others depending on the cities you want to visit.

By Sea
Reaching Japan by sea is possible via the regular ferries between the Korean city of Busan and Hakata Passenger Ferry Terminal, Osaka Port International Ferry Terminal or Shimonoseki Kokusai Terminal. Other ferry routes also connect Japan to China through Shanghai. The cheapest tickets cost about $100 depending upon the duration and distance of the ferry ride.

Via Air Route
The international airports in Japan are well connected to the rest of the world. You can choose from Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai Airport and other options to get to the city that you desire with ease.

Via Rail Route
There are no recommended rail routes available to enter Japan.

Via Bus
There are no recommended bus routes available to enter Japan.

Via Water Route
International ferry services are connected to Japan from Taiwan, China, and South Korea, but the journey can take days depending upon the route.

Travel Tips

The Japanese Rail Pass does not cover all bullet trains; do not purchase a JR Rail Pass without doing prior research about your long-distance destinations.

A lot of Japanese locals prefer to wear surgical masks when outside; this is to protect them from infections and allergies.

Do not tip; this is considered very rude regardless of how much you enjoyed your service at a restaurant or hotel.

Only smoke at designated smoking areas; smoking on the streets is otherwise forbidden.

As a visitor, you're eligible for an 8% VAT refund on your shopping.

Never litter; look for the closest convenience store if you want to get rid of garbage.

Get a prepaid IC card from any train or metro station for transportation (they can also be used at vending machines, and some convenience stores).

Learn basic Japanese words such as "Konnichiwa" (hello), or "Hai" (yes), and "Arigato" (thank you).

Safety Tips

There can be unexpected earthquakes; always be aware of your hotel's exit routes.

Do not leave your drinks unattended at bars.

Always be mindful of your surroundings at night time.

There are fake monks/priests that approach tourists for donations. Do not get duped by scammers.

It's a cash society; do not carry more funds than what is necessary.

Always carry a copy of your passport in case of a random police check.

Health Tips

Tap water is safe to drink.

There's a strong raw food culture; be selective about your restaurant selections if you want to try local delicacies.

Recommended vaccines for Japan include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps And Rubella (Mmr), Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria And Pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza.

What to pack?

Loose-fitting clothing for comfort (Cotton and linen are preferred fabrics, women generally dress modestly without showing too much skin)

A lightweight fleece jacket

Shoes - running shoes or closed-toed walking shoes

Travel adaptors for electronics (Local voltage is 100 volts)

Hygiene and toiletry items

First aid kit

Lightweight scarf (if you intend to visit temples)

Swimsuit and cover-up

Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) and hat

Camera with cover

Flashlight in case of a power outage

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Travel documents and tickets

Copy of your passport and credit card details

Travel insurance

Passport and Visa

Any snacks in case of allergies

Dress Code and Etiquette

Hide your tattoos; they are seen as a sign of gang affiliation and generally frowned upon.

Avoid eating on the streets and satisfy your hunger inside stores or restaurants.

Do not take photos of people without their permission.

Do not point at people or objects.

Do not enter a Japanese home with your shoes on.

Do not be too loud and keep your voice levels conversational.

China (2091 km)
China is a cultural hub of Asia with all that a vacation requires from breath-taking landscapes, spectacular food, tea ceremonies, ancient medicine, poetry, festivals, and arts including Kung fu and Tai Chi. A perfect blend of rich history and contemporary development, this is a country with many distinct regions and traditions.

Russia (7462 km)
From culturally to historically rich, Russia is a wonderful mix of romance, enchantment and a soulful vibe to create new memories with friends and family. The Russian Orthodox churches, museums, art, and unique dining experiences are bound to leave you impressed in no time.

South Korea (1153 km)
A land of traditions, calm and arts- South Korea has managed to keep its culture and traditions very close to its original roots. Heritage sites such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and an endless range of festivals make this the land of ancient and contemporary attractions.

Japan to South Korea: 1153 km

Japan to China: 2091 km

Japan to Hong Kong: 2881 km

Japan to the Philippines: 2992 km

Japan to Russia: 7462 km

Japan to the United Arab Emirates: 8041 km

There is a higher number of the senior population in comparison to the kids.

Japan has one of the world's lowest crime rates; don't be surprised to see unlocked bicycles or homes.

The country has the highest number of vending machines; from snacks, hot beverages to cold, the bigger cities have them around every corner.

Japan has 6852 islands; 97% of the country's land area is made up of the four islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

Fruit is considered to be one of the best gifts in Japan.

There are cuddle cafes which are seen as nothing unusual in society.

Instead of shaking hands, the Japanese bow as a sign of courtesy. The lower the bow, the more the respect that is being given.

The literacy level in Japan is almost at 100%, thus ranking amongst the highest worldwide.

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is also the largest city in the world.

The trains in Japan are very punctual; the average delay is only 18 seconds.

Geishas with their beautiful makeup and hairstyles have been a part of the Japanese culture since the 18th century.

Classic Japanese rooms are tiled with Tatami, or mats made out of rice straw.

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