Japan
Japan is made up of four main islands with 6,848 smaller islands sprinkled in the surrounding seas. Hokkaido is the northernmost main island with Honshu, the largest, to the south-west with Shikoku and Kyushu further south. The most popular cities with visitors to Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, are on Honshu. Japan is a country of contrasts, where old meets new. While Tokyo leads the world in technological advance, ancient temples dating back to 600AD still stand up and down the country.
The Michelin Guide has awarded Japanese cities more Michelin stars than the rest of the world combined.
What to see
Tokyo
The capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world, with over 13 million people calling it home. Dive right into the hustle and bustle in the vibrant districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku. Or get away from it all in one of the many beautiful parks, such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Kyoto
As the former imperial capital of Japan, Kyoto's abundance of shrines, temples, imperial palaces and villas is no surprise. Some highlights include Sanjusangendo Hall, Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple.
Hiroshima
After your essential visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Cenotaph, have a peaceful wander through Shukkei-en Garden and pop into the Hiroshima Museum of Art.
Okinawa
This stretch of 170 islands sits halfway between the southern tip of mainland Japan and Taiwan. With deserted beaches, a subtropical/tropical climate and flights from all major Japanese cities, Okinawa is becoming more popular every year.
Top experiences / sites of particular interest
Cherry blossoms
Around April every year, cherry trees around Japan bloom with glorious pink blossom. The timing of the blossoms differs in different areas of Japan, so check to avoid disappointment.
Mount Kōya
A trip up Mount Kōya (a little over an hour from Osaka) will stay with you forever. As well as incredible scenery you'll find around 100 temples, atmospheric cemeteries and very welcoming people. Book into one of the temples overnight for the full experience.
Ryoken onsen
A ryoken is a traditional Japanese hotel where you can experience straw mat floors, sleeping on a futon and wearing a Yukata (robe). A ryoken onsen also has a hot-spring bath. Wherever you are in Japan won't be too far from a ryoken onsen.
Tsukiji Market
Even if you're not a fan of fish, the early morning tuna auctions at the world's largest fish market is still a Tokyo must see.
When to go
Weather and Seasons: The climate of Japan is predominately temperate, with an average summer temperature of 25.2 °C (77.4°F) and an average winter temperature of 5.1°C (41.2°F). However, the climate varies a great deal across the country. Typhoon season hits in late summer and early autumn so expect heavy rain.
Important Dates and Festivals: It's hard to find a month when Japan isn't celebrating something. In February Setsubun – the bean-throwing festival – sweeps the country, July welcomes the Buddhist lantern festival 'O-Bon' and the Fuji rock festival, and May sees the annual kite-fighting festival descend on Nakatajima.
Getting there / around
Flight: Flights to Japan from the UK take around 12 – 15 hours. If you fly outside of peak seasons return tickets are available from around £450. Peak seasons include Christmas, New Year, Golden Week (end of April to beginning of May) and the summer holidays (July and August).
Local Transport: Japan's transport system is second to none. The trains will take you most places you need to go and allow you to avoid the huge traffic jams in the major cities. However, if you'd like to explore rural Japan, a hire car is your best option.
Potential itineraries
Short Trip: If you're just dropping into Japan, make sure you explore the sights, sounds and smells of Tokyo. For a day trip outside of Tokyo, visit Kamakura, a small city of plentiful historical monuments and sandy beaches.
Longer Trip (Backpacker Trip): You can spend months travelling the length and breadth of Japan. To get the full experience don't miss out the north island of Hokkaido, the southern islands of Okinawa and the magical Mount Kōya.
Cheaper Trip: For travelling to Japan on a shoestring, the best advice is to avoid Tokyo as it is an expensive city to visit. Japanese hostels are safe, clean and friendly places to stay and the many festivals are a great way to enjoy yourself for little money.
More Expensive Trip: Impress even your most well-travelled friends with a trip to the remote, tropical islands of Yaeyama. Enjoy snorkelling, diving and sunbathing in the southernmost islands of Okinawa.
Our Recommendations
Local Dishes
You'll find all kinds of regional specialities right across Japan, but all cuisine is based on the staples of rice, noodles and soup. For traditional meat and seafood meals, try yakitori, sukiyaki, nikuman and obviously, sushi. For a tipple, try sake rice wine and the spirit Shōchū.
Nightlife
You're never far from a karaoke bar in Japan. Book a private room with some friends and belt out your favourite tunes all night long. If you're serious about clubbing, you shouldn't miss a night at AgeHa in Tokyo – the biggest club in Japan.
Pre-Trip Practicalities
Language
Japanese.
Currency
Yen.
Visas
British nationals don't need a visa to visit Japan for less than three months.
Health issues
It is recommended but not mandatory that you're vaccinated against Tetanus and Polio. If you intend to stay for more than a month you may need to be vaccinated against Japanese B Encephalitis. Your doctor can advise you.
Safety, FO travel advice
Crime levels are low across Japan but you should be vigilant in the Roppongi district of Tokyo. Japan has an ongoing risk of tsunamis and earthquakes. Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before you travel.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Japanese country representatives can be found
in the UK at
101-104 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 7JT. Tel:- 020 7465 6500.and in the US at
2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW 20008 Washington DC District of Columbia. Tel:- 202 238 6700.There is a tourist boards
in the UK at
5th Floor 12 Nicholas Lane, London EC4N 7BN. Tel:- 020 7398 5678.For more information visit: www.seejapan.co.uk.
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