Japan is an island nation located in the western region of the Pacific Ocean. It lies on the eastern side of the Sea of Japan. Its neighbouring countries are the People’s Republic of China, Korea, and Russia. Japan has a total of 3,700 islands. The largest of these are Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest island), Shikoku, and Kyushu. Together, these four main islands comprise 97% of the country’s total land mass.Language: Japanese
Currency: Yen (JPY)
Climate: Japan has a moderate climate, with four distinct seasons. However, the climate does vary considerably between the north and south of the country. In winter, the northern part of the country, including Hokkaido, experiences cold, snowy weather, whereas the climate in the south is subtropical. Seasonal winds blow across the country from the Asian continent to the Pacific during winter, with direction reversed in summer. Time Zone: UTC +9
Communications: Japan has a unique telephone network, so only 3G-enabled mobile phones will work in the country. Public telephones are uncommon. Where available, they accept coins or pre-paid phone cards, which can be purchased at shops, supermarkets and automatic vending machines. The grey phones can be used for international calls, and the green phones are for local calls.
Japan offers a host of amazing activities and attractions. Here are just a few.
| Renowned Museums | Major Attractions: |
| - National Museum of Nature and Science - National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo - Kyoto National Museum - Nara National Museum - Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum |
- Jozankei-Onsen Hot Spring - Noboribetsu-onsen Hot Spring - Yoshino-Kumano National Park - Nara City - Tokyo International Film Festival - The Imperial Palace - Mount Fuji - Meji Mura - Motsuji Temple - Sanjusangendo (Renegeo-in) |
| Major Festivals: | |
| - Gion Matsuri - Shogatsu (New Year Festival) - Takayama Festival - Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) - Tanabata (Star Festival) - Sapporo Yuki Matsuri (Sapporo Snow Festival) - Akita Kamakura Festival |
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 Japan is blessed with the most efficient, state-of-the-art public transport system in the world. Because of this, public transport tends to be crowded, but vehicles run smoothly and are always on time. |
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| Japan has three main international airports: - Tokyo Narita Airport, situated 65 km (40 miles) east of Tokyo - Kansai International Airport, located 50 km (31 miles) west of Osaka - Central Japan International Airport, located 35 km (23 miles) south of Nagoya A number of airline companies ply domestic routes throughout Japan. Tickets can be purchased at automatic vending machines in the departure lounge at Tokyo International Airport and Osaka International Airport. Train Japan Railways Group operates the most efficient railway network in the world (express trains operated between major cities). Frequent services are available on all the main routes. He fastest train, the Shinkansen, or bullet train, has a restaurant car. Driving The Japanese drive on the left. Road signs are in Japanese, so it is advisable to plan your route extra carefully before setting off. Car rental companies are located at airports and hotels. It is better to book in advance. An international drivers’ license is required. |
Bus Most major cities can be reached by bus. Major operators include JR Local Lines and JR Highway Lines. Most Tokyo buses are operated by Toei Bus Copmany, or To-bus. Metro The larger Japanese cities have metro systems. Tokyo has two lines: Tokyo Metro Co Ltd, which operates Tokyo Metro, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which operates the four Toei Subway lines. There are many ways to purchase tickets, and daily and monthly tickets are available. Taxi Taxis are available, but are expensive, especially during office hours. Taxis are metered. Most Japanese taxi drivers do not speak any foreign languages, so it is critical to write down the address of your destination in Japanese. |
