Highlights

The Japanese are renowned for their longevity. The world’s oldest man was Shigechiyo Izumi, who died in 1986 aged 120 years and 237 days

Mt Fuji

This sacred volcano cone is the country’s highest mountain at 3,776 metres. The main climbing season is July and August, but the months either side will be less crowded.

Kyoto

The historic former capital, Kyoto is blessed with vast numbers of temples, shrines, museums and other historical sites, including the Golden Pavilion and the medieval Nijo Castle.

Sumo

You can join enthusiastic crowds at one of the six annual sumo wrestling contests, held in the cities of Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya ad Osaka. The tournaments last 15 days and are highly ritualised affairs.

Onsen

Hot springs are an intrinsic part of Japanese life, a way to relax, socialise and get away from the frenetic pace of modern Japan, by sinking deep into a steaming hot pool.

Tokyo

The epitome of ultra-modern, technology-savvy Japan, this sprawling and energetic 24-hour city is characterised by futuristic skylines, neon lights and digitised vending outlets. It’s also a city of contrasts, with many traditional practices still in evidence.

Okinawa

A lush, sub-tropical chain of 161 islands that stretch, like stepping stones, between the southern island of Kyushu and Taiwan. Fine beaches, turquoise seas and warm climate make the islands a Japanese holiday favourite.

Hokkaido

Home to the indigenous Ainu people, this is an island of busy ski resorts and steamy hot springs - some frequented by snow monkeys.

Being there

Etiquette

A strict code of behaviour and politeness is recognised and followed by almost all Japanese. They do not expect visitors to be familiar with all their customs but expect them to behave formally and politely. Bowing is the Japanese way of greeting, but it is also used in thanking and apologising. Giving and receiving gifts are part of every day life and it is a good idea to bring an assortment of gifts for your trip so that you can reciprocate. Shoes should be removed before entering most private indoor areas such as Japanese-style restaurants and accommodation, private homes, shrines and temples. The honorific suffix san should be used when addressing people (for instance Mr Yamada would be called Yamada-san).

Food and Drink

Delicate flavours, crisp vegetables, bean curd and rice are the basis of Japanese food. Specialities include tempura (vegetables or seafood fried in a light batter), teriyaki (marinated chicken, beef or fish seared on a hot plate) and sushi - raw seafood served on vinegared rice).

Shopping and Souvenirs

Oriental goods meet Western sales techniques. Look for kimonos, mingei (folk toys), Kyoto silks, fans, screens, and dolls, Shinto and Buddhist artefacts, lacquerware, electric goods.

Additional Info

People and Places

Capital: Tokyo.
Language: Japanese.
Population: 127,450,000.
Population Density: 337.3. (pop per km²)
Size: 377,864. (area km²)

Transport

New Tokyo (TYO) 65 km from the city, Kansai (KIX) 50 km fromOsaka, Fukuoka (FUK) 10 km from the city.
Extensive domestic air network covering Japan and its islands. The efficient rail network is widely used. Driving is complicated for visitors who cannot read the language, and therefore the road signs.

Red Tape

International Driving Permit.
UK: 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT, tel (020) 7465 6500, fax (020) 7491 9347, email info@jpembassy.org.uk. USA: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel (202) 238 6700, fax (202) 328 2187, email eojjicc@erols.com.
UK: No 1 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8381, tel (3) 5211 1100, fax (3) 5275 3164. USA: 1-10-5, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420, tel (3) 3224 5000, fax (3) 3505 1862.

State of the Nation

Life expectancy: M 77.86, F 84.61.

Finance: Major credit cards widely used, traveller’s cheques generally accepted.
Business hours: 0900-1700 Mon-Friday.
GMT: + 9.
Voltage guide: 100 AC, 60 Hz in the west, 100 AC, 50 Hz in the east and Tokyo.
Country dialling code: 81.

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Source: Expedia