|
Japan is made up of over 3000 islands along the Pacific Ring
of Fire. Here you can experience the natural extremes of typhoons,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis, within mesmerizing
scenes of snowcaps, deep lakes and lush greenery set amongst
mostly uninhabitable mountains. Japan offers the most visually
stunning and serene golf landscapes in the world.
More than just geographically, Japan is a land of extremities,
blending the old traditions with visions of the future, often
side-by-side. The enigma of Japanese culture, traditions and
manners, often the polar opposite of Western behavior, can
confuse the humble westerner and lead to many "Lost in
Translation" moments. Blend with the crowds among the
futuristic, efficient and sanitized worlds of Tokyo and Osaka;
scale the majestic heights of Mt Fuji; take in an ancient
tea ceremony or kabuki theatre show; or just enjoy rural tranquility.
From ancient Shinto shrines to futuristic skyscrapers, from
sumo wrestling to sushi, Japan will peel back your eyelids
and astound you. |
|
The elegant Mt Fuji
|
|
Cash
The local currency is the Yen.
$1 USD = 130 Yen
£1 GBP = 190 Yen
€1 EURO = 120 Yen
For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Tokyo is one of the most expensive places on Earth
and the cities are much more costly than rural areas. However,
the shoestring traveller can happily live on a diet of youth
hostels and country inns, filling up in cheap noodle shops
along the way - though it will still set you back around $60
a day. If you have money to burn, expect to pay at least $100
a day.
The cheapest accommodation in Japan is the youth hostel, though
you can vary your trip by staying at a ryokan (Japanese-style
inn) and also at one of the many shukubo (temple lodgings).
People
Japan has a population of around 126 Million - the eighth
largest in the world. The country is presently in population
decline due to its low birthrates, yet rban areas are so tightly
packed that many have merged into huge sprawling cities. This
is an advantage if you want to enjoy the peace and quiet of
rural Japan, which is largely empty. Japan is amazingly homogenous,
with only a 1% foreign population largely consisting of Koreans,
Chinese and Southeast Asians.
Shinto and Buddhism are the major religions
in Japan, with Christianity the chosen for faith of a small
minority of one million people.
Travel
Air travel into Japan is easy - there are many airports
on the islands served by regular flights from throughout the
world. Air travel is especially convenient for flying from
the main islands to any smaller one. Expect to pay around
$1,500 US for a year return ticket with a good airline. National
carriers offer some decent discounts for those flying to different
destinations in the country, including a women's group discount.
In Japan, the transport network is extremely well organised,
so much so that people are used to schedules requiring split
second timing. Rail travel is fast, extremely efficient,
clean, comfortable and very expensive. Services range from
local lines to the famous super-fast 'bullet' trains
- travelling up to 180 miles an hour. You can purchase an
unlimited Japan rail pass. This lets you use any JR service
for up to 21 days, and can only be purchased outside of Japan.
Night service buses are becoming increasingly popular due
to their cost, spaciousness and the fact that travellers can
save in a night of accommodation.
Food
There is more to Japanese cuisine than sushi, tempura and
sukiyaki, and there are plenty of opportunities to sample
varied and delicious fresh foods in Japan, though also unfortunately,
there is a lot of junk food! Try some delicious chargrilled
food at a robatayaki restaurant, or do it yourself
in one of the many restaurants found throughout the country.
For a quick snack there's always a stop at one of the yataki
food stalls, and a shot of rice saki helps it go down
very smoothly. For those who are brave enough and wealthy
enough, you can always try deadly fugu (pufferfish)
- just don't be surprised if you are offered it first!
Language
Japanese is the main language of the country. Japanese
children learn English for three years, but don't expect fluency.
English will be spoken by some for business in the cities
but rurally you will need a guide or understanding of the
language.
Climate
The combination of Japan's mountainous territory and the length
of it's archipelago makes for a complex climate. There are
big differences between the north - which has short summers,
long winters and heavy snowfalls - and the south, which can
enjoy a subtropical climate. In the early part of the summer
there is a rainy season lasting a few weeks (June) that starts
in the south and gradually works its way northwards. Late
summer can bring typhoons and torrential rains that can devastate
coastal regions. Spring (March - May) and autumn are the best
times to visit Japan, when the weather is mild and the cherry
blossoms are in bloom. The downside is that it is holiday
time for the Japanese, so everywhere will suffer from overcrowding.
September to November is a beautiful time to see the changing
leaves.
Dress
Due to the variable climate in Japan, if you are travelling
distances you should pack for all weather. An umbrella and
waterproof jacket is also vital during your stay. T- shirts
and shorts are good for the summer heat. If you are planning
on staying a long time and have large feet be warned - you
won't be able to buy new shoes while out in Japan, so make
sure you either take several pairs, or buy ones that will
last. Likewise bring lots of clean socks, as Japanese custom
requires you to remove your shoes before entering houses.
Visas
It is essential to ensure that your passport is up to date
before you plan your trip. Tourist and business visitors are
not required to obtain a visa if they are staying in Japan
for less than 90 days. Stays of up to 6 months are permitted
for citizens of Austria, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland
and the UK. Stays of up to 3 months are permitted for citizens
of Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland,
Israel, Sweden, America and other countries. Visitors from
Australia and South Africa are among those nationals requiring
a visa valid for 90 days.
Working holiday visas are easier to obtain then regular visas,
and are available to persons age 18-30 from Australia, Canada
and New Zealand. This allows a six- month stay and two six-month
extensions. Make sure you obtain a letter of employment from
Japan before you arrive in the country. If you plan to stay
in Japan for more than 90 days you must obtain an Alien Registration
card. |
