Overview of Japan
Japan is an isolated archipelago off the coast of mainland China, Russia, and Korea, separated from its Asian neighbours by the Sea of Japan. Between 1639 and 1859, Japan elected to cut itself off from trade or traffic with the rest of the world, except for marginal contact through the southern Kyushu island ports.
Since reopening up its doors around 150 years ago, the densely populated islands have developed in leaps and bounds and much of the country is now covered by sprawling neon-lit cities and the world's most sophisticated public transport networks.
Modern it may be, but Japan still retains plenty of its mystical oriental charm. From the intricacies of etiquette demanded in social situations, to the minimalist décor behind rice paper screens, traditional Japanese culture is alive and well, making a visit to Japan a fascinating experience.
The modern metropolises are dotted with numerous ancient shrines and temples, while the countryside is riddled with hundreds of volcanoes and hot springs overlooking pastoral paddy fields. Parks are festooned with rigidly raked white gravel Zen gardens or coated with layers of lilac and cherry blossom.
Japan's islands are mountainous in the interior - 75 percent of the country's landmass is made up of mountains - and most of the people are tightly packed within the limitations of the coastal plains, particularly on the main island of Honshu. Tokyo, the capital and largest city, situated on Honshu's east coast, has a population of 12 million.
Despite this huge mass of humanity, Japan is well ordered. Everything runs on time, and crime levels are almost non-existent. It is still possible to find beautiful vistas and wide empty spaces in the countryside, and when you are forced to mingle with the urban throngs you will find the Japanese to be charming, courteous, and friendly to foreign faces.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Japanese is the official language. Most Japanese people will have studied English at school, but few can speak it well or understand exactly what is said to them in English.
- Passport/Visa:
-
All foreign passengers to Japan must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, but most Japanese operate with cash. Money can be exchanged in banks, post offices and currency exchange bureaux. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. The best foreign currency to take to exchange are US dollars. ATMs are common but do not accept all credit and debit cards; only the international ATMs in post offices, airports and some major stores will accept foreign cards.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 100 volts, 60Hz in the west (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima); 100 volts, 50Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo, Sapporo, Yokohoma). Flat two- and three-pin plugs are used.
Travel to Japan
Overview
The fascinating land of pink cherry blossoms, sushi, and manga comics, Japan is a cultural explosion of historic attractions, neon-lit cities, and exquisite mountainous landscapes. Thankfully, this mystical country retains plenty of its ancient charm resulting in an experience of a lifetime.
Head to the capital of Tokyo for a spot of shopping, sample authentic Japanese cuisine, and maybe even enjoy a little karaoke. Although famous for its glitz and neon glam, this impressive modern metropolis also has ancient shrines and temples round just about every corner, making the sightseeing a wonderful combination of old and new.
Head south to the city of Hiroshima, the country's most famous tourist destination, where thousands of visitors make a pilgrimage to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, taking in the museums and lively city that has emerged triumphantly from the horror of the atomic bomb dropped during World War II. Hiroshima is a must for anybody interested in modern history and is a deeply moving place to visit.
Once you have had enough of Japan's cities, visit the countryside and witness picturesque volcanoes, take a dip in the hot springs, and explore the mountainous interior of the islands. Japan is a beautiful country and even in the cities the parks are punctuated with cherry blossom trees and mathematically correct Zen gardens which never cease to amaze foreigners.
Climate in Japan
The weather throughout the four main islands that make up Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons. The climate varies according to island and terrain, so visitors should be sure to check the weather for the region they are visiting.
The weather can get very hot during the summer months - June, July and August - which can also be humid. In the south, winters are cool but sunny, as one moves further north temperatures drop and snow falls. The island of Hokkaido in the far north of Japan is bitterly cold in the winter, with snow guaranteed. The rainy season runs from June to early August and August, September and October are typhoon season in Japan.
The best time to visit Japan varies depending on desired activities and regions, but April is a wonderful month to visit as the cherry blossoms are usually adorning the trees making it the prettiest time of year in the country.
September, October, and November - the autumn months - are also a pleasant time to visit, although it is typhoon season. Japan is popular year-round as a travel destination because it attracts winter sports enthusiasts in the cold months and sightseers the rest of the year, but spring and autumn are the most comfortable weather-wise.
Health Notes when travelling to Japan
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Japan. Long-term travellers, staying for more than a month in rural areas, should consider getting a Japanese encephalitis vaccination if they are travelling between the months of June and September.
Medical facilities are very good in Japan, but medical assistance can be very expensive and visitors have to pay the whole cost upfront. Travellers should ensure that they have adequate medical insurance before travelling.
Vicks inhalers and other common medications used for allergies and sinus problems are banned under the strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law, and visitors are advised to check with the Japanese embassy if in doubt.
It is always best to take prescribed medications with you when you travel, in the original packaging and with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing what the medication is and why you need it.
Safety Notes when travelling to Japan
The vast majority of visits to Japan are trouble-free. It is generally a very safe country with low levels of common crime and is stable, highly developed, and modern. Travellers should, however, still be vigilant about personal safety and belongings.
Typhoons are common, particularly from August to October, and travellers should take note of storm warnings along the coastal regions if travelling during this period. Japan is in a major earthquake zone, and earthquakes of varying sizes occur very frequently.
Customs in Japan
The Japanese are formal and reserved and visitors are expected to behave politely. Their system of etiquette is one of the most complex in the world, with a strict code of conduct for almost every situation. It is important to avoid causing 'loss of face' by insulting or criticising someone in front of others. Bowing is the customary greeting.
Duty Free in Japan
Travellers to Japan over 20 years do not have to pay duty on 3 bottles of alcoholic beverages; 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g tobacco; perfume up to 60ml; and gifts and souvenirs to the value of ¥200,000.
Prohibited items include all types of firearms and ammunition, narcotics, pornography, meat products, counterfeit money, all plants and vegetables with soil, fresh fruit, vegetables and plants or parts thereof.
Doing Business in Japan
Business in Japan can be highly formal and greetings are usually rather ritualistic due to the hierarchical society; a third party introduction is useful. Central to doing business in Japan is the notion of kaizen, which represents the drive for constant improvement. Japanese business culture is very formal in dress code and conduct.
Always greet in order of seniority, first by bowing and then offering a handshake. A polite bow is customary; the more senior the person, the deeper the bow. Expect silence in meetings and don't be surprised if a business associate goes silent and closes his eyes in a meeting - it indicates reflection. As with many Asian countries, it is important to avoid being too direct, while still illustrating sincerity and honesty. When deflecting difficult or embarrassing questions, vague forms of expression are key.
Relationship building is central to business culture in Japan. Meetings often include excessive small talk as a means of building rapport. Calm, introverted and humble personality types garner respect. However, sober attitudes are suspended during social activities; evening drinks with business associates is an important part of solidifying business relationships in Japan, and whatever happens during the evening drinks, is never repeated or spoken about during business hours.
Business cards are exchanged often, using both hands. It can be useful to have cards printed with both English and Japanese, and one should present the card with the Japanese side facing the recipient. English translators are vital when conducting business in Japan as Japanese tends to be the language of business. Office hours start at 8am and finish at 6pm throughout the week. Business wear is formal and gifts, although not expected, are appreciated. Small items branded with your company's logo are generally well received.
Communication in Japan
The international access code for Japan is +81. City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)3 for Tokyo and (0)82 for Hiroshima. Hotels, cafes, and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Japan
Tips and bargaining are not expected in Japan; in fact, tipping is usually considered almost rude and shouldn't be attempted.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Japan must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country, return/onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days (extension possible), for British passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British National (Overseas). British nationals with other endorsements should confirm requirements with their nearest embassy.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Japan.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, with extensions possible.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Japan. Passport exemptions apply to holders of a temporary or emergency passport who are New Zealand nationals. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC Business Travel Card, provided the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Japan.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival, and require a visa to enter Japan.
Japan Embassies
- In the United States:
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Japanese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 238 6700.
- In Canada:
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Japanese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 241 8541.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Japanese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7465 6500.
- In Australia:
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Japanese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3244.
- In Ireland:
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Japanese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 202 8300.
- In New Zealand:
-
Japanese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 1540.
- In South Africa:
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Japanese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 452 1500.
Foreign Embassies in Japan
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3224 5000.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5412 6200.
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5211 1100.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 5232 4111.
- Irish Embassy
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Irish Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3263 0695.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3467 2271.
- South African Embassy
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South African Embassy, Tokyo: +81 (0)3 3265 3366.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Japan
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis A | Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Japan, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you. |  |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Japanese Encephalitis | You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Japan and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Japan or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Japan. |  |
| Rabies | Rabies is present in bats in Japan. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Japan, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Japan and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Japan or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Japan.
Rabies is present in bats in Japan. However, it is not a major risk to most travelers. CDC recommends rabies vaccine for only these groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities in remote areas that put them at risk for bat bites (such as adventure travel and caving).
- People who will be working with or around bats (such as wildlife professionals and researchers).
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Japan, so your behaviors are important.
Food and water standards in Japan are similar to those in the United States. Most travelers do not need to take special food or water precautions beyond what they normally do at home.
Hide Although Japan is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Japan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity in the heat of the day.
- If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
- Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Japan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Make sure there are seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Japan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Japan.
- Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
- LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Japan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Top
Hide Travel Health Notices
There are no notices currently in effect for Japan.
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels and stores, but most Japanese operate with cash. Money can be exchanged in banks, post offices and currency exchange bureaux. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. The best foreign currency to take to exchange are US dollars. ATMs are common but do not accept all credit and debit cards; only the international ATMs in post offices, airports and some major stores will accept foreign cards.
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Exchange rate for 1 JPY - Japanese Yen
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0.01 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
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0.01 EUR
Euro
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0.01 USD
U.S. Dollar
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0.01 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
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0.01 CAD
Canadian Dollar
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0.01 CHF
Swiss Franc
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0.01 AUD
Australian Dollar
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0.23 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
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3.10 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
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13.83 LBP
Lebanese Pound
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0.01 LYD
Libyan Dinar
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0.06 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
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0.99 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
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0.00 OMR
Omani Rial
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0.03 QAR
Qatari Rial
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0.01 SGD
Singapore Dollar
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0.08 SEK
Swedish Krona
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0.06 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
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0.09 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
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0.42 DOP
Dominican Peso
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0.06 HRK
Croatian Kuna
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0.17 MXN
Mexican Peso
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5.38 XOF
West African CFA Franc
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0.03 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
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0.01 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
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0.02 FJD
Fiji Dollar
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0.21 HNL
Honduran Lempira
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1.01 DZD
Algerian Dinar
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10.94 MMK
Myanma Kyat
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0.10 BWP
Botswana Pula
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0.03 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
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6.37 CLP
Chilean Peso
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4.39 AMD
Armenia Dram
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0.22 CZK
Czech Koruna
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0.18 MDL
Moldova Lei
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1.14 ISK
Icelandic Krona
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26.99 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
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0.04 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
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0.01 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
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0.00 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
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0.29 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
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0.33 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
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0.26 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
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0.08 NOK
Norwegian Krone
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0.04 PLN
Polish Zloty
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0.03 SAR
Saudi Riyal
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1.34 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
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0.33 THB
Thai Baht
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0.03 AED
U.A.E Dirham
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0.03 BRL
Brazilian Real
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0.04 RON
Romanian New Leu
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0.07 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
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5.40 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
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206.38 VND
Vietnamese Dong
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0.13 ARS
Argentine Peso
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0.02 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
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0.07 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
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0.09 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
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0.00 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
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0.01 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
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0.01 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
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28.63 COP
Colombian Peso
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0.63 KGS
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Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
Tokyo Narita International Airport
http://www.narita-airport.jp
Location: Tokyo The airport is located about 45 miles (73km) northeast of Tokyo.
Time: GMT +9.
Contacts:
Switchboard: +81 (0) 476 34 8000.
Transfer between terminals:
A free shuttle bus connects the three terminals.
Getting to the city:
Terminal 1 has a separate railway station from Terminal 2 and 3. Terminal 1 uses Narita Airport Station and Terminal 2 and 3 use Airport Terminal 2 Station. Different train services on the JR or Keisei lines serve Tokyo and surrounding destinations. The journey to Tokyo takes at least one hour. Buses connect to the domestic airport and hotels in the city centre; the journey takes between one and two hours from the pick up at departure lobbies of Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
Car rental:
Car rentals can be organised at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Fixed fare taxis are available from outside the airport's arrival area, and there are assistants available at the designated fixed fare taxi stands in the airport.
Facilities:
The facilities at Narita Airport are extensive and include shops (including duty-free), banks, ATMs, currency exchange bureaux, massage services, baby changing areas, a pet hotel, beauty salons and left luggage. A variety of restaurants catering for Japanese, Chinese and Western tastes are available. Both terminals have shower facilities and Day Rooms (bedrooms which can be hired by the hour).
Parking:
Terminal 1 parking is in P1 and P5, while Terminal 2 parking is in P2 and P3. Parking at Tokyo Narita International Airport starts at ¥260 per 30 minutes for the first three and a half hours, with a flat rate of ¥2100 for anything between three and a half and 24 hours.
Matsuyama Airport (MYJ)
Matsuyama Airport
http://www.matsuyama-airport.co.jp
Location: Matsuyama The airport is located four miles (6km) from Matsuyama city centre.
Time: Local time is GMT+9
Getting to the city:
Limousine bus services are available to various areas of the city.
Car rental:
Car rental agencies at the airport include Europcar and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available to transport travellers to their required destination.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shopping (including duty-free shops), restaurants, a business lounge, waiting rooms, wifi, a hospitality corner and parking.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport and costs ¥100 for the first half an hour, thereafter ¥150 every hour. The daily rate is ¥800.
Ube Airport (UBJ)
Yamaguchi Ube Airport
http://www.yamaguchiube-airport.jp
Location: Ube The airport is located three miles (4km) from Ube city centre.
Time: GMT +9
Getting to the city:
Shuttle buses connect the airport to the train stations in the area. Taxis are available for hire.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Toyota Rent-A-Car, Nissan Car Rental and Times Car Rental.
Airport Taxis:
Taxi transportation is available from the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops and food vendors, an ATM, a lounge, a luxury waiting room (for a fee), an event hall and a nursing room.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Tokyo International Airport
http://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/en
Location: Tokyo The airport is located about 12 miles (20km) south of Tokyo.
Time: GMT +9.
Contacts:
+81 3 5757 8111.
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus, the monorail line and an underground passageway.
Getting to the city:
There are both railway and monorail connections for getting into Tokyo from Haneda Airport. Nonstop express routes take roughly 30 minutes to get into downtown Tokyo.
Car rental:
There are car rental facilities in the airport, including Orix, Nippon, Nissan, and Toyota.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport, with taxi stands outside each terminal. Taxis into town tend to be very expensive, however.
Facilities:
Services and facilities provided at Tokyo Haneda Airport include wifi, currency exchange, ATMs, disabled facilities, hair salons, banks, a post office, medical clinics, baggae storage, a lost and found, and nearly a dozen information desks.
Parking:
Long and short-term parking is available in four parking lots adjacent to the terminals.
Aomori Airport (AOJ)
Aomori Airport
http://www.aomori-airport.co.jp
Location: Aomori The airport is located seven miles (11km) from Aomori city centre.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Getting to the city:
There is bus service from the airport, timed to coincide with arriving flights. The journey takes about 35 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Toyota Rent A Car, Nissan Rent A Car, Times Car Rental, and Orix Car Rental.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a waiting room, shopping (including duty-free shopping), an airport lounge, restaurants and cafes.
Parking:
The airport has a multilevel parking area. The airport also has outdoor parking, bicycle parking and bays for people with disabilities. Parking has a basic cost of about ¥200, and overnight parking is ¥830.
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
Fukuoka Airport
http://www.fukuoka-airport.jp/english/
Location: Fukuoka Fukuoka Airport is located less than two miles (3km) east of Hakata Station in Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan.
Time: Local time is GMT +9.
Transfer between terminals:
The Domestic and International Terminals are connected by a shuttle bus that runs every ten minutes.
Getting to the city:
Several buses depart from the Domestic Terminal to various parts of Fukuoka. Buses from the International Terminal are more limited. The Kuko line of the subway also runs from the airport into the city, and connects with the Hakozaki and Nanakuma lines.
Car rental:
Car rental reservations can be made at the Information Desk in each terminal.
Airport Taxis:
Taxi stands are located outside each Arrivals Terminal, and are operated by the Fukuoka City Taxi Association.
Facilities:
The airport offers banking services and currency exchange, a post office, left luggage facilities, lockers, a smoking area, nursing room, clinic and pharmacy, and VIP lounge, as well as a number of restaurants, bars, and shops. Duty-free shopping is available in the International Terminal.
Parking:
Car Parks located near the Domestic Terminal charge ¥200 up to 11 hours, and ¥2,400 for 24 hours. Another car park is located across from the International Terminal, and charges ¥200 every hour, for the first four hours, and ¥1,000 after the first four hours, up to 24 hours.
Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)
Osaka Kansai International Airport
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp
Location: Osaka Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay, 30 miles (50km) from Osaka.
Time: GMT +9.
Transfer between terminals:
The terminals are approximately two and a half miles (4km) apart, and are connected by a free shuttle service.
Getting to the city:
Kansai Airport Transportation Enterprise and other bus operators offer scheduled express bus services, called "Airport Limousines", for Kansai International Airport. Trains connect the airport to Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, and Kyoto Station. Other trains are available to Kyobashi Station and Namba Station, from which various connections can be made. There are also high-speed ferry services from Kansai to Kobe Airport.
Car rental:
Rental cars are available at the airport from Nippon, Nissan, Toyota, Orix, and Times Car Rental.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available and it is possible to book shuttles and taxis (either single or shared) from several operators at the airport, however these must be booked well in advance.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include an airport hotel, banks and ATMs, currency exchange, baggage storage and delivery, coin lockers, porters, mobile phone and wifi router rentals, children's play areas and baby rooms, a post office, medical and dental facilities, meeting points, battery charging ports, a pet hotel, prayer room, police services, airport lounges, showers, relaxation areas, smoking rooms, conference facilities, tourist information desks, and a variety of shopping and dining options.
Parking:
Parking is free for the first 30 minutes, then charged from ¥100 to ¥110 per 15 minutes up to six hours, after which a flat fee of ¥2,620 is charged for the first 24 hours. From the second day, a daily rate of ¥1,570 applies.
Hakodate Airport (HKD)
Hakodate Airport
http://www.airport.ne.jp/hakodate
Location: Hakodate The airport is situated five miles (8km) east of Hakodate Station in Hakodate.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Getting to the city:
Buses depart from the ground level of the airport to Hakodate train station and various other destinations every 15 to 30 minutes. Taxis are also available.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Nissan Car Lease, Toyota Rent a Car, Times Car Rental, Nippon Car Rental, Orix Car Rental, and Honda Rent a Car.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are readily available outside the entrance of the domestic arrivals lobby.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include ATMs, lockers, an art gallery, copy and fax machines, a post box, a smoking room, massage chairs, a bookstore, a snack shop, a bar, a duty-free shop (for international flights only), restaurants and cafes, an observation deck and a kids' corner.
Parking:
24 hour airport parking is available at a rate of about ¥150 per hour, and a flat rate of about ¥800 for five to 24 hours. The first 30 minutes are free.
Hachijo Jima Airport (HAC)
Hachijo Jima Airport
Location: Hachijo Jima The airport is situated in Hachijo Jima, on the southern Izu Islands.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Getting to the city:
The bus service in Hachijo Jima is used to transport travellers from the airport to the town centre. The bus departs from the airport six times a day between 7.30am and 5.30pm. Taxis are available outside of the airport. There are also sightseeing taxis available at the airport.
Car rental:
Car rental is available at the airport. Please note that there are no petrol stations north of the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the airport. There are also guided sightseeing taxis available.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a restaurant, snack stands and gift stores. There is no ATM or post office, but these facilities are a five-minute drive away from the airport.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)
Hiroshima Airport
http://www.hij.airport.jp
Location: Hiroshima Hiroshima Airport is located in the city of Mihara, 31 miles (50km) east of Hiroshima.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Getting to the city:
Buses are available from the airport (outside the domestic arrival lobby) to the city centre. The journey time is about 45 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Times Car Rental, Toyota Rent A Car, Nissan Car Rental, Nippon Car Rental and Orix Rent A Car.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are readily available outside the domestic arrivals lobby.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a PC Corner (computers, internet access and plugs to charge devices), a shopping area, a lounge, an observation deck, a restaurant, baggage lockers, a cafe, a foreign currency exchange booth, a nursery, an ATM and a police station.
Parking:
There are four parking options at Hiroshima Airport that all have different price ranges. These are the government-operated Airport Car Park, two Prefectural Airport Car Parks and the Private Masahiro Car Park. In all but the private Mashiro lot, the first 30 minutes are free.
Kagoshima Airport (KOJ)
Kagoshima Airport
http://www.koj-ab.co.jp
Location: Kagoshima The airport is located in Kirishima, 18 miles (29km) northeast of Kagoshima-Chuo Station in Kagoshima City.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Transfer between terminals:
Terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Getting to the city:
Buses to the city are available outside the domestic terminal. Tickets can be bought on the first floor of the domestic terminal at the Bus Information Centre. The journey takes an hour to the city centre.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Europcar, Nissan Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental and Toyota Rent A Car.
Airport Taxis:
A taxi stand can be located outside the domestic terminal.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include restaurants, coffee shops, an observation deck, a post office, shops, a kids' corner, internet access, an ATM, a nursery, foreign currency exchange services, mobile phone chargers, a first aid station, a post office and coin lockers.
Parking:
Parking is available opposite the domestic terminal. The first three hours of parking are free, thereafter it is ¥100 for two to 10 hours, and ¥800 for 10 to 24 hours. After 24 hours an additional ¥100 is charged for every three hours.
Kita Kyushu Airport (KKJ)
Kita Kyushu Airport
http://www.kitakyu-air.jp
Location: Kita Kyushu The airport is situated on an artificial island in the western Seto Inland Sea, two miles (3km) away from Kita Kyushu.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Contacts:
+81 93 475 4195
Getting to the city:
Buses can be accessed outside the arrival lobby on the first floor. Tickets can be bought from the airport bus station.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Nissan, Nippon, Toyota, Budget, Times Car Rental and Orix Rent-A-Car.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are readily available outside the arrival lobby on the first floor. It is about a 20 minute journey to the city.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include restaurants, fast food outlets, gift shops, book stores, duty-free shopping, a smoking room, a foot bath, an observation deck, an airport lounge and money exchange facilities.
Parking:
There are 1,780 parking bays, 20 disabled bays, four truck bays and 30 bike bays at the airport, in front of the terminal. Parking costs about ¥210 for the first hour, ¥420 for the second hour, and ¥520 for two to 24 hours.
Kochi Airport (KCZ)
Kochi Ryoma Airport
http://www.kochiap.co.jp
Location: Kochi The airport is located eight miles (13km) east of the city of Kochi.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Getting to the city:
Travellers can catch the airport bus (Kochi Station Tourist Bus) to Kochi Station. The journey takes 40 minutes and tickets can be bought from a vending machine outside the arrivals lobby. Taxis are also available outside the airport terminal, but are a lot more expensive. Car rentals can be made from the arrival lobby.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Times Car Rental, Europcar, Orix, Japan Car Rental, Budget Rent a Car and Nissan Car Rental. Car rentals can be made from the car rental counter in the arrivals lobby.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. They can be hailed from the taxi stand or booked in advance. It is around a 35-minute drive to the Kochi Train Station. Drivers are unlikely to speak English so it is a good idea to have the destination written down in Japanese or to point it out on a map as a precaution.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a coffee shop, a restaurant, a cafe, an observation deck, shops, an ATM, prepaid computer work stations, coin-operated lockers, a nursery, massage chairs, a special pilgrim's changing room and a police station.
Parking:
Parking is available outside the terminal at Kochi Airport.
Komatsu Airport (KMQ)
Komatsu Airport
http://www.komatsuairport.jp
Location: Komatsu The airport is located two and a half miles (4km) southwest of the city of Komatsu.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Getting to the city:
Hokuriku Railway Buses offer trips to Kanazawa Station with a stop off in the city centre (not all buses stop in the city centre). A Komatsu Bus service takes travellers to the JR Komatsu Train Station. The journey time is around 12 minutes. CANBUS bus service also offers bus services from the airport to Kaga Loop, with multiple stops along the way. The bus stop is situated outside the domestic flights entrance and tickets can be bought from a vending machine at the bus stop. Taxis are also available outside the international flights entrance, and charge a flat rate from the airport to Komatsu Station. Rental cars are available from the airport, and this is the recommended method of transport.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Orix Rent-a-Car, Japaren Rent-a-Car, Toyota Rent-a-Car, Nippon Rent-a-Car, Nissan Rent-a-Car and Mazda Car Rental.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are also readily available from outside the international flights entrance/exit. Rates will vary depending on traffic conditions.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include ATMs, coin lockers, currency exchange services, a smoking area, a nursery, shopping (including a duty-free shop), cafes, restaurants, bookshops, a pharmacy and a police station.
Parking:
There are 1,617 parking spaces available in two parking lots at the airport: one for international flights and one for domestic flights. The international parking lot is free of charge, while the domestic parking lot charge ¥100 per hour, or ¥800 for every 24 hours. The first 30 minutes are free.
Kumamoto Airport (KMJ)
Kumamoto Airport
http://www.kmj-ab.co.jp
Location: Kumamoto The airport is located in Mashiki, Kumamoto. It is 11 miles (18 km) from the city.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Getting to the city:
A bus can be taken from the airport to the city centre. The journey takes about 40 minutes. A bus can also be caught to Kumamoto Bus Station. Tickets are available from vending machines.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Toyota Rent-A-Lease, Nissan, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Kumamoto Nissan Rent-A-Car, ORIX Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental and Budget Rent and Lease. Rental offices can be located in the lobby on the first floor.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are also available from outside of the terminal and can be booked in advance.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include travel agents, coin-operated lockers, a nursing room, a first aid room, shops, ticket vending machines (Monorail, JR lines and Keikyu line), an information desk, an ATM, smoking rooms, internet corner (desks and charging devices for electronics), a relaxation salon, charging machines for mobile phones, a kids' corner and restaurants.
Parking:
Parking is available in front of the terminal. There are 1,216 parking bays including 14 handicapped bays (wheelchairs can be requested on arrival). Parking fees are around ¥150 per hour and ¥800 for between five and 24 hours.
Akita Airport (AXT)
Akita Airport
http://www.akita-airport.com
Location: Akita The airport is located about nine miles (14km) southeast of Akita.
Time: GMT +9.
Contacts:
+81 18 886 3366
Getting to the city:
There is a bus running to Akita station from the airport, scheduled to depart regularly after flight arrivals. It takes about 50 minutes to get to Akita by bus.
Car rental:
Car rental companies are represented at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport. Passengers should have the address and phone number of their destination written in Japanese.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include ATMs, baggage lockers, public phones, a gift shop, restaurants, a VIP lounge, an aircraft exhibition area and a petrol station.
Parking:
There is a multi-storey car park located opposite the terminal.
Asahikawa Airport (AKJ)
Asahikawa Airport
http://www.aapb.co.jp
Location: Asahikawa The airport is located 12 miles (20km) from Asahikawa city centre.
Time: Local time is GMT +9
Getting to the city:
Bus services are available from the airport to the city centre with a journey time of 35 minutes.
Car rental:
Rental cars are available at the airport. Rental companies include Toyota Rent A Car, Times Car Rental, Orix Rent-A-Car and World Net Rent-A-Car.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the taxi rank outside the terminal buliding to transfer passengers to their required destination.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shopping, restaurants, wifi, a viewing deck, fax and photocopy machines, a lounge, a foreign currency exchange macine, lockers and a baby changing room.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport. During the day visitors have the first hour of parking free, with every hour after that costing ¥100, up to a daily limit of ¥500. There is parking available for motorcycles and people with disabilities at a half the standard rate.
Miyazaki Airport (KMI)
Miyazaki Airport
http://www.miyazaki-airport.co.jp
Location: Miyazaki The airport is located two miles (3km) from Miyazaki.
Time: Local time is GMT+9
Getting to the city:
The Japan Railway serves the airport via several lines, including service to Miyazaki, Nobeoka, and Takachiho. Bus service is also available to the city and farther north.
Car rental:
Car rental companies are available.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops (including duty-free), car rental, restaurants, an airline lounge, lockers, an ATM, a post box, a smoking corner, and a nursing room.
Parking:
Short and long-term parking is available at the airport. Parking is charged at ¥100 for one hour and ¥800 for 24 hours.
Nagasaki Airport (NGS)
Nagasaki Airport
http://www.nagasaki-airport.jp/en
Location: Nagasaki The airport is located about 19 miles (30km) north of Nagasaki city centre.
Time: Local time is GMT+9
Getting to the city:
Buses are available to Shinchi Terminal (35 minutes), Chuou Bashi (38 minutes) and Nagasaki Station (43-58 minutes). Other destinations are also available, and fares and journey times vary. Ferries run to Togitsu (25 minutes) and Huis Ten Bosch (50 minutes).
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Nissan Rent-A-Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent-A-Car and Times Car Rental.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the passenger arrivals section of the airport. Taxi companies available at the airport include Godo Taxi, Takematsu Taxi and Omura Lucky Taxi.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a smoking room, an ATM, coin lockers, baby buggy rental, wheel chair rental, an observation deck, forgein exchange services, a business centre and lounge, an internet room, a baby care centre, restaurants and shops.
Parking:
Parking is available opposite the terminal building and costs ¥100 for 60 minutes, ¥200 for 90 minutes, ¥300 for 120 minutes, and ¥150 per every hour thereafter with a flat rate of ¥700 for up to 24 hours.
Nagoya Airport (NGO)
Chubu Centrair International Airport
http://www.centrair.jp
Location: Nagoya The airport is located 22 miles (35km) south of Nagoya.
Time: GMT+9
Contacts:
Centrair Telephone Centre: +81 569 38 1195
Getting to the city:
The quickest way to get to Nagoya is by train. With a journey time of 28 minutes, the train station is within the terminal building; fares are dependent on destination. Airport buses arrive at the first floor of the terminal building, and run to various destinations in Nagoya.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Toyota Rent-A-Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Times Car Rental, Orix Rent-A-Car and Nissan Rent-A-Car. The car rental desks are in the Access Plaza of the airport.
Airport Taxis:
There are a number of taxi companies available as well as a noriai taxi (rideshare taxi) at the airport. The Taxi Information Counter is located on the second floor of the Access Plaza, and the taxi pick-up point is located on the first floor of the Access Plaza.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include computers with internet access, mobile phone rental, an information desk, a police station, a post office, a clinic, lounges, facilities for people with disabilities, currency exchange services, a bank, ATMs, a hotel, a nursing room, a children's play area, an observation deck, a bath house, massage chairs, shopping (including duty-free shops) and restaurants.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport and is directly connected to the terminal building. In P1 and P2 the first half hour is free, then parking is charged at ¥300 per hour, ¥1,500 per day, and ¥7,500 for anything between five and 30 days.
Oita Airport (OIT)
Oita Airport
http://www.oita-airport.jp
Location: Oita The airport is located 18 miles (30km) from Oita city centre.
Time: GMT +9
Contacts:
Airport General Enquiries Desk: +81 978 67 1174
Transfer between terminals:
The domestic and international terminals are accessible to one another by walking.
Getting to the city:
Buses are available to transport passengers to the city centre. A bus to Oita Station takes about 60 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Toyota Rental Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, Timescar Rent-A-Car, Budget Rent-A-Car, Orix Rent-A-Car and Nissan Rent-A-Car.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available outside the passenger terminal building to transfer passengers to their desired destinations.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a nursery, baby beds, a first aid station, a smoking room, a locker room, an information desk, ATMs, public telephones, cafes, and shops.
Parking:
Parking is available opposite the passenger terminal.
Okayama Airport (OKJ)
Okayama Airport
http://www.okayama-airport.org
Location: Okayama The airport is located 11 miles (18km) from Okayama city centre.
Time: GMT +9
Getting to the city:
Buses and shared taxis are available at the airport to transport passengers to the city.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Toyota, Nippon, Orix and Nissan. The car rental desks are on the first floor of the terminal building.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include general information, restaurants, kiosks, a lounge, car rental and currency exchange.
Parking:
Parking is available near the terminal. Parking lots 2 to 4 are free and have 2,891 spaces collectively, while lot P1 offers paid parking for 252 vehicles.
Okinawa Airport (OKA)
Naha Airport
http://www.naha-airport.co.jp
Location: Okinawa The airport is located three miles (4km) from Okinawa city centre.
Time: GMT +9
Transfer between terminals:
The Domestic and International Terminals may be reached on foot.
Getting to the city:
Passengers can take the monorail from the airport as far as Shuri Station, which takes around 27 minutes; trains operate between 6am and 11.30pm. There are also several bus lines that service the airport.
Car rental:
Car rental companies are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport to transport passengers to their required destination.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include an information desk, a post office, computer terminals, public telephones, a nursing room, a smoking area, coin lockers, vending machines, a bank, and shops and restaurants.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport and is located within walking distance of the terminal.
Yonago Airport (YGJ)
Miho-Yonago Airport
http://www.yonago-air.com
Location: Yonago The airport is located seven miles (12km) from Yonago city centre.
Time: GMT +9
Getting to the city:
The JR West Sakai Line has service from the airport departing roughly once per hour between 6am and 11.45pm on weekdays, and between 7am and 11pm on weekends and holidays. Buses run to Yonago Station and Matsue Station between 8am and 9.30pm.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Nippon, Toyota Rent-A-Car, Times, Orix and Nissan Rent-A-Car.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport to transport passengers to their required destination. A taxi to Yonago Station takes around 25 minutes, while a taxi to Sakaiminato Station takes only 10 minutes.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops (including duty-free), a VIP room, lounges, a baby rest room, restaurants, coffee shops, snack bars, a massage parlour, a first aid station, ATMs and coin lockers.
Parking:
There is a free parking lot in front of the terminal. Lots P1, P2 and P3 are used for overflow when the parking space in front of the airport is at full capacity; these lots have room for 1,300 vehicles collectively.
Toyama Airport (TOY)
Toyama Airport
http://www.toyama-airport.co.jp
Location: Toyama The airport is located three miles (6km) south of Toyama.
Time: Local time is GMT +9.
Getting to the city:
Shuttle buses are available from the airport to JR Toyama station; the trip takes around 25 minutes.
Car rental:
Several car rental companies are represented at the airport, including Japaren, Toyota Rent-a-Car, Times Car Rental and Nissan Rent-a-Car.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport. The trip to central Toyama takes around 30 minutes.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include public phones, shops and restaurants, nursing areas, smoking areas, ATMs, currency exchange, and a pharmacy. Disabled facilities are good.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport.
Tokushima Airport (TKS)
Tokushima Awaodori Airport
http://www.tokushima-airport.co.jp
Location: Tokushima The airport is located in Matsushige, just outside the city of Tokushima.
Time: GMT +9.
Contacts:
+81 88 699 2831
Getting to the city:
Buses are available to a number of destinations in Tokushima, Naruto, Anan, and Miyoshi; buses to JR Tokushima Station take approximately 25 minutes.
Car rental:
Car rental counters are located on the first floor of the terminal.
Airport Taxis:
A taxi stand is located at the exit to the terminal building.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include conference rooms, ATMs, baggage lockers, nursing rooms, charging ports, information points, smoking areas, rest stations, and a number of shopping and dining options.
Parking:
Parking is available opposite the terminal building.
Shonai Airport (SYO)
Shonai Airport
http://www.shonai-airport.co.jp
Location: Sakata The airport is situated about eight miles (12km) southwest from Shonai and eight miles (12km) south of Sakata.
Time: GMT +9
Getting to the city:
Buses are available at the airport, travelling to a number of destinations including the Sakata Railway Station, which is the main transport hub in the area. Taxis and rental cars are also available.
Car rental:
Car rental companies represented at the airport include Toyota Rent-A-Car, Nissan Car Rental and Orix Car Rental.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are generally available at the airport and at the JR Sakata Station, but travellers should have their destination written in Japanese as very few drivers speak English.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include an ATM, mobile phone chargers, a smoking room, and a selection of shops and restaurants.
Parking:
Airport car parking is accessible between 5am and 11pm and is free of charge.
Takamatsu Airport (TAK)
Takamatsu Airport
http://www.takamatsu-airport.com
Location: Takamatsu The airport is situated nine miles (15km) southwest of Takamatsu.
Time: GMT +9
Contacts:
+81 87 814 3355.
Getting to the city:
Taxis and buses are available to transport visitors from the airport to the city and the Takamatsu Railway Station, among other destinations.
Car rental:
Rental cars are available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are generally available at the airport and the journey to the Takamatsu Railway Station takes about half an hour. Travellers should note that most taxi drivers don't speak English and it is a good idea to have the desired destination written down in Japanese.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include ATMs, an observation deck, information kiosks, shops, infant nursing rooms, smoking rooms, exhibit space, public telephones, and a selection of restaurants and coffee shops.
Parking:
Parking is available at the airport. Parking is charged at ¥150 per hour for the first four hours and ¥800 per 24 hours.
Hakuba
Tokyo
At the heart of the Japanese Alps is Hakuba, a popular ski resort only three hours' drive from downtown Tokyo. Hakuba is among the largest skiing resorts in Japan, incorporating multiple resorts and ski areas.
It played host to the 1998 Winter Olympics as part of the Nagano prefecture, and some of the facilities are still in use, including the Hakuba Ski Jumping Stadium and the Hakuba Olympic Village Memorial Hall.
With a variety of après ski activities, Hakuba is a fun place off the slopes as well. There are a number of good restaurants serving both Western and Asian cuisine, and many hotels have relaxing hot spring baths. The main nightlife area in Hakuba is in Echoland.
Hakuba is also a popular summer resort and is a good place for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Day tours to Matsumoto Castle are a popular excursion.
Nightlife in Hakuba
Hakuba boasts that it has the best après ski drinks scene and nightlife of all the ski resorts in Japan and there are indeed many bars, pubs and watering holes to choose from. The resorts in the area attract a young crowd as well as families and the atmosphere in the evening is often very festive and sociable. Those in search of a good party will probably find one. Echoland, Wadano, Happo, and Goryu all have numerous bars.
Shopping in Hakuba
Although Hakuba has all the souvenir shops and gift stores and convenience stores that tourists might need for basic holiday shopping, it is not an impressive destination for big brands or fashion shopping and even the ski equipment shops are not exactly up-to-date with fashionable gear. Visitors should therefore not expect exciting shopping sprees, but will be able to enjoy some local crafts and produce and find some lovely souvenirs.
Things to do in Hakuba
For some extra fun in the snow visitors can try cross country skiing (on the Winter Olympic course), snowshoe tours through the scenic valley, and snow rafting. There is also a lot to see and do in Hakuba for those who need a break from the slopes. Popular excursions include trips to Matsumoto Castle, Nagano's Zenkoji Temple, and tours to see the Japanese snow monkeys at the Jigokudani hot springs which is an absolute must for animal lovers.
Things to be aware of in Hakuba
With so many options, the ski slopes can be a bit overwhelming and it may be difficult to find your way around in the beginning.
Dining in Hakuba
There are well over a hundred restaurants in the Hakuba Valley with plenty of traditional Japanese cuisine to sample and lots of international varieties as well. The best areas to seek out good food and ambience are Wadano Village, Echoland, and the area around Hakuba Station.
There are some upmarket restaurants for a tasty splurge or romantic evening but also plenty of wonderful budget eateries where visitors can enjoy simple and tasty Japanese food, international pub grub, and other Western favourites.
Furano
Sapporo
Furano is the most famous of all the ski resorts in Japan; however, it is still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists. Furano is known for its light, powdery snow, of which up to 29 feet (9m) falls each year, and equally for its amazing weather, with more sunny days than any other resort on Hokkaido.
The Furano Ski Area is divided into two areas: the Kitanomine zone, open from mid-December to late March; and the Furano zone open from late November to early May. Both areas have a range of accommodation, restaurants, and après ski options, all just minutes away from the town of Furano by shuttle.
The town of Furano offers many cultural attractions, including ancient shrines and temples along with theatres, spas, shopping markets and locally-produced cheese, wine, and ice milk. Visitors should be sure to visit the town's many museums, cafes, and galleries.
Nightlife in Furano
Although there is not much of a clubbing scene, Furano has plenty of bars, pubs, and restaurants which promise visitors a spot of night-time revelry. The Furano Tourism Association is very proactive and often organise a number of interesting cultural events, such as traditional Japanese music performances, which are usually free of charge and allow tourists to interact with locals and enjoy Japanese culture. There are also theatres and art galleries to be investigated.
Shopping in Furano
Furano is comprised of several small farming towns around a municipal centre. The region is known for its picturesque lavender fields and vineyards as well as for its powdery snow, and visitors can enjoy an array of locally-produced goods like wine, carrot juice, and cheese.
There are a number of hotel shops and grocery stores selling this produce but the best place to go shopping for souvenirs in Furano is Ningle Terrace where you can find a charming collection of craft shops in small log huts. Here you will find local artists, glass makers, and jewellery crafters.
Things to do in Furano
Visitors can enjoy a number of fun outdoor activities at Furano, including snowmobiling, snow rafting, hot-air balloon rides, cross country skiing, and sledding. There are also many tourist attractions in the city; a popular rainy day activity is a tour of the local cheese and wine factory where you can help make and sample cheese, ice-cream, and butter. The resort is also bordered by Hokkaido's incredible Daisetsu-zan National Park, a wonderfully scenic area for tourists to explore.
Things to be aware of in Furano
There have been some complaints about groups of foreigners becoming too rowdy on the slopes.
Dining in Furano
There is a wide variety of eating out options in Furano, with a few restaurants a short stumble from the slopes and many different restaurants in town. There are plenty of great sushi restaurants, many eateries selling simple international staples, French, Italian, and Chinese restaurants, and a number of pubs and karaoke bars to keep holidaymakers entertained.
Shiga Kogen
Tokyo
Shiga Kogen is located in the Joshinetsu National Park in the Nagano Prefecture, a short train ride from Tokyo. The town of Yamanouchi sits at the base of the mountain with a winding road leading up to the ski areas. One of the biggest and most popular skiing destinations in Japan, Shiga Kogen is a behemoth made up of 19 interlinked ski resorts in the Japanese Alps.
One pass gives skiers access to all resorts and the free shuttle transport between them. Shiga Kogen hosted a number of events in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics and the facilities are good. There is an impressive variety of terrain and great snow quality.
While most of Shiga Kogen's visitors are Japanese, international visitors are beginning to discover the attractions of this ski destination, which is good for families and usually has pleasantly uncrowded slopes. There is a variety of accommodation on offer and enough bars and restaurants - both Japanese and international - to make aprés ski drinks fun and sociable.
Nightlife in Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is not known for its nightlife and the resort is not suited to young party animals, but there is a great variety of restaurants and bars and the atmosphere is pleasantly relaxed and friendly. The best nightlife in the area takes place in the hot spring resort towns of Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen. Visitors should be aware that most of the best restaurants and bars are hidden away within hotels, thus some exploration is needed to find them.
Shopping in Shiga Kogen
You would struggle to go on a shopping spree in Shiga Kogen as the little shops and stores are spread out between the various villages and hotels and don't stock an exciting variety of goods. Visitors should be able to find all the basic goods they may need and some simple souvenirs, but that is the extent of the shopping scene.
Things to do in Shiga Kogen
Shiga Kogen is close to the lovely Shiga National Park, home to the hot springs that attract the famous Japanese snow monkeys. The park, as well as Jigokudani Monkey Park, makes a great day trip from Shiga Kogen. There are also plenty of hot springs in the region for people to enjoy.
Those in search of cultural diversions should visit the Zenkoji Temple or Matsushiro Kaizu Castle in nearby Nagano. Shiga Kogen provides ample off-slope activities and attractions which is a bonus for visitors keen to do some sightseeing as well as ski. Of course, Tokyo, with all its urban wonders, is conveniently close by.
Things to be aware of in Shiga Kogen
The lack of nightlife may be a disappointment for holidaymakers looking for a party.
Dining in Shiga Kogen
The variety of hotels in Shiga Kogen ensures a wide range of dining options, with plenty of both local Japanese fare and international staples for the less adventurous.
Overview of the Attractions in Japan
The fascinating land of pink cherry blossoms, sushi, and manga comics, Japan is a cultural explosion of historic attractions, neon-lit cities, and exquisite mountainous landscapes. Thankfully, this mystical country retains plenty of its ancient charm resulting in an experience of a lifetime.
Head to the capital of Tokyo for a spot of shopping, sample authentic Japanese cuisine, and maybe even enjoy a little karaoke. Although famous for its glitz and neon glam, this impressive modern metropolis also has ancient shrines and temples round just about every corner, making the sightseeing a wonderful combination of old and new.
Head south to the city of Hiroshima, the country's most famous tourist destination, where thousands of visitors make a pilgrimage to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park, taking in the museums and lively city that has emerged triumphantly from the horror of the atomic bomb dropped during World War II. Hiroshima is a must for anybody interested in modern history and is a deeply moving place to visit.
Once you have had enough of Japan's cities, visit the countryside and witness picturesque volcanoes, take a dip in the hot springs, and explore the mountainous interior of the islands. Japan is a beautiful country and even in the cities the parks are punctuated with cherry blossom trees and mathematically correct Zen gardens which never cease to amaze foreigners.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Tokyo
Opening time: East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Otherwise it is open daily 9am-4pm (until 3:30pm between November and February). Gardens closed from 28 December to 3 January and when Imperial Court functions take place.
Admission: Free
Japan's Imperial Palace is regarded as the heart and soul of Tokyo, standing on a huge site that still bears the remains of Edo Castle, stronghold of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The present palace was completed in 1888 and is still home to the emperor of Japan. The palace is off-limits but its grounds and surrounds provide a much-needed green open space for the city with Higashi Gyoen (East Garden), site of the Edo Castle keep, open to the public. On January 2nd and December 23rd each year, visitors are able to enter the inner grounds and see the Imperial family make public appearances from the balcony. Guided tours of the palace are offered but only in Japanese, although an English pamphlet and audio guide are provided. These tours must be reserved in advance through the Imperial Household Agency. Be sure to take along your passport when you go to reserve a spot. In spring, the gardens are awash with colour when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, particularly along the castle
moat. The Imperial Palace is bustling throughout the year, with lots to see including a few small museums, some wonderful landscaping, and many symbolic ornamental touches like the plants from every prefecture dotted around the palace.
Yasukuni Shrine
Tokyo
Opening time: Shrine open 24 hours daily. Museum open daily 9am-4:30pm.
Admission: JPY 800 (adults); concessions available.
To the north of the Imperial Palace lies the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, built long ago to commemorate those Japanese who died in war and now regarded as home to the souls of about two and a half million who perished in conflict, mostly in the Pacific War of World War II. Japanese soldiers fought in the knowledge that their spirits would find rest and honour at Yasukuni in the afterlife. The shrine has caused controversy for various political reasons over the years since it was built in 1869 in honour of supporters of the emperor who were killed in the run up to the Meiji Restoration. More recently, with regard to the country's constitution that requires the separation of state and religion, cabinet ministers have been criticised for attending anniversaries of Japan's defeat in World War II held at the shrine. The shrine is confined behind a huge steel torii (gate), opening onto a long avenue lined with gingko and cherry trees. The Worship Hall itself is a simple Shinto
style building. North of the shrine is the Yushukan Museum, containing war memorabilia, some of which is disturbing and thought-provoking such as the human torpedo and kamikaze suicide attack plane. The shrine and museum will be fascinating for those interested in military history.
Getting there: Subway to Kudanshita Station
Address: 3-1-1 Kadunkita, Chiyoda-ku
Telephone: (03) 3261 8326
Website: http://www.yasukuni.or.jp
Edo-Tokyo Museum
Tokyo
Opening time: 9.30am - 5.30pm. Saturdays: 9.30am - 7.30pm. Closed on Mondays.
Admission: JPY 600
Tokyo's museum dedicated to detailing the city's history, art, culture, and architecture through the medium of visual displays is an impressive attraction not to be missed. Edo was the old name for Tokyo when the country came under the rule of the warlord, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Exhibits include a replica of an ancient Kabuki theatre, maps, photographs, and portrayals of the lives of the city's merchants, craftsmen, and townspeople in days gone by. It is a huge museum which takes a few hours to explore properly and should captivate people of all ages. There are numerous interactive exhibits and many intricate models with such wonderful detail that binoculars are provided for visitors to better appreciate them. Traditional performances are held in the recreated theatre, which is not the only historic building to be recreated life-size. If you are interested in Tokyo's general history then this is the best museum to start with to get an overview of the city's development.
Volunteers give regular free tours of the museum and many of them speak fluent English. There is good English signposting and information throughout the museum.
Address: 1-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku
Telephone: +81 3 3626 9974
Website: http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp
Akihabara
Tokyo
Tokyo's electronic wonderland has become world-renowned. In a small area west of Akihabara Station lies a bright cluster of electronics shops, manga and anime stores, and video game outlets. The suburb has been specialising in electrical equipment since the 1930s and is now regarded as the world's biggest and best electrical equipment enclave. Although the cheap and impressive technology draws many visitors, this is also a paradise for gamers, geeks, and anime and manga fans, with shops full of merchandise and numerous arcades. The arcades carry everything new and novel but also have many of the vintage games that are difficult to find these days. The neighbourhood is a riot of colourful advertising and a fun place to do some people watching, if nothing else. There are a lot of restaurants and fast food joints to try out and some funky eateries. Akihabara is also an entertaining area to stroll around at night, when everything is lit up in neon.
Website: http://www.akiba.or.jp/english/index.html
Senso-ji Temple
Tokyo
Opening time: Main Hall: 6am to 5pm (from 6.30am between October and March). Temple grounds are always open.
Admission: Free
The Asakusa neighbourhood of Tokyo draws visitors to admire the city's oldest temple, Senso-ji, founded in 628 AD with a quaint legend attached to it. The story goes that two young brothers fishing in the nearby river netted a golden image of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and the statue kept turning up in their nets no matter how many times they threw it back. The brothers were inspired to enshrine it in a temple dedicated to the deity. The statuette is still inside, but never shown to the public, though pilgrims flock here every day seeking the favour of the goddess. There are also numerous festivals associated with the shrine, and a hugely popular firework display is held on the Sumida River every summer. Tourists enjoy the visit to the temple mainly because the approach is a colourful pedestrian lane, Nakamise Dori, lined with shops and souvenir stalls. The area has become touristy but it is still a stronghold for ancient traditions and a wonderful place to do
some people watching. For many tourists the temple is one of the highlights of a visit to Tokyo; the temple complex is usually bustling with activity and there is lots to see and do. Nearby, the Demboin Garden is a good spot to grab a break from the city crowds.
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa Taito-ku, Shitamachi (downtown)
Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo
Opening time: Check website for details, as hours vary according to season and day of the week. Generally open daily 8am-10pm with shorter hours in winter.
Admission: There are several ticket options, including multi-day passports that allow entry to both parks. Check the official website for details.
There is plenty of fun to be had for the young and young at heart at Tokyo's Disney Resort, in many ways virtually a carbon copy of the theme park found in California in the United States. The Tokyo amusement park was opened in 1983 and it has gradually developed a character of its own, growing into one of the most popular amusement parks in the world and considered by many to have surpassed its American predecessor. The park now has many unique attractions and an interesting fusion of American and Japanese culture, but you will still find all the old favourites. The resort consists of Disneyland Park and DisneySea Park, along with several hotels. It is divided into seven different themed lands: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland. Visitors can expect attractions like the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and many more, which are all included on this huge site, and are very well-maintained and
presented. The Tokyo park is known for its cleanliness and smooth operations but visitors should expect crowds and come prepared for some queuing. The premier attraction for kids in Tokyo, the Disney resort is unmissable for families.
Getting there: The park is reached via the JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line from Tokyo Station; disembark at Maihama Station (South Exit) where there is a Disneyland Welcome Centre.
Website: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp
Tokyo National Museum
Tokyo
Opening time: Daily 9:30am to 5pm, depending on season; closed Mondays. Closing times vary with the seasons, visitors are advised to check before arrival.
Admission: JPY 620 (adults), JPY 410 (students), free for scholars.
Close to Ueno Station and enclosed in the beautiful, spacious park of the same name, the National Museum is host to the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. Exhibits range from antique kimonos and delicate pottery to woodblock prints and archaeological finds. The vast collection is displayed on a rotating basis with at least 4,000 artefacts visible at any time, so the museum always has something new to offer. The museum consists of five different buildings containing numerous galleries, so one needs sufficient time to do it justice. The Imperial Gift Park is a lovely place to enjoy a stroll, with big ponds and shaded areas to rest; the grounds also contain some other cultural institutions, including a zoo, the Metropolitan Art Museum, Bunka Kaikan Cultural Hall, the Western Art Museum, and the National Science Museum. There should be something here to interest the whole family and all the educational attractions can easily fill a whole day of sightseeing.
Address: 13-9 Ueno Park,Taito-ku
Telephone: (0)3 3822 1111
Website: http://www.tnm.go.jp
Mount Fuji
Tokyo
The dormant volcano of Mount Fuji, 62 miles (100km) southwest of Tokyo, has been revered since ancient times and no exploration of Japan is complete without visiting the mountain that is known fondly as 'Fuji-san' by the locals. Its symmetrical 12,388-foot (3,776m) snow-crowned summit has become as symbolic of Japan as the country's own flag, featuring in poetry and art through the ages and considered a holy site in Japanese culture. The mountain, which is the highest in Japan, has many historical and mythological associations; for instance, ancient samurai used the base of the mountain as a remote training area, near the present day town of Gotemba. The closest town to the volcano is Fuji Yoshida, from which buses leave frequently for Fuji's 'fifth stage' (the usual jumping-off point for hikes up the mountain) from outside the train station. There are six trails to the summit, of which the Kawaguchiko Trail is the easiest, being quite manageable even for
children and the elderly as long as they have stamina and good shoes. Overnight huts are available for those wanting to stay a night or two on the mountain. The official climbing season is from 1 July to the end of August as in winter snow makes the ascent too dangerous.
Kamakura
Tokyo
The city of Kamakura, about 30 miles (50km) southwest of Tokyo, at the base of the Miura Peninsula, was the political powerhouse of Japan in the middle ages and the seat of government for most of the 13th century. Because of its historic importance, Kamakura boasts numerous monuments, temples, and shrines which are of interest to sightseeing tourists. As an added bonus, the city sports some sandy beaches and good hiking trails in the nearby wooded hills so that a day or two can be spent very happily in the city enjoying both the natural and historical attractions. Kamakura's many sights are too numerous to detail individually, but most important of them all is the Great Buddha. This bronze statue of the seated Amida Buddha is located in the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple and, standing at almost 44ft (13,35m) high, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan after that found in the Todaiji Temple in Nara. The Kamakura Great Buddha was cast in 1252 and was originally
contained in the temple hall. A tidal wave (tsunami) washed away the temple in the late 15th century, but the Buddha prevailed and has since stood triumphantly in the open. Kamakura is a very popular daytrip from Tokyo, but many visitors will find that they want to spend at least one night in the city to fully appreciate all it has to offer.
Website: http://www.kamakuratoday.com/e
Yokohama
Tokyo
While visiting Japan's largest city of Tokyo, it is quick and easy to pay a visit to the country's second biggest metropolis too. Yokohama can be reached in less than 30 minutes by train from Tokyo, lying south of the capital. The main reason for visiting Yokohama is to marvel at its futuristic new city centre and perhaps take a stroll through Japan's largest Chinatown. Yokohama's Chinatown, entered through four colourful gates and teeming with restaurants and shops, was developed after the city became one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade after generations of isolation ended in 1859. Chinese traders flocked to the city, establishing a cultural neighbourhood. Minato Mirai is the new central city area around the harbour, characterised by the Landmark Tower, rising to 971ft (296m). Visitors can ride to the tower's observation deck in the world's second fastest elevator, travelling at 41ft (13m) a second, for a view that on a clear day stretches as far
as Mount Fuji. The city also boasts the Yokohama Marine Tower, the tallest inland lighthouse in the world. The city is a commercial hub with wonderful shopping opportunities, restaurants, and a fun nightlife.
Getting there: Toyoko Line from Shibuya, JR Tokaido Line or JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station
Website: http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Kyoto
Japan's imperial family lived in the Kyoto palace from 1331 until 1868 (when they moved to Tokyo), and today visitors can view the furnishings and delicate decorations. Once only accessible via a guided tour that required advanced booking, the palace grounds can now be entered and viewed at the visitor's leisure without any prior arrangements. English guided tours are possible, and those interested should book a space in advance in order to avoid disappointment by calling at the Imperial Household Agency office. Visitors should note that even on the official tours it is impossible to enter any of the palace buildings, although you should be shown a video and photos showcasing the interiors. There are lockers at the site to store anything you don't want to carry while walking around the complex.
Address: 3 Kyotogyoen, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto
Website: http://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html
To-ji
Kyoto
To-ji is a Buddhist temple founded in 794 as guardian of the then young capital city. Today, it sits about 10 minutes' walk to the south of Kyoto Station, drawing curious tourists to admire its five-storey pagoda which was rebuilt in the mid-17th century. Over the centuries, a treasure trove of statues, calligraphy, and paintings has been collected at the temple, now housed in the various historic buildings making up the complex. The statues include a six-metre-tall Senju Kannon (thousand-armed Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) carved in 877. The gardens at the temple are lovely and the temple is an active place of worship which holds many ceremonies and religious services, giving the place a serene and authentic atmosphere which the popular tourist temples sometimes lack. Although many foreigners do choose to visit To-ji, the majority of people at the temple are locals there to pray and worship. There are many temples in the area but To-ji stands out because of its historic
pagoda.
Address: 1 Kujo-cho, Minami-ku
Website: http://www.toji.or.jp
Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)
Kyoto
One of Kyoto's most popular attractions is to the north of the city. The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) is a three-storey pavilion covered in gold leaf, glittering in the waters of a calm pond and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Kinkakuji was built in 1397 as a retirement home for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who lived there in luxury until he died in 1408, after which the building was converted into a Zen temple. In 1950, a monk burnt the pavilion down and it was not rebuilt until 1955. Today it is covered in gold leaf five times thicker than the original coating and presents an awesome sight. The pavilion is worth visiting at any time of the day and in any season - in fact, it is strikingly magnificent in winter, when surrounded by white snow. Although sunset can be particularly special, because the temple glows in the setting sun, the popularity of the place means that there are often big crowds and the best time to visit to really experience the tranquillity and beauty of
the pavilion is early in the morning. A short walk from the pavilion is Ryoanji, Japan's most famous Zen rock garden, laid out in the 15th century. A veranda overlooks the garden in which 15 rocks are set among raked white pebbles.
Address: 1 Kinkaku-ji-cho Kita-ku, Kyoto
Website: http://www.shokoku-ji.or.jp
Sanjusangen-do
Kyoto
The temple of Rengeoin, in eastern Kyoto, is better known by its popular name of Sanjusangen-do. Inside the longest wooden building in Japan stand row upon row of life-sized statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, carved from Japanese cypress and covered in gold leaf, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. There are 1,000 statues altogether and each is unique, bearing a religious symbol or making a religious gesture. The statues surround the large, central figure of a seated Kannon, carved in 1254 in the Kamakura Period. The building and statues were once part of a large Buddhist temple complex known as the Lotus King Temple which was sadly destroyed leaving only a few buildings intact. The effect of all the golden statues, which create a kind of yellow haze, is mystical and somewhat hypnotic, giving credence to the local myth that if you stare at them for long enough one of the statues will assume the form of a loved one. No photos are allowed inside but you are
permitted to photograph the outside of the building and the lovely grounds. There is a gift shop where you can buy some souvenirs at a reasonable cost. There are guides and prayer books in English for those who want more information.
Address: Shichijo Dori
Gion
Kyoto
Most visitors to Japan are fascinated with traditional geisha: white-faced kimono-clad women specially trained to entertain and spoil men in a soothing setting. Kyoto boasts one of the most famous geisha districts in the country, a neighbourhood of plain wooden buildings to the east of the Kamo River known as Gion. There were once thousands of geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) performing their genteel tasks in this area. Today, the number has dwindled to a few hundred, but visitors who stroll Hanamikoji Street at sunset, past teahouses and restaurants, will probably catch a glimpse of one or two en route to the geisha houses in their wooden shoes and full traditional finery. The geisha houses themselves are sadly strictly off-limits to anyone not properly introduced and invited, but from behind the paper screens you will hear the strains of music and laughter. It is fascinating to read up on the geisha tradition before visiting the area but it also seems fitting that
they still retain their mystery behind the paper screens. While geisha-spotting in the Gion district, take in the Yasaka Shrine, with its many paper lanterns and the Minamiza Kabuki Theatre.
Address: Gion, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Website: http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en
Kiyomizu-dera
Kyoto
Meaning 'pure water', Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan's most celebrated temples. Founded in 780, it is associated with Nara Buddhism, the oldest sect in Japan. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of its main features for tourists is the lovely view afforded of the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto from its terrace. Below the terrace is the spring from which the temple got its name; visitors can sample the water, which is said to have healing powers. Nearby is an interesting three-storey pagoda, and the Otawa Falls. The approach to the temple, along Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka, is steep and narrow, the streets lined with stores specialising in local sweets, pottery, and the inevitable souvenirs. Behind the temple is the Shinto Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love. There is lots to see and do in the temple complex, which tends to be bustling with visitors and worshippers, and provides a fascinating cultural and historical experience for foreigners. The gardens
are beautiful and, like many in Japan, are at their best when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring or when the leaves are at their most radiant in autumn. It is especially lovely to stay until it is dark (when possible) to see the temple light up at night.
Website: http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/lang/01.html
Katsura Imperial Villa
Kyoto
Built in 1645 by Prince Toshihito and considered to be the finest example of pure Japanese architecture and garden design, Katsura Rikyu is beautiful in its simplicity. The buildings are constructed of entirely natural materials and consist of a moon-viewing pavilion, an imperial hall, teahouse, and the wooden villa itself. The garden is designed for leisurely strolls with surprises around each corner, from stone bridges and lanterns to ponds and manicured trees. The grounds are particularly beautiful in the autumn, when the rich colours of the trees make for even better photos than usual. It is interesting to see how the imperial families lived and the Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the most popular attractions in Kyoto. The villa may be visited only on pre-arranged, guided tours organised by the Imperial Household Agency, with tours held each weekday, on Sundays and occasionally on Saturdays. Tours are in Japanese only, and can be arranged at the office of
the Imperial Household Agency next to the Imperial Palace in central Kyoto. Foreigners will be given audio guides. The villa is closed between roughly 28 December and 4 January and for imperial functions. Be sure to take along your passport when you apply for a permit, and book at least a day in advance.
Nara
Kyoto
The city of Nara, 26 miles (42km) south of Kyoto, could be regarded as the place where Japan's culture was formalised. The city, originally called Heijo, became the first permanent capital of the country in 710. Although its capital status only lasted for 74 years, they were years that entrenched and enshrined Japan's arts, crafts, and literature. Nara flourished as a political and cultural centre and thus was blessed with numerous temples, shrines, pagodas, and palaces, which today attract locals and foreigners intent on glimpsing historic Japan. Most of Nara's historic treasures are conveniently contained in a vast park which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making sightseeing easy and pleasurable. Highlights are Todaiji, the huge temple that contains Japan's largest Buddha statue, and Horyuji, the temple containing the world's oldest wooden structures. A good way to explore the city is on a historic walking tour and visitors should ensure that they take
a stroll around the old Naramachi merchant district. It is easy to find your way around and enjoy a solitary foray into history with a guidebook should you so desire, but joining a guided tour can be very informative.
Website: http://www.city.nara.lg.jp
Inokashira Park
Tokyo
Inokashira Park is a tranquil oasis amid the bustle of Japan's capital city and is often lauded by locals and visitors as the best urban park in Japan. The park contains a temple dedicated to the goddess of love, a petting zoo, and an aquarium, and is lively with musicians, artists, and street performers. There are frequent free magic shows and other entertainments for kids to enjoy. One of the more popular attractions in Inokashira Park is the Ghibli Museum, featuring displays on popular animated films from the studio of the same name, including Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle. The park is beautiful all year round but the best time to visit is in spring and autumn when the colours are at their most magnificent. Inokashira Park gets very crowded in the spring when the cherry blossoms are flowering. It's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of the spectacle. Possibly the best activity to enjoy in Inokashira is a drift in one of the
swan-shaped paddle boats around the lake. Floating along in the reflective water is particularly romantic in March and April when the trees overhanging the water are in full bloom. The park is a must for anybody visiting Tokyo.
Address: Gotenyama 1-chome, Kichijoji-Minami-cho 1-chome, Musashino City
Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima
Around the epicentre of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima in 1945, a complex of buildings and monuments has been erected in the Peace Memorial Park to commemorate the earth-shattering event. The park is dedicated to the promotion of world peace. Central to the park is the only remaining city building damaged in the blast; it was formerly the Industrial Promotion Hall, but is now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park also contains the Peace Memorial Museum, featuring exhibits portraying the horrible effects of the bomb on the city and its citizens. Between the museum and the dome stands the Memorial Cenotaph containing a stone chest, inside which is a list of all those killed in the explosion or who died subsequently from the long-term effects caused by radiation. The Cenotaph also houses the peace flame, which will burn until nuclear war is no longer considered a threat to humanity. Other monuments include the Statue
of the A-Bomb Children and the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound containing the ashes of tens of thousands of unidentified victims.
Address: 1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku
Website: http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/index_e2.html
Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art
Hiroshima
Hiroshima boasts the first public art museum in Japan devoted exclusively to contemporary art. The museum was founded in 1989 and is housed in an interesting building designed by Japanese architect Kurokawa Kisho, based on the shape of a Japanese warehouse (kura). The building is set high on a hill in Hijiyama Park, famed for its cherry blossoms and splendid city views. The museum itself contains the works of established and up-and-coming Japanese artists covering a range of different mediums and hosts regular temporary exhibitions. For those not familiar with Japanese art, the museum has provided information books on the individual artists represented, written in English; however, aside from these, there is very little signposting or information in English. There is an outdoor sculpture garden to enjoy in the lovely grounds and the Hiroshima Manga Library is also located here. The museum is a little bit out of the way, but those interested in contemporary Japanese art
should find the effort rewarding, and a stroll in the grounds is pleasant.
Address: Hijiyama Koen
Website: http://www.hiroshima-moca.jp
Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima
Hiroshima's original castle, built in the late 16th century, was totally destroyed in the atomic blast during World War II but has been reconstructed as a perfect replica. When the castle was established by a feudal lord in 1589, Hiroshima didn't exist; the city that grew around the fortress took its name. At the time, the area was called Gokamura, meaning five small villages, and the lord ruled over a vast territory spanning nine provinces from the stronghold. The castle now houses a museum detailing the region's history up until World War II and particularly the historic feudal system. The exhibits include some models of ancient Hiroshima and the castle and, for those who like playing dress-up, there are even some traditional costumes to try on. The museum is informative and easy to navigate with plenty of information in English. There is a great lookout point at the top of the castle which affords some nice photo opportunities. The grounds are also lovely, housing three
trees - a eucalyptus, a willow, and a holly - which survived the bombing in 1945 and endure to this day. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Hiroshima, the castle is definitely worth a visit for anybody with an interest in history.
Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka-ku
Website: http://www.rijo-castle.jp/rijo/main.html
Miyajima
Hiroshima
The romantic little island of Miyajima lies about eight miles (13km) off the mainland in the Seto Inland Sea. Apart from being scenically beautiful with steep wooded hills, the island is famous for its Itsukushima Shrine featuring a massive red wooden torii (gate). The shrine is partially built over water, and was founded in the 6th century. During high tide the shrine stands in the ocean, which is particularly picturesque when the building is illuminated at night. The route from the ferry to the shrine is lined with food stalls and souvenir stands to cater to all the tourists and although the shrine can get crowded it is a charming attraction. The Daisho-in Temple is situated about half way up the mountain with incredible views and a pathway strewn with hundreds of statues. There are also temples and shrines near the summit of Mount Misen which are worth exploring. The island offers great hiking opportunities, particularly in spring when the many cherry trees are in bloom,
and in autumn, when the colours are at their most vibrant. Famously, tame deer wonder free and even bow if you give them a cookie, while monkeys chatter happily in the woods.
Sandankyo Gorge
Hiroshima
The erosion of a limestone plateau has left a beautiful deep gorge, stretching for about 11 miles (18km) of primeval forest, waterfalls, monkeys, and unusual rock formations. The Onbashi Bridge formation is the largest natural bridge in Japan. Sandankyo Gorge is one of only five ravines in Japan that have been designated as National Scenic Beauty Spots and the country takes great pride in the beautiful area, which is a favourite with hikers. It is closed in winter because snow makes the ravine impassable and dangerous but visitors are welcome between the end of April and November. As with most scenic spots in Japan, the ravine is at its most lovely in spring and autumn. One of the most popular walking trails is a round-trip that begins at the Sandankyo front gate with the lovely Kurofuchi pool as the turning point. The hike only takes about an hour each way and is not overly strenuous. The Kurofuchi pool is known for its emerald green water and it is possible to take a
short ferry ride across it to a restaurant on the far bank. On this route you will also see the Shimai waterfall and Ishidoi rapids.
Shofukuji Temple
Fukuoka
The Shofukuji Temple was the first Zen temple to be built in Japan. It was founded in 1195 by the priest Eisai who introduced the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism into Japan from China. The wooden buildings have been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries but they are exact replicas of the original structures. In the temple grounds are the remains of two other ancient temples, Jotenji and Tochoji, as well as a number of other structures. Unfortunately, the ancient buildings cannot be entered but visitors can explore the lovely grounds and examine the exteriors. Photography is welcome. Although the temple complex is a historic and ancient site, it is not frequented by tourists and is seldom crowded, although locals do visit regularly. As a result, it is a peaceful and serene place which affords a nice break from the busy city; the age and history of the temple is almost palpable. It is a lovely spot for a walk or rest and there is a lot to see in the complex,
although there is little information provided on what you are seeing.
Address: 6-1 Gokuso-machi, Higashi-ku
Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Fukuoka
Fukuoka's Asian Art Museum is housed in a new complex in the Shimokawabata district of Hakata Ward, in the heart of the city. The museum houses a collection of more than 1,000 works including paintings, sculptures, prints, and handcrafts. It also serves as a centre for art education. This popular modern museum offers a wide array of contemporary Japanese art and art from many other Asian countries. If you are lucky, you will even get the chance to watch some local artists at work in the museum. It is a small museum but gives an impressively comprehensive overview of current trends in the region. The permanent collection is wonderful and should appeal both to the uninitiated and those well-versed in Asian art. There are regular temporary exhibitions and special events as well. There is a lovely little cafe attached to the museum, which is particularly nice on sunny days when visitors can sit outside. There is also a gift shop with gorgeous postcards, prints, and books for
souvenirs, and a children's play area to keep the kids occupied. The museum is situated in an interesting part of town, and it is fun to stroll around the area and explore a bit after your visit.
Address: Riverain Complex, 3-1 Shimokawabata-machi, Hakata-ku
Website: faam.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/eng/home.html
Kushida Shrine
Fukuoka
One of Fukuoka's best-known shrines is Kushida, founded in 757. It is situated in the heart of ancient Hakata with a huge gingko tree, said to be 1,000 years old, shading its forecourt. The shrine honours the grand deity, Ohata Nushina-mikoto, and was built during the Heian Period for the common people. Today it is very much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike during the summer's major event, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. On the last day of the festival, the Kushida Shrine becomes the starting point for this fun run where hundreds of young men clad only in loin cloths carry heavy wooden shrines through the streets along a set route, vying to clock the fastest times. The shrine itself contains several items of interest, particularly the Eto Arrow plate bearing carvings of the Chinese zodiac and a brace of anchor stones, recovered from the harbour, that were once attached to ships of the Mongolian invasion fleets. The Hakata Historical Museum is also situated in the
shrine grounds, which are pretty and well-kept. There is lots of shopping and many food stalls to enjoy in the area and the shrine complex is great for a stroll, a rest, some meditation, and some historical sightseeing.
Address: 1-41, Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata-ku
Dazaifu
Fukuoka
In the northern part of Kyushu Island in southwestern Japan lies the ruins of Dazaifu, a city that during the 1st century was the seat of government for the island and first line of defence against threat from East Asian nations. The walled city once stood in open fields, but now the ruins on the southern slopes of Mount Ono are surrounded by modern Dazaifu, and the valued historic site has been turned into a park. Apart from the interesting ruins, Dazaifu also boasts one of Japan's most important shrines: the Dazaifu Tenman-gū is dedicated to a great scholar named Sugawara Michizane, who died in the year 903 and subsequently became revered as a deity because of his wisdom. The shrine is now a place of pilgrimage for students from all over the country, especially when examination season comes around. The approach to the shrine is lined with teahouses specialising in a local rice cake delicacy, which is believed to keep illness at bay. The ancient Komyozenji Temple,
situated close to the shrine, is also worth a visit, mainly for the stunning gardens, which are particularly beautiful in the autumn when the leaves turn a magnificent array of colours.
Mount Aso
Fukuoka
The composite volcano of Mount Aso lies almost in the centre of Kyushu Island. Among the largest in the world, it's also Japan's biggest active volcano. Mount Aso also boasts one of the world's largest caldera (volcanic depressions), which stretches about 11 miles (18km) from east to west and 15 miles (24km) from north to south. Inside the caldera are five volcanic peaks: Mount Neko, Mount Naka, Mount Eboshi, Mount Taka, and Mount Kishima. Mount Naka is still active and regularly emits smoke and ash. The rest of the landscape inside the caldera is beautifully green and grassy, with grazing cows and horses, as well as about 50,000 inhabitants in several towns and villages. In the city of Aso there is a museum dedicated to the volcano which is worth visiting for those interested in the region's remarkable geology. At the museum visitors can watch presentations about Aso in addition to viewing a live image from a camera positioned at the active crater site. There is a cableway
up to the Mount Aso crater lake, called the Mount Aso Ropeway, which allows visitors to see the steaming turquoise water up close. But when the sulphur level rises too high the site is closed as the fumes can become toxic.
Nagasaki
Fukuoka
The beautifully situated port city of Nagasaki lies at the southern end of Kyushu Island, 95 miles (152km) southwest of Fukuoka. Nagasaki was open to the world for centuries between 1639 and 1859 while the rest of Japan was secluded from foreign contact by governmental decree. The exposure to foreign cultures has left the city with a sophisticated and liberal air that makes it popular for tourists, enhanced by the many attractions in the city itself and surrounding prefecture. Here you can enjoy Feudal castles, samurai houses, smoking volcanoes, hot spring baths, rugged offshore islands, and beautiful beaches. The most important site in the city is the Peace Park (Heiwa Koen), commemorating Nagasaki's darkest hour on 9 August 1945, when a nuclear bomb intended to be dropped on the Mitsubishi Shipyards exploded instead over the Urakami district, killing approximately 80,000 people. A black stone column marks the blast's epicentre, alongside the Atomic Bomb Museum. Nagasaki
has many attractions for visitors and one of the most popular short excursions is a boat trip to the spooky Hashima Island, once a coal mining facility but now completely uninhabited and covered in ruins.
Historical Village
Sapporo
Situated in a corner of the Hokkaido Nopporo Forest Park in Sapporo, this impressive and entertaining outdoor museum village depicts Hokkaido life in days of old. The site features restored or recreated buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, and includes edifices like the old Sapporo railway station, old Otaru newspaper company buildings, fishermen's cottages, and mountain villas. Horse-drawn trolleys run through the village and in winter horse-drawn sleighs carry visitors around the site. The historical village should entertain the whole family for a few hours. Those particularly curious about the local culture and history of the area should not miss the Hokkaido Ainu Centre, which is a free attraction a little further out of Sapporo. The Ainu people, with their unique culture, have lived on the island of Hokkaido for hundreds of generations. The Ainu Centre details the history and culture of the island's indigenous people using interesting exhibits and
demonstrations and makes the perfect companion attraction for the historical village.
Address: Konopporo 50-1, Atsubetsu-chyo
Website: http://www.kaitaku.or.jp/info/info.htm
Sapporo Beer Museum
Sapporo
For beer lovers, a visit to the beer museum in the historic Sapporo Brewery building is a must, together with a tour of the brewery itself, which, of course, ends with a tasting. The red brick brewery building was opened first as a sugar factory in 1876, and has been the home of Japan's famous beer since 1887. One-hour tours are conducted at 15-minute intervals every day throughout the year; however, these are in Japanese only. It is possible to book in advance and request an English interpreter and the people at the front desk will happily provide an English leaflet detailing a brief history of Sapporo beer. Despite the fact that the exhibits are almost totally in Japanese it is still interesting to see the old photographs, memorabilia, and visual evolution of the brand. There are lockers at the entrance so you don't have to carry stuff around and there is a little gift shop for souvenirs.
Address: 9-1-1 Kita 7-Jo Higashi, Higashi-ku, Sapporo 065-0007, Hokkaido
Website: http://www.sapporobeer.jp
Mount Moiwa
Sapporo
Fondly known as Sapporo's 'backyard ski resort', Mt Moiwa offers 10 different courses for all grades of skiers from beginners to advanced. There are fun family slopes and a children's play area as well as some more challenging options; advanced skiers may find it a bit too friendly but all levels are ultimately catered for. It is possible to rent all the equipment you might need. Most of the slopes are well lit to enable visitors and locals alike to enjoy the fun of night skiing, taking in the breathtaking view of the city as they fly down the sparkling slopes under the stars. There is an observatory on the mountain which can be reached by cable car, and even if you have no intention of skiing it is worth a trip up to this platform to enjoy the incredible views. There is also a restaurant, a souvenir shop and some tributes to lovers including a bunch of love locks (padlocks bearing the initials of couples and locked to signal eternal love). The best time to go up the
ropeway is in the evening so that you can enjoy the daytime views of the slopes and city, and stay as darkness descends to see the city light up beneath you. The cableway may stop running in bad weather but is usually operational.
Website: moiwa.sapporo-dc.co.jp
Noboribetsu
Sapporo
The famous hot-spring resort of Noboribetsu Onsen is situated inside the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The spa complex is one of many found in Hokkaido, but being closest to Sapporo is very popular. Hot mineral springs gush out about 10,000 tons of water a day, and it is said to have healing properties for a range of disorders. There are more than 30 hotels and bath houses grouped together along a narrow street along with shops, souvenir stores, and whatever else visitors may need. The area is also known for its cherry trees, which make a stunning sight in spring, and there are some worthwhile hiking trails in the park. If you're after luxury, you can find high-end accommodation and spa treatments that are seen as some of the best in the country but there are also cheaper options for those travelling on a budget. It is possible at some spots to bathe in the natural springs outdoors, which is the most atmospheric option. The springs are a popular excursion from Sapporo and
the trip can easily be made in a day, which is all you need to enjoy the relaxing hot water.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo
Opening time: Daily 9am-11pm. The Special Observatory is currently closed for renovations.
Admission: Main Observatory: JPY 900 Adults; JPY 500 junior high and primary school students; JPY 400 children.
The Tokyo Tower is modelled in the vein of the Eiffel Tower in France, only in true Japanese style, it is more colourful and serves a technological purpose. Tokyo Tower functions chiefly as a television and radio antenna but it is also Tokyo's premier landmark and a proud symbol of Japanese culture, celebrating the country's industrial and technological success. At 1,091 feet (332m) it is the tallest structure in Tokyo and a great vantage point from which to take in the city. There are two observation decks in the tower, both with magnificent 360 degree panoramic views. Admiring the city from this high vantage point is only one aspect of the tourist's experience at the tower, however. At the base of the tower, tucked snugly under its 'legs', is the four-storey FootTown. Inside FootTown visitors will find shops, restaurants, a wax museum, the Guinness Book of World Records Museum, an aquarium, and the Mysterious Walking Zone, a fascinating display of holographic technology
and imagery. The top floor of FootTown is an interactive art gallery, featuring optical illusions which can be manipulated by visitors. There is lots to see and do and the Tokyo Tower should delight people of all ages.
Address: 4-2-8 Shiba-Koen, Minato-ku
Telephone: 03 3433 5111
Website: http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/
Meiji Jingu
Tokyo
Opening time: Daily from sunrise to sunset. Hours vary month to month.
Close to the Harajuku Station, the Meiji Jingu is an easily accessible shrine and worthwhile stop for tourists in Tokyo. Built in homage to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Empress Shoken, this monument is located in a 175 acre (70ha) evergreen forest and consists of two main areas. In the inner Naien, there is a garden featuring shrine buildings and a treasure museum holding articles belonging to the Emperor and Empress. In the outer cloister, the Gaien, the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery presents murals depicting significant events during the Meiji rule. It also consists of a sports arena, the National Stadium, and the Meiji Memorial Hall, which was an important political meeting place during the Meiji Era. Today, traditional Shinto weddings are held in the hall and newcomers to Japan are always intrigued when witnessing the unique Shinto wedding procession. The lush grounds are wonderful to explore early in the morning when they are peaceful and empty, and the gardens
provide sanctuary from the busy city at any time of day. There is a lot to see and do in the complex, which can easily take a few hours to explore properly and should delight the whole family.
Address: 1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku
Website: http://www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/
Minamiza Kabuki Theatre
Kyoto
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese dance-drama known for its stylised take of performance and the elaborate make-up worn by some performers. It is a very old art form, which had its golden age in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Today it is the most popular style of traditional Japanese drama and its star actors can be seen in television and film roles as well as on the stage. While there are many wonderful places in Japan to view Kabuki theatre, the Kyoto Minamiza Theatre is one of the principal venues for such performances and a major hub for the art form. The building itself is an architectural wonder, built in a traditional style in 1929, on the edge of the Geisha district of Gion. Visitors can pay to see individual acts of plays or to see the entire performance. Because the theatre has become popular among tourists, an English voice-over or purchasable programme explains the show to foreigners. A trip to the theatre is a fascinating cultural experience
and shouldn't be missed by any tourists with an interest in theatre and Japanese culture. For the uninitiated, one act is generally enough. It is often best to begin with an individual act and then book for a full performance if you enjoy it.
Address: 198 Nakanomachi Yamatooji Nshi-iru, Shijo Ohashi, Higashiyama-ku
Website: http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/eng/top.html
Tokyo Joypolis
Tokyo
Opening time: 10am to 10pm.
Admission: Adult: JPY 800. Children: JPY 500.
Every child's dream come true, Tokyo Joypolis will thrill and entertain children of all ages. Offering rides, games, and much more, kids will be kept busy for hours on end in one of the world's most famous theme parks and enjoy rides such as Geikon Live Coaster and games such as Halfpipe Tokyo, Let's Go Jungle, and The House of the Dead. There is also a 3D cinema, a caricature booth, and a stage for live entertainment. Apart from all the rides and games, there are several shops and a wide selection of restaurants to choose from (visitors should note that they can't take any food or beverages into the park with them). The park is lots of fun, even for adults, and its reputation is justified; however, although Joypolis once seemed almost futuristic, with groundbreaking forms of entertainment and gaming, the rest of the world has since caught up and things like 3D cinema are no longer as novel as they once were. Despite this, the park provides hours of entertainment for the
whole family and is a wonderful attraction for a rainy day. The queues can get frustratingly long so it is best to go during the week, either early in the morning or in the evening.
Address: 1-6-1 Daiba Minato-ku Tokyo
Telephone: +81 3 5500 1801
Website: tokyo-joypolis.com
Public Holidays in Japan
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Coming of Age Day |
Mon. January 13 |
Sat. January 11 |
| National Foundation Day |
Tue. February 11 |
Tue. February 11 |
| Spring Equinox |
Thu. March 20 |
Thu. March 20 |
| Shôwa Day |
Tue. April 29 |
Tue. April 29 |
| Constitution Day |
Sat. May 3 |
Sat. May 3 |
| Children's Day |
Mon. May 5 |
Mon. May 5 |
| Marine Day |
Wed. July 23 |
Sat. July 19 |
| Respect for the Aged Day |
Sun. September 21 |
Sat. September 20 |
| Sports Day |
Thu. July 24 |
Sat. October 11 |
| Culture Day |
Mon. November 3 |
Mon. November 3 |
| Labour Thanksgiving Day |
Sun. November 23 |
Sun. November 23 |
| Emperor's Birthday |
Sun. February 23 |
Sun. February 23 |
| Greenery Day |
Sun. May 4 |
Sun. May 4 |
| Autumnal Equinox Day |
Mon. September 22 |
Tue. September 23 |
Port of Call - Nagasaki
Once a vibrant port city and Japan's only real link to the outside world, Nagasaki has a multicultural past with strong influences from Chinese and European culture that can be spotted in its architecture and food, even today. While it failed to obliterate that vibrancy, the destruction wrought on Nagasaki by the Atomic Bomb dropped in World War II has all but overshadowed it for the last seventy years.
Nagasaki, however, has worked hard to rebuild itself and today is an attractive and very popular port of call for cruises in Japan. Pretty parks and bustling markets are set in a scenic location between the busy energy of the harbour and the serenity of the mountains behind. Cruise ships in Nagasaki dock at Matsugae Pier, which is conveniently located near the city centre.
Shopping in Nagasaki
While Nagasaki isn't particularly known for its shopping, there are some good shopping malls, including Youme Saito near Dejima Wharf and AMU Plaza at the Nagasaki station tram stop, where bargains can be found.
Dining in Nagasaki
Otsuru - tasty noodle dishes at reasonable prices
Kagetsu - traditional Japanese food served in a former Geisha house
Tia - organic restaurant with good vegetarian options
Things to do in Nagasaki
Visit the ghost town on Gunkanjima Island.
Watch the birds at the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium.
Hike on Mount Inasa.
Learn about the city at the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture.
Visit the Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China.
Port of Nagasaki http://www.doboku.pref.nagasaki.jp (Japanese only)
Port of Call - Osaka
Ancient Osaka was Japan's capital, and though it has lost that title it remains one of the country's biggest commercial centres. Its vibrancy extends to nightlife and culture as well, and Osaka has a well-earned reputation as a city that both works and plays hard.
Even in its current boom of modern industry and culture, the long and proud history of Osaka is evident everywhere, with castles and Buddhist temples interspersed among high-rise hotels and office buildings; winding shopping streets and neon pachinko parlours add to the bustling confusion.
Cruise ships in Osaka dock at Tempozan Pier, in the middle of the fun Tempozan Harbour Area. There are enough amusements in the harbour area to entertain visitors for hours if you don't feel like venturing further into the city, including restaurants, shops, museums, theatres, and an aquarium.
Shopping in Osaka
Shinsaibashi is the main shopping district in Osaka, with nearby Horie offering a good selection of Japanese brands. Tempozan Marketplace has plenty of food and souvenir stalls, and Nipponbashi is the place to go for electronics. The crowded Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street is also said to be the largest straight shopping arcade in Japan, though it is not aimed at tourists specifically.
Dining in Osaka
Harukoma - Rated as one of the city's finest sushi establishments
Things to do in Osaka
Visit Universal Studios Japan and ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
Watch a match at the Sumo Spring Grand Tournament.
Enjoy the view from the Floating Garden Observatory in the Umeda Sky Building.
Meet local sealife at the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium.
Explore the museums and gardens of Osaka Castle.
Osaka Port and Harbour Bureau http://www.city.osaka.lg.jp/contents/wdu020/port/
Port of Call - Tokyo
Japan's neon capital, Tokyo is constantly going at a frenetic pace. A sprawling metropolitan area with more than 35 million inhabitants, the personality of the city ranges from the electronic bells and whistles of Akihabara to the serene gardens and shrines of Chiyoda, and from the flea markets and temples of Asakusa to the fashion-forward young crowds of Shibuya.
While many cruise lines abandoned their Japanese ports of call following the earthquake and tsunami of early 2011, cruises to Tokyo are once again increasing in popularity, especially on routes with Nagasaki and several Chinese ports of call.
Cruise ships in Tokyo dock at the Kobe Port Terminal, which is within walking distance of downtown Tokyo and has a tourist information office.
Shopping in Tokyo
Tokyo is an international shopping destination, filled with 20-storey shopping malls, entire streets of electronics stores, and eclectic markets and souvenir shops. Akihabara is the place to go for electronics, and its otaku area has colourful anime shops (and shoppers). The area around Shinjuku Station has a dense concentration of shops as well, selling just about everything.
Dining in Tokyo
Sushidai - English-friendly sushi restaurant
Ramen Tenjinshita Daiki - cheap and cheerful noodle shop
Les Saisons - excellent French cuisine in a romantic setting
Things to do in Tokyo
Treat the kids to an outing at Tokyo Disneyland.
See the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi.
Watch a Japanese baseball game at the Tokyo Dome.
Stroll the gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Learn about Japanese history at the Tokyo National Museum.
Port of Tokyo:
http://www.kouwan.metro.tokyo.jp/en
