JapanG U I D E T O

Introducing Japan

The islands of Japan stretch over 3,000km from north to south, meanings its regions are hugely diverse in terms of climate, culture, food, nature and history. From world-class ski resorts in the northern island of Hokkaido with its snow-covered mountains to idyllic golden sub-tropical beaches in southern Okinawa, there really is something for everyone.

And with a huge percentage of Japan made up of mountains, it is any snow-sports fan’s, climber’s or hiker’s dream.Many of Japan’s mountains are active volcanoes and, as a result, geothermal hot springs (onsen) can be found all over the country. Just 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, Hakone is home to many renowned hot springs, the most famous of which is Yumoto, with high-quality water and numerous baths and inns.

And don’t miss Nagano, home of the infamous ‘snow monkeys’. In Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to over 100 Japanese macaques, visitors can observe volcanic activity and see the hot-spring pool exclusively for the monkeys.

Explore a world both modern and ancientJapan combines both ancient and modern attractions, making this enigmatic country a delight to explore. Its major cities (Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka) appear on the surface to be westernised, but visitors quickly realise that the sleek modern culture of Japan is expertly blended with millennia of tradition – evident in the Buddhist and Shinto temples sprinkled throughout the urbancentres, in the intricate social rituals for eating and greeting, and in the other small reminders of Japan’s long and proud history.

Honshu

Tokyo

Kyushu

Shikoku

Hokkaido

Map of Japan

Good morning Ohayou gozaimasu What's your name? O namae wa nan desu ka

おはようございます お名前は何ですか？

Hello Konnichiwa I like it Suki desu

こんにちは 好きです

See you Jaa mata I’m allergic to… …arerugii ga arimasu

じゃあまた …アレルギーがあります

Local language

English – Japanese

The main language is Japanese, although there are a large number of dialects. In addition to Japanese, Ryukyan languages are spoken in Okinawa and parts of Kagoshima in the Ryukyu Islands.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average Monthly Temperature: Japan

5° 8°6° 9° 14° 18° 21° 25° 26° 23° 18° 12°

Climate Japan has four distinct seasons and a climate ranging from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south. Conditions are different between the Pacific side and the Sea of Japan side. Northern Japan has warm summers and very cold winters, with heavy snow on the Sea of Japan side and in mountainous areas.

Japan StatisticsPopulation: 127 million

Capital: Tokyo

National Anthem: Kimigayo (君が代)

National sport: Sumo

Currency: Japanese Yen (¥)

National Language: Japanese

It's estimated to take at least 10 years of training to become a sushi chef

The smallest paper plane in the world was made by Naito Akira and measures 0.1 x 0.1 mm

The greater Tokyo area is the largest metropolitan area in the world (35 million people)

Around 24 billion pairs of chopsticks are used in Japan each year

Japanese trains are among the world’s most punctual: their average delay is just 18 seconds

Geisha means 'person of the arts', and the first geisha were actually men

Did you know...

Four must-try delicacies of Japan

Yakitori Yakitori means 'barbecued chicken’. This delicacy of bite-size chicken pieces is seasoned with salt or brushed with a sauce of mirin rice wine, soy sauce, sake alcohol and sugar.

Donburi This rice-bowl dish is almost as popular as ramen in Japan, and is made by preparing (usually by simmering or frying) various meat, fish and vegetables and serving them over steamed rice.

SashimiSashimi is raw fish or meat that has been expertly cut into thin slices and typically is served with daikon radish, pickled ginger, wasabi and soy sauce. Sashimi differs from sushi in that sashimi is never served with rice and is almost exclusively raw fish.

Sushi

The word 'sushi' refers to any dish made with Japanese rice that has been seasoned with rice vinegar. Popular varieties include makizushi (sushi rice and fillings rolled up in nori seaweed) and nigiri sushi (shaped, bite-size mounds of sushi rice with single slices of raw fish draped over the top).

While sushi may be famous the world over it is only the tip of the Japanese culinary iceberg. Head to the country's street-side noodle shops, authentic restaurants, or

Michelin-starred spots to discover what Japanese cuisine is all about.

Our favourite sightsThe island shrine of Iksukushima The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima

is known worldwide for its iconic 'floating' torii

gate. Both are unique for being built over water,

which gives the illusion that they float in the sea

during high tide.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

This is one of the most prominent features of the

city. The park's main features are the Peace

Memorial Museum and the A-Bomb Dome, a

UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides a

tangible link to Hiroshima's tragic past.

Osaka Castle 'Osaka-jo' is one of the most famous landmarks in

Japan and dates back almost 450 years.

Originally built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in the 16th

century, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt

numerous times. The most recent iteration was

reconstructed in 1928 and was recognised as a

Historic Site by the Japanese government in the

1950s.

Cherry blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen

This large park in the heart of Tokyo is home to

over 1,000 cherry trees of both early- and late-

blooming varieties, meaning that the sakura

season here lasts longer than elsewhere in the

city.

Samurai sword lesson, Tokyo Meet with one of Tokyo’s most famous choreographers for a lesson in the art of Japanese sword-fighting. Draw a traditional blade and learn to swash it around like a true samurai warrior. You'll also learn about samurai fighters and their role in Japan's military history, and the instructors will share their personal stories and how the art has evolved over the years.

Dinner with a maiko, Kyoto Delve into the world of geisha culture during this insightful night out in Kyoto. Start with a walk through the atmospheric streets of Gion, the city’s geisha district. Then dine in the company of a maiko, an apprentice, enjoying fascinating conversations, graceful traditional dances and lively local drinking games.

Tour a classic seaside city, KamakuraExplore and experience historic Kamakura. Mingle with the locals while visiting sacred ancient sites such as Engaku-ji Zen temple and a shrine dedicated to the god of samurai. Travel aboard the century-old Enoden Railway for a scenic ride along the coastline.

Try something different

TC Recommended: JapanTake a look at some of our Travel Counsellors’ recommendations for a unique, once in a

lifetime experience in Japan. To share your special holiday memories, please upload your images to your social media account using the hash tag #TCexperience

Travel Counsellor David said:

“Kyoto is one of the best destinations to experience the cultural and traditional side to Japan. Many buildings in the city are traditional wooden structures that are protected by law, and therefore the city has a historical feeling to it."

Travel Counsellor Andrew said:

“I'm so glad I went to Japan - from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the slower pace of life the further away you get from the city, where you see more of the real Japan. I'd love to go back and explore this fascinating country again."

Travel Counsellor Donna recently visited Tokyo and had this advice to share:

"We used the rail pass to make our way around the city, and although it doesn't cover the subways, it is great value for money. We headed up to the top of Tokyo Tower, giving a bird's eye view of the city. On a clear day, you can actually see Mt Fuji in the distance. We managed a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which I really think is a must-do (even for the men), as the tea ceremonies were traditionally only held with and for the men. The ceremony itself really is an experience and the history behind it is quite fascinating. If green powdered tea isn't your thing, maybe a visit to the Samurai Museum in Shinjuku might appeal more. Here, visitors are able to dress in Samurai warrior costume and learn the history behind this ancient art."

JP¥858 / €6Sushi lunch

for one

JP¥3000 / €21One way train

trip from Narita Airport to Tokyo

Spending moneyWondering how much spending money you’ll need for your travels? Here’s a rough guide to the price of some things you might buy or do on your holiday:

JP¥6575 / €46

A night in a modern

budget hotel

JP¥5000 / €35Dinner and drinks

at a good izakaya

JP¥28590 / €200

A 7-day JR train pass

JP¥1500 / €11 Daily bicycle

rental

JP¥600 / €4.20Draft beer at an

izakaya

These are just a few of the incredible things to see, do and eat while you’re in Japan. We hope our recommendations

inspire you to discover the country for yourself time and time again.

Get in touch to build a bespoke itinerary, tailor-made just for you. We’d love to see your photos and stories on social

media, so please share your memories using #TCexperience