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Made up of multiple islands located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, in the east of the Korean Peninsula, Japan is a mysterious miracle that has similarities in Japanese myths. The origin of the archipelago is explained by a beautiful legend that says a couple of Kami spirits: Izanagi and Izanami, stirred the sea with the top of a Amanonuhoko (long-hand sword similar to a lance); a drop from Amanonuhoko formed the first island. The rest is a tale that waits to be discovered.
Name: Japan
Capital: Tokyo
Location: Island State in East Asia, archipelago between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, located east of the Korean Peninsula
Main towns: Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kobe, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Kawasaki
Currency: Yen – JPY
Timezone: UTC +9
Tipping: Depending who you ask and what part of Japan you are staying in, tipping may or may not be an acceptable practice.
Many Japanese believe that good service should be the standard and therefore, tipping is not necessary. However, some staff that work for Japanese tourist companies are accustomed to receiving tips and may be grateful to receive a small gratuity. Overall, tipping in Japan is not customary. Respect and politeness is expected at all times, and if your tip is refused, do not to be offended. If you insist on leaving a tip in your hotel and are unsure what the appropriate method is, check with your concierge or hotel receptionist.
Tipping tour guides in Japan can go either way. It isn’t mandatory, or even considered rude, not to leave a tip for your tour guide, but if you feel obligated a few dollars is perfectly acceptable.
Voltage: Network parameters: 100 V / 50 Hz ~ 60 Hz; A, B socket is used, you need adapters.
Japan is a destination for both mind, body and soul. From rigor and efficiency in every aspect of life to meditation beside a blooming cherry and from romantic samurai history to the delicacy of a Maiko, Japan is a country that delights you completely in all its aspects. When in Japan, discover the following:
The climate of Japan is predominantly temperate, with great differences from north to south, covering aspects ranging from subpolar to subtropical climate and with monsoon influences. Japan has four seasons. The spring months are March, April, May, months when you can enjoy the bloom trees and the festivals related to these moments of the year. From the last week of April to May 5th is a traditional Japanese holiday – Golden Week, a particularly crowded period, where travel is avoided. The summer months are: June, July and August; in summer, there are two distinct periods, the rainy lasting from June to mid July and the hot one (but not all areas of Japan). If the mild and rainy weather in the first half of summer does not bother you, the atmosphere is pleasant and cool, suitable for walks unlike July and August which are wet and hot months in general.
The fall months are: September, October and November, but the depopulation period lasts until December. Winter months are December, January and February generally acceptable for those who are used to temperate continental climate.
Kyoto it is the capital of traditional culture and the scene of many important events that have taken place throughout Japan’s history. In Kyoto you can admire 17 sites listed on the UNESCO Heritage List, over 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shintō Shrines. It is one of the cities where you can indulge yourself in the charm of Sakura – the festival of cherry blossoming.
Being part of Japan’s culture and tradition, Fuji San – Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, part of the Tate and Haku Mountains in the triangle of the holy mountains of Japan. Fuji has a symmetrical cone covered by ice and snow, and it’s one of Japan’s most photographed natural sights. It also is a well-known place of pilgrimage especially during the flowering of cherries.
The ancient capital of medieval Japan – Nara, hosts eight major Buddhist temples and historical sites that are considered unique UNESCO-protected monuments on the World Heritage List and which together with Kasugayama Forest make up the Nara Historical Complex. The central park abounds in deer, protected by the Buddhist monks.
Osaka it’s the second largest city in Japan. The main attractions of the city are: Osaka Castle, whose construction began in 1583 following the Azuchi Castle; Nipponbashi – the shopping district also known as Den-Den Town; Kaiyukan Aquarium – one of the largest aquariums in the world, having as topic the biotopes of volcanic zones.
