Overview of Japan

No one questions that Japan is swathed in absolute natural beauty. There are snow festivals and fields of fresh lavender, incredibly clear turquoise waters and shining beaches. There are mountains and volcanoes and forests and much more which all work together to create a contrasting and constantly changing view of the landscapes in this amazing country. Culturally, Japan is a world apart where unique civilization has blossomed and continued to thrive through today. Traditional practices and modern ideas live side-by-side in Japan and the country’s spirit and national pride is strong, warm and inviting to any and all who choose to visit.

Top Things To Do

Enter the Future in Tokyo

In every way, shape and form, Tokyo outdoes its competitors in food, accommodation, culture and more. The food focuses on fresh ingredients, traditional techniques and new flavours paired with impeccable food service and attention to detail in all parts of the meal. Aesthetically, it may not be pleasing with its grungy, mismatched buildings, yet the skyline still manages to impress, and paired with their futuristic mass transit system, Tokyo looks like it’s out of a sci-fi novel. In between meals and sightseeing, chances are you’ll want to look in shops and explore the culture of Tokyo a little more. Try Karaoke or wander the high-end boutiques and you’ll quickly get a sense of how much fun people in Tokyo enjoy on a regular basis.

See the Tsukiji Fish Market

If you’re a morning person, this is one item on the to-do list for you. Get up early and to watch the world’s largest fish market at Tsukiji come to life in Tokyo. The real action kicks off at around 4am and begins to wind down around midday. If you hope to visit the Fish Market, visitors must register with the Information Centre for a special tour before 5am. After the tour is completed, you can sit down and enjoy the freshest sushi and sashimi you have ever tasted in the restaurants right beside Tsukiji.

See a Sumo-Wrestling Match

There are few things more traditional to Japanese culture than watching a sumo-wrestling match. There are six major tournaments that are held throughout the year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. It is an experience unlike any other, and if you have the opportunity to attend a match, you should take advantage of it.

Visit Sensoji Temple

The Sensoji Temple is the most revered Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Pilgrims have flocked here for over a thousand years and while many would imagine a quiet, reserved temple, Sensoji is often filled with plenty of noise and action! There are giant lanterns hanging over the entrance gate that constantly watch over the bustling centre of commerce and trade. The smoke billowing from the massive incense burner at the front of the temple is said to have healing powers.

Climb Mount Fuji

The ever-impressive, ever-present Mount Fuji is open to climbers from July to early September. It is Japan’s tallest mountain at a staggering 3,776km tall. Because of the short climbing season, it is safe to say that you won’t be alone in your journey to the top of Mount Fuji, as there are queues along many parts of the route where foot traffic gets backed up. If you wish to make a longer trip of the climb, there are plenty of places along the route where you can stop for drinks and snacks or to simply take a rest.

Seasonality

Weather in Japan is moderately temperate and has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are generally mild throughout the country and offer incredible views of the akura cherry blossoms and colourful fall leaves, respectively. The rainfall in these two seasons is relatively low and the days offer up bright, clear skies making spring and autumn the best times of the year to visit Japan. Winter can become bitingly cold and summer oppressively hot and humid, so the more mild months of March-May and September-November are the most popular times to go.

Travel Tips

• Generally, visitors who are not planning to engage in income-producing activities while in Japan are exempt from obtaining visas and will be issued a tanki-taizai visa (temporary visitor visa) on arrival.
• There is very little tipping in Japan. If you wish to show someone your gratitude, give him or her a small gift rather than a tip. If you do choose to give someone cash, place the money in an envelope before handing it to him or her.
• The currency in Japan is the yen (¥) and banknotes and coins are easily identifiable. There are ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500 coins; and ¥1000, ¥2000, ¥5000 and ¥10,000 banknotes. Note that the Japanese pronounce yen as “en” without the “y” sound.
• Air pollution can be a problem in major centres such as Tokyo if you have an underlying lung condition. Do as the locals do and wear a facemask to protect your lungs if you feel you’ll need it. If you have a pre-existing lung condition speak with your doctor before travelling.

Japanese culture embraces the new while celebrating the past in a truly unique gathering of tradition and new trends. Don’t be surprised to see a kimono-clad geisha rocking out to Karaoke in Kyoto or a fully-robed Buddhist monk zooming around the corner on his moped in Tokyo.  Regardless of the parts of Japan you choose to see and experience or those that pass you by, remember how important travel insurance is to your holiday planning. While some plans can get expensive for international travel, everyone can travel with youGo Travel Insurance.