Japan ( 日本 ). A voyage to Japan, Asia - Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Niseko...

 

 

When you hear the word 'Japan', what do you think of? Does your mind fill with images of ancient temples or futuristic cities? Do you see visions of mist-shrouded hills or lightning-fast bullet trains? Do you think of suit-clad businessmen or kimono-clad geisha? Whatever image you have of Japan, it's probably accurate, because it's all there. But you may also have some

misconceptions about Japan. For example, many people believe that Japan is one of the world's most expensive countries. In fact, it's cheaper to travel in Japan than in much of North America, Western Europe and parts of Oceania. Others think that Japan is impenetrable or even downright difficult.
The fact is, Japan is one of the easiest countries in which to travel. It is, simply put, a place that will remind you why you started travelling in the first place.If traditional culture is your thing, you can spend weeks in cities such as Kyoto and Nara, gorging yourself on temples, shrines, kabuki, ō (stylised dance-drama), tea ceremonies and museums packed with treasures from Japan's rich artistic heritage. If modern culture and technology is your thing,  Japan's cities are an absolute wonderland - an easy peek into the future of the human race, complete with trend-setting cafés and fabulous restaurants.
 Outside the cities, you'll find natural wonders the length and breadth of the archipelago. From the coral reefs of Okinawa to the ski-resort of Niseko, Japan has more than enough natural wonders to compete with its cultural treasures.
Then there's the food: whether it's impossibly fresh sushi in Tokyo, perfectly battered tempura in Kyoto, or a hearty bowl of rāmen in Osaka, if you like eating you're going to love Japan.
But for many visitors, the real highlight of their visit to Japan is the gracious hospitality of the Japanese themselves. Whatever your image of Japan, it no doubt exists somewhere on the archipelago - and it's just waiting for you to discover it! 日本語のウェブサイトはこちら こちら (if you're wondering what that says, it's a link to our Japanese web page)  
Travel warning: In March 2011, a massive earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, triggering a tsunami and radiation problems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.  The US government now says travel to Japan outside the 20km zone surrounding the nuclear plant presents low risks. Lonely Planet has an update on the situation from March 2012 here.  As with any destination, stay in touch with the news before you go
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Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:

• Download our new Japanese Offline Translator app. Simply talk or type, and it translates. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android.
• Travel in 14 days from Tokyo to Kyoto
• Journey along the backroads of Japan
• Visit the iconic Mount Fuji and cruise Lake Ashi

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Write by: AN - Sunday, January 29, 2012