Tourism in Japan
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There are hundreds, if not thousands of tourist spots in all prefectures in Japan. They can be quiet national parks to centuries old temples and shrines to the high technology shopping areas of Akihabara. These spots can be reached by trains, buses, walking, and taxi.
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Traveling Tips
Customs
There are no stringent religious obligations nor criminal punishments because of them. Most Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples permit photography; there and at castles, gardens, museums, and elsewhere, the use of tripods and flash might be restricted.
Language
Major tourist spots and trains have displays in both Japanese and English. There are free traveling guides for most languages and books are available on how to travel in Japan. When one gets lost, find a Koban or a large store and ask for help. Write them down if unable to communicate.
Money
Be sure to exchange your money for yen at the airport or at a larger Japanese post office or bank. Japanese post office ATM machines accept check and debit cards in the Plus and Cirrus networks. Credit cards can be used in most larger stores and hotels that deal with a lot of foreign tourists. In smaller stores and in the countryside credit cards are generally not accepted. No tipping is necessary and carrying lots of money is generally safe. Personal checks are used only for extremely large transactions; don't expect to be able to use them.
Shopping
Be sure to purchase before opening items. Items can be wrapped for gifts for little or no fees in most stores. When buying electronic goods, check if they can be used overseas. Also for many items the warranty is invalid outside of Japan, except for models made for the international market. There is a 5% Consumption Tax placed on all products.
Trouble
Even with a rising crime rate, Japan remains one of the safest countries. There is only a little chance of being a victim and it is generally safe to walk around at night. The emergency telephone numbers are 110 for the police department, "119" for the fire department and ambulance. Never try to bribe when in trouble. It is better to apologize even when you are unsure who is responsible and this will rarely be used in a trial as the evidence of an ill deed.
Popular sightseeing spots in Japan
- Hiroshima:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial - The remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Promotion Hall after the atomic bombing. Rebuilt castle. Baseball park.
- Hyogo prefecture:
- Himeji castle - One of the finest surviving 17th century Japanese castles.
- Kobe - Port, Chinatown, Western influence, cruise on Seto Inland Sea
- Nara prefecture:
- Todaiji temple - The world's largest wooden building hosting the world's largest gilded bronze Buddha; part of UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Traditional towns:
- Nakasendo - one of the roads from Old Tokyo (Edo) and Kyoto passes through the Nagano prefecture. Some of the post towns (shuku) along this road have been preserved and show the lifestyles of both the commoners and the high ranking officials.
- Gassho zukkuri are traditional style houses from the mountain region of Gifu prefecture. A visit to Shirakawago and Takayama are well worth the effort. In Takayama be sure to visit Hida No Sato, an outdoor museum that allows you to walk around the inside of the houses, visit the tea house for free tea and senbei, and enjoy walk around the village.
- Tochigi Prefecture:
- Nikko - Nikko Toshogu, mausoleum and shrine to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu; other nearby temples and shrines
Other common spots to visit:
- Three Views of Japan - Japan's most famous scenic spots
- Tokyo:
- See Tokyo Tourism
- Kanagawa:
- Yokohama - The first city opened to foreigners in Edo period.
- Mount Fuji
Famous events in Japan:
External links
- Japan National Tourist Organization (http://www.jnto.go.jp)
- Open Directory Project Japan Tourism Guide (http://dmoz.org/Regional/Asia/Japan/Travel_and_Tourism/)
- The Japan FAQ: Know Before You Go (http://www.thejapanfaq.com)
- Townpage Route Search (http://ekimae.itp.ne.jp/tra-bin/jrtrageng.cgi) - Japan Rail Fare Calculator
- Travel Walk (http://www.travelwalk.net/tokyo.htm) - Tokyo Tourist Spots