Japan

[Prawn_86]

Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The characters which make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin country", which is why Japan is sometimes identified as the "Land of the Rising Sun".

Japan comprises over 3,000 islands making it an archipelago. The largest islands are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of Japan's land area. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. Japan has the world's tenth largest population, with about 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the de facto capital city of Tokyo and several surrounding prefectures, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million residents.

[Prawn_86]

Has anyone out there been to Japan?

I know a few people that go the snow boarding once every couple of years, but thats about it. It seems quite an isolated coutry despite the size of its economy.

Anyone have any stories?

[sam1]

Japan is one place where everyone wants to go once in his or her life. I had been there last year, i liked everything about it except the fact of lack of english speaking there...

[GumbyLearner]

Has anyone out there been to Japan?

I know a few people that go the snow boarding once every couple of years, but thats about it. It seems quite an isolated coutry despite the size of its economy.

Anyone have any stories?

I have been to Japan and had a great time. Fukouka in the west is beautiful in spring/summertime. They have natural hot springs which are really worth visiting and bathing in. Also a local bar there called 'Happy Cocks' is worth visiting for an ale or two.

Tokyo is an amazing place. You can go to Ueno and see the beautiful gardens and fantastic historical sites.

[Panama City Angel]

I had never been to Japan but want to go once in my life. After all this is the place of technology and I want to see every part of it if possible. I have heard that Japanese are very good people. I bet I will like it.

[BenK]

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.

[Prawn_86]

complete with trend-setting cafés and fabulous restaurants.

Hi Ben,

Welcome to ATF :)

What are some of the cafes and/or restaurants you would recommend visiting?

[Joncya]

Japan is a very industrialized nation , but what is amazing about this country, inspite of modernization, advance technology the people was able to maintain the culture. Also, Japan is ruled by one of the oldest monarchy, isn't amazing.

[Prawn_86]

Welcome Joncya :)

What is your favourite part of Japan and why?

[begusarai]

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 plac

[Mechanical]

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend and I will be going to Japan in February. We were thinking of starting off with a few days in Tokyo and then going to Sapporo for the snow festival. However, I've been having a hard time trying to find out how were going to get from Tokyo to Sapporo. The flights I've been looking at are going for around $750. Any advise on cheaper ways to get to Sapporo?

[Mechanical]

Hi everyone,

I will be spending only 1 day in Tokyo. I have to get back to my hotel near Narita Airport. What time is the latest Transportation to bring me back to Narita Airport ? I would like to see a bit of Tokyo lights!

Thank you!

[Mechanical]

We have an 8 hour stopover at Tokyo airport. Is there anything we can do in that time. We've never been to Japan before and don't know much about the city. We had a similar stopover at Heathrow last trip and we caught the tube into London and had a drink at at pub. Don't know if there is someplace close at hand we could have a look at if we left the airport. Help!!

[EverNothing]

Over the last year i've been seriously considering moving to Japan. The city of neon lights and sex robots. I wouldn't mind obtaining an international business degree at The University of Tokyo (provided I get accepted) and the best way that's going to happen is if I obtain a pre-college visa from the Japanese Immigration Bureau to study at a International Exchange School. I could support myself in the big city by teaching English part-time but first I'll have to take the TESOL (Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages) course here in Australia to make sure i'm qualified overseas.

Sounds like a piece of cake. :eek:

Can anybody offer any tips to help speed up the process? I'd like to graduate Uni this century, if possible. :p

[Prawn_86]

I could support myself in the big city by teaching English part-time but first I'll have to take the TESOL (Teach English to Speakers of Other Languages) course here in Australia to make sure i'm qualified overseas.


I have never been to Japan so can't offer any advice in that area, but there is a thread about TESOL here... (http://www.aussietravellersforum.com.au/forums/showthread.php?t=135)which may be of help.

[hoangt]

Japan is really a beautiful and expensive country, before deciding to travel Japan, let's make your pocket full of money :) (just my own idea)

[bt674]

8 Hour stopover is not nearly good enough. I would try to extend it to one night and see as much as you can.

[Montreal-Tourism]

If you are stopping at Tokyo, there is a handful of stores in the airport building. Lodging areas are available as well.

[ClemRob]

I'd love to get over there for a season of snowboarding. Anyone know the best areas? Hoping I can subsidise my trip by teaching English on the side too...

[samurai-indy]

Hi I'm new here, I haven't done much traveling although I intend to change that once I finish college.

Anyway getting on with it I'm planing on going to Japan next year after I finish college this year. I was thinking late January to February or February to March.
I was hoping you guys could answer a couple questions for me.
What else during this time is there to do in Hokkaido besides the snow festival in Sapporo and skiing?
And when traveling on the Shinkansen I'm planning on buying the 21 day Japan Rail pass, is it worth paying the extra for Green( first class)?

[brook00]

The museums, temples and shrines in Kyoto are a must-see tourist attractions. In fact, they are rated 5 star attractions.

[Komodo]

I would like to go to Japan some day. I look at Japan as a cradle of technology. Maybe I am exaggerating, but that's how it seems to me.

[Travelling]

I think Japan (certainly Tokyo) is a mix of the two extremes - modern (new) and tradition (old). Friends in Japan took us out to a very fancy (read, expensive) restaurant in the middle of Tokyo (on the top floor of a very tall building... sorry, can't remember how tall). From the window, as far as I can see, in all directions, sky scrapers!! No gaps!! It is an amazing density of population in such a small area.

But once you take a train out of capital cities, scenery turns to farms and huts very quickly. I never associated mountains and 'green' with Japan but there are some beautiful places in Japan too.

As for travelling... accommodations are expensive (USD$150+) but food is cheap! (USD$5 - $10) will get you a hot meal locals eat. That is in fact the key - make sure you eat what the locals eat. Don't go off to Italian restaurant in Tokyo, you will be up for USD$40+ per head for a basic pasta dish.

[garbage001]

It is because Japan is industrialized and Cultural country.They do not let their tradition and culture to be forgotten.I love this passion of Japaneses.