Invitation to Japan ｢日本への誘い｣
Information
Discover Japan
- Tokyo and neighbourhood
- A walk in Ueno park, and zoo. Taking a look to some of Kenzo Tange constructions (Metropolitan government office, St. Mary's cathedral, Yoyogi gymnasium, Fuji Television, ...). Dive into Ginza shopping district and pause at Ginza Sony Park, which replaced the Sony Building. Be small next to Buddha in Kamakura, relax in Hakone hot springs, visit Japan through the Nihon Minka-en house museum, and say hello to Fuji-san.
- Kyoto
- A walk along the Path of philosophy leading to the discovery of the beautiful temples and shrines: Golden pavilion, Ginkakuji, Heian Jingu, Inari, Kiyomizu, Kodaiji, Yasaka. A stop at Gion, the traditional pleasure district, where to assist to Kabuki theatre performance, drink in tea house (ochaya) and see Maiko and Geisha.
- Tradition and modernity
- Spend the night in a traditional Ryokan, in Tokyo try one of the capsule hotels, and even though it's not really meant for sleeping it would be a shame to skip the visit to a love hotel. Assist to a tea ceremony and a kabuki performance, go to a sumo competition and play pachinko. Spend some time watching the beauty of dry garden, ukiyo-e and Shinjuku girls.
- Food and drink
- A lot to taste (and to see as presentation is important) in a Kaiseki meal. Of course various sushi and ramen will be on the menu, and other specialities such as shabu-shabu, takoyaki, ... and if a little adventurous a fugu meal. For the drink, green tea (matcha, sencha, genmaicha, ...) and sake (to try hot or cold).
When to go
Best time to visit Japan are in Spring particularly begining of April to enjoy the cherry blossom (Sakura ohanami) and its numerous festivals, and also the Fall season for its pleasant temperatures and soothing colours.
| When | Name | Local name |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year's day | 元日 |
| 2nd Monday of January | Coming of Age day | 成人の日 |
| February 11 | National Foundation day | 建国記念の日 |
| Around March 20 | Vernal equinox | 春分の日 |
| April 29 | Shōwa day | 昭和の日 |
| May 3 | Constitution memorial day | 憲法記念日 |
| May 4 | Greenery day | みどりの日 |
| May 5 | Children's day | こどもの日 |
| 3rd Monday of July | Marine day | 海の日 |
| 3rd Monday of September | Respect for the Aged day | 敬老の日 |
| Around September 23 | Autumnal equinox | 秋分の日 |
| 2nd Monday of October | Health and Sports day | 体育の日 |
| November 3 | Culture day | 文化の日 |
| November 23 | Labour Thanksgiving Day | 勤労感謝の日 |
| December 23 | The Emperor's Birthday | 天皇誕生日 |
Dangers and annoyances
- Earthquakes
- Japan is prone to earthquakes, although most go unnoticed. In a strong quake, current guidance is to take cover under a sturdy table and protect your head, away from windows — despite the long-repeated advice, doorways are no longer considered safe shelter. In urban areas stay inside: falling debris is the main danger.
- Tipping
- There is little tipping in Japan, a way to show gratitude to someone is to give them a gift, or to place the money in an envelope first.
- ATM & Credit cards
- Post-office and convenience-store ATMs (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) accept most foreign cards. Card payment is now widely accepted in cities, but cash remains essential in small shops, temples and the countryside.
- Medication
- Some medications are illegal, this includes some commonly used cough and cold medications such as pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Sudafed, ...) and codeine.
Health
There are no particular issues, although a basic health kit can always be useful.
| Disease | Exposure | Prevention | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | Extended or repeated stay | Vaccine | |
| Typhoid fever | Extended stay, Precarious hygiene | Vaccine | |
| Japanese encephalitis | Rural or forest zone | Vaccine | Vector: mosquito |
| Tick-borne encephalitis | Rural or forest zone | Vaccine | Vector: tick |
| Anisakiasis | Raw fish eating | Vector: fish |
