JAPAN
YOUR GUIDE TO JAPAN
Discover Beautiful Traditions in the Land of the Rising Sun
The country of Japan shares an alluring blend of the old and new. Bright modern cities showcase the culture’s contemporary and forward-thinking feel, while ancient shrines, religious temples, and traditional architecture highlight their passionate preservation of history and customs. Japan is a diverse destination that appeals to all types of travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or city explorer, there’s a piece of the country for everyone to delight in.
Top Attractions & Activities:
Mt. Fuji
Harajuku District - Tokyo
Tokyo Tower - Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple - Tokyo
Fushimi Inari Taisha - Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Kyoto
Kodai-ji Temple - Kyoto
The Bamboo Grove - Kyoto
Nara Park
Cherry Blossom Festival (Springtime)
Traditional Tea Ceremonies
Sushi Making
Saki Tasting
Capital and Population:
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan. The country currently has a population of 127 million people.
Language Spoken:
Japanese is the national language of Japan. While it’s the common language spoken by most, English is also widely used.
Currency:
The official currency of Japan is the yen (JPY).
It's easy to exchange your own currency into yen once you arrive in Japan, so plan to carry a good deal of cash with you. All major airports have exchange points throughout the facility. Even though it is possible to buy train tickets, take taxis, and pay for most other services with credit cards, carrying some cash is recommended. Japan is very much a cash-based society, so keeping cash safely on you is ideal.
ATMs often charge for withdrawals and this charge can vary depending on the time you're making a withdrawal. Not all ATMs operate 24 hours a day, and in high traffic areas, machines may run out of cash. Be prepared by having enough cash on hand.
Best Time to Visit and Weather:
In general, the best times to visit are in October when the fall foliage is at its peak, and in early April, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The temperatures during both these months are mild during the day and cool at night. Overall, the temperatures vary widely around the country ranging from 45-75℉ depending on location. May, June, and July are the rainiest months. June, July, and August are the hottest. Since Japan and Siberia are on the same latitude, the winter months can become quite cold. When traveling in the mountainous regions, plan for cooler temperatures and pack accordingly.
Interesting Facts:
Comic books are a huge part of Japanese culture. They are found at every newsstand and people of all ages read them.
It’s customary and considered polite to pour drinks for people you are dining with. So when you’re drinking tea, sake, or other similar drinks, it’s considerate to refill other’s drinks for them.
Japan is more than just a mecca for cities, temples, and shrines—forests actually cover 69% of the country, making it an attractive destination for outdoor and nature enthusiasts.
The largest religion in Japan, alongside Buddhism, is Shintoism, which is a religion deeply rooted in nature and spirituality.
