Travel tips and advice for Japan. Travel to Japan: what you need to know about the country A tourist to Japan
Many tourists dream of seeing the Land of the Rising Sun, and those who succeed, remain impressed by the perfect trip for a long time. Japan cannot be compared with any Asian country - it is so original and mysterious. And for every tourist who has been here, it opens in its own way, generously endowing with unforgettable emotions. Holidays in Japan can be very different. Some people come here to stroll around bustling and mega-modern Tokyo, while others, on the contrary, like the contemplative and beautiful Fujiyama volcano and no less penetrating Japanese temples and pagodas. After the sad events in 2011 at Fukushima (recall, due to a strong earthquake there was an accident at a nuclear power plant), the flow of tourists to Japan has noticeably thinned out, but today we can confidently say that the situation has changed for the better.
In order not to be left without a long-awaited vacation in Japan, plan a decent vacation budget in advance. A trip to the Land of the Rising Sun will have to spend an order of magnitude more compared to, for example, Thailand or Vietnam.
You can plan a vacation in Japan at almost any time of the year, because there is always something to do and see. So, in winter, tourists flock to the local ski resorts. The most famous of them are Naeba, Furano, Hakuba and Hokkaido. The height of the slopes and the infrastructure on the Japanese ski slopes are in no way inferior to the winter European resorts. Arriving in Japan the day before new year holidays, don't miss the grand parade in Tokyo and the ice festival in Sapporo. With the onset of spring, holidays in Japan become even more popular. Still: a beautiful sakura turns this country into a large flowering garden. This trip is best combined with a visit to the famous thermal springs and balneological resorts in Japan. There are spa centers both in Tokyo and other cities. These are, for example, the famous resorts of Atami, Hakone, Ibusuki. Staying here even for a short time, you will return home rested and full of energy.
Holidays in Japan
Summer holidays in Japan are chosen by beachgoers and go closer to the sea - to the islands of Okinawa. A long and tiring flight will be instantly forgotten as soon as you find yourself on the coast and stay in cozy and modern resort hotels. And the impeccable service provided in all hotels will finally relax you. By the way, it is good to have a rest here with the whole family: interesting leisure and a number of entertainments (water parks, dolphinarium) await not only adults, but also young tourists. You can sunbathe on Japanese beaches in early autumn, but be prepared that the weather can let you down, and the sun will be replaced by coolness.
But at this time (to be more precise, in October), you can diversify your vacation in Japan by visiting the literally burning fire festival, which is held annually in Kyoto.
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In order not to be left without a long-awaited vacation in Japan, plan a decent vacation budget in advance. Why? A trip to the Land of the Rising Sun will have to spend an order of magnitude more compared to, for example, the same Asian Thailand or Vietnam. But no matter what the costs are, they cannot be compared with the baggage of emotions and impressions with which tourists return to their homeland after a holiday in Japan. Finally, about the nuances of organizing a trip. All foreign tourists require a valid visa to enter the country. This, of course, is not a Schengen or an American visa, which is sometimes very problematic to obtain, nevertheless, it is better to deal with this issue as early as possible before the desired travel date.
As practice shows, tourist visas in Japan can actually be issued in one to two weeks. If running around the embassy offices with a pile of documents is not your element, entrust this issue to your travel agency.
Planning to go on holiday to Japan in 2020? Great choice! In this review, we will tell you everything about the seasons, the weather and where it is better to go and what to see in a given month. Also find out where the best beach holiday and what advice do tourists give.
Japan is a world of sophisticated exotics. Jewelry combination of tradition and modernity. A place of harmony of mind and body. You can pick up many more epithets, but you can understand their meaning only by visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.
Where to look for cheap tickets? It is most convenient to do this with the help of search engines and Skyscanner. To find best price, check in both and see tickets for different dates. Read also the instructions. The cost of tickets is approximately the following: you can fly round-trip to Tokyo or Osaka from Moscow and St. Petersburg from 25-30 thousand rubles, from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Khabarovsk - from 15-20 thousand. See the list of cities in Russia for which there are the cheapest tickets to Japan.
When is the best time to go on vacation to Japan?
Spring
First of all, this khanami, Japanese national tradition of admiring flowers. Nature begins its show with the flowering of the Japanese ume plum from late December to late March. However, cherry blossoms are considered the main event of the hanami. Thanks to the climate, this magical spectacle can last for more than three months (from the end of February to the end of May). There are times when, for example, on the island of Okinawa, sakura begins to bloom as early as January. A wave of Japanese cherries has been sweeping the country since south island Kyushu and ends its turn in northern Tohoku.
Flowering lasts only 8-10 days, so there are two options: either follow the "wave" around the country, or seize the moment. In addition, other beautiful flowers begin to bloom from May: azalea, shiba-zakura and wisteria.
Thousands of tourists from all over the world come to see khanami. However, the real excitement in the country is from April 29 to May 6. At this time there is a series official holidays: Sowing Day, Constitution Day, Greenery Day and Children's Day. The period of celebrations bears the single name "Golden Week". It entails traffic jams and queues, as well as difficulties in booking hotels. In addition, prices for holidays in Japan at this time rise sharply. We advise you to take this into account when planning your trip.
It is also not superfluous to mention that traditional festivals begin in mid-May, including Kanda Matsuri and Sanja Matsuri in Tokyo, as well as Aoi Matsuri in Kyoto.
(Photo © SteFou! / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0)
Summer
The beginning of summer is best time for holidays in Japan. From June begins the so-called tsuyu(rainy season) and continues until mid-July. Summer in the country is very hot, the air temperature is +34…+38°С, and the humidity can exceed 90%.
Nevertheless, only in summer you can conquer one of the main attractions of Japan - Mount Fuji, located on the island of Honshu. Climbing Mount Fuji is officially allowed only from July 1 to August 27. With the end of the season, you will not find accompanying professionals and rescue services that provide security in the summer.
Summer in Japan is the season of celebrations and grandiose fireworks. If you want to see one of the festivals, then we advise you to plan the route in accordance with the calendar of holidays of the country. Look at the calendar of festivals for the main tourist cities. There is also another calendar. Both sites are in English.
In mid-August, the Japanese celebrate obon. It is believed that at this time the souls of the dead descend to earth. locals visit the graves of ancestors and pay tribute to memory. People go to their homes to see relatives. Moreover, in August, children have school holidays, so there may be problems with booking hotels and buying tickets.
Autumn
Judging by the weather, September is not the best option holidays in Japan in 2020. The heat has not subsided yet, the humidity too. In addition, at this time the country is especially prone to typhoons, which are characterized by strong gusts of wind and heavy rains.
By the end of September, the weather conditions soften, the number of tourists decreases and, in our opinion, the most favorable time for traveling to Japan begins.
October and November are the time for the traditional momiji, it is also called the red maple season. As sakura once covered Japan from south to north, so now in the opposite direction (from north to south), red-yellow waves of autumn leaves color the country. The best time to see Momiji is in Kyoto. Travelers are also advised to enjoy the Japanese autumn in Tokyo, Okayama and Hiroshima.
In reviews of holidays in Japan, tourists celebrate October festivals. One of the most representative holidays - jidai matsuri, a festival of eras dedicated to the history of the country. You can visit it on October 22 in Kyoto.
(Photo © Freedom II Andres / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)
Winter
Going on vacation to Japan in winter is perhaps the most interesting from mid-December, when the country is immersed in the New Year's atmosphere. However, it should be borne in mind that the Japanese themselves at this time are constantly traveling around their native cities and traveling. We advise you to book accommodation in advance and form your routes as carefully as possible, since prices for holidays in Japan increase during this period.
Japanese landscapes become dull in January and February, so to see the snowy beauty, we advise you to stick to the northern regions. Feel all the delights of the famous Japanese hot springs onsen We recommend close to Mount Fuji. The combination of a natural hot tub, Japanese winter and a view of the snowy peaks of the legendary volcano is perhaps the best atmosphere in which to appreciate an onsen.
When traveling around Japan in winter, be sure to visit the world-famous snow festival in Sapporo, which is held annually in early February and lasts 7 days.
Where to stay in Japan? Living in the country is not cheap. We advise you to search for hotels on the Roomguru search engine, it will select the most profitable options among a variety of booking systems. For example, in Tokyo, a night in a hostel with excellent reviews costs from $26, but rooms in decent hotels in Tokyo are much more expensive - for example, the price for staying in a double room in a hotel starts from $95.
Beach holidays in Japan
The Japanese themselves are not the biggest fans of seaside holidays, since the traditional fashion for pale skin in the Land of the Rising Sun has survived to this day. However, there are beach resorts on almost every island in the country, and tourists can sunbathe on the coast while touring the country.
Choosing a beach holiday destination in Japan depends on your needs and hobbies. For surfers, the resort of Kamakura is more suitable. However, the archipelago is the most popular among lovers of outdoor activities on the water. Ryukyu and its largest island, Okinawa. The sea is always warm here, and the minimum water temperature here is +20°C. Colorful coral reefs attract divers from all over the world. In addition, the islands Kerama located near Okinawa, tourists can take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to watch whales.
In reviews of a beach holiday in Japan with children, tourists advise the city Miyazaki on the island of Kyushu. In addition to luxurious beaches, there is the famous Ocean Dome water park, which can accommodate more than 10 thousand people.
A truly unique place to relax in Japan at sea is the city Sirahama on the island of Honshu. Snow-white quartz sand was brought to its coast from Australia. The well-maintained beaches of the resort, hot springs and modern hotels attract both tourists and local residents.
The name of the city of Ibusuki (Kyushu Island) is translated as "the city on the hot earth". The thermal waters here come so close to the surface of the earth that the temperature of the sea water can reach +40°C. No wonder the city is called the Japanese Hawaii.
There is a saying: "To the sick and honey is bitter." So that the rest is not spoiled by ailments, we advise you to collect the right one.
(Photo © Shinichi Higashi / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
When planning a vacation in Japan in 2020, it should be understood that the concept of a low season in the country practically does not exist. Every season here has its own uniqueness. In addition, domestic tourism in the country is developed no worse than external tourism. Local residents move around the country en masse during national holidays, so this period is characterized by difficulties with booking accommodation, problems with buying tickets for transport and widespread long queues. Also during the holidays there is an increase in prices for holidays in Japan.
Japan is a very law abiding country and the crime rate is extremely low. Nevertheless, one should not forget about elementary precautions, and even more so oneself becomes a source of violation of law and order (as our compatriots sometimes like to do in popular resorts). Not everyone in Japan speaks English well, so it is best to turn to the police for help if something happens. In addition, for the convenience of foreigners, subway inscriptions and road signs are duplicated in Latin.
It is important for tourists going on vacation to Japan to know a couple more things that in some countries are considered the norm (even an unspoken obligation), but here they will be perceived as an insult:
- In Japan, it is not customary to leave a tip, the usual encouragement of 5-15% is already included in the cost of a product or service.
- In the country they are not traded in shops or markets.
- In addition, I would like to give a little advice about handshakes. The Japanese pay great attention to issues of personal space and restraint of behavior. Do not be the first to reach out for a handshake, as this type of European greeting may not be in line with the values of every local.
Those who like to bring something "from across the sea, ocean" should take note that souvenirs and delicacies can be produced exclusively in one or another region of the country. For this reason, we advise you not to postpone the purchase of what you like. In reviews of holidays in Japan, tourists are advised to purchase jewelry and costume jewelry. Although their prices do not differ from European ones, the quality and design are at the highest level. If Japan can attract girls with natural cosmetics based on pearls and algae, then men will certainly not be indifferent to cutting-edge and computer games.
(Photo © Moyan Brenn / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0)
Intro image source: © risaikeda / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Japan is a country with unique nature rich cultural traditions, ancient history and modern high-tech cities. It always attracts many tourists.
Holidays in Japan are presented in a variety of ways. Ski resorts, entire islands of entertainment, yachting and diving centers have been created for lovers of active movement. Connoisseurs of a calm, wellness holiday will be happy to visit geothermal springs, ancient temples, amazing landscape structures and parks.
Today, the women's online magazine Korolevnam.ru will tell you about the most popular resorts of this amazing country.
Sea resorts in Japan: medical, family, luxury
Okinawa
The wonderful places of Okinawa are suitable for scuba diving enthusiasts. Picturesque coral reefs and diversity water world will not leave indifferent neither children nor adults.
Also, their attention is offered to water parks, dolphinariums, leisure centers.
Kamakura
An hour's drive from the Japanese capital is the resort town of Kamakura. This ancient city replete with Buddhist and Shinto temples, statues, which are of great interest to tourists. The convenient location of the city, surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Pacific Bay, has made it a famous resort. There are always a lot of vacationers here, especially young people: sandy beaches, surfers, yachts.
Kamakura hosts many festivals during the beach season.
The Japanese love children. Therefore, in all resort areas you can find a lot of entertainment for family tourists.
Miyazaki
A wonderful vacation with the younger generation will turn out in Miyazaki.
A visit to the famous water park "Ocean Dome" will leave the best memories for all family members.
Ibusuki
At the resort of Ibusuki, simple beach sand has a powerful healing effect.
This is due to the fact that thermal hot waters and underground steam are close to the earth's surface and warm up the quartz.
Ryukyu Islands
The Ryukyu Islands are home to divers and whale watching naturalists.
Sirahama
The dazzling sands of Sirahama amaze with their whiteness and smoothness. They were brought specially from Australia.
This thermal seaside resort is characterized by a combination of improved amenities, mild climate, developed tourist infrastructure, and a beautiful rocky landscape.
Features of a resort holiday in Japan: climate, prices
A beach holiday in Japan is similar in climatic parameters to the southern Russian one: it starts at the end of May, reaches a peak by mid-July, and ends in October. The optimum temperature ratio for air (+26?C) and water (+24?C) is reached in early October.
At this time, heavy summer rains no longer fall and intense heat subsides.
Japanese resorts stand out high level service, luxury, manufacturability, scope.
It is quite natural to ask how much a holiday in Japan will cost. The price of such a tour is quite high. On average, a 10-day trip costs $2,000.
You can reduce the cost of your vacation by purchasing a last-minute tour or by lowering the level of service at the hotel.
Many domestic tourists are surprised by the very fact that a beach holiday in Japan exists. Everyone knows this wonderful country from the other side - as mysterious and inaccessible.
But the ever-increasing number of beach holidaymakers on the volcanic islands points to the growing popularity of the Land of the Rising Sun as a tourist destination among Russians.
We continue to consider the features of tourism in the Land of the Rising Sun. In order not to seem to everyone and everyone in this country as an ignorant “red-skinned barbarian”, who visited this wondrous land, you should know the rules and be able to follow them. In continuation of the previous article, we will tell you about the intricacies of the life and culture of the mysterious Japanese people.
The level of tourist safety in Japan is perhaps one of the lowest in the world. Of course, you should not forget about the elementary safety rules and precautions that are typical for all countries. Here it’s worth just remembering that foreign languages in Japan are not very favored and you will be incredibly lucky if you meet a person who speaks more or less tolerably English language. However, the locals will quickly fuse the lost tourists to the police, and the duties of the latter include the delivery of noisy ignorant foreigners to hotels. Also, all the inscriptions in the subway and buses are duplicated in Latin. It does not help much, but at the very least you can navigate.
A few words about the seasons. The climate in Japan is divided into 4 traditional seasons and 2 rainy seasons. In winter, the islands are usually dry and above freezing. Snow falls in the mountains. Spring begins with plum blossoms (usually March) and lasts until the start of “bayou” (plum rain) - the summer rainy season. So, if you want to watch the legendary, many times sung sakura blossom, try to get to Japan exactly by the beginning of the month of April. The rainy season begins and lasts differently in different parts of the country. Summer is a really hot season that lasts until September, when the autumn wind finally brings coolness. Autumn is the most comfortable time of the year in Japan, in my opinion. It is important to remember that there are no “cheap” or “low” seasons in this country (as, for example, in Egypt or Turkey). At any time of the year, prices for most services for foreigners remain the same. Therefore, plan your trip according to your climatic and weather preferences.
Now about Japanese cuisine. The most popular, of course, are 3 products: rice, fish and algae (how else on the islands?). Hence the most famous Japanese “sushi” and “sashimi” (the Japanese themselves say “sushi” and “sashimi” and many of them do not pronounce the letter “sh” at all). In general, everything that one way or another floats in the sea near the islands indiscriminately turns into these same sushi and sashimi. Another interesting thing is the Japanese soup “miso”, “tempura” (fried fish in a special way) and the Japanese national barbecue - “kushiyaki”.
In all cafes and restaurants - full service with smiling polite staff. True, they speak only in Japanese, but that's okay. There is, of course, European cuisine, however, it is European only in appearance. Well, but full service. To compete with the level of service in all (I emphasize, in all) service establishments of the Land of the Rising Sun, perhaps, the Orekhovo Hotel in Moscow with its 400 hotel rooms and well-trained staff. Well, it doesn't matter. Be that as it may, it seems to me impossible to have a good rest in Japan without complete communion. And this means no European cuisine and everything else “Western”. Only local food, local hotels, local baths transport. Then a trip to Japan will remain unforgettable.