Japan travel guide. Japan - the subtleties of tourism for sophisticated natures (part 2) The subtleties of Japan

It is the cherished dream of many Russians. However, not everyone manages to fulfill it because of the high cost of this trip. The Land of the Rising Sun is considered one of the most expensive in the world, and Tokyo has been in the top five most expensive cities for tourists for several years. But still, nothing can stop someone who wants to see Fujiyama and cherry blossoms in spring with their own eyes. Our article is for such travelers, it contains the most important information that will allow you to spend an inexpensive and interesting vacation in original Japan.

A little about the country

If you are planning a trip to Japan, prepare to be amazed. You will have to do this all the time, because the Land of the Rising Sun cannot be compared with other Asian states. There is nothing from China, Vietnam or Thailand, but, nevertheless, traveling through Japan, you seem to penetrate into the very heart of Asia and hear it beating on every street of noisy megacities.

Tourists are attracted here by an incredible combination of modern technology with ancient traditions that are strictly observed by every generation of the Japanese family. If you are lucky, you can see a colorful festival dedicated to, for example, kokeshi Or sit quietly in the garden, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms at sunrise or sunset. And in megacities you will be met by numerous cafes, shops and shopping centers. Here you can buy something, dine, and in some even stay overnight. In general, a trip to Japan will be the biggest and most significant adventure in your life. And, which is doubly pleasant, you will never regret the money spent on it.

Japan: solo or group trip?

First of all, before traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun, you need to decide on the budget and travel options. And there are few of them - a group trip to Japan or an independent one. What to choose? It directly depends on your budget and opportunities.

Traveling to Japan on your own is quite possible, but it will require very careful preparation. You will have to think through absolutely everything:

• flight to Japan;
• hotel booking;
• route of movement around the country;
• food outlets and excursion program;
• money exchange options;
• types of communication with the local population.

All these aspects of a good trip will take you a very long time and also require some experience in solo travel. In addition, on the road you will meet certain difficulties, which can only be overcome by unspoiled and sociable tourists. For example, it is worth knowing that in Japan, few of the local population know English. Therefore, you will not be able to simply ask a passer-by for directions. Perhaps, after some time, a young Japanese who knows the basics of the English language will come across, but there is a high probability that this will not happen. In addition, the inscriptions in the country are not duplicated, they are all written in hieroglyphs. This fact significantly complicates the rest in Japan.

If the above difficulties scare you, then it is better to buy a travel package. Of course, it is not cheap, but you will be free from all worries, including visa ones.

Travel cost

If you are planning a flight from Moscow, then two weeks in Japan will cost you one hundred and fifty thousand rubles. This amount includes flights, travel around the country, accommodation and several excursions. Meals are based on the breakfast system, the remaining meals the tourist must pay for on their own. A trip to Japan from Vladivostok is much cheaper. Our compatriots can choose a ferry tour, which costs about sixty thousand rubles on average. From Vladivostok, you can get to the Land of the Rising Sun in different ways and with various travel packages on hand. At local residents it is the most popular tourist destination.

Reviews about independent travel in Japan allow you to plan your trip perfectly and save a lot of money. On average, brave tourists can spend thirty to forty thousand less on a trip than when buying a tour. This money will be very useful to you on vacation, because you can bring quite a lot of useful things home from the Land of the Rising Sun. How to plan a budget trip to Japan on your own, we will tell you a little later. And now let's try to find out the most important aspects of preparing for the trip.

When to go to Japan?

A big trip to Japan can be planned for any time of the year, but traditionally tourists try to visit the country in spring or autumn. During these seasons, the Land of the Rising Sun appears in a particularly beautiful form. In spring, she is dressed in pink foam of sakura flowers, and in autumn she simply hurts her eyes from red maple leaves. It seems that they are everywhere here, and the Japanese even came up with some special rituals for observing this beauty.

In winter, you can ski in Japan, several main resorts are characterized by high comfort and are equipped with the latest technology. But for those who are not attracted to skiing, it will be quite uncomfortable to see Japanese sights in winter and enjoy the trip. In addition, in the winter season it can be very windy in the country, which is rather unusual for most of our compatriots.

In summer, the country is very hot and stuffy. Air conditioners are everywhere in the cities, and tourists suffer from temperature fluctuations. Many people take sweaters or jackets with them to wear in restaurants or shopping malls. But if you prefer a beach holiday, then go to Okinawa. Here you will receive an incredible level of service and enjoy swimming under the hot sun.

Where to go in Japan?

If you take the trouble to study reviews of independent travel in Japan, then it's easy to make your own travel itinerary. For the first time, a week will be enough for you to get acquainted with the Land of the Rising Sun. The following cities are suitable for this:

• Tokyo.
• Nara.
• Kyoto.

moving between settlements on high-speed trains, in seven days you will see the most beautiful parks, swim in hot springs, visit the most famous temples and, of course, taste the bustling and noisy life of megacities.

If you are already a little familiar with travel, you can choose slightly different ones, and increase your stay in this country to two weeks. During this period, tourists will be able to see Hiroshima, Osaka, Kobe and other unusual places. In general, you can plan to visit one city per day. In this case, the trip program will be very rich.

Applying for a visa: nuances and features

Any trip to Japan begins with the most difficult thing - obtaining a visa. This is not possible for every even a very experienced tourist. The thing is that in order to obtain a visa, Russians need a special letter on official letterhead. In addition to it, you will need to confirm the hotel reservation (and this is quite problematic when traveling on your own) and send a package of documents using special mail (the shipping cost will be at least seventy dollars).

Many of our compatriots negotiate with travel companies and pay for their visas. It usually takes two weeks and saves a lot of time.

Accommodation in Japan: where is the best place to stay?

To remember your trip to Japan for a long time, you need to take photos almost everywhere. Hotels and small hotels deserve special attention. It is worth noting that in the Land of the Rising Sun there is a fairly large selection of places to stay. But, if you want to save a little, then all of them will be very unusual and entertaining.

Many tourists stay overnight at spas. Don't be surprised, it's pretty common in Japan. For about thirty-five dollars you get a small room with a bathtub and a sunbed. There will also be a TV and all other amenities, and you can go down to the restaurant for dinner. Various treatments and massages are available for guests.

This is exotic for Russians. They are quite inexpensive and have a very high level comfort. There are even double capsules for traveling couples. This pleasure will cost approximately thirty-five dollars per night.

Love hotels seem very unusual place to spend the night. These facilities are intended for love dates and provide the opportunity to rent from one hour to several days. These hotels are decorated quite exotic, but equipped with the highest class. In addition, they are much cheaper than regular rooms. A night in such a hotel will cost from eighty to one hundred and fifty dollars.

Meals while traveling

Of course, you can eat in restaurants every day, but a budget vacation does not imply such luxury. Therefore, make your choice in favor of Japanese fast food, it is extremely healthy and tasty here. No hamburgers or fries, just seaweed, sushi and seafood. Such a pleasure will cost approximately 5-6 dollars.

If the choice of dishes in a cafe confuses you a little with a large number of incomprehensible names, then buy a ready-made lunch in a supermarket. Its cost will be the same as in a cafe, and through a transparent film you will always see the contents of the package.

gourmet trip

Experienced tourists choose a special type of vacation - a culinary trip to Japan. It is worth noting that this is something incredible. Of course, there are still few Russians who are ready to spend money on such a tour, but their number is increasing every year. What is it that attracts gourmets in the Land of the Rising Sun? Of course, restaurants with Michelin stars.

The fact is that as soon as Tokyo was included in the Michelin guide, restaurants with stars appeared in it. And tourists who want to experience gastronomic delight rushed to them. Every year the number of restaurants with haute cuisine increases and Tokyo has already significantly surpassed the recognized gastronomic center - Paris in these characteristics.

For example, in the oldest quarter of Tokyo, Ginza, there are sushi restaurants with three Michelin stars. One of them employs the chef Jiro, about whom feature films have even been made. His work seems to be a real art, and the price of the dishes prepared by him exceeds several thousand dollars.

Each city in Japan has its own culinary traditions, so gourmets can travel all over the country in search of a special taste. One of the most popular Japanese foods is noodles. There are just a lot of options for its preparation - boil, fry, steam, and the like. Each region in the country has its own recipe. It can be said that a culinary tour allows tourists to discover new facets of an already familiar country.

money exchange

With the exchange of money, many inexperienced tourists often have problems. Keep in mind that buying yen is best done at home. Otherwise, you can get into a very unpleasant situation, because in many ATMs and terminals the card of the European payment system may not be accepted. This is due to the fact that Japanese terminals operate on their own system. Only a few ATMs in large shopping centers calmly accept absolutely all bank cards.

It will not always be possible to exchange money in a bank, because tourists can get on holidays, and it is impossible to exist in Japan without money. Therefore, experienced travelers advise to carry the main amount of money in cash, and on bank card leave funds to pay for restaurants and purchases.

Going to the Land of the Rising Sun, tourists need to know a few simple rules for staying in Japan, which will make the trip easier. We have compiled the most important recommendations:

• Don't try to tip in Japan, don't do it. There is no tipping system throughout the country.
• In Japanese bars, in honor of a friendly disposition, it is customary to pour alcoholic drinks from your own bottle, so if you are honored with such an honor, be sure to make a return gesture of respect.
• Never point at objects and people with your finger - this is extremely impolite, but you can show yourself.
• In a restaurant, it is enough to wave your hand in front of your nose, as the waiter will remove the dirty plates.
• In the Land of the Rising Sun, it is customary to take off your shoes in many rooms. You may be asked to take off your shoes in some areas of a restaurant, hotel, apartment building, temple, and so on. It is considered especially indecent to step on the mat with a shod foot; this is perceived as an insult.

• When going to the hot springs, keep in mind that those who have tattoos on their bodies are escorted to separate baths. They are not allowed to be in a common room with other vacationers.
• When you receive an invitation, be sure to bring a gift with you. This is considered a sign of courtesy and respect.

Of course, it is difficult to list all the nuances of traveling through the Land of the Rising Sun, because a lot is known only after an independent trip.

Japan, travel: reviews

Not a single tourist had an angry comment about Japan, in any case, we did not meet such. This means only one thing - you can and should go to this country. It will reveal a lot of interesting things even to those who are very poorly aware of the culture and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Experienced tourists prefer Japan to all other Asian countries. Ask them why. We think the explanation will take several hours. After all, it is simply impossible to describe this amazing country and its people in a nutshell. Travelers are delighted with the historical monuments of Japan, its cities, cuisine and original traditions. Tourists say that you can come here many times, and each time you find something unusually exciting for yourself.

What do you need to decide on a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun? Yes, quite a bit - desire, the spirit of adventurism and more money. And then you will be able to tell your friends when you return home about what an incredible trip to Japan you had.

Not all mobile phones will work on Japanese cellular networks. We recommend renting a phone at Narita or Kansai airports. For an Internet connection, we also recommend renting a portable modem for a while.

Some Russian tour operators provide tourists with pocket routers for the entire duration of the trip.

Language and communication

The Japanese language, as a means of communication, is truly multifaceted. There are degrees of politeness of the language, the highest forms of which are sometimes difficult to use even by the Japanese themselves. They sometimes use completely different words and grammatical structures when communicating within the family, with strangers, friends, colleagues, service personnel, superiors, women, men, animals and children. Words differ in male and female speech, in different dialects, depending on age and social status.

Features of the mentality

The Japanese try to live without creating problems and inconveniences (“meiwaku”) for others. Therefore, they are sure that outsiders will not interfere in their personal space and their personal affairs.

The number of traditions and rituals is simply huge. Almost all areas of activity in the country are regulated, which is especially noticeable in communication between people.

Handshakes are not accepted, they are replaced by bows.

Hashi chopsticks should not be crossed or stuck in rice (associated with death). You should not point your chopsticks at anything or wave them while eating - this is considered a sign of bad taste. Also, do not move food on a plate or dishes on the table. Drinking "to the bottom" and pouring yourself is not accepted. It is recommended to fill a neighbor's glass or bowl, and he, in turn, should do the same for you.

It is forbidden to step with a shod foot on straw mats "tatami" - this is regarded as sacrilege. Especially in homes and temples. You should also change into special slippers before and after visiting the toilet.

Tipping is not accepted.

Shopping. What is worth bringing?

As a gift to your family and friends, buy souvenir maneki-neko cats, traditional Japanese sweet buns, daruma figurines, key rings and magnets.

Take a closer look at Japanese electronic wristwatches. Not only do they cost several times cheaper in Japan than in Russia, there is a discount for holders of foreign passports.

We do not recommend buy household appliances and electronics in Japan. Of course, from a technological point of view, Japanese household appliances are beyond any competition, but they are designed for a completely different mains voltage, so in Russia you can only use them with a powerful step-down transformer.

Consider buying alcohol even if you don't drink. It's not just about the traditional Japanese "sake". A bottle of good alcohol can be a great gift. Japan has a huge selection of drinks, and they are several times cheaper than in Russia. It's all about taxes.

Local kitchen. What to try?

Japan - real paradise for gourmets. But Japanese cuisine is not limited to rolls and sushi. This is an incredible amount of a wide variety of meats, seafood, noodles, desserts and exquisite combinations of traditional Japanese cuisine "kaiseki". The most popular dishes among the Japanese are:

Ramen. Japanese noodles in broth, the most popular type of soup in Japan. The broth comes in four varieties. It has a rich taste and high energy value. Meat, eggs, vegetables and pickles are usually added to ramen, and nori is dried seaweed. Other ingredients vary by region, season, and establishment.

Kare rice. Rice with a thick spicy vegetable and meat sauce. The most popular hot dish in Japan. Sometimes apples or pineapples are added to the sauce.

Katsudon. Rice with fried chop. The most popular lunch dish in Japan. Served in a bowl. A battered chop with scrambled eggs, onions and herbs is laid out on rice. According to Japanese legends, after serving katsudon in the police station, the criminal must repent.

Takoyaki. It is balls of dough stuffed with octopus. On top of the dish is sprinkled with onions and tenkatsu (fish shavings). Served with special sauce. The most popular Japanese fast food.

It is worth noting that in Japan, rice is the main dish, and everything else is perceived as a kind of side dish.

Holidays and events

Japanese holidays are, first of all, the atmosphere of a fairy tale. We will never forget how on a summer evening, on the Tenjin Matsuri festival in Osaka, we found a snowy mountain next to the house. The organizers of the holiday brought snow and built a mountain out of it so that the children could ride on it. Well, not only children, we also took a ride then. The attitude to the holidays in Japan is serious, everyone should have fun.

Initially, describing the holidays in Japan, we wrote almost 8 pages. I had to shorten it. Therefore, here are the most interesting, in our professional opinion.

April 29 - May 5. golden week. Golden Week is the longest holiday period in Japan. It coincides with the best weather of the year and is the perfect time to travel around the country.

1 - 29 July. Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto. It is one of the most lavish festivities in Japan, culminating in a massive procession of colorful floats. Each of them has a different design and is dedicated to a specific folklore theme.

July 7th Tanabata. This is the most romantic holiday in Japan, when the stars Altair and Vega meet in the sky. Representing Bootes and the Weaver, they are forever separated by the Milky Way and see each other only once a year. This evening, festivals and fairs are held where you can taste Japanese delicacies and play traditional games. The festivities end with colorful fireworks.

December 23rd. Emperor's birthday. This is a national holiday, when the people can see the imperial family live.

January 1st. Japanese New Year. A family holiday, when the inhabitants of the country go to Shinto shrines in their best kimonos in the morning to meet the sunrise and receive predictions for the next year.

Security

Japan is a very safe country. You could even say "the safest in the world." For example, the Japanese can leave the phone on the table of the summer terrace in a coffee shop, thus making it clear that the place is occupied. They carry wallets in the back pockets of their trousers, car keys in the ignition. The police in Japan enjoy great prestige and respect, and the citizens are very law-abiding. In stores, goods simply lie on the shelves, there are no surveillance cameras. None!

During your stay in Japan, you are unlikely to encounter scammers as such, however, sometimes enterprising owners of restaurants or shops can take advantage of your lack of knowledge of Japanese and offer you, for example, a separate place on the terrace or balcony for a cozy dinner in a romantic setting. You really will have a wonderful dinner and atmosphere, but you may not understand the large inscription on the menu that a separate balcony costs a lot of money. Therefore, to the best of your ability, try to specify the price of "special offers".

3 tips that will definitely come in handy when traveling in Japan

1. If you get lost, do not ask for help from passers-by. The fact is that if the Japanese does not know the area, then he will never admit it, and he will not be able to refuse help. Therefore, it is very likely that he will send you in a completely different direction. It all depends on luck, your "friend" can guess. Therefore, try to find a policeman or ask the workers of shops or restaurants for directions. Combination shops will even print out a map for you.

2. Always carry cash with you. The Japanese pay mostly in cash, and not all stores have cashless payment terminals.

3. Try to buy an adapter for Japanese sockets and be prepared for the fact that your gadgets will be recharged longer. It's all about the voltage difference. In Japan it is 100 V.

Japan is a multifaceted country. Here you can find any leisure to your liking, whether it's walking in noisy neighborhoods or ultra-modern areas, viewing historical and architectural monuments, even a beach and ski vacation. You can just walk the streets and enjoy the thoughtfulness of the details. Even sewer manholes in Japan are sometimes a work of art. Go to numerous cafes and restaurants, arranging a gastronomic tour. Go shopping, admiring the Japanese service. Attend numerous workshops and try your hand at traditional Japanese crafts such as making fans, sweets, and even Japanese swords. You can have fun at Japanese holidays and relax in hot springs. Conquer mountains and raft down rivers. And most importantly, no matter what you do in Japan, you will be able to remain yourself.

Photos used in the material: allabout-japan, pixabay, unsplash.

Holidays in Japan, in this highly developed country rich in ancient traditions, will fill your baggage of impressions with new sensations. Japan cities are huge and bright garlands of multi-colored lights. Holidays in Japan it is impossible to imagine without visiting the capital of this wonderful country. is a place where the frantic rhythms of modernity collide with ancient foundations and traditions, this is a continuous restless madness, balanced by the temples of Zen.

Active holidays in Japan

Many of Japan's national parks have hiking trails. the most popular for walking tours are National and Chichibu-Tama. There are also good but distant routes in Gunma Prefecture and in the Kansai area near the city. To see Japan from an unusual side, rarely accessible to foreigners, visit the mountainous, sparsely populated areas of the Central Alps. Skiing is possible from December to April. Most resorts are located on the island, but there are also ski resorts in Hokkaido. Scuba diving is available on the Okinawa Islands in southwestern Japan. Cycling is appropriate in less mountainous areas, but some zealous cyclists even climb Fujiyama! Golf is prestigious in Japan. If you have a desire to set foot on a green lawn, you need a fat wallet and corporate connections. If you play golf, you will have to pay from $100 per day.

Holiday prices in Japan

Japan is possibly one of the most expensive countries to travel to. but you can always find ways to cut costs down to manageable levels. An approximate daily budget, considering that you will stay in inexpensive hotels, eat at modest restaurants and travel short distances, will be about 60 US dollars. Throw in another $10 just in case you feel like eating, drinking water, having fun, or paying a fine. If you are staying at an expensive hotel and eating at an expensive restaurant, this amount will rise to $100. Yes, even in inexpensive Japanese hotels, the cost of living is far from the OldPort Hotel in Boryspil or a Russian middle-class hotel, it is more expensive, which, when going to Japan, you need to be prepared for. Long distance travel in Japan can undermine your budget if you intend to move around the country a lot. You should buy a rail pass. If you look at this problem from the other side, wealthy people will not have any problems with where to spend the money they brought with them. Japan specializes in establishments where the higher the score, the higher the prestige of the guests. Cash is still dominant in Japan. But in big cities, more and more people are paying with credit cards. accustomed to the low crime rate in their country and often carry large wallets of money with them to enjoy the process of paying for purchases in cash, which has become almost a ritual. Foreign tourists can imitate the Japanese in this, without forgetting the minimum precautions. You can exchange cash or traveler's checks at the Foreign Exchange Bank, major post offices, large shops and hotels. Preference is given to American dollars, attempts to exchange Taiwanese or Korean money are doomed to failure. Most ATMs do not accept credit cards issued abroad. You will have to look for Cirrus or Plus logos ATMs or check with your credit card company before leaving. it is not customary to tip at every turn, as well as to bargain. If you want to express your gratitude to someone, it's better. Bargaining is almost impossible, with the exception of used electronics stores, where you can politely ask for a discount, and you will be given 10%.

Traveling in Japan

Traveling by plane is the most convenient form of transportation from the main islands to one of the smaller ones, and is often not much more expensive than traveling by train. Check just in case, you might be entitled to discounts, there are some pretty funny ones in Japan (for example, Japan Airlines offer discounts for three women traveling together, or for husband and wife if their combined age is 88 or over). It is even more profitable to buy tickets in advance at special prices: Japan Airlines offer discounts up to 72% on everything flights within Japan. In Japan, you can also travel by train, although they are often very expensive. fast, frequent, clean and comfortable. Trains are very diverse: from small, local significance, to superexpresses (shinkansen) or "bullet trains", which have become a symbol of modern Japan. Bullet trains reach speeds of 270 km/h, are very comfortable, and can be ridden on a rail pass. These passes must be purchased in advance and are valid for all trains in Japan. Intercity buses are significantly slower than trains, but they are noticeably cheaper. Unless you're traveling in a sleeping car, spending the whole night in a bus recliner is much more comfortable than sitting upright on a train seat. much easier than it seems, it is enough to have an international driver's license. In Tokyo, you don't dare to drive, but in most other cities the roads are well-signed in English, all drivers are polite and careful, gas is not much more expensive than in Europe (that is, almost 3 times more expensive than in America), and the place for parking is not so difficult to find, as the popular rumor says. You can get around the country perfectly on a motorcycle, while you do not need a motorcycle license. Driving in Japan is on the left. Exploring Japan by cycling around the country is a lot of fun. The secret to the success of such trips is to move away from busy main highways and travel on small roads. Ferries are also a great way to see parts of the country you haven't visited yet. dense network ferry crossings connects the islands, and the south coast of the West by waters inland sea. Ferries also connect the main islands to smaller islands scattered along the coast, and also run between Okinawa and Taiwan. The local is very well equipped. In big cities, the metro is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the right place. Almost every Japanese city has a bus fleet, but many foreigners don't like to ride buses. Traveling by tram is much more pleasant. Taxis are also very convenient, but (unsurprisingly) expensive.

Money in Japan

Holidays in Japan

December 31 - January 2-3 - Bank holidays. January 1st - . 2nd Monday in January - ("Seijin-no-hi"). February 11th - . March 20/21 - Spring Equinox. April 29 - Vegetation Day. May 3 - Constitution Day. May 4 - Non-working day. 5 May - . July 20 - Sea Day. September 15 is Respect for the Elders Day. September 23-24 - Feast of the autumnal equinox. The 2nd Monday of October is Health and Sports Day. November 3 is National Culture Day. November 23 is Labor Day. December 23 - Emperor's Day. By the number of various holidays, festivals and ceremonies, the country is clearly the world leader - only official holidays there are more than 200 here, and the number of locals is simply incalculable. The most famous are such traditional festivities as the New Year's Eve - "Segatsu", the snow holidays "Yuki Matsuri" (January) and the ice festival (beginning of February), the girls' holiday or the "doll festival" - "" (March 3) and the festival of water drawings "Omizutori" (beginning of March), admiring the flowers "Hanami" (cherry blossom time, end of March), Buddha's Birthday or Flower Festival - "Hana Matsuri" (beginning of April), the largest Buddhist festival in the country - "Sanya Matsuri" (end May), Tanabata Matsun Star Festival (beginning of July), Gion Matsuri Grand Festival in Kyoto (mid-July), O-Bun Festival of the Dead or Lantern Festival (running from mid-July to late August), Festival folklore dances "Awa Odori" in Tokushima (mid-August), the grandiose Autumn Festival in Nikko (mid-October) and many others. The "Lilac Festival" is held in spring, and the "White Illumination Festival" in Sapporo is held in late autumn. The Yah-Yah Matsuri (the first Sunday in February) is held in Owashi, the Mifune Matsuri boat and raft parade (end of May) is held in Kyoto, and St. Valentine's Day is held in February-March.

Memo to a tourist in Japan

Tipping is not customary in Japan. Attempting to tip may be regarded as an insult. In expensive hotels and restaurants, a service charge of 10-15% is often added to the bill, so the tip is actually paid through these official bills. Best holiday abroad for a wealthy or desperate gaijin is, of course, holidays in japan. You just have to choose carefully. best time to travel to japan, among other things. Weather Spring (March-May) with clear skies and cherry blossoms is probably the most wonderful time of the year in Japan, but it's a holiday season of all kinds, so many of the more popular itineraries can get crowded with local tourists. Autumn (September-November) is a great time to travel: temperatures are mild and autumn colors, especially outside the city, look amazing. The middle of winter (December-February) can be very cold, and the exhausting summer months (June-August) can turn any trip away from air conditioners into a real "bath", where the only positive thing is that there is no such influx of tourists at this time . It is also worth considering whether it makes sense to travel in the midst of the holidays. Moving around and finding accommodation can turn into a real headache during the New Year celebrations, Golden Week (late April - early May) and the Au-Bon festival in mid-summer. It is not customary to smoke in public places, offices, stations and platforms railway, as well as in houses and cars without the permission of the owner. You can not step with a shod foot on straw mats " tatami' is regarded as sacrilege. This is especially true for dwellings or visiting temples. You should also change into special slippers before and after visiting the toilet. The number of traditions and rituals that are obligatory or recommended for observance is simply huge. Almost all areas of the country's life are permeated with a network of traditions and ceremonies, this is especially noticeable in communication between people and in public life. Department stores are open every day from 10:00 to 21:00 or 22:00. Private shops, as well as shops at hotels, work according to their own schedule. There is a chain of small shops that work around the clock, but offer a limited range of goods, including, however, everything you need. The most expensive stores are located in the Shinjuku quarter, on Aoyama-Dori Street, Tokyo's Champs Elysees. Young people prefer to dress in Shibuya, there are many inexpensive trendy stores.

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.