Japan Travel Guide

In the “Land of the Rising Sun,” you’ll find a country where the past and the future collide in a dazzling display of culture stretching back thousands of years, with an impressive flair for the creation of the latest technological, fashion and social trends.  In fact, much of Japan is a study in contrast.  Modern cities and their high tech, designer condominiums are nestled adjacent to collections of wooden shacks, and stores feature childishly cute toys on the same shelf as extremely violent graphic novels.  This juxtaposition of young and old, affluent and decrepit, adds a constant element of surprise and interest to any Japan vacation.  Somewhere along the way, and quite possibly without even realizing it, you will come to create your own vision of Japan.

Spring (March to May) is the time of clear skies and cherry blossoms, and probably the most celebrated Japanese season.  However, the Golden Week (April 29-May 7) is a holiday period for the Japanese and many of the most popular travel destinations become flooded with domestic tourists.  Autumn (September to November) is also a great time to travel, as there are pleasant temperatures and the countryside is rife with color.  Mid-winter (December to February) is typically very cold, while mid-summer (June to August) can be a test of will with every second you venture out of the air conditioning; however, the big tourist attractions will likely be quiet these times of the year.  Peak holiday seasons should definitely be noted when planning your trip.  Finding accommodation during New Year, Golden Week, or the mid-summer O-Bon festival can be quite a challenge.

On top of the standard youth hostels and business class hotels, you’ll find that Japan has several kinds of distinct accommodations, ranging from traditional-style ryokan inns to strictly functional capsule hotels that are nothing more than an enclosed tube with a bed, stacked in rows for the ultimate in space efficient design.  Hotels which are closer to those in the West are abundant in Japan, though at their highest concentration near major train stations.  Still, the rooms are very cramped, but most come with an ensuite (small) bathroom and free Internet.  Some of the major chains include Tokyu Inn, whose rooms are larger than most, as well as Toyoko Inn.

Amidst Japan’s jumble of ritual and history, countercultures, distinct islands, urban jungles, gardens, shrines and fascinating cities, the most difficult part will be trying (albeit in vain) to make time for it all.  If you’ve managed to secure discount airfare to Japan due to off-peak travel times, do your best to extend the trip beyond the usual one week excursion.  Away from the cities you can bask in such geographical and historical wonders as Mt. Fuji or Daisetsuzan National Park.  Within the bustling cities – Tokyo in particular – your options are limitless.  Soak the morning away in a public bath, or sento as it’s called in Japan.  Check out the eclectic young crowd in Harajuku’s Takeshita-Dori district, where cutting-edge cyberpunk fashion was born.  Regardless of the destination you choose, you are virtually guaranteed to have a new experience with every passing moment.

Japan boasts one of the world’s best rail transport systems, and getting around is fairly easy with the help of English rail maps and/or some local assistance.  Traveling by rail throughout Japan is a slightly more expensive option when compared to other Asian countries, but you should be able to limit the damage by arranging one of a variety of passes through your hotel’s concierge.  Rental cars are rare, as is driving in Japan or its major cities, since public transport is excellent and can take you almost everywhere.  Besides, major city roads are one massive traffic jam, with parking difficult to find.  This doesn’t necessarily apply to rural areas, where the country is vast and sparsely populated.  An international driver’s license will be required for foreigners to rent a car or drive in Japan, and must be carried on person at all times.