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Japan - also known as the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ - is an island country in East Asia located in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Part of the Ring of Fire, it consists of an archipelago in a northeast-southwest arc. The country’s main islands from north to south are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, with Tokyo being the national capital and largest city in Honshu. Today, Japan is considered one of the world’s most economically and technologically advanced societies. To explore Japan at your own pace, you can book your Japan car hire in advance with Enjoy Travel.
Guide to Japan
When to visit Japan
Probably the best time to visit Japan is during spring, from March till May, when it is mildly warm with daytime temperatures ranging between 21°C to 26°C. It’s when the famous sakura (cherry blossom) flowers bloom. Autumn months from September to November are also a wonderful time. The weather is quite pleasant and the rich autumnal foliage is almost as stunning as the cherry blossoms.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Japan’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival marks the arrival of spring. Traditionally known as Hanami, this festival is usually celebrated between mid-March to mid-April when the delicate pink, white and yellow Sakura and Ume flowers bloom. Take a stroll through the Japanese gardens and enjoy an evening of music, food and drinks under the picturesque sakura trees.
Japanese art & culture
One of the more popular things to do in Japan is to witness the spectacular Kabuki, a traditional Japanese art form. It is a dramatised stage play featuring historical events, love stories, or tragedies. Rich showmanship and stylised movements by performers wearing ornate costumes and wigs add meaning to the act. Some places where you can catch a Kabuki performance are Kabukiza Theatre in Tokyo, Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto and Shochikuza Theatre in Osaka.
Things To Do in Japan
Climb Mount Fuji
Blessed with immense natural beauty, Japan attracts tourists year-round. The magnificent snow-clad active volcano, Mount Fuji (or Fuji-san) is the country’s highest peak lying in the southwest of Tokyo. Millions of adventure seekers climb this sacred mountain each summer as an act of pilgrimage and you can also enjoy breathtaking views from either the Shin-Fuji station, from atop the Chureito pagoda, or any of the five lakes that surround the mountain.
Visit Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
History buffs can visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum which has been built to honour those who lost their lives at the tragic nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War 2.
Catch a sumo wrestling session!
The Ryogoku area in Tokyo is dedicated to Japan’s national sport, sumo wrestling. Watch this ancient sport at the revered Kokugikan Stadium or simply catch the players during a practice session in their stables, free of cost. The area also has a museum displaying the history and culture of sumo wrestling.
Soak in a traditional Onsen
After a long day of sightseeing, relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring bath called onsen. Onsens come in various types and shapes, and the spring water used is infused with minerals. You can enjoy the experience outdoors or indoors with separate bathing facilities for men and women.
Eating Out in Japan
Japanese cuisine or washoku has been recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Its venerable food culture is evidenced by the fact that Japan has the second-most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. There is something to suit every budget and palate from humble slurp-and-go noodle stands to luxurious fine dining restaurants.
Sushi in Japan
One of the best known Japanese foods, sushi refers to a dish of pressed vinegared rice with a slice of raw fish or shellfish on top. It is generally consumed with soy sauce and wasabi. If you aren’t fond of wasabi, you can simply ask for ‘sabi-nuki’ meaning ‘without wasabi’. Sashimi is another must-try dish that is similar to sushi. The difference between the two is that, unlike sushi, sashimi is almost exclusively raw fish and served without rice.
Noodles & yakitori
Other staples include noodles such as soba and udon. If you enjoy crispy fried food, then you will love seasonal vegetables like green beans, pumpkin, radish or shellfish like prawn covered in a special tempura batter and fried till golden brown.
Yakitori is another popular dish in which bite-sized chicken pieces are placed on bamboo skewers and grilled. It is often found on the menus of izakaya (Japanese pubs) and is an ideal choice for a night out with friends. Some of the top restaurants which one should never miss include Ginza Kojya, Kagurazaka Ishikawa, Joel Robuchon, Narisawa, RyuGin, and Takazawa.
Japan Transport
Airports
There are 98 airports in Japan. International airport, Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo is one of the busiest - in fact, it’s the fourth busiest airport in the world!
Public transport
Railways are the most important means of passenger transport for mass and commuter travel in metropolitan areas. The Shinkansen or bullet trains are the high-speed trains that run across Japan. They account for a large portion of long-distance travel. Despite maximum speeds of 320km/h, they are actually known to be quite safe.
Driving in Japan
If you’re in Japan only for a few days and you’d like to pack in as many sights as possible, then car hire might be an ideal option. If you book in advance, you’d be able to find great weekend deals on 7 seater vehicles or minibuses.
Transportation in Japan is highly modernised, well developed and energy-efficient. A single network of high speed, divided, limited-access toll roads connects major cities. It is important to note that Japan has left-hand traffic.
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