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Plan a Trip to Japan

The keep of Matsue Castle. Copyright (c) 2003 ...

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Japan is one of the world’s largest economies. It is one of the most modern of countries out there, too. It does have a long and rich history that has not always been good, but it does have numerous reasons to visit. For business or pleasure, Japan is the place to go.

What You Will Find

If this is your first visit to Japan, know what to look for and to expect. You will find a wide assortment of things to do and see. The following are some recommendations to get you started.

  • Visit the castles of Japan. There are numerous, but some of the originals worth visiting include Uwajima Castle, Matsue Castle, Matsuyama Castle and Kochi Castle. You can tour them.
  • One of the things Japan is known for is its gardens. You can visit many of them. Visit the gardens in Mito at Kairakuen. It is another good option to visit Kenrokuen in Kanazawa.
  • For those who are interested in learning the religious background of the country, no place is better than at the temples. You will find temples, including Buddhist and Shinto temples, to tour.

For those looking for a way to enjoy this country, realize there are many modern things to do and see, too. Spend some time enjoying the wonder that this country has to offer. You will find shopping, arts, museums and plenty of fun sites for the kids to enjoy, too. You may be impressed with just how much there is to do in a country that is quite small.

 

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Akureyri: A Little Town in Iceland and Its Weather

Akureyri is the largest town in Iceland outsid... 

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The title of “little town” is relative, especially in Iceland, where Akureyri, which serves as the northern capital of the country, is the second largest city in Iceland, with 17,000 residents. It’s also one of the most enchanting places on earth. Nestled (there is no other word for it) at the base of a fjord on the mountainous north coast, Akureyri is home to some fantastic skiing runs and other snow sports, for a very good reason: Icelandic weather.

Akureyri is only 240 miles from the nation’s capital, Reykjavik. However, in Iceland, distance is measured by weather, not kilometres. 240 miles can turn into an 8-hour drive when taken in November. If there is anything in this world that is unpredictable, it is what the weather is going to do in Iceland.  In June, the sun is out 177 hours in the month, in November, there are 12 hours of sunlight in the month. December is pitch black. Snow storms can whirl up out of nowhere and dump 36 inches of snow in one night.  It is a cold, beautiful land, and the weather can make it dangerous or enjoyable. Locals check the weather religiously.

Summer months in Akureyri allow for horseback riding, a national pastime, since much of the country is still rural, and summer drives to view the scenis countryside. Be careful driving in winter though; foreigners will be unfamiliar with what Icelandic winter does to roads, and, given that a majority of the roads in the country are unpaved in parts, city cars will have some spotty runs.

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Anime & Manga Displays in Tokyo

In the last fifteen years, Japanese anime and manga have grown massively in popularity outside of Japan. In Japan, it’s a staple of life, it seems. It’s such a part of Japanese culture that there are museums dedicated to both anime and manga. The most popular museum is the Ghibli Museum Mitaka, which is mostly devoted to the work from the studio’s that created such larger works as “Spirited Away.”

If you’re not one for large crowds inside museum or if you’ll betaking children with you to Tokyo, there are a number of smaller anime and manga museums and exhibits. There are also numerous manga and anime shops throughout Tokyo. Your first stop should be at the Tokyo Anime Center. There you can find information all of the shops, museums, and exhibits throughout the city. The center also showcases its own exhibits of the well-known artwork. A brief list of Tokyo shops and museums is below.

  • The Suginami Animation Museum: This museum showcases much of the work by the anime houses in Suginami Ward. Admission is free and you have a wide variety of items to choose from, including a movie theatre and a workshop area.
  • The Toei Animation Gallery: One of the largest and most popular film companies in Japan, the gallery has been producing animation since before the second World War. Inside, you can learn about the entire filmmaking process from the script writing to the finished product.
  • The Akatsuka Kaikan: Showcasing the work of Fujio Akatsuka, this gallery displays some of the best-loved older, slap-stick-type anime work. Akatsuka was known for his comedic look at Japan’s Shows Era.

Many people, in the hustle and bustle of trying to see as much as possible, forget about these places that showcase such a large part of Japanese culture. Make some time and visit one or two.

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Traveling to Japan: 4 Necessities

If you’re looking for a little something different in your next vacation abroad, why not give Japan a try? Few cultures around the world will offer you such numerous and vast degrees of “different.” Planning your trip can be stressful and a bit confusing, but there are a few simple tips to follow to make things a bit easier.

First of all, set a firm length for your trip. This way, you’ll be sure to have enough of everything—clothing, hygiene products, etc—for the entire trip. Second, check the exchange rate between the American dollar and Japanese Yen. After doing these two things, you should be ready to pack. Packing for a trip abroad can be stressful as well, since it can difficult to know what to pack.

When packing for your trip, the choice is yours as to what you should take with you. However, there are five things that you should always take with you. They are:

  • Enough hygiene products for the duration of your trip. The Japanese pride themselves on cleanliness, and they expect the same practice sfrom those visiting their country. While you shouldn’t have a problem finding hygiene products in stores throughout Japan, they might not have what you use at home. If that may be a problem for you, be sure you pack enough of your own.
  • Enough cash for the duration of your trip. This is where the research into the conversion rates come in. While theft can be an issue in any foreign country, just as it is at home, it shouldn’t be a common occurrence in Japan. Just in case, keep money in separate places on your person.
  • A variety of clothing. While checking the weather should solve this for the most part, pack a little extra, just in case the weather reports are wrong or you an accident.
  • A phrasebook and a book on culture. These will help acclimate you to Japan, in both language and culture. You’ll find them invaluable when in a situation with a language barrier or when you’re not sure about a specific custom.
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Must-See Places in Tokyo

When taking a vacation to Tokyo, Japan, it can be difficult to decide what sites to see and visit. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world and offers something interesting for just about everyone. Because of the size, it’s difficult to see everything of interest within one or two days, so it’s best to plan out a list of activities before leaving home.

If you’re one who appreciates beautiful scenery and skylines, then make sure you stop at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Tourists and visitors are allowed up to the 45th floor. There you’ll find the best view of the Tokyo skyline. If you’re looking for a great photo opportunity, this may be one of the best you’ll find in the city. At night, the city looks even more amazing.

The Imperial Palace and Palace East Garden are popular among tourists as well. The royal family lives in the palace, so it remains closed to the public, but you’re free to wander through the gardens on one of the many walkways. If you’re looking for any type of entertainment, the Shinjuku district is where you’ll want to head. The most impressive part of this district is all of the neon signage at night.

Spending time in Japan is all about the experiences, so if you’re looking for one that’s a bit different, check out what’s known as the “Shibuya Crossing.” There is a four-way intersection here, and whenever the stoplights change, hundreds of people make their ways from one side of street to the other. The crowd is unlike anything you’ve probably ever seen before.

The Akihabara district is a must-see area of town, especially if you’re one with a gadget obsession. Known as “electric city,” this area of Tokyo guarantees sales of almost anything electric, as well as video games, manga, and anime items.

There are plenty of other sites around Tokyo. The best advice is to find a guidebook and make a list of the places and attractions you want to see. Make the most out of your visit to Tokyo.

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Tanabata: A Major Japanese Summer Festival

The festival is a "Syonan Hiratsuka Tanab...

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There’s no shortage of festivals throughout the year in Japan. One of the most popular is the Tanabata Festival, which is also referred to as the star festival. It takes place on either the night of July seventh or the night of August seventh each year, depending on the region of Japan. The Japanese refer to Tanabata as the star festival because it commemorates the popular folktale of the Princess and the Cowherder that has been around for over 2,000 years.

When the post-Meiji period came to Japan, the festival fell quiet and nearly disappeared completely. It gained back popularity after the second World War, and has been something of a national treasure ever since it’s re-emergence. At the present-day Tanabata festivals, wishes are written on small scraps of paper and then hung on bamboo sticks. They are either placed in a river or burned when the festivities are over, usually the following day.

While the Tanabata festival is full to the brim with tradition, the atmosphere surrounding it is much like that surrounding a gala or carnival. Colorful decorations of red, blue, and yellow can be seen almost everywhere, there is nearly every kind of Japanese cuisine imaginable, and occasionally a parade or two will take place. These festivals are popular and dear to the people of Japan, but many tourists try to arrange their trips to cover the festivals as well.

Tanabata festivals are held in nearly every city, but some of the best-known ones take place in Miyagi Prefecture and Hiratsuka-city.

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Visit Japan for a Unique Honeymoon Experience

The main building of Shuri Castle

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If you are interested in a truly memorable honeymoon, you should consider visiting a location that not everyone goes to for this experience, such as Japan. This country is not often mentioned when it comes to honeymoon destinations, despite its rich culture and wealth of things to do while visiting.

Whether you want to stay at a 5-star hotel in a big city or a quaint bed and breakfast in a rural area, Japan has you covered. Check out Tokyo if you love big cities, or Okinawa if you plan to get out of the hotel and make memories while snorkeling or walking on the beach. Of course, there are also tons of resorts available that boast features like hot springs and massages. You can usually get all the same pampering done in Japan as you can in more traditional honeymoon settings, but with a unique twist. This is because the Asian culture is prevalent in nearly every activity in this romantic destination, allowing you to learn about Japan’s history while enjoying your time with your new spouse.

Just because your honeymoon is not traditional does not mean that you cannot partake in other longstanding vacation traditions. For example, consider sending postcards from your destination so that your friends and family know you made it to your vacation spot and are having a great time. Postcards are often considered more personal and much more exciting to receive than simple text messages and e-mails, so pick up a bunch, each with a different photo of the sights in Japan. Scrawling a personal message on each card will truly make your loved ones feel special.

You may just want to relax and forget the world during your honeymoon in Japan, but your family will want to hear from you while you are gone. Writing a couple of messages is fast and can even be done from the spa, completing your unique getaway.

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Japan for the Frugal

With the slanting economy, lay-offs, and fairly dismal job market, it seems that just about everybody is looking for ways to save some money in any way possible. Just because you’re trying to save money doesn’t mean that you need to cut vacations like so many people think. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you should go to Japan, the answer is “yes.”

A vacation to Japan, especially if you’ll be taking the whole family, can be quite expensive. Contrary to the beliefs of many, though, it is possible to have a great time and spend as little as possible while in the country.

The biggest and most popular mode of transportation in Japan is train. As such, you’ll likely be taking it just about everywhere, so the first thing you should do is look into getting your hands on some of the budget tickets for the trains. There are two kinds of these tickets ad either of them will help you save hundreds of dollars.

  • Japan Railways (JR) Pass: This pass will get you onto any of the trains in the Japan Railways system, most of which go all over the country. You’ll need to complete a request for this before leaving for Japan, though.
  • Seishun 18 Kippu: This type of ticket is offered in spring, summer, and winter and is meant more for those looking to experience smaller towns in Japan. They are transferable and come in books of five tickets.

Sleeping accommodations are plentiful in Japan, as they have some of the ritziest hotels in the world. If you’re looking to save money, you have three great options:

  • The Ryokan: Offering comfortable futons, sliding doors, and decorative walls, this is the traditional inn all over Japan. If you want to experience tru tradition, stay here.
  • The Hostel: More than a cheap room and bed, these offer the opportunity to meet other travelers and learn more about the country and upcoming events.
  • The Business Hotel: Cheap but luxurious, these offer large beds, clean showers, and a refrigerator in each room.
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Japanese National Parks

Cherry Blossom "Tunnel" along the Mi...

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If you’re a nature lover, there’s no shortage of beautiful scenery throughout each island of Japan, most of which makes for some great photography. If you’re not entirely sold on just photos of the sukura trees, cherry blossoms, and the hundreds of Buddhist temples, then why not head out to a national park or two?

Japan has 28 national parks in all, which are a very important part of the vast ecosystem throughout the country. The parks are instrumental in protecting other parts of this system, such as the wildlife, wetlands, and the seashores on each island. The parks all offer hiking trails and stunning scenery.

If you’re wondering in which season to visit the national parks, there is no right or wrong answer. Why? Because the parks offer something unique in each of the seasons! For a breakdown of what each season brings to Japan’s national parks, take a look at the following list.

  • Spring: In Japan, springtime marks the blooming of the sakura trees and cherry blossoms. The blossoms are iconic of the country and are a big attraction for tourists and the Japanese themselves. You can find the trees just about anywhere, so if you’ll be in Japan in the spring, be sure to bring a camera!
  • Winter: Japan has many species of migratory birds. In the wintertime, the numerous national parks are a temporary home for them. If you’re lucky, you might catch a good view or two.
  • Summer: Warmer weather brings about the mass blooming of wildflowers. The weather also allows for mountain and trail hiking, providing plenty of photo opportunities, especially of the multiple kinds of foliage and flowers.
  • Autumn: This is one of the best times to visit Japan, second only to springtime. Head to locations like Towada Lake and Oku-nikko for some bright and beautiful autumn foliage colors.
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Living, Traveling and Enjoying the World

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Being able to travel abroad is an exciting and adventurous opportunity that many people only get to enjoy once in a lifetime. Countries like Italy or Japan are richly seasoned with historical monuments and memorable places and things to do that the entire family would enjoy. Distance travel is also something that many couples do when they’re planning a honeymoon vacation or celebrating other special occasions for couples.

In many rare cases, vacationers find themselves so enamored with some places that they’ve visited while on vacation, some decide to move to that particular location and make it their home. The romantic idea of waking up every morning to enjoy the sights and sounds that they did while on vacation is definitely something to look forward to. Planning that move is even more exciting as each step of the move brings them closer to their dream. Everything from finding a doggie kennel to getting moving quotes from distance movers is done with excitement and in full anticipation of enjoying that “dream” life that they’ve only wondered about.

Moving is very detail-oriented and you should make sure that everything is completed as you begin planning. Other things to consider on a moving checklist include securing and updating passports, selling or leasing a current home, selling furniture that may be too big or bulky to take on the trip and of course, researching the area that you’re planning on moving to. All of this detail or organization will ensure that the move is not only smooth, but that everything that needs to be done gets done in a timely manner. So, when the day of the big move comes, the couple or family can leave for their new home, eager to start a new chapter in their lives, and begin that chapter in a new, exotic, rich, historical place that they will now call home.

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