Japan travel tips
Japan travel tips: Land of the rising sun, cherry blossoms, ancient traditions, cutting-edge technology, sushi, and a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity.
Prefectures 🌎
Japan travel tips. Here is a list of all the prefectures of the Japan.
Aichi
Akita
Aomori
Chiba
Ehime
Fukui
Fukuoka
Fukushima
Gifu
Gunma
Hiroshima
Hokkaido
Hyogo
Ibaraki
Ishikawa
Iwate
Kagawa
Kagoshima
Kanagawa
Kochi
Kumamoto
Kyoto
Mie
Miyagi
Miyazaki
Nagano
Nagasaki
Nara
Niigata
Oita
Okayama
Okinawa
Osaka
Saga
Saitama
Shiga
Shimane
Shizuoka
Tochigi
Tokushima
Tokyo
Tottori
Toyama
Wakayama
Yamagata
Yamaguchi
Yamanashi
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Tokyo
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 JP,
ISO alpha-3 JPN
Currency
Badge | Yen
CODE | JPY
NUMBER | 392
SYMBOL | ¥
FRACTION | sen
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +81
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | au by KDDI | NTT DoCoMo | Rakuten Mobile | Y!Mobile |
Location
Japan is an island country located in East Asia. It is situated in the Pacific Ocean and lies off the eastern coast of the Asian continent. The geographical coordinates of Japan are approximately 36.2048 degrees North latitude and 138.2529 degrees East longitude. Japan is made up of four main islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, as well as numerous smaller islands. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and stunning natural landscapes.
Currency
The currency of Japan is the yen (¥). One yen is subdivided into 100 sen, although sen coins are no longer used in practice. Yen bills have denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen, while coins have denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen.
The yen is widely accepted in Japan and can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. In addition, many shops, restaurants, and other businesses in Japan accept international credit cards, making it easy for tourists and foreign visitors to make purchases and transactions in the country.
Languages
The official language and the main language spoken in Japan is Japanese. It is a unique and complex Asian language that uses kanji, hiragana, and katakana characters in its writing.
However, other languages are also spoken in Japan, albeit to a lesser extent. Some of them are:
Ainu: is the language spoken by the indigenous Ainu population of Hokkaido. It is an endangered language.
Ryukyuan: is a set of languages spoken in the Ryukyu Islands, south of Japan.
English: English is widely taught in schools and is a language commonly used in tourism and business.
Also, with the increase in the foreign population in Japan, other languages such as Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese are being spoken more and more.
Climate 🌡
The climate of Japan varies from region to region due to the country’s long north-south extent and its position in the Pacific Ocean. Generally, Japan experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring (March to May): Spring in Japan is a popular time to visit as the weather is mild and pleasant. Cherry blossoms (sakura) bloom during this season, attracting tourists from around the world.
Summer (June to August): Summer in Japan can be hot and humid, especially in July and August. It is also the rainy season (tsuyu) in many parts of the country, bringing frequent rainfall.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another popular time to visit Japan. The weather is mild, and the fall foliage (koyo) paints the landscapes in vibrant colors.
Winter (December to February): Winter in Japan varies depending on the region. Northern areas, like Hokkaido, experience cold and snowy winters, while southern regions have milder temperatures.
Japan’s climate is influenced by various factors, including the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, and the country’s mountainous terrain. As a result, the weather can differ significantly from one area to another, providing diverse travel experiences throughout the year.
Japan travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Cultural Respect:
Bow when greeting, remove shoes indoors, and be mindful of traditions to show respect.
Cash is King:
Many places prefer cash, so always carry yen. Credit cards may not be widely accepted.
Language Barrier:
Plan around cherry blossom season (spring) or fall foliage (autumn) for stunning landscapes.
Culinary Adventure:
Try local dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura. Be adventurous with street food.
Transportation:
Utilize efficient public transport, such as bullet trains and metro systems. View Guide.
Technology Hub:
Embrace Japan’s tech-savvy atmosphere with innovative gadgets and advancements.
Temple Etiquette:
When visiting temples, be respectful by not disturbing rituals and dressing modestly.
Enjoy your time in Japan!
The best of the best
Japan is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine.
Sushi
Raw fish served over vinegared rice, often with other ingredients like seaweed, vegetables, and soy sauce.
Sashimi
Thinly sliced raw fish or seafood, usually served with soy sauce and wasabi.
Ramen
Noodles served in a flavorful broth, often with toppings like sliced pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
Some of the typical foods you can find in Japan include:
Tempura: Deep-fried seafood or vegetables coated in a light, crispy batter.
Yakitori: Grilled skewers of chicken or other meats, usually seasoned with salt or a savory sauce.
Takoyaki: Ball-shaped snacks made of batter and filled with diced octopus, pickled ginger, and green onions.
Okonomiyaki: Savory pancakes made with a batter of flour, eggs, cabbage, and other ingredients, topped with various toppings like mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and sauce.
Udon: Thick wheat noodles served in a hot broth, often with toppings like tempura or green onions.
Tonkatsu: Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets, usually served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce.
Miso Soup: A traditional Japanese soup made with soybean paste (miso) and often includes tofu, seaweed, and green onions.
Matcha: Green tea powder used to make a traditional Japanese tea or used in various desserts like matcha ice cream and matcha-flavored mochi.
Onigiri: Rice balls filled with various ingredients like pickled plum (umeboshi), tuna, or salmon and wrapped in seaweed.
Each region in Japan also has its own specialties and local delicacies, so there is always something new to discover.
Transportation 🚥
Choose your destination 📍🗺
Useful Links ✅
