Japan is a wonderful place, offering a range of cultural experiences set against the backdrop of traditional customs and modern technology.
The contrasting elements of the country make it an exciting and eye-opening country to visit. If you’re lucky enough to head to Japan, here are a few hints and tips as to what you can expect and what you need to know.
1. When to go
Japan has a vast range of climates offering icy cold heights from the mountainous territory in the northern regions to high temperatures and humidity throughout the summer months. Islands such as Okinawa often enjoy subtropical climates. The seasons contrast significantly and the winter months are sharply cold with heavy snowfall.
Typhoon season usually falls in October, making it difficult to travel during this time. It’s recommended that the best time to visit Japan is during the relatively stable seasons of spring (which is March to May) and autumn (which is September to November).
2. Costs
Japan is one the most expensive countries in the world to visit and travel within, especially if you plan on staying in high-end hotels and taking taxis to most destinations. Japan, however, can also be done on a budget providing you are careful with your money.
The currency is the yen (¥) and is pronounced en’, with no ‘y’ sound. It’s important to note that despite the abundance of ATM machines, the majority of them do-not accept foreign–issued cards. Even if the card displays the Visa and MasterCard logos, most of them only accept Japan-issued versions of these cards. Postal ATMs do accept international cards, however, it would be advisable to take travel money as well.
3. Traditions
Japanese heritage is full of long-held traditions, which involve a great deal of bowing and ritual. The tea ceremony is an honored ritual that can last for hours. It typically involves several different types of tea and a specific order of drinking them. This is something that British visitors should have no problem immersing themselves in.
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