A Japanese vacation abounds with scenic beauty and fascinating cultural activities. Tokyo, 12 million inhabitants strong, dazzles with its urban energy; while the islands of Japan feature abundant mountains, rivers, lakes and ravines. The photos you bring home will be gorgeous and the memories unforgettable.
A vacation in Japan usually begins in Tokyo, where top attractions include the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, the Tsukiji Fish Market (the largest in Japan), fabulous shopping and exciting nightlife. Another top destination for a Japan vacation is Kyoto, which was Japan’s capital for 1,200 years. Seventeen of the beautiful city’s temples and shrines are designated as World Cultural Heritage sites. Here visitors often catch a glimpse of Japan’s famous geisha, or maiko. Kyoto hosts three famous festivals, which attract many visitors. Cherry blossom season in the spring is another prime time for travel to Japan. Locals and tourists alike flock to such areas as Mount Yoshino in Nara to see the trees in full bloom. A Japan family vacation offers many educational opportunities for children, who can learn about the country’s unique customs and traditions, such as samurai, sumo wrestling and kabuki.
U.S. visitors in Japan require a valid passport. Those staying for 90 days or less do not require a visa. There are three international airports in Japan—Narita (Tokyo), Kansai (Osaka) and Central Japan Airport (Nagoya). Japan’s rail system offers an easy and safe way for visitors to explore the country. A Rail Pass, which must be purchased before you arrive in Japan, gives the bearer unlimited travel on Japan Railway lines and affiliated buses and ferries. U.S. travelers wishing to rent a car in Japan must have an International Driver’s License. Guide-interpreters may be hired through hotels or land tour operators. It’s recommended that travelers learn at least a few key phrases in Japanese before arriving. Japanese currency is the yen. For more information on Japan travel, log on to www.jnto.go.jp, the Japan National Tourist Organization’s website.