Japan is truly a special place, brimming with history, culture, and tourist attractions. European travelers often choose it as their exotic destination, as it greatly differs from Western tourist hotspots. Every corner of Japan offers incredible sights that captivate the senses. It’s a wonderful place for those seeking leisure and beautiful vistas, as well as for those craving excitement, culinary experiences, and cultural differences.
THE GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Japan is a captivating archipelago located on the eastern edge of Asia. It consists of four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Additionally, there are nearly 4000 smaller islands! Its nearest continental neighbors are the Siberian region of Russia to the north, and Korea and China to the south.
Japan experiences four distinct seasons, with a climate that ranges from subarctic in the north to subtropical in the south. The weather conditions differ between the Pacific side and the Sea of Japan side.
In northern Japan, summers are warm while winters are extremely cold, with heavy snowfall on the Sea of Japan side and in mountainous areas. Eastern Japan has hot and humid summers, and cold winters with significant snowfall on the Sea of Japan side and in mountainous regions. Western Japan experiences very hot and humid summers, with temperatures sometimes reaching 35°C or higher, and moderately cold winters. Okinawa and Amami enjoy a subtropical oceanic climate, with warm and humid summers where temperatures rarely exceed 35°C, and mild winters.
WHAT TO DO IN JAPAN
Get ready for a spectacular adventure in Japan. Discover numerous events and festivals, majestic temples and historic castles, thrilling theme parks and relaxing hot springs, beautiful beaches and exciting outdoor activities. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, an art lover, a nature enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking to unwind on the beach, the possibilities for your trip to Japan are endless.
CULTURE
Immerse yourself in the rich Japanese culture wherever you go: from the grand grounds of ancient shrines and temples in the country, to the trendy streets of Harajuku; from friendly izakayas to lively festivals. Japan offers a wide range of lesser-explored alternatives that are worth considering.
Japan has a unique culture and customs, such as the tradition of taking off shoes when entering certain places. Public baths, onsens, and pools have specific rules about what clothing or items are allowed. Moreover, the country has many socially distinctive customs and ways of showing respect. While they may seem unfamiliar to unaccustomed travelers, actions like taking off your shoes or bowing can open up a whole new world of interaction with the local people. You are not expected to become an expert, but familiarizing yourself with basic etiquette and protocols can enrich your travel experience and provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community.
THE CURRENCY
The yen (symbol: ¥; code: JPY) is the official currency of Japan, and it carries a rich history and significance. It stands as the third most traded currency in the foreign exchange market, surpassed only by the U.S. dollar (US$) and the euro. Additionally, the yen holds a prominent position as the third global reserve currency, alongside the U.S. dollar and the euro. As of June 2023, the exchange rate is approximately 1 euro equals 155 yen, and 1 U.S. dollar equals 142 yen. These numbers fluctuate, but the yen remains a strong and highly significant currency in the international financial landscape.
HEALTHCARE
Japan is renowned for being a country with a strong focus on hygiene. Customs such as daily handwashing and gargling are particularly widespread and actively practiced by a wide range of people in the country, from children to adults. It is not common worldwide to find a country where such deeply rooted washing customs exist. This highlights the high level of hygiene awareness among the Japanese people.
TRANSPORTATION
Due to its relatively isolated location on the map, reaching Japan can sometimes be a challenge. However, from the moment you set foot on its land, getting around becomes a magnificent experience. Japan’s unparalleled public transportation system swiftly takes you through bustling cities and picturesque towns with precision and punctuality. From the sleek shinkansen bullet trains to the humble local trains, schedules are followed religiously, providing a service that you can literally set your watch to. Local buses and long-distance coaches follow suit, while the fleet of taxis patrolling the streets are impeccably clean and remarkably reliable. In addition to this unmatched service, a wide range of discount passes and travel cards are available, offering wallet-friendly options that allow you to travel farther and with utmost comfort and ease.
VISA AND TOURISM
Typically, passport holders from Spain and Latin American countries enjoy a maximum stay of 90 days without a visa requirement.
Japan is overflowing with tourists, as it is considered a once-in-a-lifetime destination. While travel companies generally welcome the return of foreign visitors, they also acknowledge that the influx of millions of tourists can be a double-edged sword. Many operators note concerning signs of overtourism and tensions that were causing friction even before the country’s borders closed.
GASTRONOMY
Japanese cuisine offers an exceptionally rich and rewarding culinary experience. While sushi, wagyu beef, and kaiseki cuisine need little introduction, no true enthusiast should miss out on the delectable street food such as yakitori and ramen. Perhaps the epitome of Japanese cuisine lies in the kaiseki meals served at traditional ryotei (Japanese restaurants). However, the culinary scope also encompasses numerous vegetarian options, river fish dishes, sushi, eel, tempura, soba, udon, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakiniku, and much more. Each region has its own local specialties and culinary traditions with unique dishes specific to each area. Wherever you go and whatever you enjoy, why not accompany your meal with sake from a local brewery?
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN
With beautifully defined seasons, Japan’s landscape and culinary offerings rotate to provide a variety unmatched by few nations. Unless you are visiting for winter sports or cherry blossom viewing, the best time of year to visit is in October and November, during the Japanese autumn. The hurricane season will have passed, the weather will be mild, and the country’s breathtaking autumn colors will be even more vibrant. Typhoons can occur anytime between July and October, with the peak season typically in August and September. The cherry blossom season extends from late March to April during the Japanese spring.
