How to visit Japan

Learn some Japanese words

Even though many Japanese people speak English, learning some Japanese words will help you communicate better during your trip. Learn basic words like "hello" (konnichiwa), "thank you" (arigatou), and "excuse me" (sumimasen).

Prepare your credit card or ATM card

In Japan, there are still many shops and restaurants that only accept cash, so make sure to always have enough yen with you. However, you can also use your credit card or ATM card at the automatic teller machines of major Japanese banks.

• Plan your visit
• Learn about Japanese culture
• Prepare your luggage
• Learn some Japanese words
• Prepare your credit card or ATM card

By following these tips, you'll be ready for an unforgettable trip to Japan.

What to see and do in Japan

Japan is a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the must-see places during your visit:

1. Tokyo

The capital of Japan is a bustling city that offers many tourist attractions such as the Asakusa Temple, the Imperial Palace, and the Shinjuku district. Don't forget to try the local cuisine as well, such as the famous ramen or sushi.

2. Kyoto

Kyoto is the most traditional city in Japan and is famous for its temples and zen gardens. Among the main attractions are the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), the Ryoan-ji Temple (Stone Garden), and the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (Shrine of Foxes).

3. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is one of the most representative symbols of Japan and is located about 100 km from Tokyo. You can get there by train or bus and climb to the top to enjoy the panoramic view.

4. Hiroshima

Hiroshima was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945 but today it is a modern and vibrant city that offers many tourist attractions such as the Park of Peace, the Atomic Bomb Museum, and the Miyajima Island with its famous Floating Torii Gate.

5. Onsen

Onsen are Japanese hot springs where you can relax and enjoy natural thermal waters. There are many hot spring towns in Japan like Hakone, Kusatsu, or Beppu that offer this unique experience.

• Make sure to respect onsen rules, such as washing before entering the baths and not bringing towels into the water.
• In some areas of Japan, onsen are prohibited to people with tattoos due to their association with organized crime.

These are just some of the places to visit during a vacation in Japan. Remember that every region of the country has its own unique culture and traditions, so explore as much as possible to discover everything this beautiful country has to offer.

Japanese cuisine: dishes to try

Japanese cuisine is famous worldwide for its sophistication, freshness of ingredients, and impeccable presentation of dishes. Here are some of the dishes you can't miss during your visit to Japan:

Sushi

Sushi is probably the most well-known dish in Japanese cuisine. It consists of a bite-sized portion of rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar, and salt, usually accompanied by raw or cooked fish, nori seaweed, and other ingredients such as cucumber or avocado. Sushi can be served in various ways: as nigiri (the traditional piece of rice with a slice of fish on top), maki (wrapped in nori seaweed), or sashimi (just the raw fish).

Ramen

Ramen is a noodle soup originally from China but has become very popular in Japan. The base of the broth can be meat, fish, or vegetable-based and is enriched with various spices and flavors like ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and mirin. The noodles are thick and soft while additional ingredients may include marinated pork meat, boiled eggs, shiitake mushrooms, and nori seaweed.

Takoyaki

Takoyaki are fried balls filled with octopus, green onion, and ginger. They are a specialty of Osaka city but can be found all over Japan. Takoyaki is prepared using a special pan that allows them to be continuously turned until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside but soft and juicy on the inside.

Tempura

Tempura is a dish of Portuguese origin that has been adapted by Japanese cuisine. It consists of ingredients (usually shrimp or vegetables such as zucchini, carrots or peppers) coated in a light batter made from flour and sparkling water, then fried in hot oil until they become golden and crispy. Tempura is served with soy sauce and grated horseradish root.

• Tip: try tempura at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo to taste the freshest fish possible!

Soba

Soba are thin noodles made from buckwheat flour. They can be served cold with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (Japanese broth), or hot in a light broth with meat or vegetables. Soba is very popular in Japan because it is considered healthy due to the presence of buckwheat which contains many beneficial properties for health.

These are just some of the dishes you absolutely must try during your visit to Japan. Japanese cuisine offers many other delicacies, such as okonomiyaki (a kind of omelet with vegetables and bacon), tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), and wagyu beef (high-quality Japanese beef).

Useful tips for traveling in Japan

Plan your itinerary

Before leaving for Japan, it's important to plan your itinerary. The country offers many tourist attractions, and there are many things to see and do. Decide which cities you want to visit and what activities you would like to do. This way, you can organize your time better and make sure you don't miss anything interesting.

Prepare your suitcase

The climate in Japan can vary greatly depending on the season and area you are visiting. Make sure to check the weather forecast before leaving. In general, it is advisable to wear comfortable and practical clothing during the day and something more formal in the evening. Also remember that in many restaurants, museums, and temples you will need to take off your shoes, so bring clean socks.

Transportation

In Japan, public transportation is very efficient and reliable. The train is definitely one of the best ways to travel around the country. There are several railway companies and it is convenient to purchase a Japan Rail Pass if you plan on traveling extensively by train. Taxis are also a valid option, but they cost more than public transportation.

The language

Although English is spoken in many parts of Japan, there are still many people who do not know it. Learning some Japanese words and phrases can be very useful for communicating with locals and being better understood. Also, always carry a map or translation app with you to avoid any communication problems.

The culture

In Japan, the culture is very different from Western culture. There are many social rules to follow and behaviors to avoid. For example, you should never walk with your shoes inside houses or temples, and you should be careful not to disturb other passengers on public transportation. Learning about Japanese culture before leaving can help prevent embarrassing situations or unintentionally offending someone.

• Remember to bring clean socks if you visit temples or traditional restaurants where you will need to take off your shoes.
• Purchase a Japan Rail Pass if you plan on traveling extensively by train.
• Learn some Japanese words and phrases to communicate better with locals.
• Learn about Japanese culture before leaving to avoid embarrassing situations.

Conclusion

Traveling in Japan can be an unforgettable experience, but it requires good planning and knowledge of some important information. By following these useful tips, you can enjoy your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun to the fullest.