Shopping
Overview
In the large department stores you will find a combination of Far Eastern and European goods. Typical souvenirs include kimonos, mingei (handicrafts such as kites and traditional toys), Kyoto silk, fans, screens, dolls, Shinto and Buddhist religious objects, paper lanterns, hi-fi equipment, cameras, televisions and other electronics Devices. The tax will be waived upon presentation of the passport. Shop opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-7pm/8pm and public holidays.
- Searchforpublicschools: Offers schooling information of Japan in each level – compulsory, technical and higher education programs.
Nightlife
Introduction
Countless cinemas, bars, cafés and nightclubs provide variety. In summer, roof garden restaurants and beer gardens as well as street cafes are very popular. Numerous concerts take place in Tokyo every evening, international symphony orchestras, soloists and ensembles perform. Tickets should be purchased in advance as events sell out very quickly. There are pre-sale offices in the big department stores. In karaoke bars, guests can try their hand at singing: Internationally known hits and oldies are played from the tape, the amateur pop star is handed a microphone, and the text (in Japanese, of course) is given on the video screen. Karaoke bars are very popular and definitely worth a visit, even if you don’t have star ambitions yourself. Another popular pastime is pachinko, which is related to the game of bingo.
Culinary
Overview
Traditionally prepared, Japanese cuisine is a true art form. The appetizing creations are seldom heavily seasoned; what matters is the individual taste of the individual ingredients and the careful combination of different shapes and colors on the plate. The lightness of the food is remarkable. Fresh vegetables are only cooked briefly. Specialties are teriyaki (marinated fried beef), sukiyaki (thin strips of beef, tofu and onions cooked in soy sauce and dipped in egg), tempura (seafood and vegetables fried in oil), okonomiyaki (a kind of pancake that you fry yourself at the table), Sushi (rice rolls stuffed or topped with raw fish and vegetables) and sashimi (raw fish). The best way to try sushi is in sushi bars, where a kind of conveyor belt with the various dishes often runs past the guest, who can choose the delicacies themselves. Japanese home cooking is simpler but also very tasty. The best thing to do is to go to one of the many small restaurants that can be found around U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations and point out the dishes on offer. Tofu in various forms, yakitori (fried skewers) and various noodle dishes (soba, udon, ramen) are highly recommended. Excellent Asian dishes (Korean, very spicy; also Chinese) and European dishes are offered in the restaurants. In some restaurants it is customary to take off your shoes. Drinks: Sake, a rice wine usually served hot in winter, is a highly alcoholic beverage. You have to get used to shochu, a high-proof aquavit that is usually served with fruit in a glass. Well-known beers like Kirin, Sapporo, Suntory and Asahi are similar to European Pils. Scotch whiskey is extremely popular in Japan, but very expensive, so there are many types of Japanese whiskey on offer. The serving times are not limited by law. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is subject to a centuries-old polite etiquette. The host will pour the guest a drink, making sure the glass stays full. As an expression of politeness, one may give the host more, but under no circumstances serve oneself.
Accommodation
Hotels
Decorated in either a “Western” or traditional style, occasionally a mixture of both is found. Western style means European or American decor. Western-style business hotels offer affordable accommodation for business travelers. You are i. Generally in the city center, the rooms are mostly single rooms. Japanese-style hotels offer great comfort. In some hotels e.g. B. the Japanese tea ceremony is performed. A variety of extra services are offered. 10-20% service will be added to the bill. A special treat is staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese hotel. Breakfast and dinner — mostly Japanese fare — are often included in room rates. You don’t wear street shoes, but the provided slippers. Rice-straw mats and sliding doors made of wood and paper, Japanese baths and the view of one of the magnificent Japanese mini-gardens create a special ambience. Typical of the ryokan are the appealing baths, some of which are even filled with hot spring water or sometimes resemble entire bathing areas. Here, however, it is essential to ensure that you first wash yourself in the washtub provided, remove all soap, hair shampoo or shower gel from your body and only then climb into the actual bathroom. This is only for relaxation and physical well-being. The service is excellent. Depending on the category, an overnight stay in a ryokan costs between €35 and €300. Two daily meals are included in the price of the superior category accommodation. The ryokans can be booked at http://www.itcj.or.jp/ and http://www.jpinn.com/ and http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/. More information is available from the Japan Ryokan Association (Internet: www.ryokan.or.jp). Capsule hotels are found in all major cities near the train stations, where you can stay cheaply in tiny cabins. Founded by the Japan Tourist Organization, the Welcome Inn reservation system books budget accommodation. More information from the tourist office (see addresses). Categories: There are no categories. More information from Japan Hotel Association, Shin Otemachi Building, 2-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, JP-Tokyo 100-0004. (Tel: (03) 32 79 27 06. Internet: www.j-hotel.or.jp). Information can also be obtained from JHN (Japan Hotel Network) Travel Ltd., Hokujo 2937-275, Hakuba Mura, Kita Azumi Gun, Nagano Pref, JP-399-9301. Tel: (0261) 75 53 60. Web: www.japanhotel.net. For information on hotels specifically in Tokyo, the following organization is available: Tokyu Hotel Chain Co Ltd, 10-3 Nagata-Cho, 2-Chome, Chiyoda-Ku, JP-Tokyo 100-0014. (Tel: (03) 34 62 01 09. Fax: (03) 37 80 34 39. Internet: www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com).
Other accommodation options
There are about 400 youth hostels in Japan. For more information, please contact: Japan Youth Hostels Inc., 2-20-7 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, JP-Tokyo 101-0061. (Tel: (03) 32 88 14 17. Internet: www.jyh.or.jp). Guesthouses Western-style guesthouses can be found mainly in resort areas. Minshuku are inexpensive family guesthouses, mostly located in resort areas. One or two meals are included, room facilities are simpler than ryokans or western-style hotels. Note: As of April 2005, for security reasons, when checking into hotels and other places of accommodation in Japan, the following is required by law: – “Nationality”, “Passport No.” as well as “name”, ”
Culture
Religion
84% Shintoism and Buddhism (most Japanese follow both religions); Christian and other minorities.
Social Rules of Conduct
Manners: While the etiquette rules observed by the majority of Japanese differ in many respects from European ones, the Japanese are aware of the difference and accept that foreigners do not know all manners and customs. Polite and correct behavior is expected. It’s impolite to say “no.” However, a vague “yes” does not necessarily mean an affirmative. The fact that misunderstandings abound even among Japanese should reassure visitors. Guests are rarely invited to private homes as this is a very serious, formal matter. (Another version says that Japanese apartments are too small to invite guests.) One bows in greeting. The polite suffix “San” should be used when addressing Japanese men and women: Mr. T. Yamada is thus addressed as “Yamada-san.” When entering a Japanese home or ryokan, one draws i. In general, take off your shoes, the toes of your shoes should point towards the front door. Table manners are important, although a Japanese host will be very tolerant of the western guest. However, one should learn basic table manners and use chopsticks. It is customary to bring a small gift to the host. Businessmen should also give gifts to Japanese business partners. Smoking: Non-smoking zones are signposted. Cigarettes may not be thrown on the street. Portable ashtrays are therefore common in Japan. Smoking while walking is also frowned upon. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in subway stations. Large catering establishments must have a smoking area. Smoking on the street is banned in some major cities and in the following wards of Tokyo: Chiyoda, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, and Nakano. In Kanagawa Prefecture, smoking is not allowed in public places such as hospitals, schools and government offices. Tipping: Tipping is not expected, either in the restaurant, in the hotel, or from the taxi driver. Monetary gifts may be given for special services or as recognition. But you should never hand over a handful of small change, but buy special envelopes for money gifts.
Climate
Best travel time
With regional exceptions, the climate is stable and temperate in most of the country. Summer (June – September) is warm to very hot, depending on the region. Mild in spring and autumn. Rainfall all year round, most precipitation falls from June to early July.
North: In the north of Hokkaido it can get very cold in winter, snow can lie for up to four months, and there are good conditions for winter sports. The southern part of Hokkaido has a Mediterranean climate. Hokkaido is drier than Tokyo. Winter sports facilities are also very good in central Japan.
South (Okinawa) Subtropical, rainy season from mid-May to mid-June.
Typhoons threaten in the south and southwest from early summer, but rarely last more than a day.
The best times to travel are in spring and autumn.
Country data
Phone prefix
+81
Area (sq km)
377915
Population
126,476,461 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
335
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
119
