Tourism in Japan

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Tourists visit spots in all prefectures in Japan. Among these are quiet national parks, centuries-old Buddhist temples and shrines, and the high-technology shopping areas of Akihabara. These spots can be reached by trains, buses, walking, and taxi.

Contents 1 Traveling Tips 1.1 Customs 1.2 Language 1.3 Money 1.4 Shopping 1.5 Trouble 2 Popular sightseeing spots in Japan 3 Sports 4 Japan National Tourist Organization 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Traveling Tips

[edit] Customs

There are no stringent religious obligations nor criminal punishments because of them. Most Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples permit photography, though the use of tripods and flash might be restricted both there and at castles, gardens, museums, and elsewhere.

[edit] Language

Major tourist spots and trains have displays in both Japanese and English. The Japan National Tourist Organization provides free travel guides, and books are available on how to travel in Japan. When one gets lost, it would be helpful to find a kōban (police box) or a large store and ask for help. If one is unable to communicate verbally, then it could prove useful to carry a pen and paper around, as Japanese are generally better at reading English than speaking it.

[edit] Money

The yen is the currency in use throughout the country. Exchange services are available at the airport, larger post offices, and banks. Automatic teller machines in Japanese post offices accept check and debit cards in the PLUS and Cirrus networks. Most larger stores and hotels that deal with a lot of foreign tourists accept credit cards, but in smaller stores and in the countryside credit cards are generally not accepted. Tipping is discouraged in Japan. Carrying around large amounts of money is generally safe, as crime rates are low. Few establishments accept personal checks.

[edit] Shopping

Major department stores and gift shops wrap items for little or no fees. Electronics are available for Japan's 100 volt electric supply as well as for overseas specifications; buyers should ask sales personnel whether an item can be used in any particular country. Models made for the international market have worldwide warranties; others may have warranties valid only within Japan. The national 5% consumption tax on all products can be waived for large purchases which will be taken out of the country.

[edit] Trouble

Even with a rising crime rate, Japan remains one of the safest countries in the world. There is only a little chance of being a victim and it is generally safe to walk around at night. The emergency telephone numbers are 110 for the police department and 119 for the fire and ambulance services.

[edit] Popular sightseeing spots in Japan

• Hiroshima Prefecture:
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial - The remains of the Hiroshima Prefectural Promotion Hall after the atomic bombing.
  • Hiroshima Castle
  • Hiroshima Municipal Stadium, home of the Carp
  • Itsukushima Shrine, a World Heritage Site

• Hyogo Prefecture:
  • Himeji Castle - One of the finest surviving 17th century Japanese castles.
  • Kobe - Port, Chinatown, Western influence, cruise on Inland Sea

• Kyoto Prefecture:
  • 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines
  • Nijo Castle
  • Kyoto Imperial Palace
  • Various Japanese gardens
  • Uji, including the Byōdō-in
  • Amanohashidate, one of the Three Views of Japan

• Nara Prefecture:
  • Tōdai-ji - The world's largest wooden building hosting the world's largest gilded bronze Buddha; part of UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Hōryū-ji - The world's oldest wooden building hosting 115 of the National Treasures and 1,955 of the important cultural properties; the 1st UNESCO World Heritage Site of Japan.
  • Other Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines including Kasuga Shrine
  • The remains of the Heijō Palace

• Traditional towns:
  • Tsumago, Magome - Nakasendō is one of the roads from Old Tokyo (Edo) and Kyoto passes through the Nagano prefecture. Some of the post towns (shuku) along this road have been preserved and show the lifestyles of both the commoners and the high ranking officials.
  • Gassho-zukuri are traditional style houses from the mountain region of Gifu prefecture. A visit to Shirakawago and Takayama are well worth the effort. In Takayama be sure to visit Hida No Sato, an outdoor museum that allows you to walk around the inside of the houses, visit the tea house for free tea and senbei, and enjoy walk around the village.

• Tochigi Prefecture:
  • Nikkō - Nikkō Tōshō-gū, mausoleum and shrine to Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu; other nearby temples and shrines

• Miyagi Prefecture:
  • Matsushima, one of the Three Views of Japan

• Mie Prefecture:
  • Ise Grand Shrine

Other common spots to visit:

• Three Views of Japan - Japan's most famous scenic spots.
• Tokyo:
  • See Tourism in Tokyo
• Kanagawa Prefecture:
  • Yokohama - The first city that opened to foreigners in the Edo period.
• Mount Fuji

Famous events in Japan:

• Hokkaidō
  • Sapporo Snow Festival

[edit] Sports

Professional, company, university, and amateur athletes compete in sports throughout Japan.

• Sumo, especially six annual Grand Sumo tournaments at Tokyo's Ryōgoku Kokugikan and in Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka
• Baseball at stadiums such as the Tokyo Dome and other locations for Nippon Professional Baseball
• Soccer, especially the professional J. League

[edit] Japan National Tourist Organization

The Japan National Tourist Organization, or JNTO, is provided so that visitors who do not speak Japanese can enjoy traveling in Japan more easily.

[edit] See also

• World Heritage Sites in Japan
• National treasures of Japan

[edit] References

• Japan National Tourist Organization
• (Japanese) Nara Tourist Organization

[edit] External links

• Open Directory Project Japan Tourism Guide
• The Japan FAQ
• Townpage Route Search - Rail fare calculator
• Japan-Guide travel guide
• Must See Sights Information about traveling in Japan