Japan
This highly developing island is located in the Pacific Ocean to the east of Korea, China and Russia. It is a convergence of more than three thousand island and most of them are mountains consisting of the volcanic too. Mostly temperate climate is present but varies according to the regions. The north has nippy winter and cool summer. Forested regions, seas, oceans and the south-west islands contribute to the natural beauty. The highly aspiring people and the industry-government relations have turned Japan into the country with the second best economy.
Travel to Japan: Tourists preferable mode of transport to Japan is by air. One of the prominent aerodromes in Japan would be Tokyo Narita Airport is located at about 65km from the city. Japan Airlines is the largest national airways. The other international airways that provide services are Qantas, Singapore Airlines, American Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Swiss Air, Air France, Air India, Lufthansa, Malaysian Airlines, Garuda, British Airways, Aeroflot, Alitalia, China Southern, Air China, Cathay Pacific etc. A shuttle bus is accessible from the airport to the city. It also takes you to the major hotels. Another well-known means of transport is the rail.
Kansai International Airport in Kansai, Osaka is another important airport located at approximately 50km from the city. Other airports will be Fukuoka International and Nagoya International.
Attractions:
Tokyo Disneyland: The first Disneyland to be erected outside U.S, this is lavishly situated in Urayasu, Chiba. It is said that it and the Tokyo DisneySea are the only Disneylands not possessed by the Walt Disney Company but by the Oriental Land Company which receives permission for the theme. The theme comprises of World Bazaar, Westernland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and the Critter Country along with Mickey’s Toontown. This has many attractions and is dexterously constructed to entice one and all. This Disneyland will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2008.
Museum of Natural History: This museum is in Osaka. It holds information about the Osaka way of living, history of life and earth. Main building and Flower, Greenery and Nature Information Centre are the two buildings the museum holds for its displays.
Sakura (Cherry Blossom) is another pride for Japan. It is a symbol of feminine and when the flower blooms, Japanese visit the parks and shrines with friends and kith and kin to celebrate hanami (flower viewing party). These can be seen in Okinawa, Kyoto and Tokyo.
Language: Japanese is the official language of the country. There are two forms of this language: hyojungo (standard Japanese) and kyotsugo. Hyojungo is used for official purposes and taught is schools. This is also the language used in media. Kyotsugo is the conversational language. But now many of the dissimilarities between the two have lessened. Bungo and Kogo are the variations in the standard Japanese. And the difference is mainly based on grammar and vocabulary. Bungo was the dialect used by the old generation. Kogo is the dialect that is mostly used now but a merge of the dialects is also used now. English is also extensively used.
Shopping: Shopping is inexpensive in Japan and price is fair from departmental stores to flea markets. Japan is famous for its silk. Other exceptional purchases would be kimonos, dolls, religious articles, Buddhist artefacts, antiques, clothing, traditional crafts, lacquer ware, mingei, fans, kites, watches, folk art, puppets, pottery, wooden toys, woodblock prints, paper lanterns, cameras, mp3 players, television, screens and other hi-fi equipment. Second hand markets and flea markets operate and you can procure products at low-cost.
Japan’s currency is Yen and can be exchanged at authorised banks and exchangers. Major credit cards are accepted in towns. ATMs are available but only a few accept foreign credit cards and Citibank is one among them. Traveller’s cheques can also be exchanged at banks.
Destinations:
Tokyo: This is the capital of Japan and one of the major cities of the world. It is the world’s most populated city and the most happening city too. The metropolitan comprises of the Tama area, the twenty three special wards and the islands. The city has a blend of mountainous regions, temples, shrines, lakes, rivers with the ever growing infrastructure. Four national parks add to the natural beauty. Tokyo is also Japan’s educational centre and performing arts. Several museums glorify the metro. Annual festivals and regular events take place in Tokyo. The city also has a variety of enjoyable places to spend the evening.
Osaka: Located at the Yodo River, the city touches the west of Osaka bay and comes under the Kansai region. American Village here is a prominent shopping area. This commercial centre has various museums like National Museum of Art, Museum of History, Science Museum and more. Amusement parks, temples, shrines, parks, entertainment centres and historical sites attract tourists to this city.
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