Japan

Legend says that Japan's history spans over 2,500 years, starting from the day when the descendant of the "Goddess of the Sun," Emperor Jimmu, established the first ancient kingdom of Japan. Central to Japanese culture are Shintoism and Buddhism, both  have deeply influenced the country's beliefs, customs, and rituals. Shintoism believes that kami (spirits) exist in everything, each grain of rice, each rock all have a kami live in it. This belief leads people to respect their land. Buddhism, introduced in the 6th century, has strongly affected Japanese art, philosophy, and customs.

Japan’s culture focuses on simplicity and subtlety. The Japanese ancient philosophy of wabi-sabi embraces the imperfection and the transient beauty of life. This concept is clearly shown in traditional arts like Ikebana (flower arranging), origami, and calligraphy, all of which emphasize elegance and craftsmanship.

Talking about Japanese traditional customs, one immediately thinks of the kimono. Still worn on special occasions such as weddings, tea ceremonies, and festivals, the kimono’s intricate designs often carry cultural or familial significance. The Japanese language has three different writing systems—Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji.

Geisha, one of Japan's most iconic cultural symbols, are traditional female entertainers skilled in classical music, dance, and the arts. Geishas epitomize the grace and refinement of Japan’s classical culture. Dressed in elaborate kimonos and adorned with intricate hairstyles, they perform tea ceremonies, dance, and play traditional instruments, preserving centuries-old artistic traditions.

Kabuki and Noh theater offers dramatic performances that explore historical themes and moral lessons. Meanwhile, sumo wrestling, dating back over a thousand years, blends athleticism with spiritual ritual, making it a vital part of Japanese culture.

Japanese cuisine is world-renowned, beloved for its delicate flavors, beautiful presentation, and health benefits. The most famous dish, sushi, features fresh, raw ingredients like fish, shrimp, and caviar atop rice, creating a refreshing and delicious experience. Other iconic dishes like tempura (lightly battered, fried seafood or vegetables) and soba (buckwheat noodles) reflect Japan’s regional and seasonal variations. The traditional multi-course meal kaiseki exemplifies the balance and aesthetics central to Japanese culinary traditions.

Japan celebrates a variety of vibrant festivals and events throughout the year, each reflecting the country's rich cultural traditions and history. Some of the most significant festivals celebrated across Japan are:

1. Shogatsu - New Year – January 1st: New Year is Japan’s most important holiday, marked by family reunions. Families gather for special meals to celebrate the end of the year and welcome the new one together. It’s also common for locals to visit shrines to pray for good fortune in the coming year and give nengajo (New Year’s cards) to loved ones.

2. Hanami - Cherry Blossom Festival – March to May: Hanami celebrates the blooming of sakura - cherry blossoms and is an iconic symbol of Japanese spring. People gather in parks for picnics under the blossoms, enjoying food, drinks, and the stunning views. 

3. Gion Matsuri – July (Kyoto): Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s largest and oldest festivals, dates back over a thousand years. Held in Kyoto, this month-long event in July features a grand procession of Yamaboko floats, traditional music, street food, and religious ceremonies. It is a celebration of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and attracts thousands of visitors annually.

4. Obon Festival – Mid-August: Obon is a Buddhist festival dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors. Lanterns are hung outside homes to guide spirits, and families visit graves to clean them and make offerings. The highlight of Obon is the Bon Odori dance, a traditional dance performed to welcome the spirits of the dead. 

5. Tanabata (Star Festival) – July 7th: Tanabata celebrates the legend of two star-crossed lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who meet once a year. The festival is marked by writing wishes on colorful strips of paper and hanging them on bamboo branches, often decorated with ornaments. 

6. Sapporo Snow Festival – February (Sapporo, Hokkaido): Held annually in Hokkaido’s capital, the Sapporo Snow Festival is world-famous for its enormous snow and ice sculptures.

7. Setsubun (Bean-Throwing Festival) – February 3rd: Setsubun marks the end of winter and the start of spring in Japan’s traditional calendar. On this day, the custom of mamemaki (bean-throwing) is performed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. Roasted soybeans are thrown at people dressed as oni (demons) while chanting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Out with demons, in with fortune!).

Japan is known for being one of the safest countries for travelers, but it's still essential to follow basic health and safety guidelines:

1. Healthcare: Japan has excellent medical facilities, and most urban hospitals have English-speaking staff. However, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical expenses.

2. Hygiene: Japan is a very clean country with high hygiene standards. Tap water is safe to drink, and food safety regulations are strict.

3. Water Safety: It’s safe to drink tap water across the country, with high standards of cleanliness. If you have any doubts, opt for bottled water.

4. Food Safety: Street Food is Generally safe and popular, but ensure it’s freshly prepared. Look for busy stalls with good turnover. Choose restaurants that are well-reviewed. 

5. Natural Disasters: Japan is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis  and occasional typhoons, so familiarize yourself with safety protocols. Most hotels provide instructions on what to do in an emergency.

6. Crime: While violent crime in Japan is rare, petty theft, such as bag snatching, can occur, especially in crowded areas. The entertainment districts of Roppongi and Kabukicho in Shinjuku have been known for issues like overcharging and fraudulent credit card charges. To stay safe, be mindful of your belongings, never leave drinks unattended, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash to bars or clubs.

7. Transport Safety: Public transport is reliable and safe, but always stay aware of your surroundings. Follow local customs, such as not talking loudly on trains.

8. Emergency numbers: 

• Police: 110

• Fire and Ambulance: 119

• Japan Tourism Organization: 050-3816-2787 (for tourist assistance)

By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy a worry-free trip to Japan.

Japan's official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY), symbolized as ¥. Banknotes are available in denominations of ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000, while coins come in ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500. The exchange rate fluctuates, but as a rough estimate, 1 USD is approximately ¥140.

Major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops; however, smaller establishments may only accept cash. Mobile payment apps are also widely used in Japan, with popular options including Suica, PASMO, PayPay, and LINE Pay.

Travelers should consider exchanging some money before arriving or using ATMs for cash withdrawals, and it's advisable to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards.

Japan Post is the primary, efficient postal service provider, offering standard shipping, express mail (EMS), and parcel delivery services both domestically and internationally. Many convenience stores also provide shipping services. Delivery companies like Yamato (Takkyubin) and Sagawa offer reliable options for both domestic and international shipments.

Japan has a well-developed telecom network, with major providers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au by KDDI. Prepaid SIM cards, which include both local numbers and data plans, are widely available and can be purchased at airports, convenience stores, or electronics retailers such as BIC Camera. Portable Wi-Fi devices (pocket Wi-Fi) are also available for rent, providing convenient internet access. Public Wi-Fi is commonly accessible in urban areas, hotels, cafes, and airports.

In terms of communication, LINE is the most popular app in Japan for messaging and voice calls, with WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger also used by some, though LINE remains dominant. For social media, Twitter and Instagram are widely popular platforms.

VISA

As of 2024, Japan offers visa exemptions to citizens of 67 countries, allowing entry without a visa for short term visits. The duration of the visa exemption ranges from 15 to 90 days, depending on the visitor's nationality. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days.

For citizens of countries that don't qualify for visa-free entry into Japan, a visa is required. The documents needed for a visa application typically include:

1. Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months and have two blank pages.

2. Visa Application Form: Completed and signed.

3. Passport-Size Photos: Recent and in line with specified guidelines.

4. Flight Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including departure and return flights.

5. Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a host in Japan.

6. Financial Proof: Bank statements or proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.

7. Additional Documents: Depending on the type of visa, you may need supporting documents such as employment certificates or invitation letters for business purposes.

When traveling to Japan, it's important to respect local customs and laws to avoid misunderstandings and show cultural sensitivity. Here are some key tips:

1. Learn to bow: Bowing is a traditional way of greeting, thanking, or showing respect. The depth of the bow reflects the degree of respect or gratitude.

2. Shoes Off Indoors: It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering homes, temples, and some restaurants. You’ll often be provided with slippers to wear indoors.

3. Table etiquette: Hold chopsticks correctly and don’t point or gesture with them. Avoid passing food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks. Finish all food on your plate, since leaving food is considered wasteful. While eating, lift small bowls (like rice) closer to your mouth. Slurping noodles is acceptable and shows enjoyment.

4. Public Behavior: Japan values harmony, so loud or disruptive behavior is frowned upon. Keep conversations quiet in public places like trains, and avoid talking on the phone in crowded areas.

5. No Tipping: Tipping is not a common practice in Japan and can even be considered rude in some situations. Instead, exceptional service is the norm, and a simple "thank you" (arigatou gozaimasu) is often more appreciated than monetary compensation.

6. Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, particularly in temples, shrines, or rural areas.

7. Queueing: Japanese people are disciplined about forming lines, whether for public transport, ATMs, or escalators. Always follow local queueing etiquette.

8. Respecting Traditions and Religion: If visiting temples or other religious sites, dress modestly and behave quietly. Be sure to follow any instructions.

9. Trash and Recycling: Public trash bins are rare, so you are expected to carry your trash until you find a bin. Japan has strict recycling rules, so sort your waste carefully.

10. Respect for Temples and Shrines: When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and behave respectfully. Make sure to follow rituals, such as washing your hands at the entrance.

11. Understanding Japanese Laws: Smoking is prohibited in many public areas but allowed in designated smoking zones. Japan has strict drug laws, and possession of even small amounts of illegal substances can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.

12. Language and Communication: Learn basic Japanese phrases or use translation apps, as English may not be widely understood in rural areas.