Japan People & Culture

First don't let the the 'foreigness' of Japan stop you from visiting.
Exhange money easily at any "ginko" or bank.
The best way to eat and or shop is to get away from the mainstream places and go down the alleys to little 'mom pop' resturants. Here you will get great food for a fraction of the price. All resturants have plastic versions of the menu, so all you have to do it point! Water is safe to drink. There are no real health risks to speak of.
Ask how to find the 'recycle' shops. Here is where you can find everything especially true antiques at bargain basement prices. Shrines sales are great too!
Local fish markets first thing in the morning are a great way to eat and shop at too.
Most toilets are not 'western' style, but squat style. Japanese believe this to be more sanitary. Bring toilet paper. Also be aware in at least one McDonalds I went to, the bathrooms were unisex.
Japan is very safe to travel in. A lot crime is commited either by drunks or foreigners. But be aware on the crowded commuter trains, women are frequently touched and grabbed by men. Stand your ground and let them know you won't tolerate it! Japanese women will find your small children and infants extremely fascinating. They may even just pick them up. But don't fear, they are just loving on them! The people tend to be very honest also. Once a gentlemen on my tour (I was a tour guide for our local area) left his wallet on a counter at a large department store. The clerk actually ran down the block to give it back to him intact.
Be patient and polite and you'll get the same in return! Grunting and pointing and charades (done politely of course!) work very well. If looking for someone who may speak english, look to college or high school age Japanese if possible. They are taught english in schools and remember is better. Just be aware it's not conversational english, so be patient. They love to practice their english when given the chance.
Traveling in Japan: In Tokyo, take the trains. Just try to avoid commute times! They are easy to navigate, cheap and the best way to get around the city. Taxis are expensive and scary! If going outside the big cities, you'll want to rent a car. Japan drives on the left so just remember to keep the steering wheel closest to the center of the road! Women: I traveled quite extensively alone and felt very safe at all times.
Staying in Japan, unless you have friends/relatives to stay with, is expensive. This will probably be your biggest expense. Ryokans (bed breakfast type places) are expensive, but a wonderful experience!
Japan is much more than crowded streets (actually it's not that bad even in Tokyo in most places) and temples. The politeness and eagerness of the Japanese people to help you and just enjoy your company is the best I've come across! Most of the country is like visiting a picture book from National Geographic. Especially in the northern prefectures were things are still done the same ways they've been done for hundreds of years. It's like stepping back in time! The entire country is gorgeous no matter the time of year. I've never been to a country more hospitable and interesting and beautiful. You don't need to speak/read Japanese to get around either. Just be adventurous and polite and you'll have an experience of a lifetime! There are too many things to see and do! Shrines and festivals are plenty. But each area has it's highlights. I know more about the Aomori prefecture area of northern Japan which I highly recommend if you want to see the 'real' Japan. I lived in Japan for 4 years in the Aomori prefecture. Was a local area tour guide and love to answer any questions you may have on visiting Japan. Happy Trails! Patty Barnes pbarnes@usa.com

Activities: Diving, all types of water sports Dangers: Habu snakes, they're extremely poisonous. Annoyances: The humidity, Monsoon season, and for some the typhoons. Health: The Local's are into health and exercise, ie eating mostly raw food, running outside at all hours of the night... Interacting with the Locals:  Be respectful, don't play loud music when you're driving, speak softly, dress modestly... the Japanese are respectful people if you respect them and their culture it means a whole lot. Also, try to learn the language that means so much to them. Transportation: The taxi's are always available, they do not accept credit cards here on island, mainland Japan taxi's do, but not here. If you are in the Marine Corps the Green line buses are available free of charge.

The best way to travel around Tokyo is by train, but there are a few things to remember. Buying a ticket from the kiosks is easy even if you don't know the language. Try to go to the train station before 9am because the crowds will be incredible. They have men on the platforms who wear white gloves and have the job of shoving people onto the train so they will all fit. If you get lost or have a problem, people will be more than willing to help and someone will likely know at least a little English.

Tokyo is so mindblowing! The train system is amazing. It is fast, on time and fully utilised. You can even check the timetable from your mobile (and that was in 2001)! There are people everywhere wearing anything. The buildings are huge! There is a huge American influence with restaurants, clothing, etc. You can get anything you want. But don't stand still in the middle of the footpath or else you will be run over by hundreds of Japanese in a hurry. Ropongi (bad spelling) is an awesome party district. Had a great night out there (all night). Shinjuku is the business district, but it still has good shopping for electronics, cosmetics and clothing (if you are of teeny tiny proportions). The public toilets in the big department stores play classical music to you while you are doing your business even!

As one of the only two cities on the planet, that a nuclear bomb has been dropped, Hiroshima and Nagasaki is famous internationally.

Similar to visiting the Concentration camp, it shows the side of things that people talk about, but very little is known about. It may not have been the most "fun" place to visit, it has made me open my eyes and mind, about everything around myself.

While the city is known for this tragedy, it has been re-built to a beautiful city that leaves little scar from the war, except of the peace memorial (also known as Ground zero). The city itself has been re-born to a busy exciting city worth it's visit just for that!

Activities: Diving, all types of water sports Dangers: Habu snakes, they're extremely poisonous. Annoyances: The humidity, Monsoon season, and for some the typhoons. Health: The Local's are into health and exercise, ie eating mostly raw food, running outside at all hours of the night... Interacting with the Locals:  Be respectful, don't play loud music when you're driving, speak softly, dress modestly... the Japanese are respectful people if you respect them and their culture it means a whole lot. Also, try to learn the language that means so much to them. Transportation: The taxi's are always available, they do not accept credit cards here on island, mainland Japan taxi's do, but not here. If you are in the Marine Corps the Green line buses are available free of charge.

Kyoto is a beautiful city with a lot of Japanese culture to offer. Definitely make a trip up to Kiyomizu temple. Buy a ticket and see other temples, shrines and gardens. You may also see Geisha!

Nice place with a traditional Japanese culture..

Okinawa is basically a Hawaii that speaks Japanese. It is a beautiful island and has a lot of japanese influence. Regardless, American tavelers should take note. Okinawa was the site of a seriously horrible battle between the Americans And Japanese in World War 2. The battle was a long one and there is a lot of documentation that you can find on it. Its a huge historical impact that I think is not well known and needs to be, it was as bad, or gets really close to, Iwo-Jima. Anyway, back to today, Like i said before, its Hawaii in a different culture. All you really need to know is common sense, being polite, try something new, and relax and enjoy yourself. And try not to underestimate the currency exchange rate, if its confusing, get a calculator and try and adapt to the use of whacky numbers. Other than that you should be fine.

Stay outside of the most popular areas, such as Shinjuku or Ginza and watch your hotel bill drop by more than half. You can find excellent culture off the beaten track in places like Ueno, and the hotels are around 3000 yen/night rather than 9000 in Shibuya.

Activities: Diving, all types of water sports Dangers: Habu snakes, they're extremely poisonous. Annoyances: The humidity, Monsoon season, and for some the typhoons. Health: The Local's are into health and exercise, ie eating mostly raw food, running outside at all hours of the night... Interacting with the Locals:  Be respectful, don't play loud music when you're driving, speak softly, dress modestly... the Japanese are respectful people if you respect them and their culture it means a whole lot. Also, try to learn the language that means so much to them. Transportation: The taxi's are always available, they do not accept credit cards here on island, mainland Japan taxi's do, but not here. If you are in the Marine Corps the Green line buses are available free of charge.

Tokyo is so mindblowing! The train system is amazing. It is fast, on time and fully utilised. You can even check the timetable from your mobile (and that was in 2001)! There are people everywhere wearing anything. The buildings are huge! There is a huge American influence with restaurants, clothing, etc. You can get anything you want. But don't stand still in the middle of the footpath or else you will be run over by hundreds of Japanese in a hurry. Ropongi (bad spelling) is an awesome party district. Had a great night out there (all night). Shinjuku is the business district, but it still has good shopping for electronics, cosmetics and clothing (if you are of teeny tiny proportions). The public toilets in the big department stores play classical music to you while you are doing your business even!

Sakata is the same size as it's southern neighbour where I lived (Tsuruoka) but seems to have more of a happening nightlife and some nice friendly residents. Check out the music club where they always have punk gigs... supercharged awesome punk rock even if you can't understand the lyrics... shame about the smokeyness though. Shopping is at Sakata Jusco, or Mikawa Jusco half way to Tsuruoka.

You can ride buses, subway and train for cheaper transportation around Fukuoka. Lots of stores and restaurants are open late at night so there`s always something to do even if you are a night person! A lot of different types of club depending on what type of music listen to so lots and lots of things to do! =)

The easiest way to travell is by subway, it is very acurate, clean, safe and easy. A must try is go to a tea ceremony at the nearest tea school, oh and then of course go to a nice sushi resturant. Also a visit to Minon music museam is a must do, it is located on Samon cho, Shinjuku ku. Have fun

There is far too much to Tokyo to write in one entry here.  I will attempt to put the most important (for a tourist's point of view) things here today.  I will add more as I think of things.


MONEY: The most important thing I can think to write is to remember to bring cash.  It is easier in Tokyo than in the rest of Japan to find places that accept credit card, but it can still be frustrating at times.  You can always get cash from post-office ATMs (Look for a symbol that resembles a large red 'T' with an additional horizontal line at the top) or at a Citibank (Shibuya has one that is easy to find.  Right past McDonalds).  

TRANSPORTATION: Tokyo runs on trains.  When you get to Tokyo, get a SUICA card (similar to Boston's Charie card) for use on the JR lines.  You will frequently have to switch between JR and the Tokyo Metro lines, but a SUICA card will at least allow you to bypass ticket lines when riding the JR trains.  If you do not wish to spend all of your money in one go, avoid taxis.  They are a sure way to run out of cash fast in Tokyo.  If you plan to stay more than a few months, buy a bike.  Most bikes are decently cheap (under 100 dollars) and come with baskets to hold your things and a dynamo-powered headlamp for riding at night.


FOOD: If you are looking for good sushi, go to Harajuku station (原宿駅) on the Yamanote line (山手線) (The big green circular line).  When you exit the station, everyone will head for an alleyway to the left of a giant Snoopy shop (not Peanuts, just Snoopy).  Go to the right of this shop and take the elevator to the 3rd (I believe, though it may only have been 2nd) floor.  There are two restaurants here.  Go to the sushi restaurant on the left called Kakiya-Zushi (柿家鮨).  You will most likely have to wait a half hour or more to get a seat if you aren't alone, but it is definitely worth the wait.  While this is a kaiten (conveyor belt) restaurant, their sushi is among the best I tasted while living in Tokyo.
Never be afraid to try something from a street vendor.  Street vendors sell some amazing food.  Not to mention, they usually set up in the same place each day making them fairly reliable as landmarks.  
When you want dessert, try a milk tea or crepe from Pearl Lady (In Shibuya.  Look for Book 1ST.  Stay on the left side of the street (across from the book store) and continue away from Shibuya station.  You will round a corner and pass a soap shop.  Pearl Lady is a recessed shop on your left.).  Else you can look for a parfait restaurant.  These are easy enough to spot from their flamboyant displays.  No one can ignore that many parfaits lined up and lit in a window.  It's simply not possible.  

ELECTRONICS: Head to Yodobashi-Akiba in Akihabara.  Take the green Yamanote line (山手線) to Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅).  Electric town is on one side of you (always worth a visit) and Yodobashi Akiba is on the other through the Showa Dorii exit.  You will take a left before you reach the street, pass a bakery, and the entrance is on your right.  

OTHER...TOYS: If you want to embarrass yourself or others, or if you really need those handcuffs and that costume, go to Akihabara station via the green Yamanote line (山手線).  Exit through the Electric Town exit.  You will be facing a large electronics store that remotely resembles your 10th birthday party due to the large glass tubes that house the escalators.  Turn right and follow the street.  You will see a neon pink awning when the street Ts out at the end of the block (Electric town continues to your right for some blocks and is worth a visit when you get your curiosity back under control).  That's your happy place.  Else, you can walk toward the electronics store and pass it to the left.  Take your first right and encounter a second store on your right (Yes, there are two in one block).  This one has a more plain front and is harder to distinguish.  It is the last door on the block.  There are far more than these if you are willing to search.  By all means, enjoy yourselves.

WESTERN FOOD: Since some of you may be students at Sophia University in search of Western food, I will list a few restaurants that are NOT McDonalds.  First, you can get a good selection of Western beers at Za Morrigans (Turn right out of the main gate to Sophia's Yotsuya campus or take the yellow Chuo line to Yotsuya station, exit, and head toward the campus.  The bar is about 2 blocks past the post office.).   You can also find a Subway if you go the opposite direction across the bridge next to Yotsuya Station.  At the end of the bridge take a right.  The Subway is on your left.

DRINKING: If you really want to party, head to Gas Panic.  There are several of these spread all over Tokyo, but the best is still the "red" Gas Panic in Roppongi (anyone can identify it if you describe it as this).  This bar is two floors of liquid insanity.  From the female patrons dancing on the bar to the bucket of viagra on the second floor, nothing is ever boring here (unless you come on a Tuesday night.  stick to the weekends and you'll be fine.). If you want a more relaxed and personal atmosphere, but still want to get away from your part of town, head to Azool.  Also located in Roppongi, Azool creates an amazing atmosphere by using private, themed rooms for parties and curtained tables for couples.  To reach Azool, simply head toward Roppongi Heights from Roppongi station.  Pass Roppongi Heights and continue straight for about 1 km.  The entrance is on your left.  The exterior is fairly subdued, so keep your eyes peeled and look for a wall of running water.

First don't let the the 'foreigness' of Japan stop you from visiting.
Exhange money easily at any "ginko" or bank.
The best way to eat and or shop is to get away from the mainstream places and go down the alleys to little 'mom pop' resturants. Here you will get great food for a fraction of the price. All resturants have plastic versions of the menu, so all you have to do it point! Water is safe to drink. There are no real health risks to speak of.
Ask how to find the 'recycle' shops. Here is where you can find everything especially true antiques at bargain basement prices. Shrines sales are great too!
Local fish markets first thing in the morning are a great way to eat and shop at too.
Most toilets are not 'western' style, but squat style. Japanese believe this to be more sanitary. Bring toilet paper. Also be aware in at least one McDonalds I went to, the bathrooms were unisex.
Japan is very safe to travel in. A lot crime is commited either by drunks or foreigners. But be aware on the crowded commuter trains, women are frequently touched and grabbed by men. Stand your ground and let them know you won't tolerate it! Japanese women will find your small children and infants extremely fascinating. They may even just pick them up. But don't fear, they are just loving on them! The people tend to be very honest also. Once a gentlemen on my tour (I was a tour guide for our local area) left his wallet on a counter at a large department store. The clerk actually ran down the block to give it back to him intact.
Be patient and polite and you'll get the same in return! Grunting and pointing and charades (done politely of course!) work very well. If looking for someone who may speak english, look to college or high school age Japanese if possible. They are taught english in schools and remember is better. Just be aware it's not conversational english, so be patient. They love to practice their english when given the chance.
Traveling in Japan: In Tokyo, take the trains. Just try to avoid commute times! They are easy to navigate, cheap and the best way to get around the city. Taxis are expensive and scary! If going outside the big cities, you'll want to rent a car. Japan drives on the left so just remember to keep the steering wheel closest to the center of the road! Women: I traveled quite extensively alone and felt very safe at all times.
Staying in Japan, unless you have friends/relatives to stay with, is expensive. This will probably be your biggest expense. Ryokans (bed breakfast type places) are expensive, but a wonderful experience!
Japan is much more than crowded streets (actually it's not that bad even in Tokyo in most places) and temples. The politeness and eagerness of the Japanese people to help you and just enjoy your company is the best I've come across! Most of the country is like visiting a picture book from National Geographic. Especially in the northern prefectures were things are still done the same ways they've been done for hundreds of years. It's like stepping back in time! The entire country is gorgeous no matter the time of year. I've never been to a country more hospitable and interesting and beautiful. You don't need to speak/read Japanese to get around either. Just be adventurous and polite and you'll have an experience of a lifetime! There are too many things to see and do! Shrines and festivals are plenty. But each area has it's highlights. I know more about the Aomori prefecture area of northern Japan which I highly recommend if you want to see the 'real' Japan. I lived in Japan for 4 years in the Aomori prefecture. Was a local area tour guide and love to answer any questions you may have on visiting Japan. Happy Trails! Patty Barnes pbarnes@usa.com

Activities: Diving, all types of water sports Dangers: Habu snakes, they're extremely poisonous. Annoyances: The humidity, Monsoon season, and for some the typhoons. Health: The Local's are into health and exercise, ie eating mostly raw food, running outside at all hours of the night... Interacting with the Locals:  Be respectful, don't play loud music when you're driving, speak softly, dress modestly... the Japanese are respectful people if you respect them and their culture it means a whole lot. Also, try to learn the language that means so much to them. Transportation: The taxi's are always available, they do not accept credit cards here on island, mainland Japan taxi's do, but not here. If you are in the Marine Corps the Green line buses are available free of charge.

Beautiful, traditional city, anytime of the year. Autumn or Spring are the best times to go. If you think the temples are too touristy, head out to Nikko National Park where there are some great hot springs and hiking spots.

The pedestrian crossings sing a little song. There is a very cool noodle bar beneath the train station. There is a stand on the corner of the street opposite the main bridge over the river that sell these amazing octopus and dried fish ball things, they tast GREAT, suprsingly. DO NOT eat dried eel! The karaoke bars are awesome. And if you are going to drink something from an orange can that you think is Japanese Tango then be warned it may be orange iced tea. If you go in the winter the snow is incredible, you can almost see each snowflake shape its so cold. If you go in the autumn then the colours are incredible on the trees . Go in October like me and enjoy both the above two points. In the spring there's the cherry blossom. In the summer take some shorts coz it can get hot! Whenever you go, go to the top of the volcano or you may as well not bother going at all.

Tokyo is a busy city for tourists who like city. If you want to stay really cheap, you can stay in `Manga-kissa` or `Karaoke`. There is no key on the door but it's no prob if you watch your property out. It costs ￡6-7 for ataying overnight. The next cheap accomodation is hostels. Japanese traditional hotel `Ryokan` isn't so cheap, but you could have very interesting experience there. You can also choose a hotel. You can take trains, underground, buses or taxi. The best transport may be underground but you can't see any view, of course. When you came to Japan, try to eat real Sushi. It's completely different from Sushi which you can eat abroad. I think Tokyo isn't such a expensive city as you think. There is much more way you can save your money than I could write down here.

There is far too much to Tokyo to write in one entry here.  I will attempt to put the most important (for a tourist's point of view) things here today.  I will add more as I think of things.


MONEY: The most important thing I can think to write is to remember to bring cash.  It is easier in Tokyo than in the rest of Japan to find places that accept credit card, but it can still be frustrating at times.  You can always get cash from post-office ATMs (Look for a symbol that resembles a large red 'T' with an additional horizontal line at the top) or at a Citibank (Shibuya has one that is easy to find.  Right past McDonalds).  

TRANSPORTATION: Tokyo runs on trains.  When you get to Tokyo, get a SUICA card (similar to Boston's Charie card) for use on the JR lines.  You will frequently have to switch between JR and the Tokyo Metro lines, but a SUICA card will at least allow you to bypass ticket lines when riding the JR trains.  If you do not wish to spend all of your money in one go, avoid taxis.  They are a sure way to run out of cash fast in Tokyo.  If you plan to stay more than a few months, buy a bike.  Most bikes are decently cheap (under 100 dollars) and come with baskets to hold your things and a dynamo-powered headlamp for riding at night.


FOOD: If you are looking for good sushi, go to Harajuku station (原宿駅) on the Yamanote line (山手線) (The big green circular line).  When you exit the station, everyone will head for an alleyway to the left of a giant Snoopy shop (not Peanuts, just Snoopy).  Go to the right of this shop and take the elevator to the 3rd (I believe, though it may only have been 2nd) floor.  There are two restaurants here.  Go to the sushi restaurant on the left called Kakiya-Zushi (柿家鮨).  You will most likely have to wait a half hour or more to get a seat if you aren't alone, but it is definitely worth the wait.  While this is a kaiten (conveyor belt) restaurant, their sushi is among the best I tasted while living in Tokyo.
Never be afraid to try something from a street vendor.  Street vendors sell some amazing food.  Not to mention, they usually set up in the same place each day making them fairly reliable as landmarks.  
When you want dessert, try a milk tea or crepe from Pearl Lady (In Shibuya.  Look for Book 1ST.  Stay on the left side of the street (across from the book store) and continue away from Shibuya station.  You will round a corner and pass a soap shop.  Pearl Lady is a recessed shop on your left.).  Else you can look for a parfait restaurant.  These are easy enough to spot from their flamboyant displays.  No one can ignore that many parfaits lined up and lit in a window.  It's simply not possible.  

ELECTRONICS: Head to Yodobashi-Akiba in Akihabara.  Take the green Yamanote line (山手線) to Akihabara Station (秋葉原駅).  Electric town is on one side of you (always worth a visit) and Yodobashi Akiba is on the other through the Showa Dorii exit.  You will take a left before you reach the street, pass a bakery, and the entrance is on your right.  

OTHER...TOYS: If you want to embarrass yourself or others, or if you really need those handcuffs and that costume, go to Akihabara station via the green Yamanote line (山手線).  Exit through the Electric Town exit.  You will be facing a large electronics store that remotely resembles your 10th birthday party due to the large glass tubes that house the escalators.  Turn right and follow the street.  You will see a neon pink awning when the street Ts out at the end of the block (Electric town continues to your right for some blocks and is worth a visit when you get your curiosity back under control).  That's your happy place.  Else, you can walk toward the electronics store and pass it to the left.  Take your first right and encounter a second store on your right (Yes, there are two in one block).  This one has a more plain front and is harder to distinguish.  It is the last door on the block.  There are far more than these if you are willing to search.  By all means, enjoy yourselves.

WESTERN FOOD: Since some of you may be students at Sophia University in search of Western food, I will list a few restaurants that are NOT McDonalds.  First, you can get a good selection of Western beers at Za Morrigans (Turn right out of the main gate to Sophia's Yotsuya campus or take the yellow Chuo line to Yotsuya station, exit, and head toward the campus.  The bar is about 2 blocks past the post office.).   You can also find a Subway if you go the opposite direction across the bridge next to Yotsuya Station.  At the end of the bridge take a right.  The Subway is on your left.

DRINKING: If you really want to party, head to Gas Panic.  There are several of these spread all over Tokyo, but the best is still the "red" Gas Panic in Roppongi (anyone can identify it if you describe it as this).  This bar is two floors of liquid insanity.  From the female patrons dancing on the bar to the bucket of viagra on the second floor, nothing is ever boring here (unless you come on a Tuesday night.  stick to the weekends and you'll be fine.). If you want a more relaxed and personal atmosphere, but still want to get away from your part of town, head to Azool.  Also located in Roppongi, Azool creates an amazing atmosphere by using private, themed rooms for parties and curtained tables for couples.  To reach Azool, simply head toward Roppongi Heights from Roppongi station.  Pass Roppongi Heights and continue straight for about 1 km.  The entrance is on your left.  The exterior is fairly subdued, so keep your eyes peeled and look for a wall of running water.

Familiarize yourself with the subway, it will make life alot easier!!

First don't let the the 'foreigness' of Japan stop you from visiting.
Exhange money easily at any "ginko" or bank.
The best way to eat and or shop is to get away from the mainstream places and go down the alleys to little 'mom pop' resturants. Here you will get great food for a fraction of the price. All resturants have plastic versions of the menu, so all you have to do it point! Water is safe to drink. There are no real health risks to speak of.
Ask how to find the 'recycle' shops. Here is where you can find everything especially true antiques at bargain basement prices. Shrines sales are great too!
Local fish markets first thing in the morning are a great way to eat and shop at too.
Most toilets are not 'western' style, but squat style. Japanese believe this to be more sanitary. Bring toilet paper. Also be aware in at least one McDonalds I went to, the bathrooms were unisex.
Japan is very safe to travel in. A lot crime is commited either by drunks or foreigners. But be aware on the crowded commuter trains, women are frequently touched and grabbed by men. Stand your ground and let them know you won't tolerate it! Japanese women will find your small children and infants extremely fascinating. They may even just pick them up. But don't fear, they are just loving on them! The people tend to be very honest also. Once a gentlemen on my tour (I was a tour guide for our local area) left his wallet on a counter at a large department store. The clerk actually ran down the block to give it back to him intact.
Be patient and polite and you'll get the same in return! Grunting and pointing and charades (done politely of course!) work very well. If looking for someone who may speak english, look to college or high school age Japanese if possible. They are taught english in schools and remember is better. Just be aware it's not conversational english, so be patient. They love to practice their english when given the chance.
Traveling in Japan: In Tokyo, take the trains. Just try to avoid commute times! They are easy to navigate, cheap and the best way to get around the city. Taxis are expensive and scary! If going outside the big cities, you'll want to rent a car. Japan drives on the left so just remember to keep the steering wheel closest to the center of the road! Women: I traveled quite extensively alone and felt very safe at all times.
Staying in Japan, unless you have friends/relatives to stay with, is expensive. This will probably be your biggest expense. Ryokans (bed breakfast type places) are expensive, but a wonderful experience!
Japan is much more than crowded streets (actually it's not that bad even in Tokyo in most places) and temples. The politeness and eagerness of the Japanese people to help you and just enjoy your company is the best I've come across! Most of the country is like visiting a picture book from National Geographic. Especially in the northern prefectures were things are still done the same ways they've been done for hundreds of years. It's like stepping back in time! The entire country is gorgeous no matter the time of year. I've never been to a country more hospitable and interesting and beautiful. You don't need to speak/read Japanese to get around either. Just be adventurous and polite and you'll have an experience of a lifetime! There are too many things to see and do! Shrines and festivals are plenty. But each area has it's highlights. I know more about the Aomori prefecture area of northern Japan which I highly recommend if you want to see the 'real' Japan. I lived in Japan for 4 years in the Aomori prefecture. Was a local area tour guide and love to answer any questions you may have on visiting Japan. Happy Trails! Patty Barnes pbarnes@usa.com

You have to use the bus system to get from Temple to Temple. The bus route map is confusing and they don't differentiate the colours of the routes very well! Â If you're not into Temples I wouldn't go out of my way to visit here.

Shinjuku, much more than only a business district. Also great for shopping and sightseeing. Great viewing platform in the Tokyo Government Building (City Hall) which is unlike everying else in Tokyo free of charge!

If you make it to Japan, you MUST go see the floating tori gates here. During low tides you can even walk up to the gates. This place was ranked #1 destination in Asia by The Official Government Travel Site. It is also considered one of the three most beautiful places in Japan. You must go see it for yourself. It is only about an extra 45 minute past Hiroshima. You have to take a ferry out to the island. But once you arrive you will not regret the extra miles you traveled to get there. You can spend half a day there on the island. I rented a bike with my gf, Yumi, and we biked around the whole island. We took a lift to the top of the mountain to see the monkeys. We waited for the low tide and also took pictures under the tori gate.

In Tokyo from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office building it's free the view from the 45th level. In Shinjuku.