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Tourism in Japan

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Tourists in Kyoto enjoy a ride in a rickshaw in front of Nonomiya Shrine

There are hundreds, if not thousands of tourist spots in all prefectures in Japan. They can be quiet national parks to centuries old temples and shrines to the high technology shopping areas of Akihabara. These spots can be reached by trains, buses, walking, and taxi.

Traveling Tips

Customs

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

Language

Major tourist spots and trains have displays in both Japanese and English. There are free traveling guides for most languages and books are available on how to travel in Japan. When one gets lost, find a Koban or a large store and ask for help. Write them down if unable to communicate.

Money

Be sure to exchange your money for yen at the airport or at a larger Japanese post office or bank. Japanese post office ATM machines accept check and debit cards in the Plus and Cirrus networks. Credit cards can be used in most larger stores and hotels that deal with a lot of foreign tourists. In smaller stores and in the countryside credit cards are generally not accepted. No tipping is necessary and carrying lots of money is generally safe. Personal checks are used only for extremely large transactions; don't expect to be able to use them.

Shopping

Be sure to purchase before opening items. Items can be wrapped for gifts for little or no fees in most stores. When buying electronic goods, check if they can be used overseas. Also for many items the warranty is invalid outside of Japan, except for models made for the international market. There is a 5% Consumption Tax placed on all products.

Trouble

Even with a rising crime rate, Japan remains one of the safest countries. 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, "119" for the fire department and ambulance. Never try to bribe when in trouble. It is better to apologize even when you are unsure who is responsible and this will rarely be used in a trial as the evidence of an ill deed.

  • Traditional towns:
    • Nakasendo - 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 zukkuri 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.

Other common spots to visit:

Famous events in Japan:

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