In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked all kinds of travel questions. I personally believe that when visiting a different country that you should be respectful of your hosts beliefs and customs. So with that in mind I have put together some useful tips and basic rules that should be observed when visiting Japan.
By far the best and most efficient way to travel is by train using the Japan Rail Travel Pass for foreigners. You will need to buy an exchange order before entering Japan as you can not buy it when you are there and travel agencies in your area will be able to tell you where you can get hold of one.
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Japan is one of the Asian cities that must be seen. It is simply breathtaking to behold in its scenery and full of fun and exciting things to experience. Many come to the Islands of Japan and find they have so much to do, it is impossible to pack it all in to one vacation. From the large amount of attractions, the rich colorful history, and the beauty of the land itself, there is something to appeal to every traveler. You can still see the past traditions mingled with the new ways of today.
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What is a capsule hotel?
A capsule hotel can be described as a hotel system that provides densely populated accommodation which contains rooms of a relatively standardized size based on modular plastic or fibreglass sleeping quarters. Other than your own room, all other facilities are shared.
History
Although capsule hotels are quintessentially Japanese, the first capsule hotel was only built in 1979 by a chap in Osaka by the name of Kisho Kurokawa. The rates were a bit lower back then at about 1,600 yen. Capsule hotels are a uniquely Japanese phenomenom not only because of space restrictions but because Japan is still a relatively safe country and such a facility would be unthinkable in many other countries.
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What is a Weekly Mansion?A weekly mansion is a furnished apartment for short-term stays. From a size vs price perspective, they are generally more expensive than other housing such as guesthouses and ryokans. One of the big differences between a guesthouse and a weekly mansion is that guesthouse accommodation is conducive to meeting other people and socialising, whereas weekly mansions are private rooms with no ’social space’ to mingle with other guests. Weekly Mansions are predominantly used by Japanese people and often by those on business trips.
The rooms are fairly small and in most cases not ideal for families. Meals are not included and at most places there is no housekeeping. The rooms are set up to cater for travelling business people so all rooms have a high speed internet connection. Read more...
Land prices in Japan climbed for a instant year in 2007 after a 15-year decline, as personal rites and sincere estate investment trusts competed to attain properties in the country’s chief cities. A 2007 review by the Real Estate Economic Institute and a group of real estate appraisers shows that the mark of the slip yield on condos in Tokyo floor to 4.1 percent last year – down 0.7 percentage summit from 2006. The indicator for the five essential-Tokyo wards of Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Shinjuku and Shibuya also fell down 0.7 show to 4.1 percent. The benefit is calculated by cleanly isolating charge proceeds by the quantity invested. Calculations were performed on the assumption the assets were managed by investing in developer-built condos recently launched on the bazaar in 2007. The slide in the replace has occurred for a third consecutive year for the complete Tokyo advertise. The income for chief Tokyo has been next a down trend since the assess happening in 2000. Last year, condo prices for overall Tokyo improved to 755,000 yen (US$7,243) per sq. Indicator, a growth of 12.3 percent. Nevertheless rents detracted 3.4 percent to 2,552 yen per sq. Meter. The number of condominiums swift for deal in the Tokyo metropolitan corner floppy 29.7 percent in April to 2,875 units, plummeting for the eighth truthful month as prices perpetual to flood, the Real Estate Economic Institute reported. The year-on-year numeral is the worst since 1993 and reaffirms the statement that the condominium bazaar is cooling. The Tokyo-based private inquiries compress naked the shrinkage in equip is being caused by condominium prices that are rising along with the assess of land, inducing people to holdup decisions to buy. Among all the condos that went on retailing in Tokyo and neighboring areas in the reporting month, 63.1 percent attracted buyers, lessening 11.2 points for the 24th consecutive year-on-year slide, according to the institute. A quick recovery in the condominium advertise is improbable as distributors will be strong to wholesale units they purchased at high prices, at slightest for the time being. Prices rose 1.7 percent on mode after improving 0.4 percent a year formerly, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said in Tokyo. Average commercial land progressed 3.8 percent from 2.3 percent in 2006, and residential land bigger 1.3 percent from 0.1 percent. Higher condominium prices coupled with inactive wages are diminishing mandate for residential home. Average wages downturned in 2007 and condo prices rose as developers lrestricted quantity and allowed video steel and copper costs to home buyers. Home prices are liable to throw within several months because of an oversupply of condominiums and depleting affordability for households according to Takehiro Sato, chief Japan economist at Morgan Stanley in Tokyo. It’s actual to witness a decline in mandate. Consumer confidence reached a five-year low. Household assets declined for the first time in five existence last billet as shares flaccid, a Bank of Japan story demonstrated last week. The Topix symbol of stocks has plummeted 17 percent this year after a 12 percent shelve in 2007. An alteration in shop regulations may also be decreasing gains in residential land prices, according to Sato. The government’s establishment of stricter structure-consent policy last June resulted in a block in applications that ‘worsened the notes station of condo developers,’ making them less adept to pay higher prices for new sites, Sato said. Tokyo condo prices climbing is definitely untaken to have a effective blow on the home market in Japan. Read more...
The economic boom that swept Japan in the 1980’s brought with it not only a period of wealth and prosperity, but also a sudden surge in a desire to study English. Fueled in part by Japan’s role as an emerging economic force, the need to learn English became a necessity for many companies hoping to compete in the global marketplace. As a result of the affluence during this time more Japanese were also able to travel abroad, thus creating a demand for studying English for those who hoped to hone their English skills before making the journey to a foreign country. Entrepreneurs sensing an opportunity to capitalize on this trend began to open English schools in unprecedented numbers, from large Corporate chains that catered to thousands of students, to small neighborhood schools often employing only a handful of staff. Although the glory days of finding a teaching job on the basis of being a native English speaker alone have faded, the good news is there are still many teaching jobs available in Japan for those willing to make a modest effort to pursue them. Renewed economic growth in the last few years in conjunction with a recent ruling by the Japanese Ministry of Education to include English as part of the elementary school curriculum will also create a need for English instructors in the future. Read more...
The land of the rising sun, Japan is a country known for its hard work and interesting people. A country that offers so much of culture, art and entertainment to the visitor is a popular tourist destination. Every year millions of people visit this country, hoping to catch a glimpse of these beautiful islands filled with volcanoes.
It is a proud country full of culture and many places of interest to visit. Tourists are assured a warm welcome when visiting Japan on holiday. Many now choose to stay in holiday homes as they feel that this type of holiday accommodation in Japan offers them a true feel of the Japanese culture.
The highest mountain in Japan, Mt Fuji stands nearly 3776 meters high, and during winters, looks very picturesque, with snow caps. Travelling to Japan during autumn would be the best season to catch a glimpse of this mountain without any fog blocking the way. For those who are adventurous, they can even climb the mountain, but be sure to take a guide and enough supplies along. Catching the sun rise from atop this world wonder is a lifetime experience, which every visitor hopes to achieve.
One of the largest museums in the world, the Tokyo National Museum is worth a visit no matter how little time you have left. There are in all four galleries, filled with art, history and other works from Japan’s rich heritage. Sculptures, swords, calligraphy speaking volumes will have you captivated and enthralled in how much Japan has been through.
Known as the Golden Mountains, Kinkasan is known to be one of the three holy places in Tohoku. Until late 19th century, women were not allowed into this place, but now it is open to all those who are seeking peace and tranquillity in their lives. A pyramid shape mountain sits in the middle of this place, surrounded by the shrine and other walk trails which one can explore.
An island hidden in the midst of thick forests is where one finds Iriomote Jima. The perfect location for trekking and being one with nature, the tourists can come across wildlife and interesting living creatures amidst this thicket. Apart from this, the main attractions on this island are the beaches and waterfalls. There are couple of small towns and villages running within this island, so if you are in an adventurous mode, you can explore them, mix with the locals and get a feel of the place.
The Palace Park surrounding the Kyoto Gosho is where all the tourists flock. Perfect for a lazy stroll, or a family picnic, the scenery and the serene lake around this is mind blowing and beautiful beyond words. During the months of March and April, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, adding to the beauty of the Grounds. Read more...