Japan Pictures

Though located in the Asian continent, culturally, Japan is unlike any of its neighboring countries.
The Japanese may share some common practices as the Chinese in the use of chopsticks, manner of writing, and religion but there’s where the similarity ends. The Japanese spoken language does not sound at all Chinese or any other language for that matter. Japanese cuisine is different from Chinese cuisine though there are some similarities, especially with the use of noodles, but that’s about it.

Japan offers visitors a whole new experience of Asia. A major manufacturer of just about everything considered necessary to live comfortably in the modern world, one can hardly move a step without coming across a gadget made in Japan.

There was a time when Japanese made goods were considered inferior and were a lot cheaper than the U.S. and European brands. Now, everything made in Japan is of the best quality and is considered on par with products made from Germany and the U.S.

A first world country, visitors can expect only the finest things in life when you visits Japan. Be aware though that cost of living in Japan is high compared to its Asian neighbors. Shopping and food costs are quite high and you may need to pay top dollar for them. But it will be worth it to taste and see what Japan has to offer culturally.

What is there to see and do in Japan? Well for starters, it really depends on what interests you.

If you’re into martial arts, there are plenty of opportunities to see sumo wrestling and judo matches. Karatedo and Kendo are also very popular in the country and are part of the curriculum in all schools.

Since Japan has snow during the winter season, you might go skiing on the slopes of the Japanese Alps, the Gokase Highland Ski, and Hokkaido. These resorts normally have their own natural hot springs which Japan is famous for.

For a lively nightlife, Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, is famous for its Snow Festival wherein huge and extraordinary snow and ice sculptures are erected. The festival lasts for seven days in February.
Whale and dolphin watching is also another great attraction in the country between the months of January and March.

For drinking parties, you might want to join one of the cheery blossom parties held while these flowers are in bloom from April to May. These drinking bouts occur spontaneously under the blossoms and everyone tends to drink too much. Check out the more popular ones in Tokyo’s Ueno Park, and Kyoto’s Maruyama Park.
Traditional forms of theatre arts are the Kabuki and Noh plays. The Bunkaru, another traditional Japanese art form has puppets as its principal players. One can book a seat to see any of these attractions and see something that is truly Japanese.
Tech buyers may think their in heaven when they go shopping at Tokyo’s Ginza shopping mall.

All the latest gizmos from leading brands such as Sony can be acquired at these shops.

See the “Samurai Percussionists” (Kodo Drummers) on Sado Island with its rural, unspoilt beauty.

Be part of the Gion Festival in Kyoto in mid-July with its portable shrines and costumed participants.

Akasaka and Roponggi in Tokyo offer a lively and vibrant nightlife. Fine dining establishments complete with teahouse geishas, clubs, and bars are just some of the attractions. The younger set prefers to go to Shibuya and Harajuku.

For a taste of the famous Japanese traditional tea ceremony, coordinate with the tourist info centers in Tokyo and Kyoto. You can even dress up in traditional Japanese costume and have your picture taken.There are many ancient temples you can visit in Tokyo, Nara, and Kyoto. The tranquillity and peace these temples offer is unlike any other tourist spot in the world.

Zen gardens, or rock gardens, are exactly that. They are made up of sand, gravel, and rocks with the occasional greenery (but not much). These gardens were constructed to relieve stress from the busy businessman.
Don’t forget those cute, miniature trees called bonsai that the Japanese are also famous for. These can be found in almost all homes in Japan and you can take lessons in how to make your own. While you’re at it, you might also want to take in an origami (paper sculpture) or an Ikebana (flower arrangement) class to complete the experience.
Japan is really unlike any other country in the world. Its customs and traditions make a visit to this country a truly rewarding experience.

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