Basic Information

Country: Japan
Capital: Tokyo
Population: 127,333,002
Currency: Japanese yen ()
Emperor: Akihito
Prime Minister: Junichiro Koizumi
National Flower: Cherry Blossom (sakura)
National Bird: Pheasant (kiji)
National Sport: Sumo Wrestling
Japan consists of four main islands with many little islands surrounding them. Hokkaido is the
northernmost island, followed by Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, the southernmost island.
The population of Japan is ranked the 10th highest in the world, and its capital, Tokyo, is the
most populated city in the country with over 12 million people.

Cuisine
Japans cuisine is not limited to traditional Japanese food. Japan has many restaurants that
have excellent Italian, French, Korean barbecue and virtually any other type of food you could
possibly imagine. They also have fast food restaurants, such as McDonalds or Wendys, that are
found nearly everywhere. However, those who visit Japan may want to steer away from the
comfort of something familiar and try one of the following meals:

Sushi/Sashimi

In recent years, sushi has greatly increased in popularity, especially in the U.S. When people think of
Japan, they often immediately associate it with sushi. So what better time than when youre in Japan to
eat it?
There are a number of people who are turned off at the idea of eating raw fish (thats wrapped
in rice and SEAWEED!? Ew, no thanks). Unfortunately, many fail to realize that there are several
varieties of sushi that have only vegetables or have fully cooked fish. For a first-timer, a
cucumber maki, or roll, or a fried grouper roll may be a good choice.
Sashimi is another dish that a sushi aficionado should try. It is much like sushi sashimi is often
raw fish, though it can be cooked or marinated and is served without rice.

Shabu-Shabu

For those who are not quite ready for that leap of faith in eating raw fish, shabu-shabu may very well be
the answer. This dish is thinly sliced meat and vegetables, often served with dipping sauce and rice. The
best part about shabu-shabu is that you cook it yourself! Restaurants boil water in a nabe, or a big pot,
that cooks the meat in seconds when you dip it in the boiling water. In Japanese, shabu-shabu means
swish swish, which is the sound the meat makes as you are cooking your food.
Sukiyaki is another type of nabe dish that is popular in Japan. This dish is typically reserved for
colder days.

Okonomiyaki
Okonomiyaki is yet another type of do-it-yourself meal. Basically, it is a pancake, stuffed with
ingredients of your choice (usually vegetables and meat, shrimp or squid). Okonomi means
what you want, and yaki means to grill or cook. Literally, okonomiyaki means cook what
you want.
At a restaurant, the ingredients are brought out to the you, and you mix them into the batter
and cook it on a teppan, or hot plate, although there are places that do it for you.
Okonomiyaki is a delicious and safe choice for visitors who are unfamiliar with Japanese food.

Fast Food
If youre running late and you need to catch the bullet train to your next destination, Japan has
many fast food places to stop by if youre hungry and on the run.
You can stop by an obentoyasan, or a lunch box shop, which serves home-cooking styled
lunches. Also, most convenience stores serve meals that are similar to those of an obentoyasan.
Although there are many McDonalds in Japan, a visitor may want to try different kind of fast
food chain, such as First Kitchen. First Kitchen serves everything from burgers to pizzas to
noodle bowls, all for a reasonable price.
And if you do insist on going to a McDonalds, at least try one of their teriyaki chicken burgers
instead of a Big Mac.

A Good Tip
It is important to know that tipping is not a common practice in Japan. Restaurants and their
employees are expected to meet the standard of excellent service (without tips as an
incentive).

Tokyo

Ah, Tokyo. The countrys capital city has more than its fair share of sightseeing. Here are a few of its
must-see attractions.
Imperial
Palace
Kokyo, or the Imperial Palace, is in Chiyoda prefecture in Tokyo. Visitors my wander the outside
garden, although the East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Tokyo
Tower
At 333 meters, Tokyo Tower is the worlds tallest self-supporting steel tower, making it an
obvious sightseeing attraction. It was modeled after Frances Eiffel tower, which is 320 meters
tall. Visitors can choose to visit the main observatory located about mid-way, or they can visit
the special observatory 250 meters above the ground. The cost is approximately 1,500 yen
(roughly $14) per adult to get a birds-eye view of Tokyo from the top floor.
The tower is located just outside of Roppongi, famed for its entertainment and nightlife. Those
visiting the tower during the day should also consider stopping by the Zojoji Temple, an
excellent example of the many Buddhist temples located throughout Japan.
Tokyo
Dome
City
This leisure complex is located in the center of Tokyo and consists of the Tokyo Dome baseball
stadium, an amusement park, a spa and a hotel.
Tokyo Dome is the home of the Yomiuri Giants, but also serves as a venue for large concerts with
its capability of seating 55,000. It is nicknamed Big Egg because it is round, large and white.
Korakuen, the amusement park in Tokyo Dome City features several roller coasters. It is
ultimately named after nearby Koshikawa Korakuen, one of the three most famous Japanese
gardens. Those who visit Tokyo Dome City should also consider visiting the garden as it is located
only a short walking distance from the city.
Shopping
If you want to go shopping, Tokyo is the place to be. Walk down Shinjuku to find the latest
technology (and go to the kabuki theater afterwards) or Shibuya and Harajuku to find the latest
fashions (and, if time allows, stop by a karaoke box or a local caf). Often, major department
stores such as Takashimaya or Mitsukoshi can be found these areas.
Tokyo
Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland attracts millions of both Japanese and foreigners every year. What makes this
Disneyland different from others? During Japanese holidays, Disney characters sometimes dress
up in traditional Japanese clothing during the parades.
Yokohama
China
Town
Although located just outside of Tokyo, Yokohamas China Town is a must if you want to eat some
of the best Chinese food available. If you drive to Yokohama, you will pass the famed Rainbow

Bridge, which is especially attractive at night.

Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto
Osaka

Osaka is located in the Kansai region and is the third most populated city in Japan with 2.7 million people.
The Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area has a total of 16.6 million people.
The main attraction in Osaka is Osaka-jo, or the Osaka Castle. The view of the castle is
especially pretty in the Spring
Kyoto

Kyoto, formerly Japans capital, is now considered the countrys culture capital. The city was spared its
1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, palaces, gardens and architecture during World War II.
The city gives visitors the feel of old Japan, when they walk through the geisha districts.
Geisha are artist-entertainers that are trained in traditional customs such as tea ceremonies and
dancing, and they can still be seen in Kyoto today wearing traditional kimonos and makeup.
If you visit Kyoto, make sure to visit Uji Byodoin (the structure featured on the 10 yen coin),
Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji. These are some of the most well-known shrines and
temples in the country.

Hakone
For a truly relaxing experience, visit Hakone. The Japanese often come to Hakone for its many
onsen, or hot spring baths, as well as its gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding parks
and mountains. Many opt to stay in traditional-style inns. Patrons sleep in tatami rooms on
futons.

Kamakura
The main attraction in Kamakura is hands down the Amida Buddha, or Big Buddha. The bronze
statue has stood outside since the 15th century when a tsunami washed away the temple in
which it was once housed. Other sights in Kamakura include the Hase Kannon Temple and the
Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine.
Kamakura has many traditional-style inns that attract visitors from all over, as well as a popular
beach.

Hokkaido

The northernmost island of Japan is Hokkaido, which is known for its excellent skiing conditions. Perhaps
the best time of the year to visit would be in February, during Sapporos annual snow festival. Sapporo
hosts an ice sculpting competition at Odori Park, attracting two million people every year.

Other Things To Do
Karaoke
Private rooms to karaoke are rented at very reasonable rates. You can spend hours with friends,
choosing songs to sing from a wide selection that includes U.S. pop songs as well as Japanese
pop.

Nightclubs
One particular nightclub that you may want to visit in downtown Tokyo is Lexington Queen in
Roppongi. Paris Hilton mentions the club in her book, How to be an Heiress, and actor Ben
Affleck and musician Tom Morello have been spotted there. The walls of the club are covered in
pictures of other celebrity A-listers who have visited.

Festivals

Japans peak in festivity occurs at New Years and in the summer. Fireworks mark the summer festivals, as
well as games such as kingyosukui, a game in which the participant must scoop up a goldfish with a
paper net. These festivals are often held in temples or shrines.

Karaoke
Private rooms to karaoke are rented at very reasonable rates. You can spend hours with friends,
choosing songs to sing from a wide selection that includes U.S. pop songs as well as Japanese
pop.

Hanami

When the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring, the Japanese take time to smell the roses, or, in this case,
watch the flowers, which is called "hanami." Many families sit under the cherry blossom trees for picnics
at this time of year.