What you need to know when traveling to Japan. Traveling to Japan: practical advice for tourists. Prices in Japanese restaurants

Today I will tell you about how to take and go to Japan. This is a wonderful country, about which I have already written a lot in my blog. And now I offer you a simple guide with which you can organize your own trip. If you like to plan your own trips, but are more accustomed to traveling around Europe, this post is for you - here I will explain what to see on your first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

And if you've been to Japan before, scroll through this text to make sure you haven't missed anything. Or vice versa give me advice!

There are many links to other posts that describe in more detail certain aspects of a trip to Japan. But I tried to build this post as simply as possible to give a general idea of ​​​​how to ride for the first time. If you have friends who are going to Japan, feel free to send them to read this post, and if you yourself are not ready yet, but would like to go in the future, it is better to bookmark it for the future!

My friends here often ask me: "I'm going to Japan for the first time. Where should I go there? What to see? How is the security? Internet? English?" I also put together this post so that in the future they could just give a link! (Yes friends, this is for you!)

When is the best time to go to Japan?

The main tourist seasons are (usually at the beginning of April), and (at the end of November). These are approximate numbers for Tokyo and Kyoto. During these two periods, Japan is incredibly beautiful, but because of this, there will be many tourists everywhere, and many hotels will be booked in advance.

Summer is a great time to go if you're walking (I did it at the very end of June, a few days before the official season opens). And winter will give you the opportunity, this is also a very beautiful sight.

If it doesn’t work out for so long, then in general it doesn’t matter either, any time spent in Japan will make you feel that you need to come here for a longer time.

Where to go in Japan?

If you don’t have too much time, try to spend at least 2-3 days in Kyoto, and you’ll see how it turns out in Tokyo. If you have more time, then it is worth traveling around the country, and maybe even driving to one of the islands in addition to the main Honshu (there are four main islands in Japan).

How to move around the country?

Trains run strictly on schedule, and you can get on them wherever you need to - the Japanese love for rail transport shows itself on a national scale.

True, Shinkansen are an expensive pleasure. A one-way ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto costs about $100! To save money on these transfers, you should book yourself in advance JR Pass, a pass that allows you to use most trains for 7, 14 or 21 days. A seven-day pass costs about $250 (depending on the yen), and generally pays off if you go to Kyoto and ride some more shorter distances. Please note that it can only be ordered before arriving in Japan! ()

If you came to Japan for 10 days, then it is better to spend the first two in Tokyo, and then, after activating the seven-day JR-Pass, go to Kyoto and beyond. Then return back to the capital on the evening of the seventh day, when the pass expires.

And for those moments when the JR-Pass is not activated, or for private metro lines where it is not accepted, I advise you to purchase a card Suica. Suika costs 500 yen, which you can get back by returning it before you leave. Then cash is put on it, and the card is used to pay for trains, and a bunch of other things. Suiki accept more and more points, it is convenient to pay with them throughout the country.

Unlike JR-Pass, Suika can be taken upon arrival in Japan, at any railway ticket office. Do not forget to put money on it, and it will greatly facilitate your trip.

And is it safe there? Am I not lost?

Plus, Google Maps knows everything about Japanese streets and trains. You can click on a point on the map and Google will tell you the best way to get there by public transport, when the next train is, and how much it will cost! ( .)

In addition to this, Japan is one of the most safe countries in the world, . Nothing bad will happen to you.

Tell us about Tokyo!

"So for two, or for three?!" you ask. "Yes!" I will answer you.

The whole secret is that upon arrival in Tokyo, you need to rent a hotel in the area Ueno- It is convenient to get here by express train from Narita Airport. Ueno is a relatively inexpensive and relatively quiet area. On your first day in Tokyo (let's say it's Friday), you can see the eastern part of it, moving from Ueno to the south, or going down to Ginza, and rising to the north. Your JR-Pass won't be valid yet, so you'll be using Suiki to get around.

And on the second day (Saturday), you will go to kamakura- one of the ancient capitals of the Japanese Empire. It's a lovely place about an hour's drive from central regions Tokyo, here is the seashore, ancient temples and a statue Big Buddha. Here you can spend most day, and even ride on.

Well, on Sunday your JR-Pass will begin to operate, you will sit on a shinkansen and go to the side. It is important to take a seat by the window on right! You don't want to miss this view:

You will return back to the capital by the evening of the seventh day (Saturday), when the railway pass will expire. And this time you will settle in the west of Tokyo, in an area named Shibuya.

If you've ever seen a picture of Japan where crowds are running through a huge pedestrian crossing, that's exactly what Shibuya is. The drive is crazy and there seems to be an endless amount of people, but it's worth spending an evening here and you will be drawn into this crazy zen. .

Morning is the time to go explore western part cities - this is the second half of my guide. We'll see the trendy district Harajuku, the shrine of Emperor Meiji, and located next to it yoyogi park. Oh, did you notice that we ended up here on a Sunday? It's not easy! It is on Sundays that they pass in front of the entrance to the park!

Well, in the evening you can get to Shinjuku, the area where it is located! After an evening spent here, you will not be sorry to fly home.

And what about Kyoto?

But besides the temples, you should just take a walk along the old streets of the city. Here you will meet Japanese people in beautiful traditional clothes (most likely they, like you, tourists), you will be able to taste the old local cuisine, And .

I advise you to settle in the area Sanjo Ohashi Bridge and spend in Kyoto about four days. No, you will not be walking around temples all this time. In Kyoto, and besides them, there is something to see. Here are just some of the nearby attractions (you can spend half a day or a whole day on each):

• with a huge wooden temple and tame deer
• - red gate sanctuary
• Arashiyama- a mountain in the north-west of the city, where the famous bamboo grove is located
• Path of the Philosopher in the northeast, cherry blossoms are especially beautiful along it, and there are many ancient temples.

About other places.

If you have a few extra days of JR-Pass action and want to look at some more unique places, feel free to take a Shinkansen in Kyoto and drive further southwest!

And between Osaka and Himeji there is also Kobe, the city that .

As you can see, there is enough choice to complete the seven-day, 14-day, and even 21-day JR-Pass. And what's great: all these places are easily accessible by trains!

What's with the money?

You can often hear that Japan is expensive. Compared to the rest of Asia, no doubt. But if we compare, for example, with Europe, then in Japan only housing and trains are expensive, and even then not much more expensive than European ones. We have already saved on trains with the help of JR-Paz, but you will have to pay for housing if you want to live in the center of everything (I recommended such places). But if you want, you can save money here. Yes, there are many high-quality expensive things in Japan - restaurants, clothes, etc., but if you wish, you can get through here on a modest budget.

One problem is that credit cards are not accepted everywhere (especially far from cities). Cash will help us out, but there are few exchangers, and some ATMs refuse to understand Western cards. Fortunately, ATMs at 7-Eleven are ready to dispense money to tourists from Europe and America. And there are plenty of these 7-Elevens in Japan. (ATMs are not in everyone, but many are.) Also, they say in post offices There are also friendly ATMs.

Hotels? Ryokans? Apartments?

Ryokans: These are classic Japanese "bedrooms", in traditional style. Because of this, staying in them is the most expensive option. But it's very cool: you can sleep on straw mats tatami(don't worry, a mattress will be laid for you) and dress in. Many ryokan have traditional hot tubs - onsens, and the opportunity to dine the way the Japanese ate back in feudal times. In short, ryokan is total immersion. But they cost starting from $100 per person per night! Up to 4-5 people can fit in one ryokan room, although the price for each will not drop much from this, since payment is made precisely for the number of people.

Ryokan is the best place to live in Kyoto. But I advise you to book them in advance, as places in those that are relatively affordable can be occupied several months in advance.

Next we go rented apartments on sites like AirBnB. (and sometimes -!) but the price can be cheaper than comparable hotels. An apartment can be a good option for Tokyo, especially if you are traveling in a group of 3-4 people, it will be cheaper than taking several hotel rooms.

Ordinary western-style hotels in Japanese cities are quite expensive. Personally, I try to avoid these. But I love taking pictures. They are relatively inexpensive, and I love how thoughtful everything is to cram all the amenities into a small space. It is profitable to rent such hotels in small towns, where a double room can cost $60-80, or in Tokyo, where they will already be $80-120.

In Japanese hostels I never stopped, but I know they are. Although if you really decide to save money, I would recommend you. They cost $20-$30 a night, many have great onsens, and generally a great experience of Japanese culture. The only thing is that they are usually either only male or only female (less of the latter).

Every life - food, internet, English.

Sockets: Outlets in Japan are similar to North American sockets with two flat pins. Most plugs from the USA, Canada or China can be plugged without adapters (except for plugs where one of the pins is wider than the other). But Russians and other Europeans will definitely need adapters.

Here you go. I hope it is now approximately clear to you how to go to Japan, and what to see there. If you have questions or comments, I will be glad to them in the comments. I will also update this post as needed.

Japan is a beautiful, mysterious and unique oriental country that has attracted travelers at all times. And today it is a favorite vacation spot for millions of tourists from all over the world. True, in fairness it should be noted that a trip to Japan is not at all a cheap pleasure. It will require a fairly significant financial investment from you. In addition, for many Russians who dream of visiting this country, the visa issue becomes an obstacle. According to the current diplomatic agreements, citizens of our country need a visa to visit Japan. At the same time, its design requires a fairly extensive set required documents and is fraught with many difficulties and pitfalls. Such a complex visa regime between our countries has existed for many years, and 2019 was not marked by any changes in this regard. Japan is a fairly closed state, and getting into its territory is not so easy.

In this article, we will tell you about all the difficulties that are likely to lie in wait for you on the way to obtaining a visa, and how you can avoid them.

Various visa options

On this moment Japanese diplomatic missions issue the following types of visas:

• Transit visa. It must certainly be available for those persons who fly to a certain third country with a stopover in Japan. This usually applies to travel to those countries where there are no direct direct flights (for example, to Australia or New Zealand). Such a visa allows not only to be at the Tokyo airport, but also to go beyond it to explore the city and its surroundings. The validity of this type of visa is three days.
• Tourist visa- the most common variety. It is for this type of travel documents that most applicants apply. Read more about how to get such a visa and what papers are required for this, read below.
• Work Visa. To qualify for it, you must have a formal contract with an employer in Japan. Despite the fact that there is a constant shortage of labor in Japan, the government of the country does not welcome the attraction of foreigners as labor migrants. Therefore, obtaining a visa of this type is often very difficult.

• student visa- issued to citizens of foreign countries who want to receive higher education in Japan. Today, there are many specialized programs, participating in which, residents of other countries can get a real chance to study in Japan. True, this requires a lot of effort. Participants in such programs must demonstrate excellent knowledge in several subjects, as well as an adequate level of Japanese language proficiency. The conditions for foreign students who manage to enter a Japanese university are very good: the government of the country even pays for such citizens air tickets to Japan and provides a good scholarship, quite sufficient for a comfortable and comfortable existence. Besides, student visa It gives you the opportunity to work in Japan after graduation.

Child visa

Japan - beautiful place for family trips. In the event that you plan to take your children on a trip, you will have to comply with certain formalities and, in addition to other papers, prepare the following additional documents:

1. A copy of the birth certificate of each child.
2. Certificate received at the place of his study.
3. A power of attorney signed by one or both of the parents (depending on who the child is traveling with).

These are quite standard requirements, after which you can take your children on a trip.

Required documents and application procedure

Today, you can get a visa to visit Japan on your own, or you can through one of the many travel agencies. According to experienced travelers who have repeatedly visited the Land of the Rising Sun, it is much easier to apply for a visa through specialized companies. Such organizations usually obtain visas for their clients with ease within just a few days.

Regardless of which method you choose, you will have to prepare a significant amount of different papers. main feature To apply for a visa to Japan, applicants will certainly need an official invitation issued by an individual or (in most cases) by an organization existing in Japan. Under no circumstances A visa to Japan without an invitation is not issued. Such papers can be sent to you, for example, by your friends or relatives permanently residing in Japan, or by a Japanese tourist agency from which you can buy a tour in advance. The inviting party must send you the following set of documents:

• A formal letter explaining the purpose and reason for your trip.
• Detailed travel plan for every day of stay in the country.
• Letter of guarantee.
• Documents on the organization acting as a guarantor (certificate of registration, letter describing the type of activity, certificate of payment of all necessary taxes, documents confirming the purpose of the trip and indicating full payment for the tour).
• Confirmation of hotel reservation and flight ticket reservation.

Directly by the applicant who needs tourist visa must submit the following papers:

Only with all these documents in hand (including papers sent by the inviting party from Japan), you can apply to the embassy for a visa.

When your plane lands in Tokyo, you will have to go through a series of specialized immigration controls, including hand scans and facial photographs. Representatives of diplomatic missions, minor children and tourists traveling in transit are exempted from passing such control. For all other categories of foreigners, such immigration control is strictly mandatory.

Video: about tourist and private visas

Financial side

Perhaps the only positive side in everything related to obtaining a visa to Japan is absence consular fee . True, you still have to incur certain costs, in particular, to spend money on sending documents from Japan. This figure fluctuates around 15-17 dollars.

If you decide to shift the work of applying for a visa to the travel agency, be prepared to spend. Each organization independently sets the cost of its services, usually for obtaining a visa without personal presence travel companies take about a hundred dollars.

If you need to get a visa urgently, please note that the Japanese Embassy does not provide an opportunity to expedite the processing of applications with an additional fee. All documents are considered in a general manner within a period of 4 days to two weeks. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning your travel dates.

Possible difficulties

As you can see, getting a visa to Japan is not easy. To be able to visit this traditionally very closed and conservative country, you will have to go through a series of bureaucratic procedures and collect a lot of documents.

The main difficulty is that a visa to Japan without a tour and an official invitation with Japanese side not issued. The presence of an invitation or a prepaid tour is a prerequisite for issuing a visa.

In addition, employees of Japanese missions very carefully and thoroughly study each document provided by the applicant, checking all the information, and if even the slightest and slightest error or violation is found, they refuse permission to enter. Moreover, if the passport is refused, a special stamp is put, and after that it is possible to submit a new application only after six months.

Despite all these difficulties, getting a visa to Japan is still quite realistic. The main thing is to approach the process of registration of all necessary documents very responsibly and carefully. In no case should you provide inaccurate or even more unreliable data and false documents. Try to arrange everything perfectly, in compliance with all strict rules and requirements, so that the embassy representatives cannot find fault with the execution of your application. A little perseverance, patience and self-control - and you will surely be able to get the coveted visa.

Unfortunately, for many years there has been such a rather complicated visa regime between Russia and Japan. For many citizens of our country, Japan remains something unknown and incomprehensible, solely because this state is not open to everyone and does not accept a huge number of tourists on its lands. Yes and financial side such a trip often becomes a reason to choose another, more affordable option. For residents of the Central and European part of Russia, a flight to Japan for many thousands of kilometers will cost a significant amount. This series of reasons served to the fact that Japan today is not very popular in our country as a tourist destination.

However, despite all the difficulties visa regime and high cost, it amazing place remains a dream country for many travelers who are ready to endure all the bureaucratic delays and pay any amount just to visit this fabulous eastern state and touch its unique culture. The Land of the Rising Sun combines an amazing respect for ancient traditions with modern trends. Ancient pagodas and ancient architectural monuments here quite organically and naturally coexist with glass skyscrapers and whimsical avant-garde buildings. And in matters of technological progress, Japan has long been several steps ahead of even the most developed Western countries.

How to organize a solo trip to Japan? Useful information for travelers. Prices for tickets, visa, transport, hotels, food and attractions in 2019.

Exchange rate: 100 yen (JPY) ≈ 55 RUB.

Flights to Japan

Going to independent travel to Japan, be especially careful when buying tickets. The country is considered to be one of the most expensive for a holiday, but if you follow the airlines, you can find very attractive offers.

The cost of traveling to Japan will initially be lower for residents of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Khabarovsk, since the prices for tickets departing from these cities are the lowest in the country - from 15 thousand rubles.

A flight to Japan from Moscow costs from 25 thousand rubles, from St. Petersburg - from 26-27 thousand rubles. It is also relatively inexpensive to fly from Novosibirsk (from 26 thousand rubles) and Vladivostok (from 16 thousand rubles).

Visa to Japan in 2019

Obtaining a Japanese visa is a very time-consuming process. Its type is determined by two main factors: the length of stay in the country and the purpose of the visit. Long-term visas are issued for study and work. Short-term - for tourist trips, business visits, visits from friends or relatives, and transit trips. In addition, there are some nuances with documents when applying for a child visa.

In addition to a voluminous list of documents, you should have a so-called guarantee in the country itself, ensuring both stay in Japan and timely departure. The guarantor can be either a resident of a country with a permanent status ( individual), or a tour operator (legal entity). In both cases, the inviting party is obliged to provide a package of various papers.

The lists of required documents can be found on the website of the embassy.

When organizing an independent trip to Japan in 2019, we recommend that you seek help from intermediary companies. They will solve all bureaucratic issues for you and will become your guarantor, taking a fee of about 10 thousand rubles.

(Photo © rurinoshima / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Transport in Japan

Buses

Both buses and trams are not the best solution for tourists in Japan. On these modes of transport, you will not always find the names of routes on English language. However, if you can read hieroglyphs, the risk of going to the wrong place is minimized. The cost of the trip is approximately 220-420¥.

In addition, if you study the routes well and do not limit yourself to trips within one city, there is a sure way to save money: moving from one city to another is cheapest on night buses.

Metro

The most convenient mode of transport for moving around the city is the metro. The names of all stations are duplicated in English. Trains run at five-minute intervals from 05:00 to 23:30. The fare depends on the city and distance. In Tokyo, for example, the price of a trip is approximately ¥120-320. A day pass will cost ¥1000. Tickets can be purchased at special vending machines in the subway.

Railway transport

Trains in Japan are considered high-speed transport for travel between major cities and suburban passenger transportation. They are divided into four main types: Local trains, Rapid express trains, trains long distance and high-speed shinkansen. Tickets can also be purchased from special vending machines. The fare depends on the distance and class of the train: from ¥1500 to ¥44000.

Japan rail pass

When planning an independent trip to Japan, it is quite natural to want to save money, including on transportation costs. A pass can help with this. Japan Rail Pass. It was created exclusively for tourists by Japan Rail (JR), which is the country's main railway company. The travel card is issued in advance before traveling to Japan, as a rule, upon receipt of a visa. It applies to all JR transport: shinkansen, some subway lines and many suburban trains. There are three types of Japan Rail Pass: for 7 days - 28300 ¥, for 14 days - 45100 ¥, for 21 days - 57700 ¥.

Taxi

This type of transport in Japan is considered one of the most expensive. In addition, from 23:00 to 06:00, taxis provide services at a night rate, which means plus 30% on the cost of the trip. The price is formed as follows:

• boarding ¥580-720;
• for every 280 meters - 80¥;
• for every 135 seconds of downtime - 90¥.

The cost of traveling to Japan in general is a considerable amount even with savings. However, it's not a bad idea to use a taxi service a couple of times. Tired of the flight, with luggage in hand, it is more convenient to get from the airport to the hotel in a pre-booked taxi. You can order a transfer online on the service.

Do you want to know the minimum cost of a trip to Japan taking into account all items of expenditure? We calculated the main costs: flight, hotel accommodation, meals, public transport, as well as visiting the main attractions of the country. Read about what we have come to in ours.

(Photo © Loïc Lagarde / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Hotels in Japan

There are three main types of accommodation for tourists in Japan: capsule hotels, international hotels and traditional Japanese ryokans.

Capsule Hotels

They are considered the most budget housing option in Japan. Capsules are small sleeping cells that are located next to each other in two tiers. Enough space to watch TV, read or just sleep. As a rule, in capsules, you can adjust the temperature and the desired brightness of the light. In hotels of this type, there are shared toilets, showers, as well as individual cells for luggage. The cost of a cell is from $20 per day. At this price, for example, you can stay in capsule hotel Capsule and Sauna New Century or Capsule and Sauna New Japan EX .

International type hotels

This type of tourist-friendly hotel is the most popular among those who travel independently in Japan. According to the level of comfort, they are divided into the following types:

• Deluxe (DX) - expensive hotels with the highest level of service (approximately 5*+);
• Superior (SP) - housing with DX elements, but at a lower price (approximately 5 *);
• First (F) - living conditions are above average (approximately 4 *);
• Standard (S) - standard class hotels with a basic set of amenities (approximately 3 *);
• Econome (E) is a budget accommodation option.

Ryokans

Ideal for those who independent travel in Japan wants to immerse himself in the atmosphere national traditions. The floor in such hotels is covered with straw mats (tatami), and the doors and some windows are sliding partitions made of translucent paper in a wooden frame (shoji). It is customary to sleep here on the floor, and to wash in common bath ofuro, however, given the shyness of many tourists, rooms are created with their own bathrooms. Ryokan can be rented from $90 per night for two, for example, at Sakura Ryokan Hotel Tokyo.

Food in Japan. Prices in 2019

Japanese cuisine uses fresh and natural products that undergo minimal heat treatment. This is done to preserve the natural look and, most importantly, the original taste. In addition, traditional culinary products are alien to mixing a large number ingredients. Aesthetic minimalism, clarity of detail and bright colors are the basis of Japanese dishes.

The main ingredients here are fresh vegetables, seafood, rice and noodles. Sushi, familiar to us, is considered far from being the main Japanese food, as the vast majority of tourists believe. We have identified a few popular national dishes worth trying in Japan.

ramen- This is a broth with wheat noodles. There are four types of base for this dish: soy sauce, tankotsu (pork bone broth), miso (bean paste) and salty broth. Ingredients can also be: pickled mushrooms, eggs, bamboo shoots and spinach.

Onigiri- rice balls stuffed with fish, wrapped in seaweed. This common Japanese snack can be enjoyed for as little as ¥100.

Yakitor These are pieces of chicken on skewers grilled over charcoal. These skewers are usually served with tare sauce, which is made from mirin, soy sauce, and sugar.

Fugu- poisonous fish, which is considered a real delicacy. To neutralize it, certified masters, like surgeons, remove the internal organs containing poison, and only then proceed to the cooking process.

shabu shabu is a dish that got its name from the sound that occurs during cooking. And the chef here is the customer himself. In restaurants that offer this dish, small stoves are mounted in the tables, on which a bowl of boiling broth is placed. Thin slices of beef or pork are lowered into the bubbling liquid with the help of sticks, and after that the marbled meat is ready for tasting.

When calculating the cost of traveling to Japan, we found it useful to provide information on how much food costs in cafes and restaurants in Japan.

Prices in Japanese cafes:

• breakfast - 650¥;
• lunch - ¥850;
• dinner - 1200¥.

Prices in Japanese restaurants:

• breakfast - 800¥;
• lunch - 1200¥;
• dinner - ¥2000.

(Photo © k_t / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Landmarks in Japan

Each prefecture, city and village has a rich cultural heritage. Here you can endlessly admire both historical monuments and achievements in the field. modern technologies. We have highlighted some of the most popular attractions for those who are planning a solo trip to Japan.

It is believed that at least once in a lifetime real japanese must conquer the sacred volcano on the island of Honshu. Climbing to the top of Mount Fuji is officially allowed only from July 1 to August 27, when the snow melts. In turn, the mountain is especially beautiful in winter: you can contemplate the snowy peaks of the legendary volcano, lying in a hot spring (onsen).

ancient castles

Japan has more than a hundred ancient castles. Here are the most famous residences in which the history of the great state was born:

1. Nagoya Castle is located in Aichi Prefecture. Built in 1612, it was once the main residence of a branch of the Tokugawa shogun family.
2. Inuyama Castle- located on the border of Aichi and Gifu prefectures. Built in 1440, the castle is listed as a National Treasure of Japan.
3. Kochi Castle- was founded in Kochi Prefecture in 1601 after the Battle of Sekigahara. Ranked as important cultural value Japan.
4. Kumamoto Castle- Erected in 1601, it bears the second name "Crow Castle", and is also included in the list of national treasures of Japan.

Tokyo Disneyland

This is the first Disney park to be moved outside of the United States. There are 47 attractions of the famous cartoon brand on 465 thousand m². You can visit the park by buying a ticket, which is called a passport here due to the age categories of guests:

• from 18 years old - 6200 ¥;
• from 12 to 17 years old - ¥5300;
• from 4 to 11 years old - 4100¥.

ancient temples

There are two main religions in Japan: Shinto and Buddhism. The first is based on the ancient animistic beliefs of the Japanese, and the second was brought by Chinese monks. The most famous Japanese temples are located in Kyoto, including: Ginkaku-ji or Temple of the Silver Pavilion, a Buddhist shrine Tongasan Kesan-ji and the Temple of the Resting Dragon Rean-ji.

(Photo © Travelbusy.com / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY 2.0)

Intro image source: © zoonyzoozoodazoo / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Japan - amazing country, about which, everything seems to be known, but few people are reputed to be an expert in Japanese studies. What do tourists need to know about Japan in order not to fall into a simpleton in this incredibly diverse country?

Japan attracts tourists from all over the world with an incredible combination of the history of the East and the modern achievements of the West, ancient traditions and modernity. This unique atmosphere attracts travelers. But rest here is quite expensive. Therefore, wealthy people who have visited many countries, as well as businessmen, come here.

The Land of the Rising Sun is rich in various attractions: ancient pagodas, national baths (ofuro), various museums, huge Imperial Palace and so on.

Along with historical monuments no less interesting are modern architectural sights and entertainment establishments(mirror skyscrapers, various spa centers with a wide range of services, the Golden Pavilion, Disney Land, etc.).

In addition to magnificent sights, this country has its own unique traditions and customs that came from antiquity. Very often it is quite difficult for tourists to find mutual language with local residents.

The fact is that the mentality of the Japanese is very different from the mentality of any other nation. Often, ignorance of local rules and customs causes resentment among the Japanese. Therefore, before traveling to this extraordinary country, you need to familiarize yourself with the traditions of the area you are going to visit.

• The Japanese are distinguished by honesty and decency. If they find something, they give it to the Lost and Found Office safe and sound. If they find a wallet with money, they won't touch it. You will avoid many problems if you do not commit immoral acts.
• The Japanese people are workaholics. Their energy is enough for eighteen working hours. Their work is their life. Therefore, there is no need to distract them and interfere with their work.

• Japan is famous for its strict laws and their impeccable observance. Therefore, there is no need to check the work of law enforcement agencies, because you can go to jail for a banal speeding, and even more so for a more serious crime.
• The Japanese are creative people. From childhood, they are instilled with an interest in various types art. They can draw well, sing, compose poems and stories. Therefore, be attentive to those Japanese with whom you communicate, and do not offend their feelings by speaking badly about their work.
• Don't get into conflict with the Japanese. Although they are thin and have a short stature, they are quite strong. It is better not to start a quarrel with the Japanese, otherwise you have a chance to get the full. Although the Japanese are famous for their peacefulness, they will not let go of resentment.

• The Japanese do not have the concept of "checkmate". The most offensive words are idiot and fool. The degree of swearing depends on intonation. If they shouted at you that you are a fool, then you have greatly offended the Japanese.
• In many offices, hospitals, private homes, people show respect by taking off their shoes on the doorstep. In the event that before entering the house you see that someone takes off their shoes, then you take them off.

• In the Land of the Rising Sun, people with high positions are highly respected. Therefore, when you see a person with a position higher than yours, bow slightly to him, expressing respect for him and his position.

Family culture in Japan

• In a family, the wife manages the family capital and gives money to her husband.
• In the Japanese family, the man is considered the main one, and the wife pleases him.
• Siblings can live under the same roof, who do not talk to each other for years, do not even know each other's phone numbers.

• Middle-aged and older couples can sleep in different rooms or on different beds.
• If you decide to start a formal relationship with a resident of Japan, then ask for it, otherwise you will find yourself an ordinary sex partner without obligations.
• Children and everything related to children in Japan is sacred. Don't even think about scolding a Japanese child for being a prank. You are taking a big risk!

In addition to the above, in this country there are many more different rules, traditions, customs that tourists need to study in order not to get into a mess.

Until this day, the blog published only articles that came out from under my crooked pen. But for the sake of an article from my classmate Rimma_in_Israel, which I like to read since the time of school notes, it is really worth making an exception. Moreover, this article will be about the country that I have been dreaming of for a very long time - Japan. After a two week trip to Japanese cities and all, Rimma dispelled some of her and our common stereotypes, and wrote a minimum instruction for use (the maximum will be published in several volumes). I hope that by the end of the article, for all of us, the dream of going to Japan will become much more real.

Preparing for a trip to Japan

What do we think about representing Japan? Sumo, sushi, sake, ... Why does everything start with an "s"? Okay, there's also kimonos, Fujiyama, Hiroshima, chopsticks, ninjas, totoros, and scary and terrible characters.

Japan has been my secret dream for a long time and was as far away as possible, until I heard that my husband was planning a tour of the orchestra. Talking about the trip, I realized how many people actually want to go there and, just like me, put off the idea because it's far, expensive, strange and scary. I hope that the experience of our trip will serve as an impetus, a base or a good adviser for those who want, but are afraid to afford a trip to this exotic country.

Lyrical digression: the author of this opus has never been fond of Japan, he doesn’t speak Japanese, he doesn’t watch Japanese films except for films with Jackie Chan, from Japanese food he loves rolls most of all, he can’t stand rice and, in addition, he’s not a Buddhist or a Shintoist. That is, if I spelled a word incorrectly or misinterpreted some event, this is not out of harm, but because of the short time I got to know the country. If this material is not enough for you, I will gladly share with you links (in English) to bloggers who have visited or lived in Japan. And, of course, there is also the wonderful Vinsky forum, where there are a lot of useful information in Russian.

Visa to Japan

Any travel preparation begins with visa requirements checks. Israelis do not require an entry visa up to 90 days.

In 2017, the conditions for obtaining a visa for Russians were softened. Now you can submit documents to the consulate on your own and get a visa within a week.

However, if you feel sorry for the time, you want to be sure of the result and certainly fulfill your Japanese dream, contact the Visa Application Center.

Starting this year, you do not need an invitation from the Japanese side, and obtaining a visa has become free. List of required documents:

（1）Visa application form 2 copies (printed on two sheets and completed in English on a computer or manually, with pasted photos)

（2）Photos 2 pcs. 4.5 by 4.5 cm colored or black and white without corners on a light background

（3） Passport

（4）Copy of internal passport

（5）Documents confirming the ability to pay for the trip (certificate from the place of work on the amount of salary / certificate from the bank)

（6）Residence program (filled in English)

（7）Ticket Booking Confirmation

（8）Power of Attorney if you are not applying in person

Documents must be submitted personally or with the help of a trusted person.

Flights to Japan

The next item is the search for air tickets. We were looking for tickets five months before departure and the cheapest option from Israel was Aeroflot for $700 (about 10 hours flying from Moscow to Tokyo). They also fly from us via France, Finland and Hong Kong, these flights cost about $1,500 or more.

Tourist season in Japan

The second important point is choice of travel time. There are 2 seasons in Japan that are especially popular with tourists (and locals):

• cherry blossoms in April - May (the so-called "Golden Week" of early May falls there, when the Japanese themselves take days off and also travel around the country)
• October - November with colorful leaves.

We ended up by chance in the "off season", and still everything tourist places were filled. Another detail - it gets dark early in winter (Captain Obviousness, hello), so after five in the evening it will a) be much more difficult to photograph, b) tourist places will be closed.

Choosing a hotel in Japan

I think everyone is looking for hotels according to their preferences, I will tell you about ours. And Tokyo, and Kyoto and other large cities that we visited (Osaka, Hiroshima), it is impossible to embrace, moving only on our own two feet. Therefore, the criteria are as follows:

1. Distance to bus stop (Kyoto) or subway stop (Tokyo). It is quite good if it is the intersection of several metro lines. We were lucky - in Tokyo we were close to a major transport hub: several branches of the city subway, a private line going to the airport, the JR (Japan Railways) intracity line

2. Availability within walking distance or within a few stops of significant attractions for you

3. Price (and what did you think?!)

4. Estimated quality for your money (bathroom and toilet in the room, the presence / absence of breakfast, a kettle, a refrigerator, etc.).
One of interesting options Feel the culture of Japan can be a night in a hotel made in an authentic Japanese style. Such a hotel is called a ryokan (ryokan). Usually these are rooms decorated with natural materials, with a minimum of furniture and decor. We had a small square room, the whole room was wood paneled, the furniture was a small table and bedside table. Mattresses (tatami) and bedding were laid out at night.

What you need to understand about choosing a hotel in Japan: if we are talking about three stars and below, most often the room is very small. And of course, if you like black tea more than green tea, buy it yourself, the hotel will have either green tea or coffee.

From sanitary and hygiene products, hotels provide: face gel, toothbrush, disposable razor, in large bottles (not disposable) - shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. Even in 3-star hotels they give bathrobes or pajamas. But they don't give soap. And I really counted on him. Don't repeat my mistakes!

Japanese transportation system

This topic deserves a separate post, or even a whole guide. Firstly, transport system(once you understand how it works) is very convenient. Second, it's pretty self-explanatory. I use the word "enough" because it takes some skill and time to adapt. We happened to use an airplane inside Japan, high-speed train(shinkansen), trains, highways, subways and buses within the city.

So let's start with the positive:

1. You can plan your trip in advance.

There is a website http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ where you can plan your trip according to your needs, see options and prices. Site in English.

You can get the subway map in the subway itself in front of the turnstiles, it is dubbed in English and Japanese, which will help you a lot if you start asking the Japanese how to get to your destination. If you can't find it, ask the subway employee, the booth is opposite the turnstiles.

You can get the bus map from your hotel. For example, Kyoto is a bus city. Branched network buses and decent distances between attractions contribute to the popularity of buses in front of the subway, which is underdeveloped in Kyoto.

2. You can buy tickets yourself (metro, trains, shinkansen) at the machine.

In the machine, you can switch to English, select the destination and the number of tickets, pay in cash or by card. The main thing is to make sure that this particular machine serves this particular type of transport, otherwise you will not find your stop there. For example, pink-rimmed machines in Tokyo serve the JR intracity line, not the subway.

3. If you do not understand something, you can ask the metro employee or other people.

Metro employees understand and can explain themselves in at least minimal English. This is where the subway map in Japanese comes in handy.

4. There are digital screens in the transport itself.(usually) where you can see which station is now and which are next. The information is duplicated in English.

At worst, if there is no screen, the usual scheme of the metro line is located above the doors. Stations are announced.

5. There are signs at the stops., where you can track when the train, bus, subway train arrives.

6. About the Tokyo subway: each station has a color, letter and number designation, they are indicated on the diagram. It is very useful to download an application for a smartphone, I downloaded the first one by searching for “Tokyo metro” (a blue train from Mapway on a white background).

How to navigate the Tokyo subway: choose the branch by color, go through the turnstile, there are signs by color and the last subway stations (sometimes all the big stations are indicated in this direction, choose the last station in which direction you need to go. Reach the desired corridor\ escalator \ stairs - the entire branch is written on top in the appropriate color from this station to the final one with the names and designations "letter-number". Finding a station is much faster than checking all the long station names. The above becomes very relevant if you enter subway with the intersection of three lines and ten entrances.If you need to get out of such a subway - look for an indication of your street or landmark above one of the exits.

7. And finally, if you are told that some line goes to a certain station, but this is not visible on the metro map, most likely I mean private branch. In its name, the name of the usual city metro line is duplicated and a prefix is ​​added. Tickets must be bought in a separate machine, this subway has a separate entrance.

Here's a great example. We stayed at Shimbashi Station (Pink Asakusa Line). The station worker said that we could use our branch line to get to the airport. But on all subway maps, the terminus is in the direction of Oshiyage Airport (not the airport). On the airport website, there was no subway train among the options, but the Narita Express was. In the end, I guessed that this was not about the Asakusa branch, but about a private branch called Toei Asakusa (Toei Asakusa), the entrance to which is located ten meters before the entrance to the "regular" Asakusa. That is, this private line has a separate entrance, a separate machine for buying tickets, higher ticket prices, other trains (albeit copying the path to Oshiyage Station).

Not forget! Keep the ticket punched at the entrance until the end of the trip - there are also turnstiles at the end!

Although this is not a topic of transport, but if you are the same "toilet duck" as I am, at many stations near the turnstiles (but from the side of the station itself, and not the street) there is a toilet and a pretty decent one. By decent, I mean you don't want to roll up your pants to your hips before visiting and wash your hands up to your elbows after using the restroom.

Eating in Japan (Forget Philadelphia)

Food is an even bigger topic than transportation. And she deserves a separate post (I solemnly promise). Food in Japan is more than food (like in Israel, but in a different style).

Things to keep in mind: food in Japan is very fresh - sushi, noodles, meats, street food and pastries - everything. The only time we felt sick after eating was a restaurant in the tourist area of ​​Kyoto with a hint of European style. But perhaps it's not the freshness of the food that's to blame, but the fact that it was a combo lunch.

Specific cafes in Tokyo and Kyoto that I can recommend, ask in the comments - according to the tradition introduced on this site, we will send addresses to appear by mail.

The Japanese and what they eat with

Naturally, it is impossible to understand everything about everyone in 2 weeks, so I will tell you about two striking features that I noticed:

1. The Japanese are very friendly people. They are always trying to help you. Even if they do not know the language or go about their business somewhere.

2. The Japanese have rules. There are no deviations from the rules. It is impossible to beg, convince, demand something that goes beyond the rules (regulations, restrictions). Like robots, they will follow instructions. Any deviation from the required behavior causes them to boil, even if it is a tourist who is not familiar with the rules. Therefore, do not try, unless, of course, you are a fan of trolling others.

From the Good to Know series:

• In Japan, people smoke in designated areas.
• Don't eat outside, or at least don't eat on the go
• Do not speak on the phone in public transport
• There are problems with trash cans on the streets (there are not enough of them)
• Perhaps one of the most important details all sockets are of a different type (American). Buying adapters is not a problem - in any supermarket "7/11", "Family mart", which can be found every hundred meters.
• Also, keep in mind that in Japan prefer cash. Almost everywhere you can only pay in cash.

Japanese vs tourists

The Japanese do not know English from the word "at all", except: people in suits in Tokyo, sellers in major centers, employees of the subway (slightly). Everyone else may not understand such words as: how much, where, how, price, train, bus, hotel (that is, very common words). If you have a map where Japanese words are duplicated, that's a big plus. Or the Internet, then you can use a translator and a map. I highly recommend connect internet, it will solve many problems that we encountered during our trip.

I think this information is enough for the initial acquaintance. But is it enough to make you want to book flights without looking?