Japan regional guide
Author: Edutraveller
Date written: 04/18/2003 07:45:50 PM
Last edited: 2003/05/25 16:53:19
Keywords: Japan regional guide, Japan guide, Travel in Japan, Japan travel guide, Travel guide
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Regional Guide
Japan is located on the Pacific rim, part of Northeast Asia. Its nearest neighbours are the Koreas (DPRK = Democratic People's Republic of Korea or North Korea; ROK = Republic of Korea or South Korea), China, Russia and Taiwan. While Taiwan may seem some distance away, the Okinawan Islands come to within a few hundred kilometres of the Taiwanese coast. As former colonies, Taiwan, Korea and China (in part) are important for Japan in many ways: historically, there are many problems to be resolved, but economic interdependence is high and growing (although not with North Korea). Russia is also a potentially useful partner for the country, given its huge energy reserves in Asia and Japan's huge energy needs.
However, Japan is, as the Japanese are incredibly fond of saying, an island nation. It is also racially homogenous to an extent unseen in many other nations (although this is another difficult subject). In this sense, Japan is not quite like other countries in Asia, and to some extent this is reflected in the dialogue that has continued since the Meiji Restoration regarding whether Japan should focus on being part of Asia, or focus on its connections with the West. For more information about the history and culture of Japan, see the travel section.
Geography and nature
Japan is a mountainous archipelago of several thousand mostly volcanic islands,
although just four make up most of the landmass: Honshu (the main island),
Kyushu and Shikoku to the south and west and Hokkaido to the north. As a
consequence of being located on the edge of the Eurasian plate, the country is
both rugged and geologically active; a benefit of this geological situation is
the numerous hot springs around the country which occupy an important place in
Japanese culture. A not-so-fortunate side effect is common earthquakes -
although these are mostly minor and the most advanced prediction technology in
the world means that a major one never goes unexpected.
The mountains of Japan are almost entirely forested - nearly four-fifths of the entire country being covered in trees. This gives Japan one of the highest population densities in the world as most of its people are concentrated along the Pacific coast of Honshu, particularly around the flood plains of the major rivers in the Kanto, Nagoya and Kinki areas.
Getting there
Being an island without any tunnels to Korea or Russia (as yet), getting to Japan means either airplane or boat. There are three main international airports in Tokyo (Narita: NRT), Nagoya (Nagoya: NGO) and Osaka (Kansai: KIX). There are other airports in Sapporo (Sapporo: SPK) and Fukuoka (Fukuoka: FUK) that accept international flights, but most carriers will only go to one or more of the main three. It is worth choosing your airport to minimise your transport costs - train in Japan can be a little expensive.
Ferries arrive to Tokyo, Osaka and Shimonoseki among other cities. The main entry route by ferry is probably from Pusan in Korea to Shimonoseki (some also continue to Osaka by boat). The other major sea lane is from Shanghai in China to Osaka. While this is a little unorthodox, there are several companies plying these routes and they can be economical ways of getting to Japan. There are also several ferries that ply the seas around the coast of Japan from Hokkaido in the far north to Okinawa in the south. These may be a slightly different way to experience Japan for those with more time on their hands. For more details about ferries, see the transport page and for details about Japanese airports, see the getting there page (both in the Travel section).
Weather and when to go
See the weather page for detailed information about the Japanese climate and weather.
When planning your trip to Japan, remember that Japanese summers are hot and humid. If you are used to this (temperatures of 30ý9C and more with humidity at 80% and more) then no problem. If not, then you should plan your trip to avoid this weather if possible. Of course, Japanese hotels usually have air conditioning, as do most restaurants so you can have a break from the heat at any time. More than the temperature, however, you need to be aware that in the typhoon season there is the possibility that you could experience very heavy rain for a period of up to three days or so; in extreme cases this can also stop or delay transport.
Generally the best times to see Japan at its best are Spring and Autumn. There is little rain, it is fairly mild and generally clear. This also allows you to see the kouyou (gold and red leaves) in Autumn, and in Spring you can take part in "Hana-mi" (flower viewing, which generally involves more drinking than viewing). Of course, at these times not just foreigners, but also Japanese will be travelling too, so it will be a little busier than at other times of the year.
Things to see
What should the visitor to Japan definitely see? Ask any Japanese, and they will say Kyoto (or Kyoto and Nara). Of course, Tokyo is also recommended - as one of the largest cities in the world, there is plenty happening and lots to see in it and the surrounding Kanto area. A few days in Tokyo to see the neon and enjoy the crowds and shopping, followed by a few more days in Kyoto and Nara to soak up the rich cultural history should give you a rough idea of what Japan is all about.
The more time you have, the more you can see. One idea is to break the trip to Kyoto (or Tokyo if you start at Kyoto) in the middle. This will allow you to see some of Chubu in between - or some of the cities if that is what you are looking for. Nagoya is Japan's third city, and there is plenty to do in the environs. In winter, Nagano offers world-class skiing, and in the village of Shirakawa you can see traditional "gassho-zukuri" thatched houses. Alternatively, you could add on a few more days in the Kansai/Kinki area, enjoying Osaka and Kobe - the second largest metropolitan area in Japan and home to quite a different style of Japanese culture (Kansai is often referred to as the Italian part of Japan; many swear it to be far more vibrant and interesting than Kanto - a matter of regional rivalry).
If you have more time, you can take a look at Hokkaido and Tohoku to the north of Japan. While in winter this area is bitterly cold, the Sapporo ice festival for example draws hundreds of thousands each winter and is well worth a visit. Otherwise, Hokkaido skiing and cuisine are to be recommended in the winter, and hiking to be enjoyed in the summer. Hokkaido is the farm of Japan and produces a lot of its fresh produce - and also offers probably the only views of open land you will see in Japan.
At the other extreme of Japan, Okinawa is Japan's tropical paradise. With excellent diving, resort hotels and beaches as usually seen only on film, Okinawa is worth the visit - for those with the time and budget. If you have more time than budget, try the ferry. Otherwise, you will have to fly. It is often cheaper to get a tour package including hotels and flights than to go on your own - check the prices of both before you go.
If you can't get that far, stay on the four main islands and consider either Shikoku (for a quiet, rural getaway and somewhere that the tourists don't usually go) or Kyushu - famous for its onsen (hot springs). Kyushu offers nature with plenty of hiking opportunities, but also Fukuoka and Nagasaki, the Japanese cities with the longest history of engagement with the outside world.
A little closer still to the centre is Chugoku, again with plenty of rural getaways, but also Hiroshima, one of the friendliest cities in Japan and home of Okonomiyaki - a kind of savoury pancake that you can try anywhere, but should enjoy in Hiroshima. Of course, the "Genbaku dome" (atomic dome) and Peace Park serve as a reminder of the terrible destruction inflicted on the city and are a very worthwhile visit.
All in all, there is more than enough to keep you occupied - just try to plan to your budget. Transport may be your biggest cost; therefore try to keep costs down by planning your route well. If you are thinking of a longer trip, remember that it may well be cheaper to fly than take the train. Remember also that if you are on a limited budget, Japanese cities do not vary that much so you don't need to collect a long list of places you've been to: rather explore one or two well and save the transport costs. Check the transport page for more details.
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