The most important issue when planning a vacation is when to visit. The answer, with Japan, is very simple: any time is a good time to visit. You just need to know if you would rather vacation in one season instead of another. Although Japan has four seasons, they can be summed up as follows: cold, very hot and pleasant.
You may want to skip the middle of August as Obon is in full swing. This is the time that most Japanese take off to visit their home towns and villages to visit their parents or other elderly people and to pay their respects to loved ones who have died. This is a rushed time all over Japan.
The best time to visit is during the months of October and November because travel and accommodations are much cheaper at this time of year.
Travel Around
In Japan, it is best to travel by train. Keep in mind is that trains stop completely from midnight to about 5 am and you should avoid using trains during the rush hours of the morning between 7 am and 9 am, and in the evening from 5 pm to 8 pm. This is because the nearlyentire workforce crowds the stations and trains at these times, which is uncomfortable for tourists. Buses are nice to travel by and they run to places where trains do not go. Buses also stop working late at night.
The streets in Japan are a crazy maze of unnamed paths and lanes. In most major cities, there are maps posted at various places to help you get around. Unfortunately, most of these maps are in Japanese. If you are lost, you might want to try the ‘walking around the block’ formula to find your way around in a small area. Otherwise, you are advised not to do so. In Japan, it is best to stick to a route that you know well.
Dining Out
Eating out in Japan is great, as long as you know what food you are requesting. It is important to know what the ingredients of those foods are. Many Japanese foods are raw and delicate. Soy and its products play a pivotal role in Japanese food. Some of the great foods that are served in Japan include Yakitori (grilled chicken served with lots of beer), Tonkatsu (pork, crumbled on both sides served with cabbage and rice), free refills of rice and cabbage are generally given on request (okawari). Sushi is a famous dish that has a 400 year history. Sushi generally means anything that is served with rice and made with vinegar.
Nightlife
Before going to any of the clubs or dance parties, keep in mind that many places do not allow visitors to come in without being introduced by regular customers. There are also clubs and bars that are mainly for homosexuals. Most of the clubs do not open before 10 pm.
Shopping
There are a lot of things to buy in Japan besides electronic items. Some of these items include:
