Holidays And Everyday Life In Japan

Few countries could be more different to ourNovember remain warm, but the humidity level
way of life than Japan. The distinctive language,drops, making it more comfortable for tourists
interesting food and instantly recognizableduring this time. Airfares and hotels remain cheap
décor gives westerners on holiday to Japanup until the middle of December.
an experience which cannot be rivalled.There are many different types of holiday
It's said that the best time to visit Japan is eitheraccommodation in Japan. The cheapest are the
April or November, as this is when the cherryhostels and dormitories, averaging between 2000
blossoms for which Japan is famous are in fulland 4000 Yen (£9 - £20) per person.
bloom. Times to be avoided if possible are theThey are very similar to the western equivalent
Japanese holidays at the beginning of January, 29and are popular with backpackers or people on
April - 5 May (Golden Week), and Obon week;short holidays. Capsule hotels, commonly used by
usually celebrated mid-august, although somebusinessmen and comprising of little more than a
regions celebrate it in mid-July. Obon week is alsobed, television and shared bathroom, are very
in the middle of the Japanese summer holidayssimilar to the Formule One hotels in the rest of
when the children are off school, and, as in thisEurope. These average at 3000 - 4000 Yen
country, cheap holidays are difficult to come by.(£14 - £20) per person.
For the rest of the year, Japan is a lovely placeFor a real taste of Japan, a stay at a Ryokan or
to be. After the New Year celebrations are over,Minshuku is a must. These are like the western inn
the remainder of January and February areor bed and breakfast, but with a traditional
generally quiet, which makes for an ideal time toJapanese style. You'll sleep on a futon, kneel while
go sight-seeing. Additionally, holidays at this timeeating sushi and other Japanese fare, and use a
are usually cheaper, and the weather is sunny andJapanese-style bathroom. The prices range from
dry. Northern Japan gets good snowfall around4000 to 30,000 Yen (£14 - £140).
this time, so it's especially good if you like winterPrices are usually quoted as per person per night
sports.instead of per room.
The rainy season hits Japan around the beginningIf you wish to stay for a longer period, such as a
of May and carries on till mid July, and while itmonth or more, Japan has Gaijin houses (guest
doesn't always rain every day, it will be gloomyhouses) apartments and shared houses which you
and overcast. The exception is Hokkaido, whichpay for on a monthly basis. These cost anything
doesn't tend to be affected by the rains, so thisupwards of 40,000 Yen (£200) per month,
is a popular destination for summer holidays.and can give the tourist an idea of life in Japan
September is a warm and humid month, butwithout having to go to the expense of furnishing
cheap holidays are easier to get during this timea place.
as the summer crowds thin out. October and