| Japan for many years has had the reputation | | | | Japan's Spring time is from March to May. The |
| of being prohibitively expensive. While in | | | | weather during this period still tends to |
| some cases this can be true, anyone on a | | | | remain cool, and we would advise packing some |
| budget can also enjoy most of what this | | | | light jackets, light sweaters and other |
| beautiful country has to offer. This is not | | | | similar kinds of clothing. |
| to say Japan is not expensive, it can be, but | | | | |
| with a little homework you can visit the Land | | | | Japan's Summer is from June to August. |
| of the Rising Sun on your own terms and | | | | |
| allowance. | | | | Generally the Japanese summer season begins |
| | | | in June with a three to four week rainy |
| Japan is located between the North Pacific | | | | season. It then becomes very hot and humid |
| and the Sea of Japan, and is nearly the same | | | | from July onward. |
| size as Germany and Switzerland combined. | | | | |
| Japan is made up of of four major islands, | | | | Japan's Autumn season is from September to |
| surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller | | | | November. Autumn is a lovely time to visit |
| islands. The four major islands are Hokkaido, | | | | Japan especially areas such as Kyoto and |
| Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. | | | | other more rural areas, as forests are dyed |
| | | | in glorious autumn colors. As the season |
| Japan's population is over 126 million, with | | | | brings a more refreshing cool after the hot |
| most Japanese residing in densely populated | | | | summer light jackets, light sweaters and |
| urban areas. The Tokyo Metropolitan Area | | | | similar is advised. |
| including the city, some of its suburbs and | | | | |
| the surrounding area is believed to house a | | | | Japan offers many nationalities a visa on |
| staggering 12 million. | | | | arrival system as long as the reason for |
| | | | travelling to Japan is not to reside in the |
| Language can still be a problem but over the | | | | country, obtain employment or work in another |
| years more and more Japanese speak better and | | | | capacity with remuneration. |
| better English, but we still recommend you to | | | | |
| carry a handy phrase book and learn a few | | | | Japan has 'Reciprocal Visa Exemption |
| essential words, especially if you plan to | | | | Arrangements' with the following countries: |
| travel to some of the more remote areas of | | | | For a period of 6 months or less Austria, |
| Japan. | | | | Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, |
| | | | Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK |
| In this section of ASIA Travel Tips.com we | | | | citizens only) For a period of 3 months or |
| aim to provide you with some useful | | | | less Argentina, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, |
| information on Japan. What to see, where to | | | | Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, |
| stay, when to travel, what to do and of | | | | Dominican Rep., El Salvador, Finland, France, |
| course some special rates available from | | | | Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, |
| hotels in the major parts of Japan. | | | | Italy, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, |
| | | | Mauritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal |
| Japan, located in North Asia, has four main | | | | (except when the passport was originally |
| seasons, Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. | | | | issued in present or former Portuguese |
| Choosing when to travel can make all the | | | | colonies), San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, |
| difference when planning your trip as parts | | | | Spain, Surinam, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey and |
| of Japan can get very cold, and other times | | | | Uruguay For a period of 90 days or less |
| very hot and humid. | | | | Andorra, Australia, Barbados, Czech Rep., |
| | | | Estonia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Latvia, |
| Knowing a little of what weather to expect | | | | Lithuania, Monaco, New Zealand, Poland and |
| will also help you know what to pack. | | | | the USA For a period of up to 14 days Brunei |
| | | | For all nationalities not listed above, a |
| Japan's Winter season is generally from | | | | visa must be obtained prior to travelling to |
| December to February. The temperature rarely | | | | Japan. If travelling on business or as a |
| drops below 0°C in the plains along the | | | | tourist a 'Temporary Visitor's Visa' can be |
| Pacific coast during wintertime. It is also | | | | issued at your local Japanese Embassy and |
| quite dry and very often sunny. Central Japan | | | | usually gives you permission to stay in Japan |
| and Northern Japan are highly reputed regions | | | | for a period of up to 90 days. If you are |
| for winter sports. Southern Japan is | | | | travelling to Japan to work, find employment |
| comparatively mild in winter. Hokkaido is | | | | or live then it is best to call your local |
| famous during the winter season for its | | | | Japanese Embassy or Consulate and ask them |
| incredible Ice Festival. | | | | the best procedure. |
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