In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked all kinds of travel questions. I personally believe that when visiting a different country that you should be respectful of your hosts beliefs and customs. So with that in mind I have put together some useful tips and basic rules that should be observed when visiting Japan.

By far the best and most efficient way to travel is by train using the Japan Rail Travel Pass for foreigners. You will need to buy an exchange order before entering Japan as you can not buy it when you are there and travel agencies in your area will be able to tell you where you can get hold of one.

You have to be eligible for the pass so if you are visiting Japan for temporary sightseeing or are a Japanese national who lives permanently in a foreign country.

On arrival in Japan go to a Japan Rail Pass exchange office or a Travel Service Center which are located in major JR stations or airports. You will need to show your passport and the exchange order and tell them the day you want to start your travels.

This pass will enable to use Japan Rail Travel, JR ferries, and JR buses.

By purchasing a green -type Japanese Rail Pass it will enable you to use the green cars (first class) without additional charges.

The Japanese are very precise when it comes to common manners and I personally believe that as a foreigner it is important to be familiar with some of the basic rules.

When visiting a shrine or temple it is common sense that you should behave respectfully. This can be observed by making a short prayer in front a sacred object. You can also show respect by so by throwing a coin into the offering box, followed by a short prayer.

In some temples you can purchase a bundle of incense which you can burn. If you have an injury or medical problem it is believed that if you fan the smoke towards the injury that there is great healing properties in this.

Some temples may expect you to remove your shoes which you can leave at the entrance on the shelves provided or take them with you.

When visiting a shrine you are expected to be in good health to avoid bringing in any impurities. So before entering a shrine you are expected to cleanse both hands with the fresh water provided at the purification fountain. People will also rinse out their mouths with the fresh water, spitting it out by the fountain. This is not compulsory however.

You will be permitted to take photographs in the temple grounds but forbidden indoors there will be signs to let you know what is permitted.

Make sure that you have tissues when visiting a public toilet as there is not always toilet roll or hand drying facilities. There are western toilets and Japanese toilets in most places and wheelchair toilets were always in stations and temple areas.

The Japanese greet each other by bowing but since they do not expect foreigners to know proper Japanese bowing rules so a nod of the head is usually enough.

Older men sometimes use it on their face in working class establishments, but they are considered rude for doing so. Also, refrain from wiping your nose on it.

Here are a few table rules for you to be aware of when dining out. You will receive a hot towel at the start of a meal which can only be used for your hands as it is considered bad manners to use it on your face.

Blowing your nose in public is also considered bad manners especially if at the dining table.

The Japanese will consider an empty plate good manners but burping is not. When you have finished your meal try to remember to place all your dishes as they were at the start of the meal. Remembering to replace the lid of dishes and replacing your chopsticks on the chopstick holder. Speaking of chopsticks there are a whole lot of rules on how to use the effectively. I have narrowed them down to the basics here.

Do not stick chopsticks into your food, especially rice nor pass food with them directly to somebody else’s chopsticks. Do not use the chopsticks to spear food with. Spoons are sometimes used to eat Japanese dishes that are difficult to eat with chopsticks and knives and forks are only used for Western food.

5 What to take – Finally, here are a few things you may or nay not have thought of. Electric. If you need to bring any appliances from your country, make sure to bring a converter or plug. American appliances can be used in Japan without a converter although they will have less power. You will need a two-pronged plug and you will be able to buy converters and plugs in the airports. Better still buy one before you travel.

It is advisable to look for Citibank ATM’s when attempting to obtain money as most ATM’s in Japan do not accept international visa cards, etc. in their machines due to the fact that the magnetic strip on the back is much thinner than ours.

The yen is the Japanese currency unit. A MasterCard or VISA card can be used in department stores, hotels, and restaurants in major cities. If, however you are traveling the countryside of Japan, you might find that credit cards/traveler’s checks may not be accepted. While it is a good idea to carry Japanese currency with you, make sure that you remain alert in areas where pick-pockets may be rife such as crowded trains etc.

Last but by no means least to avoid any embarrassing moments when following the Japanese tradition of removing your shoes, make sure that your socks or tights have not got holes in them!

Have great holiday or vacation in Japan

Planning a Trip to Japan ? and How to Behave Respectfully is a post from: Fun Traveling

Japan is one of the Asian cities that must be seen. It is simply breathtaking to behold in its scenery and full of fun and exciting things to experience. Many come to the Islands of Japan and find they have so much to do, it is impossible to pack it all in to one vacation. From the large amount of attractions, the rich colorful history, and the beauty of the land itself, there is something to appeal to every traveler. You can still see the past traditions mingled with the new ways of today.

There are so many cities in Japan that one might find it hard to decide on an exact destination. Each city has its own special personality to consider. Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Fukuoka are some of the more polar cities most world travelers have heard of. Tokyo is the most up to date city in Japan and has sites to see such as the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Imperial Palace, and Disneyland Tokyo.

Other sites around Japan include the Nijo Castle, The Golden Pavillion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and The Museum Of Kyoto. Hiroshima is, in itself a historical place as it was the area to be destroyed because of the first atomic bomb. The list continues on and on of great places to see and great things to experience while here in Japan.

For those who want a more detailed list of thing you can do, the list below should give you a pretty good idea.

· Try meditating at one of the many Buddhist Temples in the area.

· See Sumo Warriors wrestle it out in this ancient sport.

· Be a part of a tea party which is tradition in Japan.

· For the adventure seeker, a climb up Mount Fuji might be the right activity.

· Smell the Cherry blossoms on the tree.

· Fish in one of the great waters here.

· Have some authentic sushi and wash it down with real sake.

· Take part in one of the many festival through the city.

There are too many great things to do on your vacation in Japan. The best thing to do is to plan in advance. But if you’re the adventuress type, you can simply buy your tickets and set off for your own personal experience to Japan. See what you can find to do in this magnificent area of the world.

Travel Japan ? Enjoy the Adventure is a post from: Fun Traveling

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Adaptor plug changes your appliance plug to fit Japanese outlets…
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Explore another side of Japanese culture as professor of anthropology and archaeology Dr. Dwayne L. Merry takes you through the cities and countryside of this exquisite land. Enjoy the rare privilege of observing Sumo wrestlers in training before taking your place ringside at a traditional match. Mingle with the crowds at the famous Senso-ji temple in Asakusa and participate in a wedding ceremony at the Meiji Shrine. Depart for the island of Hokkaido to learn about the traditions and culture of the Ainu, and stop past the hot mineral springs of Noboribetsu. Visit the massive Osaka Castle, the beautiful and ancient temples of Nara, and get swept up in the colorful excitement of the annual Gion Matsuri celebration in Kyoto. Then travel to Shikoku to join the pilgrims visiting the island’s 88 temples and observe a rice planting ceremony before concluding your journey with a rafting trip through the incredibly scenic Iya valley.

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Japan Art Poster Print – 24″ X 36″ is a post from: Fun Traveling

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