Important information about Japan. Capital of Japan and big cities
Brief country information
Date of foundation
Japanese
Form of government
A constitutional monarchy
Territory
377 944 km² (61st in the world)
Population
127 103 388 people (10th in the world)
Timezone
Largest cities
Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Sapporo
$ 4.395 trillion (4th in the world)
Internet domain
- one of the most developed countries in the world with a thousand-year history, distinctive culture and traditions. It is a land of contrasts: rice-growing rural hinterland and multimillion-dollar Tokyo, Buddhist monks and fashion-obsessed teenagers, solemn religious rituals and the noise of pachinko gambling halls, exquisite temple architecture and multi-story concrete boxes. Japan is located in East Asia, on 6852 islands. The largest: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, which make up 97% of the entire territory. The Japanese archipelago originates from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north and extends far south to the East China Sea and the island of Taiwan. Despite the relatively small area - 377 944 km ², the country is densely populated. As of 2018, 126,225,000 people live here. According to this indicator, small Japan is inferior to huge Russia by only 17.2 million people.
Video: Japan
general information
The unofficial name of Japan, often found in the press, is the Land of the Rising Sun. The Japanese themselves widely use the name "Nihon" in everyday life, which translates as "home of the Sun". The daylight only once, back in 1945, faded over Hiroshima and Nagasaki - two cities that became targets for American atomic bombs that claimed thousands of lives. Thus, Japan today is the only state on the planet against which nuclear weapons have been used. Having survived this terrible tragedy, she was still able to rise, building a strong economy over the years. In terms of living standards, according to the Human Development Index (HDI), Japan ranks 10th, ahead of Canada, the Republic of Korea and Hong Kong and behind Switzerland, Sweden and Ireland.
In Japan, they are sensitive to historical continuity, which is confirmed by the existence of the institution of monarchy as a symbol of the unity of the people. Only in this country and nowhere else is the monarch called the emperor, and this position appeared a very long time ago, back in 660 BC. e. Despite the outward conservatism and adherence to traditions, the Japanese are modern and make huge strides in high technology, robotics and biomedicine. The government spends a fabulous amount of money on science - US $ 130 billion a year. More than 700 thousand scientists are involved in various studies. Among them there are 13 Nobel Prize winners, three Fields Prize winners and one Gauss Prize winner.
Surprisingly, with such scientific and technological progress and a high level of urbanization, the Japanese manage to preserve the natural environment. Not to mention the rich heritage of antiquity: castles, palaces, monuments, temples have survived to this day almost in their original form. Millions of tourists every year set foot on this ancient land, never ceasing to be interested in the history of Japan, sometimes tragic, and admire the local sights.
What is the secret of the success of the island state, located, moreover, in an earthquake-prone zone? Each foreigner answers this question in his own way. Some see the basis of prosperity in the peculiarities of the local mentality, others in an effective management system, and still others in the virtual absence of spending on military purposes. I wonder what clue to this phenomenon will you find for yourself when you visit Japan and get to know this peculiar country better?
Cities of japan
All cities in Japan
History of Japan
In the Paleolithic era, the Japanese islands were connected to the mainland by isthmuses. The primitive population hunted for gathering and hunting and took the first steps towards progress, making stone tools. Local ceramics, which appeared about 10 thousand years ago, are considered the oldest in the world. And in the annals of the Han Chinese Empire (1st century AD), there are the first mentions of ancient Japan, inhabited by the Wadzin people, who had "100 small countries." Already in the 4th century, there was a noticeable tendency towards unification around one of the states - Yamato, which later became a federation. At the end of the 6th century, its ruler, Prince Shotoku, took a course towards centralization. In 604, the monarch issued the legendary "Constitution of 17 Articles", where the monarchy was proclaimed the highest authority.
At the same time, there was a strengthening of the samurai, who were accepted into key positions of the imperial court. They positioned themselves as a separate class and often revolted against the government. The rebellions of some samurai were suppressed by the forces of others, since the army as such in the country did not yet exist. In the 14th century, the military-feudal system of government known as the shogunate fell into decay, and the Hojo dynasty followed a path of even greater centralization. The samurai in the regions did not like this. Rebellions began, which ended with the complete elimination of the shogunate and the entire dynasty mentioned. Subsequently, in 1338-1573, a new shogunate was established in Japan, known as the Muromachi period, as well as its course of decentralization.
In the 16th century, European sailors began to visit East Asia. In 1543, they set foot on the Japanese island of Tanegashima and handed over the secret of firearms to the local population, which soon began to be produced throughout the country. The acquaintance of the Japanese with Christianity took place in 1549, when the missionary Francis Xavier arrived here. At the same time, trade with Europe developed: the Japanese paid for the purchased goods in silver. At the beginning of the 19th century, the country was struck by famine caused by long-term crop failures. But the government did not even think to save the population, but bought rice only for itself, which provoked mass demonstrations of peasants and samurai. The 500-year domination of the latter in politics and public life ended in 1868, when opposition to the Tokugawa shogun Yoshinobu formed a new government, and he himself was removed from power.
At this time, the Cabinet of Ministers formed the Privy Council, prepared a new version of the Constitution and convened parliament. So a period of political, military and socio-economic transformations began in Japan, named after the 16-year-old emperor the Meiji Restoration. The reforms provided the country with industrial dominance in the world and led to military victories over China and Russia in 1894-1895 and 1904-1905, respectively. Having annexed South Sakhalin, Taiwan and Korea, the powerful island empire became a full-fledged mistress of the surrounding seas.
The beginning of the 20th century was marked by the growth of militaristic and expansionist sentiments in the country. Japan joined the First world war, becoming an ally of the Entente. As a result, its influence increased, territorial acquisitions multiplied. In the captured Manchuria in the early 30s, Japan formed the quasi-state of Manchukuo, and in the second half of them entered into an alliance with the Third Reich, signing the Anti-Comintern Pact. In the same period, she put her signature on the Pact of Mutual Neutrality with the USSR. The document provided for Tokyo's respect for the sovereignty and integrity of Manchukuo and the Mongolian People's Republic. That, however, did not prevent Japan from starting a second war with China. In December 1941, she, having attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, declared war on the United States and Great Britain. This was followed by the conquest of Hong Kong, Malacca and the Philippines.
On August 9, 1945, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. This happened after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by American aircraft. The Kwantung Army was defeated and the once powerful empire signed the Act of Unconditional Surrender on September 2. In 1947, a new pacifist Constitution was adopted in the Land of the Rising Sun. On September 8, 1951, the San Francisco Peace Treaty was concluded, which officially put an end to the Second World War and deprived the Far Eastern aggressor of all territorial acquisitions. The USSR regained control of the south of Sakhalin and Kuril Islands... However, Japan did not recognize the annexation of the Southern Kuriles (Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai islands), calling it the "problem of the northern territories", therefore, despite the existence of diplomatic relations, a peace treaty between our countries has not been signed so far.
Nature
The local natural landscape is very diverse. Its formation was influenced by the location of Japan on a large archipelago with many stratovolcanoes. 10% of world volcanic activity and up to one and a half thousand earthquakes a year of 4-6 points - all these are local realities. And vibrations of the soil with a lower magnitude in different regions are a daily phenomenon: the population does not even react to periodic tremors of buildings.
Flora Japanese islands not less variegated. Coniferous trees grow in the north. In the center and south, there are mixed and subtropical forests, respectively. In total, there are over 2700 species of various plants in the country, of which 168 are only trees. The most famous tree in Japan is, of course, sakura. Forests, as well as shrub zones and mountain peaks, occupy two-thirds of the archipelago's territory. Landslides and typhoons are frequent here, not to mention earthquakes, which made these territories uninhabitable, neither for agricultural and industrial activities.
The fauna of Japan is represented by the brown bear, ermine, sable, weasel - they are found on the island of Hokkaido. On Honshu, a fox, a wolf, a hare, a raccoon dog, a badger, an otter feel at ease. Here and on southern islands a black bear, an antelope, a Japanese macaque and even a gigantic salamander live. From the birds, we single out the woodpecker and the titmouse, the swallow and the stork, the black grouse and the hawk, the eagle and the owl, the thrush and the crane: the list is as if we are talking about Russia.
Largest lakes and the rivers of Japan, where catfish, carp, lamprey, eel are found, are located on large islands... Due to the peculiarities of the local landscape, the river beds are not very long, barely exceeding 200 km. The most long river country - Shinano, which carries its waters on the island of Honshu. The second longest is Tonegawa: it is actively used for shipping and fishing. Rafting championships are also held here - sports alloys along mountain rivers. And the waterway of Hokkaido is Ishikari, which originates in the mountains. The largest lake in Japan is Biwa; its area is 640 km². Many fresh water bodies - Ashi, Shinano and others - were formed in the craters of dormant volcanoes. There are salt lakes in the coastal area. For example, Kasumigaura is the second largest in the country.
Climate and weather
Although Japan is a small country, it has as many as six climatic zones. The temperature regime ranges from rather cool in the north (Hokkaido island) to subtropical in the southern regions (Ryukyu Islands, Bonin Islands). Climatic indicators directly depend on seasonal movements of atmospheric air. So, in winter, a northeastern wind blows from the Sea of Japan, which brings clouds with all the ensuing consequences - heavy snowfalls.
Seasonal winds also determine the weather in the Pacific Ocean. This area is characterized by rare snowfalls, but winters are cold. Summers are usually humid and hot due to the influence of the seasonal southeast wind. In the extreme southwest, as already noted, a subtropical climate prevails. The winters are warm and the summers are hot. There is a high level of precipitation, and even has its own rainy season. Typhoons are frequent.
Weather is a very popular, inexhaustible topic of conversation throughout the year, especially rain, the arrival of which is unpredictable in most cases. For this reason, a sturdy foldable umbrella is a must-have for any enlightened traveler to Japan. If, without an umbrella, you get caught in the pouring rain, take cover in the nearest shop.
sights
We will start our acquaintance with the sights of Japan from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in special area Chiyoda. It functions as the official residence of the head of state, Emperor Akihito, and as a museum where tourists can learn about Japanese history, culture and art. The palace was erected on the ruins of the old Edo castle, which was destroyed by fire. The residence has many reception rooms and is surrounded by traditional Japanese-style gardens.
One of the symbols of Japan and itself high mountain the country is Fujiyama (or Fuji). The mountain is located on the island of Honshu, 90 km south-west of the capital, its height is 3776 meters. Fujiyama is well recognized due to its symmetrical cone. This volcano is loved to be photographed and is often depicted on souvenirs or paintings. Over 200 thousand people conquer Fujiyama every year, spending 5-8 hours on the ascent (the descent usually takes less time).
But the main symbol of the capital is the Tokyo Television Tower, which is 332.6 meters high. The building was designed with an eye to the Eiffel Tower in Paris: its structure is the same lattice. She appeared 69 years later than her French "sister". The Tokyo TV Tower is the epitome of state-of-the-art technology. From her viewing platforms a stunning view opens not only of the city, but also of the surroundings. There are shops and restaurants where you can shop and eat deliciously.
Move to Kyoto, the capital of Japan from 794 to 1869. Located in the central part of the largest island of Honshu, it is famous for one of the most popular attractions in the country - the Buddhist Temple of the Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji. It was erected at the end of the XIV century, but in 1950 it was burned by a monk, who apparently suffered from a mental disorder. In 1955, the temple was restored and is an exact copy of the original. Kinkaku-ji was covered with gold leaf, which gives a beautiful reflection in the surrounding pond.
There is in Kyoto and the "Silver Pavilion" or Ginkaku-ji, built in 1483. Only his coating is actually not silver - the war that began at that time prevented the application of the noble metal. The temple was intended for the rest of the shogun Ashikagi Yoshimasa. The area where it is located is very quiet, and the surrounding nature is the embodiment of harmony and beauty. For the attention of tourists: in Japanese temples (only in Kyoto there are about 1600), you should take off your shoes before entering and carefully read the explanatory signs. They are usually allowed to take photographs, but it will not hurt to ask the ministers once again.
In addition to local sanctuaries, tourists are also welcome to visit old castles, of which about fifty have survived in the Land of the Rising Sun. Many have survived to our time almost in their original form, others were destroyed during the Second World War. So, the oldest of them is Inuyama Castle (15th century). It is just an hour's drive from the port city of Nagoya, administrative center Aichi Prefecture. The castle is well preserved and has a distinctive architecture. The object has been assigned the high status of National Treasure, which is not awarded to all monuments.
One of the most beautiful in Japan is Matsumoto Castle. It is located in the city of the same name (Nagano Prefecture), built in the "hirajiro" style. Black color outer walls and the side towers, resembling outstretched wings, gave rise to its unofficial name: Crow Castle. Another black "raven castle" - Kumamoto, is located in the city of Kumamoto, the center of the prefecture of the same name. It is also called the gingko castle. Kumamoto Castle was built in 1601-1607. Today it serves as a museum. Among the exhibits are samurai armor, weapons, national clothes.
Nijo Castle in Kyoto is one of the most beautiful castle complexes. World heritage UNESCO and Japan's National Treasure. It was built in the early 17th century by Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty. In addition to the central building - the Ninomaru Palace - it has many buildings and several gardens. In the Seiryu-en Garden, the municipal authorities hold official receptions for the guests of the city, and tea ceremonies for the Kyots themselves.
Japanese monuments cannot be ignored either. They are not at all similar to the sculptures and busts we are used to that adorn squares and parks in Russian cities. Many are thousands of years old. Ancient Buddhists, for example, left statues in the Horyu-ji region of Nara Prefecture as a legacy to descendants. To them, which have come down to us through the centuries, not only believers, but also tourists come to pray today. In the city of Nara itself, you can also see many magnificent ancient monuments. Some of them are concentrated in the Heijo Palace, which in the VIII century was the residence of the Japanese emperors.
Many monuments in Japan personify the war times, of which there were many in the history of the country. In Hiroshima, for example, two are dedicated to the 1945 atomic bombings. The first one looks like the skeleton of a stone house destroyed by the explosion, the second depicts the nuclear bomb itself. Even a funny and completely "peaceful" monument to pumpkin and sweet potato, located in the city of Urawa, has a war-related meaning. It is intended to remind the inhabitants of the country that it was these plants that saved them from hunger during periods of hostilities. In Tokyo, there are also "military" monuments, there are two of them: the actor of the kabuki theater, who embodied the images of the great samurai on the stage, and the dog of the popular Akita Inu breed, known to us from the movie "Hachiko: the most faithful friend".
O national parks Japan deserves special mention, since the local way of life is predominantly urban and the issues of environmental protection are extremely acute here. In the central part of the island of Honshu is one of the most famous parks: Fuji-Kew Highland. Its dominant feature is the legendary Fujiyama. Both Japanese and tourists love to relax at the foot of this most beautiful conical volcano in the world, which is called the "Region of Five Lakes". Many ancient temples are concentrated in the park, there are waterfalls and thermal springs.
All sights of Japan
Recreation and entertainment
Come to Japan and not visit Tokyo Disneyland? It would be unforgivable. It is located in the metropolitan suburb of Urayasu, part of the Disney amusement park, which opened in 1983 and became the first such institution outside the United States. Another part of it is theme park Tokyo DisneySea. Moreover, both of these places are very popular with tourists, and no less than the famous Disneyland in America.
The latter's Japanese competitor is also amusement park Universal studio located in Osaka. Here you can have a great rest with the whole family. You can choose from many attractions and a variety of shows, there are thematic zones. The rides are in the spirit of reality, their main theme is films shot at the Universal Pictures film studio. Having visited the Tobu World Square park in the city of Kinugawa, you will feel like a real Gulliver from a fairy tale. And all because its attractions are miniature copies of the most famous buildings in the world. The unusual panorama of the park is complemented by the figures of people strolling between the buildings, which can be counted as many as 140 thousand. There are also copies of real trees in miniature (bonsai) in the amount of 20,000 pieces.
Although Japan is not Africa, there are also monkey parks here. One of them is located on Mount Takao. Climbing it on the funicular, you can immediately get acquainted with its humanoid inhabitants, mainly macaques. These mischievous women walk freely along the paths and look expectantly at the visitors: perhaps they will treat them to something tasty. The panorama of the park, more precisely, of its surroundings, is complemented by a real herb garden. Some tourist biologists even try to establish the exact number of species represented, but with great difficulty. The official data are as follows: there are about 500 species of them here. The second monkey park is called Jigokudani (translated as "Valley of Hell"), which is located in the city of Yamanouchi and also became a home for Japanese macaques.
The tea house garden, the French-style garden and the Taisодji Buddhist temple all define the face of Shinjuku Imperial Park. It is located in the eponymous district of the capital and belongs to the most famous parks... The Imperial Park welcomes visitors at any time of the year, but it is especially beautiful in spring, when sakura blossoms - one of the symbols of Japan. Its flowers are short-lived and make you think about the transience of our life.
After drinking tea, you can gain adrenaline by visiting Tokyo Dome City Attraction. He became famous for the Thunder Dolphin ride, one of the most extreme in the world. Just to say that it is scary here will not be quite right. One can feel how the soul "rushes" to the heels only when you are here: no descriptions and even video materials will give an accurate representation. In general, all the rides in Tokyo claim that it will be impossible to forget about them. Just imagine: a train with a visitor in the cabin develops a speed of up to 130 km / h, passing through the openings of buildings, and one thought drills in my head - how not to crash into a wall and remain unharmed!
National cuisine
Japanese cuisine is recognized as the standard of healthy eating not only by culinary experts, but also by many experts in the field of dietetics and medicine. Therefore, it is quite understandable why there are so many centenarians here who have crossed the 80-year mark. There is a food cult in Japan, but in the best sense of the word. Food for the Japanese serves not only to satisfy hunger - it should please the eye, smell ... and even hearing. V national cuisine adhere to the age-old rule of "five colors", that is, the products from which the dishes are prepared must certainly be of red, green, yellow, brown and black shades. If in most developed countries, to be honest, they often have breakfast or dinner in a hurry, on the go, in the Land of the Rising Sun such "liberties" are not welcome. Various rituals of eating are common here. A spoon is rarely used, and a fork and a knife are not touched at all during a meal. Symbol local cuisine- hasi sticks. It is with them that the Japanese eat.
Rice, called gohan in Japanese, is found in many dishes. Priority is also given to seafood and fish (the latter is usually not deeply heat treated). Often the diet is dominated by soba buckwheat noodles, very long and thin, which are usually served hot with soy sauce. Another visiting card of the local cuisine is sushi, where boiled rice is usually accompanied by raw fish. You should definitely try sashimi - raw fish, octopus, scallop or squid cut into thin slices, served with daikon, siso leaves and wasabi sauce. Kusiyaki, grilled small pieces of fish and seafood, can be considered an analogue of the shish kebab loved by Russians. They also love pork in Japan: a chop from it, fried with an egg and breadcrumbs, is called tonkatsu. A very tasty dish - chahan. This is Japanese pilaf prepared with pork, shrimp and other seafood.
Money
The monetary system is based on the Japanese yen (¥). In circulation there are coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen, banknotes in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 yen. 10 and 100 yen coins are required for calls from public telephones, 50 and 100 yen coins are required for bus tickets, vending machines and train tickets when traveling short distances. 2000 yen notes are rare and are not accepted by vending machines, as are the 1 and 5 yen coins. 5,000 and 10,000 yen notes are readily accepted even for small purchases.
Currency exchange. In international hotels, you will be exchanged for yen and traveler's checks, and foreign currency (if there is a fixed exchange rate). In accredited banks, of course, they will do the same at a slightly more favorable rate. Stores in many tourist areas more and more often they accept for payment not only yen, but also other currencies, you just need to show your passport.
At the entrance to the bank, you are probably greeted by its employee, who will lead you to the desired window. Otherwise, look for the desired symbol with your eyes. While the operation is being performed (it may take 15 minutes or more), you will be invited to sit, and when the money is ready, you will be invited by name.
Most banks have a dedicated currency exchange sector where travelers checks and foreign currency can be exchanged for yen (upon presentation of a passport).
ATMs and credit cards. Despite all the perfection of the Japanese financial system, there are very few places where you can withdraw money using international credit card and PIN-code, although in principle such ATMs should be in most post offices. However, since the streets of Japanese cities are quite safe, you can simply take with you for the day as much cash as you expect to spend.
As for the more significant expenses, then in large hotels, small hotels, restaurants and shops, they will most likely accept Visa, American Express and MasterCard cards. But not traveler's checks.
Religion
Although Shinto and Buddhism are the main religions, there are over 1.4 million Christians in the country, and there are churches in most cities. Services on English language however, are rare. For Protestant, Catholic, Greek and Russian Orthodox, Muslim and Jewish times, consult the English-language newspapers or inquire at your local tourist information center.
Shopping
Many cities around the world have their own shopping streets and districts, and 13 million Tokyo is no exception. Ginzu Quarter is a shopping center in the capital of Japan. At the beginning of the 17th century, there was a mint here, then jewelry shops... Their modern "successors" are the expensive Louis Vuitton store, the Miximoto boutiques (selling pearls) and Chanel. The 3 Mx department store chain offers products from popular local brands such as Matsuzakaya, Mitsukoshi and Matsua. But remember that the products are expensive here.
Don't want to spend a lot? Look for “all one hundred yen” (“hyakuen shop”) stores. They have a fixed price for personal hygiene items, dishes, souvenirs and even food. Another opportunity to save money will be presented in the metropolitan suburb of Minami Machida. It takes only 40 minutes to get here. It became famous for its Grandberry Mall, the largest outlet in the country, whose prices will pleasantly surprise you with its affordability.
Do you need high-quality and, accordingly, not cheap Japanese electronics? Then you are in the Akhihabara area, where you will find TVs, computers, smartphones of the coolest models. But the Seibu and Kimuraya department stores in Shibuya are considered youth stores. Many retail outlets participate in the value added tax refund system ( Tax free). Generally, department stores in Tokyo and others large cities- Yokohama, Sapporo, Osaka, Kyoto, Kawasaki, Nagoya, Kobe - occupy huge areas. On the underground floors, food is usually sold, on the first - footwear and haberdashery, on the second, third and higher - clothes for adults and children, household goods and souvenirs, on the last - restaurants.
By the way, about souvenirs. Travelers often bring home Japanese porcelain and ceramics, wood carvings, and bamboo products. National dressing gowns made of silk and cotton, folding paper lanterns, fans are very popular among tourists. Separately, it should be said about wooden hairpins, fashion for which was introduced by geisha, as well as samurai katana swords (of course, not real, but souvenir). Maneki-neko, cute figurines of cats with raised paws, are well sold by foreigners. Among edible souvenirs in Japan, preference is given to long-term storage sushi, dried and dried squid and, of course, high-quality local green tea.
All purchases are subject to a 5% consumption tax, and the law requires stores to post prices that already include the tax. Department stores operate special tax refund programs for foreign customers in the event of large purchases (usually over 10,000 yen). In some stores, refunds will only be issued for the purchase of clothing. Before shopping, check with the information counter, which is usually located on the ground floor next to the main entrance. To be exempted from tax, you will need to present your passport.
Cloth
Clothing should be versatile, lightweight and easy to wash. Don't forget to bring a jacket or raincoat. In winter, you need a sweater and a warm jacket. Do not take with you tight clothing that hinders movement, remember that you will have to sit at low tables, tucking under you or crossing your legs, which will not be easy to do in a tight-fitting skirt. Also keep in mind that your socks will often be visible and should be clean and intact. You will have to take off your shoes so often that you should think about purchasing shoes without laces. For sightseeing, there is nothing better than comfortable running shoes, as the paths are mostly covered in gravel.
If you are looking to buy clothing in Japan, keep in mind that both men's and women's clothing is designed for a different build than most Westerners. The same goes for underwear. However, in Tokyo and other major cities, the offer of western-sized clothing is gradually expanding.
Language
If you don't speak Japanese, use English. Of course, it will be fun to exchange a few words or phrases like "thank you", "hello" or "goodbye" with the Japanese. However, if you pretend that you can maintain a full-fledged conversation, you risk drowning in a stream of incomprehensible sounds, and the unpretentious communication that you expected will not work.
Speak English slowly and clearly. Try to avoid complex expressions and figures of speech when formulating your questions and answers, use the simplest grammar.
Opening hours
Banks: on weekdays 9.00-15.00, Sat, Sun closed. Government offices: on weekdays 9.00-17.00, Sat, Sun closed.
Post offices: main on weekdays 9.00-19.00, Sat 9.00-15.00 or 17.00, Sunday closed.
Hairdressers: daily 9.00-20.00, except usually Mon for men and Tue for women.
Museums: Tue-Sun 9.00-17.00 (admission until 16.30), including national holidays.
Shops: most daily 10.00-20.00. Universal on weekdays 10.00-20.00 (Sat, Sun and national holidays until 18.30 or 19.00); usually one day a week off.
Temples: daily 8.00 or 9.00-16.30 in summer, until 16.00 in winter.
Crime and security
Given the relatively low crime rate in Japan, the likelihood of you being attacked or robbed is low. Yet the country is not at all free from crime, and the number of crimes of all kinds, including sexual violence and other forms of violence, is steadily increasing. As elsewhere in the world, sensible precautions will not be superfluous. In Tokyo and other major cities, there are police booths (koban) at most large intersections, which are easily recognizable by the large red light above the entrance.
Police
For immediate assistance or in an emergency, dial 110. There are small police stations, or kobans, at most busy intersections. Police officers wear blue uniforms and caps. They are very helpful and ready to help you at any time. Always show your passport when dealing with the police.
Payphones vary in color and size. All can make local, long distance and international calls. The gray ones marked “ISDN / International & Domestic Card / Coin Telephone” can be dialed directly. For domestic calls, NTT cards are available from convenience stores, many other stores and vending machines. Services such as calls on credit and at the expense of the called subscriber are not available for all countries (ask in advance).
Mobile phones. There are three main mobile operators in the country: NTT DoCoMo, Au and Softbank. DoCoMo (tel: 0120-680-110) and Softbank (tel: 3560-7730) rent cell phones for domestic use.
Tips
Tipping is not common among the Japanese (perhaps, except when it comes to some kind of additional service) and is officially condemned. However, a small gift, such as a souvenir from your country, would be an appropriate token of gratitude to the people who helped you. It is considered polite to refuse an offered gift once or twice. Neither taxi drivers nor hotel staff expect tips from you. Porters at airports and railway stations work according to the established rate. In hotels, ryokans and some restaurants, the bill is increased by a 10-15% service charge.
Toilets
Apart from train stations, public toilets are rare. Use toilet facilities, usually Western-style, in department stores, as large hotels These are floor-level ditches without seats with a sink-facing fit. The doors of the stalls are usually locked, but it is still customary to knock twice to make sure the toilet is free. If not, you will hear two knocks in return. Sometimes toilets are common for men and women (men in front of urinals don't seem to exist). Toilets in Japan are impeccably clean. You should always have toilet paper with you.
Public transport
The metro, besides Tokyo, is in cities such as Kyoto, Yokohama, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Sendai. They like the subway here because it is fast and convenient, and the Japanese value personal time. Subway tickets are sold in special machines. Those who find it difficult to understand hieroglyphs can use diagrams. They are intuitive, and it is usually not difficult to determine the route and price. A ride on the Tokyo subway starts at 160 yen and depends on the distance. A day pass will set you back ¥ 400.
The most difficult view for tourists public transport considered a bus. Flight names and route numbers are almost always written only in hieroglyphs, without duplication, for example, in English. It is clear that this creates certain difficulties. As for the cost of travel, in the capital and a number of others settlements In Japan, it does not depend on distance, but in others it is the other way around. In some cities - Nagasaki, Kagashima, Kumamoto and others - trams run. Travelers often use this type of transport.
And finally, a taxi in Japan. There are many of them, they are affordable, but the cost of the trip is off the charts. Only for landing you will be charged 640-650 yen, and then the counter calculates 80 yen every 280 meters. God forbid getting stuck in traffic: every 2.25 minutes of downtime will cost you 90 JPY. These are Tokyo prices. In other megacities, prices are slightly lower, but they still hit the wallet. How to determine if a car is busy or not? If the "light" on the windshield is green, pass by: there are already passengers. If you see a red one - boldly approach, the taxi is free. A yellow "light" means that the car, even if it is empty, is on an emergency call. It happens that passengers in a hurry forget things in the cabin. Call the United Lost and Found taxi companies, and the lost will be returned.
Hotels and Accommodation
The most expensive hotels in Japan - business class, where a day's stay will cost a tourist 55,000 yen and more. Prices in first class hotels start at ¥ 15,000 and average between ¥ 45,000-75,000. Renting an inexpensive double room for 15 thousand, for example, at the Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, for an additional fee, you can use the SPA-salon, fitness center, dine with dishes of national, European and Chinese cuisine. As a "bonus", the windows offer a beautiful view of the city, not to mention free internet and the presence of a TV, air conditioning and tea accessories.
Hostels are in demand among budget options. The rooms in them are clean and tidy, they are designed to accommodate 2-4 people at the same time, while each guest pays an amount of 24 euros and more. Amenities are common, but some rooms have a shower. Popular among travelers are mini-hotels where you can only spend the night and have breakfast in the morning. There are also so-called capsule hotels in Japan. They do not provide full-fledged rooms, but only sleeping places ("capsules"). But it is also convenient, because in addition to a bed on your territory, there is a TV, radio and even a personal alarm clock.
It is not customary to walk along the corridors of Japanese hotels, regardless of the level of their "stardom", in street shoes. Upon entering, you need to take off your shoes, leave your shoes or boots in a special box and change into something for the room. How to book a hotel? We recommend the hotellook service, where you can compare hotel prices with leading booking systems and book a room with the maximum discount. And preferably in advance, before the trip. This will be more reliable and save money.
Communication and Internet
Many tourists would like to get a SIM-card of Japanese mobile operators, but it will not work: tariff plans are available only to the citizens of the country. But on the other hand, immediately upon arrival at the airport, you can rent a telephone - just a device, not a card - from a local cellular operator, which you will return at the end of the trip. The pleasure will cost $ 100 a week, not counting the rather expensive negotiation fees. Inbox, however, is free.
Access to the World Wide Web can be obtained both in hotels (most rooms have a landline connection), and free of charge in public Wi-Fi points, which are available in every major metropolis. But the first of the Japanese cities to have a wide network of "street" Internet access was Osaka. So far, there are 163 points here, but soon, as they promise, there will be many times more of them. Meanwhile, the Japanese prefer portable wireless access points, they carry them with them. Mobile routers are also available for tourists, but for temporary use. You can rent at the airport.
Car rental
Car rental companies operate in all major cities. Numerous local firms compete with international agencies offering favorable rates. With the exception of French, German and Swiss citizens who only need a certified translation of their national driving license, foreigners must have an international driving license. You can rent a car with an English-speaking driver through your hotel or travel agent.
Driving a car in Japan
The difficulty of driving in a country should not be underestimated. Driving standards differ significantly from those in the West, and the roads are very narrow. Visitors must use the utmost discretion and caution on the roads of Japan.
Traffic is left-hand, and most foreign drivers will be shocked by the intensity of the traffic. The streets are packed with cars and there are few parking spaces. The orientation problem is compounded by the fact that very few streets have names. Instead, the neighborhoods are numbered, and the streets only separate them. Most of the road signs and signs have inscriptions in hieroglyphs and Latin script.
Speed is limited to 40 km / h in urban areas, 60 km / h in the suburbs and 100 km / h on motorways.
The Japan Automobile Federation (emergency tel. 0570-00-8139, www.jaf.or.jp/e/) publishes an English-language guide to driving in Japan “Rules of the Road”.
Entry requirements
To enter Japan, you will need a valid passport and a completed passenger card. Upon arrival, you will be asked to present a return ticket and proof of funds to stay in the country.
Visas
A tourist visa allows Russian citizens to stay in Japan for up to 15 days, in some cases up to 90 days. A prerequisite for obtaining a Japanese tourist visa is to book a hotel for the entire stay.
The usual visa processing time is three weeks. The consular department reserves the right to delay the consideration of documents for obtaining a visa for up to one month, as well as refuse to issue a visa without explaining the reasons for the refusal.
Customs regulations
Formally, things imported into Japan must be declared, either orally or in writing. In practice, the system of random inspection of baggage, adopted in many other countries, operates. There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency, however, if you want to export an amount over 1 million yen, you will have to notify the customs. It is forbidden to import certain types of fruits and vegetables into Japan. A number of aphrodisiac drugs used in Western medicine are also prohibited from import.
Embassy and consulates of the Russian Federation
Embassy Russian Federation in Japan
106-0041 Tokyo, Minato-ku, Azabudai 2-1-1.
Tel .: + 81-3-3583-4224.
Fax: + 81-3-3505-0593.
Consular Section of the Embassy
Tel .: + 81-3-3583-4445.
Fax: + 81-3-3586-0407.
Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Address: Sapporo City, Chuo District, Minami 14, Nishi 12, 2-5. Tel.: 011-561-3171 / 3172. Fax: 011-561-8897.
How to get there
Direct flights to Tokyo and back are operated by Aeroflot from Moscow, Khabarovsk and Vladivostok. A one-way flight from these cities takes, respectively, 9 hours 30 minutes, 2 hours 40 minutes and 2 hours 10 minutes. Exact time departure and availability of seats can be checked on the official website of the domestic air carrier.
The planes of the Japanese company Japan Airlines also fly from Moscow to Tokyo. International flights serves Narita Airport, which is 65 km from the capital. Electric trains and buses run regularly from it to the city, the travel time is no more than 60 minutes. Since Japan - Island state, moreover, having maritime boundaries with Russia, our countries have established a regular ferry service... The ferry departs from Vladivostok. You can clarify the flight and the availability of seats on the Internet resource of the seaport of the capital of Primorye.
Low Price Calendar for Flights to Tokyo
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facebook twitterDespite the fact that the Japanese islands began to be populated many millennia ago, the statehood in Japan began to take shape only in the IV-VI centuries AD. The history of the emergence of Japan and its development until the 6th century is controversial, since before the introduction of the Chinese language, the Japanese did not have a written language and, accordingly, no reliable evidence was preserved.
The progenitors of the Japanese people are considered to be the Yamato tribe, which lived on the territory of the Japanese islands since the second century BC, there is also a version that in the III century AD, the Yamato clan subdued most of the tribes of Japan, from which the report of the emergence of the Japanese people began.
Until the 6th century, the bulk of the population of Japan was made up of peasants, slaves and unemployed citizens, to whom foreigners belonged. In the 6th century, Japan began to acquire signs of civilization and began to develop at a rapid pace, narrowing the great chasm that existed between Japan and China.
The dynamic development of Japan is associated with an incredible ability to use the experience of other civilizations and countries without losing its uniqueness. This process of absorbing the most advanced and at the same time remaining oneself, introducing into its history and culture only features inherent in the Japanese, can be seen throughout the development of Japan.
Starting from the 7th century, Japanese rulers skillfully combined the experience of China and Korea, attracting scholars, artisans, monks to their country, and at the same time young Japanese were sent to Korea and China to gain knowledge.
Chinese was considered the official written language of Japan. Subsequently, the writing system gradually transformed. In the 7th-8th centuries, the original syllabic was invented in Japan. Kana is composed of katakana and hiragana. Today, in Japanese, up to 40% of words are Chinese borrowings.
The head of state of Japan was tenno - "Heavenly Master". In Russian, "tenno" is usually translated as emperor. There is a legend that the emperors of Japan are direct descendants of the sun goddess Amaterasu. The official mention of the title of Emperor of Japan took place in 608 in the process of state relations between Japan and China, although in the history of the emergence of Japan, the title of emperor was used earlier.
The power of the emperor in different time periods of the country's development was of a different nature. Until the 11th century, the emperor was the sovereign sovereign of his country. In 1185, the head of the Yoritomo clan established an alternative samurai government - the shogunate. Under the shogunate, real supreme power passed to the shoguns - the supreme military rulers. And the Emperor of Japan performed ceremonial actions and had power symbolically.
Since the 16th century, Japan has become one of the most closed countries. Under fear death penalty residents of Japan were prohibited from leaving the country. Foreigners were evicted from the country, made an exception only for the Dutch, who were allowed to live on small island Dejima, near Nagosaki and with whom trade relations continued. Christianity, which began to spread in Japan thanks to the Jesuit missionaries, was banned.
The power of the shogunate lasted until 1867-1868, when the Civil War and widespread discontent led to the Meiji revolution of "enlightened rule" and the restoration of imperial rule. Since that time, the country again became open and began to develop rapidly in all areas.
Which is located on 4 large islands: Kyushu, Honshu, Shikoku, Hokkaido, as well as the islands of the Ryukyu archipelago and more than a thousand small islands. In the north it is washed, in the east - and, in the west - by the Korea Strait and. In the north, it borders with Russia (,), in the south - with, in the west and north-west - with and.
Administrative division Of Japan... It is subdivided into 9 regions, 44 prefectures, a metropolitan area and 2 city prefectures.
Japan's form of government. .
Head of State Japan... The emperor is a symbol of the unity of the nation; he has no real power.
Supreme Legislature of Japan... Bicameral Parliament (House of Representatives, elected for 4 years, and House of Councilors, for 6 years).
Higher executive agency Of Japan... Cabinet of Ministers.
Major cities of Japan... Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kobe, Fukuoko, Kawasaki, Kitakushu.
Official language of Japan... Japanese.
Religion of Japan... Shinto, and Christianity.
Ethnic composition of Japan... 99% are Japanese, 0.5% are Koreans, 0.5% are Chinese and Ainu (remnants of the indigenous population).
Japanese currency... Yen = 100 sen.
Useful data for tourists about Japan, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Japan, cuisine, peculiarities of visa and customs restrictions in Japan.
Geography of Japan
Japan is a state in East Asia, located on 4 large islands (Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu and Hokkaido), the Ryukyu islands and more than 4 thousand small islands. Washed away Sea of Okhotsk, The Pacific Ocean, the East China Sea and By the sea of Japan.
The relief of the country is predominantly mountainous, rather strongly dissected. There are numerous active and extinct volcanoes, including highest point Japan - Mount Fuji (3776 m). The coastline is indented with numerous bays and bays. Earthquakes are frequent.
State
State structure
Constitutional monarchy, the emperor (tenno) is nominally considered the head of state, but in reality he is only a symbol of the state and the unity of the nation. The legislature is a bicameral parliament, consisting of a House of Councilors and a House of Representatives. Executive power is concentrated in the hands of a cabinet of ministers headed by a prime minister.
Language
State language: Japanese
English is widely spoken.
Religion
Almost all Japanese are Shintoists; most Shintoists also profess Buddhism.
Currency
International name: JPY
There are only three types of banknotes in use: in denominations of 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000 yen, as well as coins in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 yen.
It is best to exchange large amounts at the airport upon arrival, since in hotels they change no more than $ 300 per person per day, and in banks the exchange procedure is complicated by bureaucratic formalities. You can pay with major credit cards (please note that some restaurants do not accept credit cards). Traveler's checks can be cashed freely at most major banks or international hotels.
Popular attractions
Tourism in Japan
Where to stay
Japan has long been renowned for its hospitality. In this country, tourists are offered comfortable hotels for every taste. They are divided into two main groups - created according to the type of European and traditional Japanese ryokans.
In big cities you will find hotels of famous world chains - Hilton, Marriott and others. There are also no less fashionable Japanese-owned hotels. And since Japan is a country of modern technologies, innovative developments have not spared such an industry as hotel business... V Lately more and more popular are "smart" hotels, in which a comfortable microclimate is maintained using a computer, all rooms are connected to the latest communication systems, and even toilets are computerized.
Mid-range hotels offer both traditional European-style rooms (with a private bathroom) and Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors and a shared bathroom. In the countryside, European-style boarding houses are widespread.
Here you will find traditional flair, good food and a warm family welcome. For thrifty business travelers, we offer comfortable and inexpensive hotels equipped with everything necessary for doing business. They are usually located either near the train station / airport, or not far from business centers.
Another purely Japanese know-how is capsule hotels. They are designed mostly for Japanese employees (too busy to catch the last train and go home to spend the night) or those who are drinking heavily in an entertainment establishment and now need a rest. In such a hotel you will be offered a "capsule" in which you can only lie, but also have a small TV, fresh linens and an alarm clock.
There are many youth hotels in the remote areas of big cities. Also in Japan, you can stay at a camping. Here you will be offered accommodation either in a tent or in a house; the camp site has running water, gas, electricity, toilet and shower.
Japanese cuisine is a special art of creating still lifes on a plate, the ability to decorate and present a dish. Japanese food is very simple, and the culinary specialist strives to appearance and the taste of the dish retained the original properties of the product for as long as possible. Cooking raw fish, for example, is often limited to skillfully slicing and beautiful location her on a platter ....
Tips
It is not customary to give "tips" for services in hotels and taxis, and in places where foreigners brought up in a different way are crowded, there are even special signs that "tip is not accepted, all our employees receive a good salary." If you try to give, they get offended.
Visa
Opening hours of institutions
Banks are open from 9 to 15-17 on weekdays, from 9 to 12 on the first and last Saturday of the month. Sunday is a day off.
Department stores are usually open from 10 am to 7 pm and closed one day a week (different stores have different times). The rest of the shops are open from 10-11 to 19-20 h.
Purchases
All sales and services are subject to a 5% non-refundable tax (up to 40% on some products), plus purchases over 15,000 yen are subject to an additional 3% local tax. To return VAT in shops and departments of the "tax-free" system, you must present your passport.
Souvenirs
Most often from Japan, tourists bring Japanese dolls, items for the tea ceremony (tea table, cast-iron teapot with cups), sake sets, sushi sets, panels with hieroglyphs, kimonos, fans.
The medicine
Medical care is paid and quite expensive, so international medical insurance is compulsory.
