Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Language can still be a problem but over the years more and more Japanese speak better and better English, but we still recommend you to carry a handy phrase book and learn a few essential words, especially if you plan to travel to some of the more remote areas of Japan.

For many people, the mention of Japanese culture conjures up images of weird masks and extravagantly made-up actors twirling red umbrellas on a stage and elegant, kimono-clad ladies demurely pouring cups of tea in tranquil cherry-blossomed temples. Well, you can still experience all this, if you know where to look.

The traditional arts of Japan offer an opportunity to experience something truly exotic or find inner calm. For the serious practitioner, solemn awareness of the history and intimate knowledge of the past-masters of your chosen form of expression are essential if you wish to practice at the highest level.

These ancient 'ways' are not for the faint of heart, but many foreigners come to Japan each year to enlighten themselves through their study. For the rest of us, just a nibble at this great banquet of culture will be more than enough.

The Japanese do know how to kick back and have fun, too. You might be surprised by just how wild a Japanese festival can get! Snow festivals, fire festivals, fertility festivals - you name it, they have it. When it comes to food, the Japanese are as enthusiastic as anybody on earth - the changing seasons bring new delicacies and an excuse to travel the length of the country to sample local dishes. Spring also brings the cherry blossoms - symbol of life's all-too-brief span and a good excuse to get drunk and dance around in a cemetery! The beauty of summer fireworks and autumn%#39;s spectacular changing leaves can also take the breath away.

In Japan there are so many various vending machines including cigarettes. All cigarette vending machines are equipped of age identification function using Taspo.

Earlier this year, the Tobacco Institute of Japan began issuing "taspo" (short for "tobacco passport") age-verification cards, which must be scanned at newly installed smart vending machines before a purchase can be made. If you want to purchase a carton of cigarettes from a vending machine, you need to identify yourself as being old enough by using this card. Otherwise you have to go to tobacconist/cigarette shop.

You can use the 'Suica' on drink vending machines. If you purchase and deposit money to Suica, you can buy can coffee on vending machine. Also you can buy many items at JR shops.

PASMO is the universal pre-paid card for the Train systems in the Tokyo area. Initially you have to pay 500Yen as a deposit. You can use it for JR, Tokyo Metro and other private railways after you charge some Japanese Yen. Then you don't need to worry trying to figuer out haw to get the fare to your target station. Riding the rails is easy, stylish and fun. If you're planning a trip to Europe or Japan and wonder what's the best way to get around, why not try exploring by train. You may be uncertain about exploring by train, simply because you don't know what to expect and don't understand how train travel works. Japan rail pass offers a wonderful opportunity for extensive and inexpensive rail travel throughout Japan. It covers virtually all Japan Railways (JR) trains: Shinkansen ("lbullet tains"), long-distance Limited Express trains, airport express shuttle trains, local trains, as well as certain buses, and one ferry.

  http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/index.html

This rule was introduced in June 2008, the 'Revision to the Road Traffic Law'. All passengers in the back seats of the car in Japan must ware a seat belt. The driver will be penalized if the back seated passenger is not wearing the seat belt on the highways. A warning may be given by police and may be transferred to the driver on non-highway. If you get on a taxi, please fasten your seat belt on all highway.

  The Japan Times Online - Back-seat riders to be bound by seat-belt law

  Safety Seat Belt Use in Japanese Patients with a Pacemaker

Bus is the cheapest way to travel around in Japan, and now you can enjoy an easy online-booking service in Japan in English. Most trips start at around 3900Yen from Tokyo to Osaka. The online bus booking site.

  http://www.123bus.net/ or Telephone: +81-50-3533-4639

All passengers flying to and from Japan on international flights will only be permitted to carry small quantities of liquids, gels or aerosols in their cabin or carry-on luggage. Small containers of 100mls (3.5fl oz) are permitted and must be sealed in a transparent plastic bag.

http://www.mlit.go.jp/kisha/kisha06/12/121219/03.pdf

When you visit a Japanese restaurant, you are requested to take off your shoes at some restaurant. The structure of restaurant is similar to Japanese house. Tatami mats lay in the room. Before getting into the room, you have to remove your shoes.

There are many kinds of tea in Japan. The colour of teas can be either green or brown and can be experience at special tea shops.

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