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Discover the wonderful secrets and surprises of
Japan, a country where the present and the past live side by side in
perfect harmony. This is a place steeped in history and tradition, yet
its cities hum with the energy of a major metropolis. Tokyo With
all its modern conveniences, this is still a culture centuries old and
the traditional ways still hold sway in many parts of the country.
- Japan Country Highlights
- Japan Country & Its People
As with all things, this is a country best
experienced up close and personal. Delightful traditional crafts like
ikebana, the art of miniature botany, still thrive, and grand
landscapes like Mount Fuji, the symbol of Japan, still inspire awe from
everyone who gaze upon it. There's a slew of cultural, culinary and
scenic experiences just waiting for you. What better way to begin your
love affair with Japan than to be filled with its sights, sounds and
tastes.
When you come to Japan, by
all means please experience “Japan.�And you don’t need to know much
about it beforehand. For example, if you want to experience the spirit
of Japan and fresh new experiences, then festivals are for you. In
every part of Japan and in each season there are festivals or all
sorts, ranging from the energy-charged to subtle and refined �whatever
you seek. Then after the festival you can relax by soaking in a hot
spring. And thus refreshed, why not try the tea ceremony? Noted for
being a philosophical art form, you just might discover a new self. If
you would prefer something more action-packed, then try one of the many
theme parks, sporting events, or going shopping. Whatever your
pleasure, the time you spend in Japan will certainly be unforgettable.
Japan abounds in accommodations, both
western-style and Japanese. Types of accommodation vary widely in terms
of style and price. You can choose to stay in the familiar comforts of
a western-style hotel, or enjoy the comfort and personal attention of a
traditional Japanese inn. By taking time to search out some of the
nation's less-publicized types of lodgings, you're sure to find clean
and comfortable places to stay that suit your pocketbook. Ask our
Virtuoso Travel Specialists to help guide you to the best vacation
suited for you.
A small island nation with a culture steeped in
revered, ancient traditions, modern Japan has embraced all that the
20th and 21st centuries have to offer.
Here, industrial complexes thrive in perfect harmony with kimono-clad women and willow-draped temples.
Indeed, Japan is a place of ancient gods and customs, and the
cutting edge of cool modernity. High-speed trains whisk you from one
end of the country to another with frightening punctuality. You can
catch sight of a farmer tending his paddy field, then turn the corner
and find yourself next to a neon-festooned electronic games parlor in
the suburb of a sprawling metropolis. One day you could be picking
through the fashions in the biggest department store on earth, the next
relaxing in an outdoor hot-spring pool, watching cherry blossom or snow
flakes fall, depending on the season. Amidst this setting of serene natural beauty, the past and present blend in perfect harmony in Japan.
Japan is a stable, highly developed
parliamentary democracy with a modern economy. Tourist facilities are
widely available. Japanese tourists are a familiar sight around the
world, but what about foreign tourists in Japan? In fact, there is a
huge numerical imbalance between Japanese who travel overseas and
foreign visitors to Japan. To stimulate inbound tourism, Japan's
Ministry of Transport announced Welcome Plan 21 in 1996, an initiative
designed to double the number of international arrivals by 2005. For
travelers this means: newly designated theme regions that showcase
different aspects of Japanese scenery and culture; reduced costs of
tourist site admission, transport and accommodations; and increased
availability of route information, signs and guide services in English. |
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