Japan is an island nation
Holidays in beach resorts in Japan, first of all, is popular among the Japanese themselves.
Beach vacations are possible on Okinawa from mid-May to September, or year-round on Saipan.
So far, in the minds of European (and especially Russian) tourists, the Land of the Rising Sun is associated more with cognitive tourism than with simple relaxation on sandy beaches.
The southern tropical islands of Japan, especially Okinawa, are one of the best places in the world for diving. The warm oceanic current of Kuroshio contributes to the formation of a unique community of aquatic life and fauna of these places, which attracts, with the very beauty of divers from all over the world.
Most museums are open to visitors from 10:00 to 17:00 daily, including days of national holidays. In many museums, Monday is a day off.
The number of traditions and rituals, mandatory or recommended for compliance, is simply huge. Almost all spheres of the country’s life are permeated by a network of traditions and ceremonies, this is especially noticeable in communication between people and in public life.
It is not accepted to smoke in public places, in offices, at stations and platforms of the railway, as well as in houses and cars without the permission of the owner. You can’t step on the straw mats with your foot on the Tatami mat – this is regarded as sacrilege. This is especially true for homes or temple visits. You should also change shoes in special slippers before and after visiting the toilet.
Handshakes are not accepted, they are replaced by bows, and the “return” of bows is required with the same frequency and reverence that the other side demonstrates.
In cafes and restaurants – the Japanese either divide the bill equally between all the diners, or one pays for all. Requesting a separate bill for three or more people is not accepted and is considered bad form.
Widely known and the “passion” of the Japanese to hygiene and cleanliness. With regard to the cleanliness of the streets and Japan as a whole, then, without a doubt, you will be surprised by the fact that the streets, with a small number of ballot boxes on them, are very clean. The fact is that the Japanese have not decided to “go and eat” at the same time. Therefore, if you encounter the problem that there is nowhere to throw out the garbage, you will have to carry it to the nearest garbage containers, which are usually 3 – one for fireproof garbage (objects made of metal and glass), the other for combustible garbage (paper, plastic ..), and the third for food waste.
Guests of the country should remember that foreign languages are not common in Japan. To meet an English-speaking passerby on the street is one chance in a hundred. However, lost tourists will certainly be helped – not by passers-by, but by the police, whose duties include the delivery of lost foreigners to hotels.
Be careful when purchasing electrical appliances in Japan that you intend to use when you return to Russia. Far from every store sells devices and appliances that will operate on an electrical network with a voltage of 220V.
A card for travelers (Welcome Card, or Culture Card) – such a card, along with a guidebook is provided free of charge to foreign tourists traveling in Japan. It makes it possible to get discounts and additional services in art galleries, museums, on excursions, in shops, restaurants, hotels, when traveling by transport.
