Japan

Land of the Rising Sun

Fast Facts• capital: Tokyo• population: 127,368,088 (July 2012)• languages: Japanese• ethnic groups: Japanese 99%; other 1% (Korean, Chinese,

Brazilian) • religions: observe both Shinto and Buddhist 84%; other 16%• total land area: 377,835 km2 ; total water area: 3,091km2 • land elevation: -4 m (below sea level) to 3,776 m (Mt. Fuji)• government: constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary

gov’t.• currency: Yen (1 CAD = 79.66 JPY)• Japan’s economy experienced a major slowdown starting in the

1990s after nearly 30 years of unprecedented growth• today, Japan is a major economic power in Asia and around

the world, and is a loyal ally of the US

Japan for the Tourist!• All foreign visitors are required to have a valid

passport. To stay for a period of three months or less, Canadians do not need a visa.

• Be aware of cultural customs and traditions (ie. sitting on the floor, bowing, taking off your shoes, speaking Japanese, using restrooms, accommodations, bathing, eating, blowing your nose, etc…)

• Booking tours and/or hiring a tour guide is definitely recommended.

• Use the local transportation – one of the world’s most highly developed systems – just study it a little before.

• If you want to experience the spirit of Japan, be sure to check out its various festivals, its traditional performing arts, its exotic cuisine, its relaxing hot springs, its unique art, its beautiful gardens, its rich museums, its exciting theme parks, and its upscale shopping.

Accommodations in Japan

POD HOTELS

• Japan is divided into newly designated “theme regions” that showcase different aspect of Japanese scenery and culture.

• This makes it easier for the tourist to see as much of Japan as possible!

SPEAKING JAPANESE...yes – “hai”

thank you – “arigato”

no – “iye”

your welcome – “doi tashi mashito”

meal blessing – “itta daki mas”

where – “doko”

what – “nani”

where is the toilet – “tole wa doko desuka”

good morning – “ohayo gozai mas

good afternoon – “konni chiwa”

good bye – “sayonara”

excuse me – “sumi masen”

please – “onegai”