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Japan is a fascinating country.

And one I've been too around 4 times. However, I've not visited as a tourist, but stayed with family. So, I have to admit I know little about staying in the hotels, or arranging excursions. I've not travelled widely all over Japan. But I've been to Tokyo many times, to Yokohama, and up to Nikko (World Heritage site just north of Tokyo) and many times up and down the Chiba Peninsula. All of them on public transport. So, I've been lucky to get glimpses of the Japan that few tourists see.

However, there are many experiences I can share with you if this is a country you're planning to visit. I've been there at Christmas time, but mostly in the middle of their very hot, humid summers.

Firstly, transport is excellent. There is a train system which runs efficiently from both the airport terminals in Narita. Efficient is a good word to use about being in Japan, as everything runs on time, and is good value. The railways, buses, and taxis. Taxis are clean, the drivers dressed smartly with white gloves, and the doors open electronically for you as you get in.

The larger rail and subway stations are big, very busy, and have lots of cafes, shops, food stalls in them. You'll see traditional Noodle Bars full of business men on their way home, next too fast food places more familiar to us in the west. Many station names are in English as well as Japanese, especially in stations nearer to the bigger cities and towns. However, English is a not a common language. Japan is also very Americanised, so expect to see lots of pictures of US TV shows. They also love basketball here. Karaoke, however, is popular everywhere.

Tokyo is a huge, sprawling city with many different areas to visit. All of them accessible on the comprehensive subway system. There is a circle line that goes all the way around Tokyo, called the Yamanote Line.

Some of the areas:

. Ginza Street is one of the most photographed images of Tokyo.
. The Emperor's Royal Palace with it's gardens and gate houses which are walking distance from Tokyo Station.
. The main temple at Asakusa - Senso-Ji Temple.
. The 2 big Marenouchi Buildings - large shopping mall and department stores, in the Marunouchi office district.
. Shibuya and Harajuku - teen oriented fashionable shopping districts - young people are very fashion conscious in Japan.
. The harbour area and river trips over to Odaiba Seaside Park - a big outside leisure area with entertainment, shops and restaurants.
. Tokyo Tower - Tokyo's Eiffel Tower look alike. Not that attractive when close too!
. Prince Hotel at the Sunshine City complex - 60 floors up is a conservatory bar, which has huge picture windows on 3 sides. This offers wonderful views of Tokyo, especially at night.

Yokohama - is further around Tokyo Bay, can be reached by bus, or train from Tokyo, and is worth a visit. Especially to see it's harbour front, and it's China Town.

Disney Resort and Disney Sea - are also a short distance from Tokyo by train. It takes around 20 mins on the Keio Line out from the main Tokyo Station. Get off at Maihama. From there you can walk to the Disney Resort, or catch a Disney train around to Disney Sea. Aim to do one park per day. Disney Sea is partially good during summertime.

The seasons -
In April you may be lucky to catch the cherry blossom, which is out in profusion for a short time. June and early July is the rainy season, and it can rain! In summer you'll catch a host of summer firework festivals, each town and district have their own, and many people wear their summer kimonos during these celebrations.

Winter is cold, but usually with blue skies. At Christmas they do have wonderful festive lights everywhere, but it's not celebrated here, and the 25 December is a normal working day. Most people have a 5 day break over the New Year period, which is a important family time.

I hope I've given you a glimpse of Japan. It is a country of many things, and if you do travel there, I hope you see some of the unique sides to it which I've been lucky to see. Give me a call, if you want any further information. Sayonara!