1. The capital city of Japan is Tokyo it is

the world’s most popular metropolis. Today Tokyo offers unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment, and culture.

Climate: Japan’s climate is temperate, though conditions are less than ideal; grey and drizzly days are all too common. Summer is warm and humid and winter is chilly. Rain is common from March- October. Spring is the best time to visit because of the cool weather. 

Language:  Japanese, English

Religion: Buddhism, Shintoism

Culture: Japanese are very formal, Handshaking is acceptable, and bowing is still the custom. Japanese are astonishingly helpful to foreign visitors.  

Currency: Yen

REQUIRMENTS:

Flight from Toronto (YYZ)- Tokyo (HND):

·         Direct: Air Canada, ANA, WestJet

·         Other: Air China, Japan Airlines, Turkish Airline, Emirates, Qatra, Scandinavian airlines, Alitalia, Etihad, Australian Airline, Air France, Cathay Pacific, KLM, LOT polish airlines, Korean Air, Hainan Airline, British airways, China eastern, Delta, American Airlines, Eva air

By air:  Tokyo has two airports, Narita Airport and Haneda Airport

By Shinkansen: Most lead to Tokyo. Trip from Osaka/Kyoto takes 3 hours. There are many direct trains going to the airport.

Upon arrival, Canadians are required to present a passport that must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of expected departure. 

Visas permits for tourists are for a maximum stay of 90 days. Overstaying an entry permit or any other type of Japanese visa is a criminal offence. If overstay your visa will be subject to deportation and may be barred from re-entry to Japan.  Business traveller required a business visa if they are to receive compensation in addition to their regular salary for work carried out while in Japan. If you consider working in Japan, you must have a work”’. visa from Japanese government. 

To visit Japan you must have an onward or return ticket.

Health: Measles (July 16 2015)

GETTING AROUND:

Tokyo is covered by trains, subways and bus lines. Tokyo trains line is operated by 2 companies and non-largely inside the Yamanote circle and the areas around Ginza and Shitamachi.

Day passes are available in the Tokyo area. Prepaied IC Card is recommended way to get around. They don’t give you any discounts over single tickets however they give you more convenience as you can ride in any train/bus in Greater Tokyo. Two types of IC Cards are Suica card at JR Stations and Pasmo card at non- JR Station.

Only on days when you use the train a lot:

·         TOKYO FREE KIPPU (TOKYO TOUR TICKET): Unlimited use of all subway lines and JR trains in the central Tokyo area on one calendar day. Ticket also can be used on buses and streetcars. 

·         TOKYO SUBWAY TICKETS: Unlimited use of all subway lines. Not valid on JR trains. Pass is sold at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport and Bic Camera electronic stores in central Tokyo to foreign tourist only. 

·         TOEI AND TOKYO METRO ONE DAT ECONOMY PASS: Unlimited use of all subway lines on one calendar day. The pass only pays off if you use the subway excessively. Pass is not valid on JR trains.

·         TOKYO METRO 1 DAY TICKET: Unlimited use of the nine Tokyo Metro subway lines. Can’t be used on the Four Toei subway line and JR trains. Ticket can be purchased through ticket machines at Tokyo Metro Stations.

·         TOEI ONE DAT ECONOMY PASS: Unlimited use on the four Toei subway lines, busses and streetcars on one of the calendar day. Not valid on the nine Tokyo Metro subway lines and JR trains. 

·         Tokunai Pass: Unlimited use of JR trains in the central Tokyo area. Pass is available at the purple vending machines and ticket counters at JR station. 

Car rentals and taxies are also another option of transportation.

FACTORS THAT MOTIVATE VISITORS:

·         Japan has a unique, exotic, and ancient culture

·         The level of service, efficiency, and creature comforts is astonishingly high

·         The countryside has great natural beauty

·         Safe place to visit

·         It’s a very important business destination.

POSSIBLE MISGIVINGS:

·         “It’s not safe to go to Japan”. No major attractions or tourist destinations suffered significant damage from the event of 2011.

·         “I don’t know Japan” Many Japanese speak English, especially in business.

·         “Japanese culture is deferent, I’ll feel lost there.” Of all the Asian nations Japan may be the most Westernized   

ATTRACTIONS:

Tsukiji Fish Market: Large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables in central Tokyo. It is famous over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, meat, produce and flowers. The sight og the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy atmosphere the scooters, trucks, sellers and buyers hurrying around, make the place a major tourist attraction.

·         Visiting the tuna auction: Limited to 120 per day, the maximum number which the market’s infrastructure can accommodate. Tourists who wish to see the auction have to apply at the Osakana Fukyu Center (Fish information center) at the Kachidoki Gate at 5:00am or earlier on busy days. This attraction is a first come first basis.

·         Visiting other areas of the market: Tourist are encouraged to visit the outer market, which is located just adjacent to the inner market and caters to the public. It consists of a few blocks of small retail shops and restaurants.  https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3021.html

Akihabara (Akiba): district in central Tokyo which is famous for its electronics shops. There are hundreds of electronics shops, ranging from tiny one man stalls specializing in particular electronic component to large electronics retailers, line the main Chuo Dori Street and the crowded side street around Akihabara. In addisition to shops, various animation related establishment have become popular in the area such as maid cafe (waitresses dress up and act like maids or anime characters), manga cafes (type of internet cade where customers can read comics and watch DVDs on the internet). 

Koishikawa Korakuea: One of the oldest and best Japanese gardens. It was built in the early Edo Period at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. Attractive throughout the year, late November and early December are the best one of the best times to go if you want to visit the fall maple trees. Also during the plum season from mid February- march and during the cherry blossom season will be the time to visit.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_003.html

The Imperial Palace: Located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo. Home of the emperor. Though the palace itself is closed to tourist 

Ginza: The most recognizable area of the city, famous up market shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring high fashion shops, restaurants, theaters, and very expensive nightlife.  Most shops are open every day of the week.  Best day to visit are on weekends and afternoons where the central Chuo Dori streets close.

Tokyo Dome City: Leisure complex consisting of the Toyko Dome baseball stadium, amusement park, LaQua spa, a variety of shops and restaurants and a hotel. Best accessed from Suidobashi station the JR Chuo Line. 

Tsukishima: manmade Island in Tokyo Bay, across the channel from Tskijj fish market. Best known for monjaki, a kind of runny pancake with different ingredients, such as seafood, meat and vegetables mixed into the batter.

Yurakucho: Offers a wealth of shopping and dining opportunities. More approachable, relaxed atmosphere than it’s upscale neighbor. Restaurants are extended for a few hundred meters both north ad south of the statio. Eateries under the train tracks are authentic izakaya and yakitori joints where one can grab a cold beer and some good food. 

Tokyo Tower: 33 meters high in the center of Tokyo, world’s tallest, selg supported steel tower and 12 meters taller than its model, the Eiffel tower.

Tokyo Disneyland: Theme park just outside the city. Very similar to the other Disneyland. There are seven themed lands and features.

·         World Bazzaar: Main entrance to the oarj, shopping arcade lined by shops and restaurants.

·         Tomorrowland: themes of outer space and future technologies. Home to popular attractions such as Space Mountain, Star Tour and Buzz Lightyear’s AstroBlasters.

·         Toontown: Suburban toon neighborhood where Disney characters live, work and play. Targeted to younger audience.

·         Fantastyland: Classic animated films by Disney and it’s home to the iconic Cinderella’s Castle at the center of the park.

·         Westernland: Themed after the US western frontier along the River of America. Popular for its rollercoaster.

·         Adventureland: Attraction that encompass the spirit of adventure. Enjoy jungle cruise, explore the Swiss Family Treehouuse etc.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3016_land.html

Mt.Fuji: Famous volcanic mountain which erupted in 1708. Stands on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka.  Climbing excursions to the mountain’s summit take palce in July/August.