Evaluation Exercise 9

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Mid-term report

JAPAN

From the primeval forests of the historical Nara region to the outrageous, cutting edge fashion display in Shibuya, totally wired by an electronic-mobile phone culture: this contrast of past and future is Japan! There are three dominant social-cultural themes characteristic of contemporary Japan you will notice as you travel around Japan: the revered, rich Cultural-Historic Japan, the Eco-Natural Living and Natural Heritage of Japan and the futuristic Digital (digi) Japan - they live in the 22nd century already

Travel Planning to Japan

There is always considerable cost savings and convenience from booking a reservation in a group tour of Japan. Consider which of the 2 type of travelling arrangements you prefer: a member of a Group Tour or an Independent Traveller - Business Traveller and Tourist.Depending on where you live you should contact a travel agent who specializes in arranging Group tours to Japan ,or for the independent traveller, depending on your budget, you can arrange all your travel reservations, such as airline ticket purchase at your local travel agencies. Again, it really depends on your personality, your travel experience and self-reliance; your budget and time constraints; and your level of proficient in the Japanese language.

Japan is Safe and Secure as a Tourist Destination

There is no political uncertainty or threat of terrorism in Japan. The local crime is extremely low for an Asian country, and compared to a Western country: paradise. In fact, most foreigners in Japan are safer than local people: there is respect given to foreigners from all levels of Japanese society. The people are very friendly and will go out of their way to help you enjoy your stay in Japan...for more detail see our Hospitality and Safety in Japan

MAPS of JAPAN

Accommodations in Japan

Tokyo is considered a major metropolis similar to London and New York and therefore offers an impressive and diverse selection of accommodations. In Japan, hotels range from first class, Luxurious Hotels - in either western or Japanese style; to the midrange Business Hotels, to the no-frills Budget Hotels including the uniquely Japanese capsule Hotels.

If you are looking for authentic Japanese accommodation experience consider Minshuku - the Japanese version of the B&B ( bed and breakfast), and the Ryokan - the traditional Japanese style inn or resort.

For longer term stays look for furnished serviced apartments specially prepared to cater to foreign visitors. Long term accommodations range from luxurious condominiums to conveniently located budget apartment rentals in Central Tokyo.Accommodation in Tokyo will be your major expense and should not be considered lightly, since it will ultimately determine the quality and length of your holiday. Always consider accommodation within walking distance of a major train/subway station for easy and convenient transit access to all what Tokyo offers!

Kakenagashi

Kakenagashi is fresh and not recycled hot spring water Onsen. With Kakenagashi, the hot spring water keeps running in the bath tub and is kept fresh and clean. Usually a Geyser is the fountainhead, underneath the Onsen, where the hot spring water originates, so water in this type of Onsen is pure and fresh.

Health Benefits of Onsen

Onsen water is often thought to have healing powers according to its mineral properties and onsens often have several different baths, each augmented by the addition of different minerals or the composition of the tub.

To receive the full benefit of the healing powers of the hot spring water on you body, it is better not to wash your body by shower or hot water after getting out of the tub. But, remember, please check with the staff at the Onsen about the effects of the minerals on your body.

The water at some Onsen in Japan is possible to drink, however, some Onsen water has strong minerals that can be toxic if congested. So, you should ask the staff if the water is drinkable or not, before entering Onsen.

Here is a relaxation tip: rest your body completely for at least 30 minutes after taking Onsen. You will feel rejuvenated and ready for more travel in Japan.

Attractions

Tourist Attractions in Japan

Japan has an incredible variety of museums, galleries, shrines and temples to keep you preoccupied for many days. In the city of Tokyo there is a wide spectrum of places to visit, from the very distinguished Imperial Palace, home of the Emperor and past shogunates, to the legendary Tokyo Tower, an urban landmark in many Godzilla movies

Major Tourist City Sections of Tokyo

Ginza

An exclusive, upscale shopping area, where many top brand stores are located. Ginza is also known for the Kabukiza Theatre and Shinbashi Enbujo, showcasing traditional Japanese theatre and performance arts. Recommended Accommodations Also known as Electric Town, which has the biggest collection of electronic shops in the world, and widely known by many people coming to shop from all over the world.

Shinjuku

A business area of Tokyo that has the Tokyo City Hall and many high-rise complexes. In the Kabukicho area of Shinjuku, there is one of the biggest amusement squares in Japan. Shinjuku also has a good variety of restaurants with reasonable prices.

Asakusa

Along the road that heads towards the Sensoji Temple from Kaminarimon gate, are many shops selling traditional Japanese gifts and sweets. The ambiance of the area retains the nostalgic and traditional atmosphere of an old town, reflecting the time when the city of Tokyo was called Edo, in the Edo period.

Roppongi

A very trendy area and considered the international area of Tokyo. Roppongi is one of the many 'a city within a city' areas of Tokyo.

Odaiba

A newly developed waterfront and island area in Tokyo bay. There are many interesting attractions like an unique hot spring spa facility, major TV station, shopping malls and much more.

Food

Ishiyaki imo

If you are living or visiting Japan, every now and then you may hear a recorded tune with someone singing 'ya-ki imo, ishiyaki imo' meaning sweet potato baked over hot stones.

Kuri

Kuri (Japanese chestnuts) symbolize the coming of the fall season in Japan. The simplest way to eat kuri is to boil or roast the chestnuts.

Instant food

In Japan instant food is a food culture of its own because of the variety that can be found.

Natto

Natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans, usually eaten with soy sauce and karashi mustard.

Chirashizushi

There are many types of sushi in Japan besides nigiri or makizushi (rolled sushi) which perhaps are the two most familiar to people.

Event

Gakuensai

Gakuensai, also called bunkasai or gakusai is a Japanese School Festival that is held annually in the fall at most schools in Japan from junior high to university.

Fireworks Festivals

August in Japan is all about fireworks festivals. The largest festivals can have up to 42,000 fireworks attracting more than 1,390,000 spectators.

Japanese style BBQ

Food at Japanese barbeques is a bit different from what you may be familiar with. It is more of a grill than a barbeque since many of the ingredients are cut into small pieces to be grilled quickly on charcoal.

－Zouni－

Japanese New Year, shogatsu, one of the most important holidays in Japan, is from January 1st to the 3rd during which many special dishes are prepared.

Tsukimi

Tsukimi, or moon viewing, is a longstanding tradition that began among the royal court elites who would gather beneath the full moon to write poems and drink sake.

Yatai

Typical dishes that are sold at yatai are fried noodles (yakisoba), octopus balls (takoyaki), pan-fried batter cake (okonomiyaki), broiled whole squid (ikayaki), grilled chicken skewers (yakitori), hot pot (oden), grilled corn, and sausages.

Osechi ryori

Osechi ryori is special food that is cooked to celebrate the New Year in Japan. It consists of numerous dishes eaten throughout the New Year’s holidays until about January 3rd.

Source : www.digi-promotion.com/tokyo-info/info-tokyo.html