Japan

The Japanese kitchen includes a lot more than the Sushi that it is world famous for. The food is basically very lean, with lots of vegetables, rice, seafood and fish. From these simple ingredients, the Japanese have created many delicious dishes. These are always presented beautifully or wrapped, so that they melt in your mouth.

Japan has a very rich culture which can be seen in every part of the country. Particularly fascinating is the mixture between the very dominant Japanese traditions, that are absolutely loved, and the super modern technology, that dominates the cities. The Japanese are known as being very polite, very industrious and very discreet. As a foreigner it is almost impossible to be accepted and integrated into the Japanese culture. Despite this, visitors never feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. The Japanese are far too polite for that.

Between the beaches of Okinawas, to the snow covered mountain peaks in Hokkaido, the landscape of Japan is incredibly versatile. Flat plains with large cities flow into hills and mountainous areas. Water is a major element in Japan, whether it be the ocean or a river flowing through the landscape. The most famous plant is the Cherry Tree, that turns the whole country into a sweet smelling, pink shaded carpet in Spring.
Many of the mountains in the country are volcanic, and along with the regular earthquakes that are felt, they can be traced to the active tectonic plates below.

Japan has a Parlamentary Monarchy. The country is very stable and at peace. Japan has a King who represents the Monarchy, but he no longer has the power that he enjoyed in the past.

Japan has a very moving history. Since approx. 10'000 BC. many dynasties have reigned over Japan and each has contributed to the infrastructure which functions so well today. Japan still has a King, he maintains the role of representing the Monarchy. For many Japanese the King is an important figure. Conflict with their biggest neighbour China still continues today, and a very sad and very important event in the history of Japan is the atomic bomb that was dropped by the Americans over Hiroshima during the second world war.

Even today the country still relies heavily on traditions that were practised by their ancestors. These traditions have been built up with a lot of investment in technology. This has given the country even more stability and not an unimportant role in world economy.

Japan

The country of the rising sun fascinates with its unique combination of traditional Asian culture and modern Western technology.
This Island State stretches over 3'800 km, rising out of the Pacific Ocean and the Japanese Sea.
Colorful, fast cities, and a landscape of rice fields and forests - that's Japan! Most of the tourist and cultural attractions are to be found on the main island of Honshu.

The country of the rising sun has a fascinating mix of traditional Asian culture and modern Western technology. The most beautiful temple grounds are to be seen amongst modern skyscrapers. The city abodes over the length of the whole island: 3’800 kilometers rising out of the Pacific Ocean and the Japanese Sea. Fascinating big cities, rice fields, and forrests flow into one another. The main tourist and cultural attractions can be found on the island of Honshu.

Even though many Japanese, many young Japanese, travel abroad to learn English, you cannot rely on finding someone that speaks English in Japan. Many signs in the street and in train stations, are only written in Japanese. At the Airport and in bigger train stations signs can be found in English. For a pleasant stay in Japan, a basic knowledge of Japanese or English is necessary.

The Japanese culture is fascinating because it is so different. Before you take a trip to Japan, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the most important social habits and rules, in order to avoid insulting anyone. Due to the extremely polite nature of the Japanese, you may not even realise when you have offfended someone. However, if you try to adapt and show that you are interested in the Japanese culture, and that you respect them, you will get a better insight into the life in Japan.

Spring or Autumn are the best times to visit this cultural paradise. The climate during this time of year is mild and comfortable. In summer it is quite humid almost tropical, and in Winter it can be very cold, particularly in the north, with the high mountains.

A stay in Japan is an unforgetable and fascinating experience that should not be missed.