| Known as the "Land of the Rising Sun" Japan is a | | | | central heating, so it can be miserably cold indoors. |
| country where the past meets the future. Japanese | | | | Best to head south to Okinawa. For skiing, head to |
| history stretches back thousands of years, yet the | | | | Hokkaido and northeast Japan, but be prepared to |
| latest modern fashions and trends have originated or | | | | be blasted by cold Siberian winds. |
| been taken up by the Japanese. Japan has | | | | The Pacific coast of Honshu, where most of the |
| undergone periods of openness and isolation | | | | major cities are located does have milder winters |
| throughout its history, yet despite this, Japanese | | | | than the Sea of Japan coast. Although just an hour |
| culture has retained many native Japanese customs. | | | | travel apart, it may be snowing in Kyoto yet |
| Japan is an island situated in the Pacific Ocean. Its | | | | sprinkling rain in Osaka! |
| nearest neighbours are Korea, China and Russia. | | | | As a UK passport holder you can visit Japan for up |
| Almost 99% of Japan's population is of Japanese | | | | to 90 days without a visa. However, you must carry |
| ethnicity. | | | | your passport with you at all times. It's not |
| Renowned for their politeness, the Japanese are | | | | uncommon for random checks to be made and if |
| thrilled to have visitors to their country. They will | | | | you haven't got it with you, you could be detained |
| always offer to help you particularly if you look lost | | | | until someone can fetch it for you! |
| and bewildered. | | | | There are three main airports in Japan, Narita Airport |
| Japan enjoys four seasons and if you've a flexible | | | | (NRT) near Tokyo or Kansai Airport (KIX) near |
| travel schedule then the best time to go to Japan is | | | | Osaka or Chubu International Airport (NGO) near |
| Spring or Autumn. Spring time in Japan occurs in | | | | Nagoya. |
| March to April. The temperatures are warm but not | | | | Although a significant distance from their respective |
| too hot and there's not much rain. | | | | city centres, they are well linked by rail and bus. |
| Autumn starts in September and temperature and | | | | Japan has two major airlines, Japan Airlines and All |
| humidity are more tolerable, although the southern | | | | Nippon Airways. British Airways flies to Japan from |
| parts of Japan are more vulnerable to typhoons in | | | | the UK and many other cities. |
| early autumn. | | | | The way to get the best flight deals is to book early. |
| Summer starts in June with the rainy season and by | | | | Another tip is to sign up for the airlines loyalty |
| July/August, the humidity and heat of 40 deg C turns | | | | programmes. As a loyalty card holder you'll be given |
| Japan into a steambath. The best place to be then is | | | | the opportunity to take advantage of a wide range |
| the northern Hokkaido or the mountains of Chuba | | | | of offers that aren't available to the general public. |
| and Tohoku where it's a bit more bearable. | | | | Visit all the travel websites and they will show you all |
| Winter is great time for skiing or hot-spring hopping. | | | | the offers from the major airlines and you'll save |
| However, beware as some buildings don't have | | | | yourself a heap or money and time. |