Japan

Japanese culture has evolved greatly throughout the millennium. Throughout history, Japan had remained isolated from outsider nations, primarily due to its location, and as a result, has developed a…

The original Oklahoma state flag was a white star on a red background, with the number 46 inside the star, because Oklahoma was the 46th state to enter the U.S. This was changed in 1925, because…

The official currency of Japan is the yen. Both paper banknotes and metal coins are used and range in denominations from 1 yen up to 10,000 yen. The currency is similar to the U.S. system in that the…

Electrical outlets vary from country to country. While the United States predominately uses Type A and B plugs and sockets, Russia uses Type C and F plugs and sockets. Not only are they shaped…

For many who travel abroad, it can seem easy to take for granted their re-entry into their home country. They are already citizens, and the assumption is that the hard part---getting into a foreign…

The Tasco Japan 4x15 rifle scope uses elevator and windage control dials to help zero in on the vertical and horizontal levels. Two optic lenses cap the ends of the optic barrel. The scope attaches to…

Monaco is a small principality surrounded on three sides by France. It has a population of nearly 33,000 (according to the 2009 census) and an area of about 0.8 square miles. Although Monaco shares…

Calling Japan is almost as easy as making a domestic call within the United States. The only things to bear in mind are the time differences, the extra digits required for international access,…

Mitsubishi produced the MU-2 aircraft in four models: Marquis, MU-2F, MU-2J and the Solitaire. Each version employed the use of a different engine; however, Garrett AiResearch manufactured every motor…

Use your electronics in Japan with few adaptations. Japan uses a similar voltage to that used in the United States. We use 110 - 120 volts, while Japan uses 100. Most of our electronics work in that…

Japan, like most countries, inspects and restricts agricultural items entering the country. Most vegetable seeds are allowed into Japan after inspection. Seeds and all other plant matter are subject…

Gotemba is located in the Shizuoka prefecture of Japan. It is situated midway between Tokyo and the summit of Mount Fuji. Local highlights include the white pagodas and Buddha statues in Peace Park,…

The Japanese empire ruled the islands of Japan and a number of overseas territories for more than half a century until it was destroyed toward the end of World War II. As the only non-Western empire…

Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan and serves as the capital of the Kanagawa Prefecture with a population of more than three million people. Since opening to foreign trade in 1858, the city…

Conveniently located 30 minutes from Tokyo by train, Yokohama is Japan's second largest city with one of the biggest international ports in the nation and is home to a diverse international community.…

Saluting is a common way for people to greet one another in Japanese culture. The hand salute is generally used by Japanese military personnel upon coming in to contact with other military persons…

Japan and the United States have good international relations. They work together to make travel to and from these countries complication-free. To visit relatives in Japan, all you need is a passport…

The ability to place international phone calls is a valuable skill in an age where the business world is increasingly global. While email is efficient for quick and casual communications, there is no…

While Japan and America have slightly different electrical voltage standards, it is possible to use American appliances in Japan with few to no problems. The American standard voltage is 110 volts…

In Japan, toilet training for children begins at a young age, typically at 3 or 4. Because the issue of bowel movements is closely connected with health and well-being, discussion of toilet training…

For Americans, working in Japan without a four-year bachelor's degree can be tricky. Those of other nationalities have other options, such as the Working Holiday Visa, but the easiest way for…

Earthquake preparedness and safety are important in Japan, since it sees more seismic activity than almost anywhere else in the world. The Tokyo area is expected to experience a dangerous earthquake…

All countries have different laws concerning in the import of goods, whether the goods are for business or personal use. For example, there may be restrictions on the amount of an item one may import,…

If you are traveling in Japan and do not have a calling card or cell phone and want to call home you need to use a collect calling number. This number allows you to call home without paying a dime…

The unit of money in Japan is the Yen. US. money is referred to in terms of dollars and cents, and British money in terms of pounds and pence, but there is only one term for Japanese money, and that…

Japan's monetary unit is the yen, which has been used since 1871 and whose value in recent years has hovered around one U.S. cent. Presently, Japan issues paper money in denominations of 1,000, 2,000,…

Japan offers a rich cultural heritage for visitors to the country to explore, with no shortage of sights and experiences to fill your day. The country also has a vibrant and lively nightlife, and…

Japan is a fascinating country that blends traditions with cutting-edge technology and modern cultural developments. The citizens are proverbially cordial toward "gaijin" (foreigners), especially…

Planning a trip to Japan, whether a person is moving there on a temporary or permanent basis, requires knowledge of its immigration laws. Japan, like other countries, has immigration laws that change…

YMCAs in Japan offer English instruction. To secure an English teaching position with the YMCA in Japan, a teacher should generally have a degree from a university and some Teaching English as a…

Japan is known for having one of the largest, most extensive mass transportation systems in the world, with stops in nearly every location---from the major cities to the most rural areas. This enables…

There's a specific protocol expected in Japanese bathroom use. Learn the expectations so you don't embarrass your host or yourself. You can do as you please if you are in a hotel with a private…

Japan is one of the world's largest economies. Its wealth and robust business culture make it a desirable location for international companies. Businesses new to Japan need to be aware of several…

Changing money in Japan is fairly straightforward: choose your location (airport, bank, post office or hotel), indicate your desire, and fill out the brief form. The Japanese staff will assist you…

Whether you're traveling to Japan or want to use your own electronics while living there, you have to be careful to convert U.S. electronic devices to Japanese outlets. Fortunately, the voltage output…

Living in Japan can be an exciting prospect, but it can also be difficult and confusing. Moving can be stressful enough, but that trepidation can be exacerbated when you are relocating to a country…

Taking note of electrical plug differences between countries is important for keeping your electronic devices running well. Many plugs will work both in the United States and Japan, but there are…

Japan offers many culinary delights for the vegetarian traveler. Larger cities provide more choices in vegetarian dining, but a complete vegetarian meal can be created by combining several commonly…

Yokohama is part of the densely populated greater Tokyo area, also known as the Tokyo megalopolis. The city sits on the Tokyo Bay, where it experiences a climate similar to that of the surrounding…

Nara, Japan, is known for its many temples, including Todaiji, which houses the largest statue of Buddha in the world. A bonus for animal lovers who visit Nara are the 1,200 enthusiastically friendly…

You've probably made instant ramen noodles before, but through a workshop offered in Japan, you can make the treat from scratch. The Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka, Japan, offers a…

One of the most interesting -- and relaxing -- activities that a visitor can experience in Japan is bathing in an onsen, or hot springs. Onsens can range from those found at large public bath houses…

Japan's city of Yokohama is booming, with a population of 3.5 million people. Nearly the entire city was rebuilt after a major earthquake that set the city ablaze with fires in 1923. Planners…

Japan may be a small country in terms of land mass, but it's also one that thinks big. Amid a collection of huge malls and shopping centers, Japan's very largest is the AEON LakeTown Mall. It…

After the United States developed the atomic bomb during World War II, the analysts of the Manhattan Project debated over which city in Japan they should drop the bomb to ensure a speedy surrender.…

Europe isn't the only place to see medieval castles. Japan's beautiful, ornate feudal castles rival the best anywhere in the world. In the 15th century, Japan's government broke apart into many small,…

Of all the Japanese foods, sushi is the most well-known across the world. In the U.S., going out for proper sushi can put a dent in your wallet, but eating in sushi in Japan is a quick and cheap…

In Japan, karaoke is far more than a festival of drunken crooning. For many Japanese, and especially for young people, karaoke can form the bedrock of social outings. Japanese karaoke bars, meanwhile,…

Sumo wrestlers train for years to compete the way that they do, even if their matches can only last for a few seconds at a time. But for foreign visitors, much of the appeal of the sport comes from…

A trip to Japan is not complete without at least one night's stay at a traditional Janapese inn, or ryokan. The ryokan often resembles a plain wooden structure on the outside, usually two or three…

Visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun have several options regarding accommodations, but perhaps no other as immersing as homestays. These programs place the traveler in a typical Japanese family…

Though travelers to Japan are generally at low risk for contracting foreign diseases, a number of basic immunizations should be considered before going there. It is especially important to seek the…

If you have ever wanted to learn how to speak Japanese, what better way than to study in Japan. While you are there learning the Japanese language you can take advantage of the opportunity to learn…

Adjusting to life in Japan is not an easy thing to do for most non-Asian foreigners. This is because Japan has a culture that has different social expectations for its residents and different…

Before practicing origami or visiting a mysterious Zen rock garden during your next visit to Japan, you should ensure that you can use your cell phone in an emergency. Just follow these steps.

The Narita Express (N'EX) is operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The train serves the Narita International Airport and a number of metropolitan train stations in the greater Tokyo…

Japan Railways (JR) connects all major cities across the nation and is an affordable, comfortable way to make long-distance trips in Japan, although shorter trips and commuter trains tend to be overly…