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Japan
National Tourist Organization (Jan.
2003)
Greetings to the
readers of VOICE OF SUSHI & TOFU.
Naoaki Amaya; Executive
Director
 Hello
and how are you, readers of VOICE OF SUSHI & TOFU!
We presume that people like you, who are gourmets of Japanese
cuisine, also have an interest in the country and culture that
have created those wonderful Japanese foods. The Japan National
Tourist Organization (JNTO), an overseas agency of the Japanese
government, operates as an office of tourism and can assist you in
your travel plans to Japan. Here we offer a few tips for traveling
in Japan.
- Things to enjoy
in Japan
Japan is not only about Sushi. There are many other
fascinating things about Japan. Let us introduce some of them.
- Japanese Culture
 Experience
a very unique culture in which 2000-year old tradition is
melded with the modern pulse of a nation whose economy is 2nd
largest in the world after America. This is a valuable and
exquisite experience for you during your stay in Japan.
In Kyoto, the former capital,
Japan's long history is evident in its many shrines, temples
and gardens, whereas in Tokyo, state-of-the-art technology is
apparent in its high-rise buildings and in riding the public
transportation systems. Japan is a country where one senses
the gravity of history in traditional artisan crafts while
marveling at its technological prowess in producing
automobiles and high-tech instruments. We suggest you do some
shopping there for both traditional and high-tech items.
- Nature in Japan
 There
are four very distinct seasons in Japan. You can savor each of
them by viewing cherry blossoms in spring, heading to the
beaches or the mountains in the summertime, enjoying
scarlet-tinged maple leaves in autumn and a landscape
blanketed by snow in winter.
Japan is a country of scenic mountains and rivers, surrounded
by oceans. The Japanese are a people who cherish nature.
Experience a thoroughly modern nation with abundant natural
beauty. How about luxuriating in one of our many hot springs?
- Japanese Foods
Japanese foods are popular in USA, too, and we suppose
that food is the greatest matter of concern toreaders. When in
Japan, try the authentic tastes of the birthplace of Sushi,
Tempura, Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki, Udon and Soba. What makes
Japanese food special is that it is both healthy and visually
appealing in its presentation.
- Japan is
expensive?
Rumor has it that it is expensive to travel Japan. This is far
from the truth. Though you can splurge on an expensive deluxe
trip if you choose to, you can take an enjoyable inexpensive
trip as well.
- Airfare
Many air carriers fly routes from USA to Japan.
Airfare is much lower than one might think, which makes it
much easier to purchase.
- Package tours
Promotional package tours that include airfare and hotel are
sold at astonishingly low prices.
- Hotels
There are many world-class luxury hotels in Japan. On the
other hand, there are also inexpensive hotels that are smaller
in size such as “ The Welcome Inns”, which lodge guests
from many foreign countries and charge under 8000 yen
(approximately $66) per night.
- Transportation
 The
JR Group's Japan Rail Pass saves tourists money on train
travel. The train networks of the JR Group, which include the
world-famous Bullet Trains (Shinkansen), run routes all over
Japan. Traveling by train is very comfortable and convenient
on Japan's highly-developed railroad services and systems, and
the trains run on time.
- Restaurants
There are many upscale restaurants in Japan, but those on a
budget can still indulge their appetites at Kaiten-Sushi
(Rotating Sushi Counter) places, for example. And by the way,
even McDonald's hamburgers can be found for 65 yen (about 54
cents) during their half-price sales.
- Entertainment
You can enjoy a wide variety of both traditional and modern
amusements. Traditional theater includes the Kabuki dramas,
Noh plays and Bunraku puppet plays, each having a long history
of development. Modern theater covers all-girl revues,
concerts, modern dramas and movies.
- Planning your
trip
We at JNTO are ready to provide you with all the brochures and
information you need for your trip to Japan. Please do not
hesitate to ask us questions. We can assist you in making
plans for your visit to Japan.
JAPAN NATIONAL
TOURIST ORGANIZATION
(JNTO) L.A. OFFICE
515 South Figueroa Street #1470
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Tel: (213) 623-1952 Fax: (213) 623-6301
info@jnto-lax.org
http://www.jnto.go.jp
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