Japan

Japanese yen is the national currency. The most frequently used notes are JPY 1000, JPY 2000, JPY 5000 and JPY 10000. Cash is what is most commonly accepted here. While several stores and hotels accept cards, smaller places such as cafes and bistros do not. Carrying cash around is quite safe, and since it is most commonly accepted, it is always better to do so. Some people also make payments through their mobile phones.

The most popularly used and accepted card in Japan is JCB. Discover cards are also commonly accepted. Some places will accept Mastercard/American Express and Visa. The banks in Japan will provide you foreign currency exchange from USD, Euros, Swiss francs, Australian, Canadian &  New Zealand Dollars as well as British pounds. ATMs exist, but do not accept all foreign cards.

Japan has a great nightlife. However, some clubs will close at midnight, so if you would like to party post that, you will end up being disappointed. Izakayas or Japanese pubs are very popular here for the cheap drinks and quick snacks or munchies. Karaoke nights are also very common. Some places even provide you with a private room for a karaoke session. Eateries in little streets also remain open through the night, ideal for those late night hunger pangs. Small bars, concerts, street festivals and more make up the nightlife of Japan.

The stores of Japan are filled to bursting with everything under the sun. From traditional craft pieces to the latest gadgets, local food and the latest fashion, you will find all that you need here. Suburban shopping malls also exist. Convenience stores and department stores are available aplenty, stocked with good quality products for everyday use. Souvenirs can be bought from the local stores.

The most popular festivals of Japan are Gion Matsuri, Awa Odori, Kanda Matsuri, Snow Festival, Nebuta Matsuri and Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri.

First habitation in Japan can be traced back to the pre-historic era. The Heian period began in 1794, which is still considered to be the golden age of Japan, in terms of their culture. Gradually, imperial power began to decline and went into the hands of the military and the samurai warriors. Eventually, with the clash of several powers, including Mongol power, Japan entered into civil war. During the late 16th century, Japan was reunified under Oda Nobunaga and his successor. A Tokugawa shogunate was appointed, but this came to an end between 1853 to 1854, where power returned to the Emperor. The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are also an important, extremely tragic event in Japan's history. It was only after 1955 that Japan became economically powerful and independent.

Tap water is potable in Japan. Public toilets are quite clean, but as mentioned earlier, do not have soap dispensers all the time. Carry sanitizers and hand tissues along with you.

Do not address any local with their name, as it is considered rude and impolite on your part. Greet people by bowing to them. Always take off your shoes before entering someone's home. Tipping is not compulsory.

Carry enough cash on you, as Japan is a cash-based society. You can get everything that you need at any convenience store. Several washrooms do not have soap dispensers, so carry your hand sanitizers with you. Bargaining is not very easy.

Japan is a country that is soaked in traditions, but that is also trying to keep up with the modern times. Its population is diverse, contrary to popular belief of it being homogeneous. You will find a lot of minority groups in Japan. The nuclear family is given prime importance. Multiple religions can also be found here. Buddhism and Shinto are the two largely practised religions of Japan. Many Christians also live here. The most widely spoken language here is Japanese, but it is divided into a number ofÊdialects. Ryukyuan languages are also spoken across the country, as well as Chinese and Korean. Other languages spoken here are English, French, Russian, German, Portuguese and Spanish.

Japanese cuisine is also steeped in tradition. Rice forms an essential component of their meals. Seafood is very common and is accompanied by sides like fish, pickled vegetables, etc. Frying of seafood, i.e., tempura, is also very popular. Their rice dishes are served with a soup such as miso soup. The seasonality of food is also taken into consideration. The food is most commonly seasoned with soy sauce, dashi, sake, vinegar, etc. Concerning beverages, green tea, sake and beer are consumed on a large scale.

The regions of Japan are Hokkaido, known for its cool climate, Tohoku, which is well-known for its hot springs, Kanto, which houses the capital, Chubu, home to the Japan Alps, Kansai, which is the cultural capital, Chugoku which houses Hiroshima, Shikoku, a great destination for rafting, Kyushu, where Japanese civilization was born and Okinawa, a southern island.