Running head: A TEN DAY VACATION TO JAPAN
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A TEN DAY VACATION TO JAPAN
A Ten Day Vacation to Japan
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Introduction and Motivation
Japan is perhaps one of the most frequent travelling destinations around the globe. The nation is characterized by different traditions and unique culture that is very luring in nature. The unique traditions and customs consist of the both the pre-historic and modern features. In addition, the unique architecture in building design and the recent boom in technology makes the nation one of the most appealing travelling destination. Besides, on the global scale, Japan is ranked among the countries that are experiencing the lowest rate of the criminal activities thus a safer destination for many tourists (World Tourism Organization, 2006). Most of the historical sites are still integrated into line with their original roles and remain open to the rest of the public for viewing and leisure. The nation is perceived to be one of the most advanced industrialized countries with perfection in various skills and trades that put it in a better position. Further, the country comprises of the diverse tourist facilities that are available and easily accessible in the nation. The economic mechanics of Japan is generally stable and associated with systematic democracies that foster human rights thus a suitable place for the travel destination.
Japan History and Customs
Kennedy (2010) asserts that Japan is one of the small countries found in Asia. The country still adheres to the ancient ways of the civilization. The large percentage of the Japanese population is highly educated and has intellectual skills that have assisted in spurring the technological advancement blueprint. Notably, the history of the Japan was greatly modified by the existence of the interlude between the understanding of the oversee institution and the underlying customs and traditions. Japan is among the countries of the world that have protected their historic sites in the largest away as way as their customs, and they have integrated it as the main avenue to generate the revenue to their economy. In the year 2015, the country attracted nearly 19 million people in the different spheres of the world that has led to the economic growth. Some of the ancient streets and houses are characterized by the simplistic lifestyles that have attracted a pool of people around the globe. The nation is crammed with riches in terms of the traditions and culture. Other beautiful features found in Japan include the old town places, mountain valleys and ultimately the petite fishing villages.
The country has different laws governing the tourist industries from ancient days to the modern Japan. It is based on the stipulated code of ethics. It is fundamental for an individual to comprehend some of these customs before pondering to travel to Japan, otherwise the whole experience will translate into the appalled or horrible experience. Arguably, the nation has very intricate traditions and culture that needs someone to understand in depth (De, 2009). The number “4” tend to be avoided by the Japanese people by all means. The number is popularly assumed or sounds in a similar manner as death. Just like number “13” in the Western culture, the number “4” in Japan is viewed as an unlucky number. The whole process of keeping away from number “4” is also known as tetraphobia. Besides, blowing the noise while in the public place is viewed as ill-mannered and to some degree disgusting. People usually sniffle until they find a private place to wrap up the whole process. If one wishes to blow his or her nose, then it is suggested to do so in the private capacity (Kennedy, 2010). Additionally, the Japanese people have also rejected the use of the handkerchiefs. Tipping is another dimension of the custom present in the Japan. The acts are perceived as ill-mannered and lowering someone status to some extent. Tipping often amounts to confusion and people can hurriedly chase someone to reverse the money. Instead of tipping, the Japan culture recommends leaving a petite present or gift. Walking and eating is viewed as exclusively casual. Although walking and eating in the other culture around the globe is acceptable, in Japan, it is prohibited as it is considered ill-mannered. The manner of sleeping while on the transit or train is another contemporary custom in the Japan. In consonance with their culture, it is normal for the one to sleep on the train with the head on the shoulder, it is a common practice and anyone travelling in Japan must be aware of that and accommodate it. The toilet slippers for the Japan are widely integrated. When one enters Japan, ideally they will have to forget about their native slippers that they use in bathing (De, 2009). Instead, Japan has the unique and special design of the bathroom slippers that is used in restaurants, temples and other public places.
Tourist Attractions
One would like to travel to Japan because it is made up of the different tourist attraction features ranging from historical sites to the features. The unique traditions and customs provide an adequate approach in the tourism sector. The rich tradition, despite the conflicts and natural calamities, has been rebuilt and revamped that makes the Japan most adventurous and memorable place to be nowadays. The tourist attraction features are diverse (Young-Ju, 2006). The splendid Mount Fuji is among the most appreciated attraction located in Japan. It is the highest mountain peak present in the country with a height of estimated 3776 above the ground. Mount Fuji for a couple of the centuries has been celebrated due to its literature and the art involved as well as playing an iconic role in the world cultural significant. During the summer season, millions of people around the globe have climbed the mountain as a form of a religious journey. Imperial Tokyo is another key tourist attraction found in Japan and the famous landmark. The palace has gorgeous park surrounded by moats and walls. The Ginza shopping district crammed with different features that attract tourist from different parts of the globe. The Hiroshima peace memorial park is another key tourist attraction found in Japan. This a unique feature regarded as the symbol lasting peace after the appalled atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It is used to commemorate victims of the first nuclear attack ever (Young-Ju, 2006). Many people from oversee countries usually tour this place. Historical Kyoto is another tourist attraction found in Japan. It has magnificent old streets and architecture, and it is the most vital cultural centre in Japan. It has numerous art galleries and museums. Nara is viewed as the historic temple city that marks the significance in the culture in Japan. It holds crucial nation treasure, historic buildings and tasks of art.
The State of Tourism Development in Japan
As Van, Jackson & Hudman (2014) put it; tourism is a significant pillar of the economy of Japan since it contributes 6% of the total GDP in the country. A boom in the tourism sector increases the share it contributes to the economy while a fall leads to a decline in the percentage share it adds to the economy. In the recent years, the tourism industry in Japan has been performing positively, and the country has been a destination many visitors from different regions of the world. The economic recovery continued to improve confidence of the consumers which has contributed to the increase in leisure as well as recreational activities (Funck & Cooper, .2013). Japan attracts more than seventeen million visitors every year. The statistics show that the country received an estimated number of visitors of 1.8 million in January 2016, and this was the highest recorded figure per month since January 2015 that recorded a figure of 1.9 million. It was an indicator of positive growth of the tourism sector since the percentage growth increased to 52 percent in January this year from 43.4 percent in December last year. South Korea contributed the highest number of visitors with approximately 514 000 and China the second with 475, 000 visitors to Japan. Taiwan contributed 321,000 visitors and the above three countries to a total of 71 percent of foreign visitors in January 2016.
Roads, Information Technology and Drinking Water
Japan has a developed road network that enhances travelling of visitors from one place to another. The expressways which are majorly nearby urban places are six lanes and those in rural parts are two lanes. The two lanes are built in a way that they can be converted to four or six lanes to facilitate transport in the country. Thus, the developed road network ensures the visitors travel to different places with ease and without delay.
Obi (2010) explains that Japan has a well-developed ICT infrastructure, and it’s among the leading developers of technology globally. Most of the new technologies are commercialized in Japan. Most of the places in the country are connected to the internet which means a high percentage of population embrace technology in communication. Japan leads in digital networks of broadband. It in the third ranking in the number of broadband subscribers and has the lowest fee of broadband in the world. Japan also leads in the penetration of mobile internet which makes it easy for the tourists to communicate (Watanabe & International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, 2009).
Japan has a variety of superstructure that also attracts visitors from different places in the world. The country provides a different kind of accommodation in Western as well as Japanese styles (Funck & Cooper, 2013). It also includes alternative forms of temple accommodation and capsule lodge. The cost depends on the time that a person wants to spend there and the class. Japan also offers a broad array of restaurants and entertainment. Different types of dishes are provided to the visitors to select. Some of them are expensive while others offer their services a low cost. A variety of entertainment options are also offered in clubs and restaurants in the major cities. Some of the entertainment includes live concerts, sports adventure, festivals and movie buffs (Funck & Cooper, 2013). Japan also provides safe drinking water to the people. Water is always treated to ensure it is safe for drinking.
Nevertheless, tourism has both positive and adverse effects on the people of Japan. Tourism boosts the economy by enhancing economic growth. Foreign earnings generate revenue used to finance different projects in the country. Tourists are allowed to learn a little of the Japanese language. This allows visitors to communicate with locals hence promoting positive relationship and understanding among them. Additionally, it enhances environmental conservation to attract many visitors to different attraction sites. However, if the contribution of the tourism to the economy falls, it leads to decline in economic growth. On the social aspect, tourism may cause moral decadence since some of the locals may adopt some immoral behaviors from the foreigners (Funck & Cooper, 2013). Tourism may also contribute to environmental pollution since some carry with them containers of food and drinks which are non-biodegradable.
Currency and Visa Requirements
It is mandatory for the visitors wishing to visit Japan to have a passport that remains valid for the time a person stays in the country. To visit Japan, foreigners have to adhere to the conditions authorizations of being eligible to be a resident (Goodman, 2008). Though, a visa exception is provided for visitors from some countries as far as their stay does not exceed ninety days and do not engage in income generating activities. The regular visa fee is 31 U.S.D. with no additional charges or taxes. Visitors are required to change their currency to Japanese Yen to enable them to pay their bills during the entire period of stay in Japan. Currently, 1.0 US Dollar is equal to 111.472 JPY. There is additional fee for tourists
Itinerary 10 days in Japan
Day 1
8.00 A.M
Arrive in Tokyo-fare ticket ($540 meals inclusive)
9.00 A.M
Take a taxi ride to Sushi Sora restaurant ($20)
10.00 A.M
Arrive at Sushi Sora restaurant
1.00 PM
Take a light lunch and a drink at Sushi Sora hotel ($10)
2.00 PM
Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Tokyo city (free)
7.00 PM
Take supper Sushi Sora restaurant and to spend the night ($70)
Day 2
Center Tokyo
5.30 AM
Wake up
6.00 AM
Take a bus ride to Tsukiji Market ($5)
7.00 AM
Enjoy breakfast at Tsukiji market ($10)
9.00 AM
Explore quality brand of clothing and cosmetic at Ginza (free)
11.00 AM
Explore Sony and Apple stores at Ginza (free)
12.30 PM
Enjoy lunch at Tuskiji fish market ($20)
2.30 PM
A visit to the Imperial Palace by walking (free)
4.30 PM
Go to shop cosmetics at Ginza ($60)
6.00 PM
Take a ride back to Sushi Sora restaurant, take supper and spend the night ($72)
Day 3
Western Tokyo
7.15
Wake up
7.00 AM
Take breakfast at Sushi Sora restaurant ($10)
8.00 AM
Take a bus ride to Harajuku ($10)
9.00 AM
Explore the youth fashion of Japanese at Harajuku (free)
11.00 AM
Enjoy a serene environment at Meji Shrine (free)
12.00 PM
Take a packed lunch ($20)
2.00 PM
Explore exclusive brand stores at Omotesando (free)
5.00 PM
Take a bus ride to Sushi Sora Restaurant and sleep ($72)
Day 4
Eastern Tokyo
5.45 AM
Wake up
6.30 AM
Enjoy breakfast at Sushi Sora restaurant ($8)
7.00 AM
Leave for Akihabara by bus ($10)
8.30AM
explore a wide variety of electronic gadgets developed with latest technologies at Akihabara (free)
10.30PM
Visit to Tokyo National Museum at Ueno Park ($10)
12.00 PM
Enjoy lunch at Ueno Park Hotel ($20)
1.30 PM
Visit Sensoji Temple and craft shops by walking (free)
3.00 PM
Visit Tokyo Skytree by walking (free)
4.30PM
Take a bus ride to Sushi Sora restaurant for Supper and fall asleep ($80)
Day 5
Hiroshima
5.45 AM
Wake up
6.30 AM
Take breakfast at Sushi Sora restaurant ($10)
7.00 AM
Board a local train to Hiroshima ($100)
12.00
Arrive at Hiroshima
12.30 PM
Visit to park as well as peace memorial museum (free)
1.30 PM
Enjoy a packed lunch and spend the rest of the day at the park ($20)
4.00 PM
Take a bus ride to Nishi-Heroshima restaurant and take a rest ($10)
Day 6
Miyajima
5.30 AM
Wake up
6.00 AM
Take breakfast at Nishi-Heroshima restaurant ($20)
6.30 AM
Board a local train to Miyajima ($50)
10.00 AM
Enjoy the atmosphere at Miyajma Island (free)
12.00 AM
Enjoy delicious local lunch at Miyajima ($20)
2.00 PM
Depart from Miyajma ($20)
8.00 PM
Enjoy a variety of local food and live concert at Conrad hotel ($150)
Day 7
Nagasaki
6.30 AM
Wake up
7.00 AM
Take breakfast at Conrad hotel ($10)
9.00 AM
Take a visit to Dejima, the only place people from western nations were permitted to live ($10)
11.00 AM
Enjoy the rest of the day at the Dejima Island (free)
6.00 AM
Depart for Conrad hotel for supper and to spend the night ($80)
Day 8
Aso
7.00 AM
Wake up
7.30 AM
Take breakfast at Conrad hotel ($20)
8.00 AM
Leave for Aso ($30)
9.30 AM
Visit the crater and spend the entire day hiking ($10)
5.30 PM
Depart for Conrad hotel for supper and entertainment ($100)
Day 9
Osaka
6.00AM
Wake up
6.30AM
Board train to Osaka ($60)
12.00 AM
Arrive at Osaka
1.00 PM
Take a visit to Umeda Sky Building ($10)
2.30 PM
Leave for Tokyo ($70)
7.00 PM
Arrive at Tokyo
8.00 PM
Enjoy local food and live band at Sushi Sora Hotel ($100)
11.00 PM
Fall asleep at Sushi Sora Hotel ($50)
Day 10
6.00 AM
Wake up
6.30 AM
Enjoy breakfast at Sushi Sora restaurant ($10)
8.00 AM
Make a final explore of clothing brands (free)
11.00 AM
Do the final shopping ($100)
2.00 PM
Take a flight back home ($540 meals inclusive)
Total cost of the vacation
Transport $1590
Accommodation $560
Food and drinks $ 240
Entertainment $100
Miscellaneous $150
Total cost of Vacation in US Dollars is $2640
Total cost of vacation in Japanese Yen is 294,286 JPY
Conclusion
Japan is one of the nations that attract millions of visitors every year from all over the world. The country is endowed with numerous magnificent attraction sites that are always appealing to the travelers. The area comprises of unique traditions as well as customs. Some of the tourist attraction sites include Hiroshima, Mount Fuji, and Imperial Tokyo among others. There are various laws that govern the code of ethics and visitors are required to observe them to the latter. Tourism sector contributes to 6 % of the economy. Japan has a well developed road network that facilitates the movement of visitors from one place to another. The area is among the leading developers of technology and it has the lowest fee of broadband globally. However, Tourism has both positive and negative effects such as enhancing cultural exchange and contributing to moral decadence.
References
De, M. B. (2009). Etiquette guide to Japan: Know the rules that make the difference. North Clarendon, Vt: Tuttle Pub.
Dougill, J. (2014). Japan’s world heritage sites: Unique culture, unique nature. Tokyo : Tuttle Publishing.
Funck, C., & Cooper, M. (2013). Japanese tourism: Spaces, places and structures. New York : Berghahn.
Goodman, C. F. (2008). The rule of law in Japan: A comparative analysis. Austin Tex.: Wolters Kluwer Law & Business.
Kennedy, A. (2010). Japanese costume : History and tradition. Place of publication not identified: Konecky & Konecky.
Obi, T. (2010). The innovative CIO and e-participation in e-government initiatives. Fairfax, Va: IOS Press.
Van, H. J., Jackson, R. H., & Hudman, L. E. (2014). Geography of travel and tourism. Australia : Delmar.
Watanabe, C., & International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. (2009). Managing innovation in Japan: The role institutions play in helping or hindering how companies develop technology. Berlin: Springer.
World Tourism Organization. (2006). UNWTO world tourism barometer. Madrid, Spain: World Tourism Organization
Young-Ju, Sohn. (2006). A stunning new tourist attraction in southern Japan. (Grand Hyatt Fukuoka). Business Korea, 13(12), 66.
