Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and at first site can look dull and boring because of the skyscrapers and overhead expressways, but once you start exploring the city you will find that there is a never ending supply of things to discover. Tokyo is also where new and old Japan met, the new buildings and transport met the small houses and culture as well as traditional markets.

Tokyo city has established itself as a world economic power and has an amazing level of energy as you walk through the streets. In Tokyo it is not always the sites in brochures that tourists love but the actual experience of being in this intense city.

Tokyo was not always the capital of Japan, Kyoto was the capital untill 1868 when the Tokugawa clan fell from power and the emperor regained leadership and moved the capital to Tokyo. Tokyo is the place to visit to see the success of the Japanesse since World War II. The city has built it self up from rubble to the economic power it is today.

When in Japan there are a few things to remember to avoid upsetting the local people.
1) When meeting someone for the first time for business it is important to bow and exchange business cards.
2) Remove your shoes before entering the home or a Tamami room.
3) When sitting on the floor keep your legs under you at all times and if you have to stretch do so with out pointing your feet at anyone.
4) When you meet Japanese people it is important to bow. When bowing it is a rule that the person who has a higher status bows shallower than the other persons.
5) The exchanging of gifts is an important part of Japanese culture and there for if you are invited into someone’s home you should give a small gift. Preferably from your own country. When money is being given it is best for it to be in an envelope.
6) Blowing your nose in public is seen as rude and is frowned upon.
7) Bathing follows strict guidelines and it is important to follow them, washing is done before entering the bath.
8) Japanese do not eat in the streets unless seats are provided. (Ice cream is an exception.)

Japanese are very tolerant of foreigners and there is little chance of offending them once they understand. It is important however to follow these guidelines to avoid any altercations.

Japan has a very complex climate as a whole country because the northern climate is very different to the southern Island climate. The climates also differ in the different seasons. The climates are obviously warmer in the summer months and cooler in the winter months for all regions. In the north the climate is generally cold with snow in the winter months where down in the south the climate is sub-tropical. In Japan the seasons bring a high degree of weather variation. The winter brings snow falls to Japans western side and cooler weather to the eastern side. The summer months bring warm weather with high humidity and is generally the time of year it rains. The autumn and spring months are generally mild with low rainfall and mostly clear days.