Futuristic megacities, centuries-old temples and an addictive cuisine – Japan is a land of contrasts. In Tokyo, neon lights flash next to traditional shrines, Kyoto enchants with its historic alleyways and Osaka is a gourmet’s paradise. From high tech to Zen gardens, Japan is full of surprises.
The best time to visit? Spring and autumn! Between March and May, the cherry trees blossom and the country is bathed in pink, while autumn (September to November) attracts visitors with pleasantly mild weather and spectacular foliage colours.
Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Japan, but cash still plays an important role. ATMs are widely available in cities, and cash withdrawals in yen (JPY, ¥), the local currency, are easy at many convenience stores.
