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Experience Japan<br />
Platform guard, Tokyo station<br />
In the archetypal image of the sleek bullet train gliding past snow-capped Mount Fuji,<br />
the magic of Japan is encapsulated in one freeze frame: natural and modern merging in<br />
harmony. Japan’s four main islands contain a wealth of variety and attractions, from the<br />
thronging cities of Tokyo and Hiroshima to the provincial spa towns and rugged wilderness<br />
that lie beyond. Delve into Japan’s rich cultural heritage in Kyoto and Kanazawa to witness<br />
traditional ceremonies, dress and theatre, and take a glimpse into the secluded world of the<br />
geisha. Enjoy too, the cuisine, taking time to sample the numerous local and seasonal<br />
delicacies to be found in every city and town. The appeal of Japan encompasses all tastes and<br />
ages, whether your interests lie in embracing modern pop-culture or in pursuing outdoor<br />
activities among high mountain peaks and deep, rushing gorges. Relax on white sand beaches<br />
in southerly Okinawa or whale-watch in wintry Hokkaido; the scope of experiences to choose<br />
from is truly immense. In Japan, mountain scenery and crystal lakes, neon-lit skyscrapers<br />
and landscaped gardens form a striking backdrop to a world that will fascinate you at<br />
every step of your journey.<br />
Akihabara district, Tokyo<br />
Geisha, Kyoto<br />
<strong>Audley</strong> in Japan<br />
To many first-time visitors Japan can be, at times,<br />
the most ‘foreign’ place on earth. Whilst this is<br />
one of the country’s most appealing aspects, it<br />
can also cause practical difficulties, which can be<br />
compounded by the often prohibitive cost of<br />
private transport and guides. It is therefore<br />
essential to have your trip planned by someone<br />
who knows the country and how best to arrange<br />
a visit there, who can talk you through the<br />
precise details of your day by day itinerary.<br />
We generally recommend making use of<br />
Japan’s world-class rail network to travel around<br />
the country, combining this with carefully<br />
selected private and small group tours and<br />
excursions to help you to get your bearings. Your<br />
accommodation will be hand-picked according to<br />
your taste and budget, with your Japan specialist<br />
choosing from our personally researched selection<br />
of hotels and traditional ryokan inns.<br />
Thanks to our thorough knowledge of the<br />
destination, we are able to provide you with<br />
extremely comprehensive transport and<br />
accommodation information (in both English and<br />
Japanese) before your departure, to enable you<br />
to get as much out of the country as possible<br />
during your stay. Our approach ensures that,<br />
from your first phone call, you will talk to an<br />
expert whose first-hand knowledge and detailed<br />
planning will provide you with all the support<br />
required to experience the real Japan.<br />
Local customs and etiquette<br />
Japanese manners and customs are vastly different<br />
from those of the Western world, and a strict<br />
code of behaviour and politeness is recognised<br />
and followed by most people in Japan. However,<br />
the Japanese are aware of the difference between<br />
themselves and the West and therefore do not<br />
expect visitors to be familiar with all customs, but<br />
do expect formal and polite behaviour. When<br />
entering a Japanese home or restaurant it is<br />
customary to remove shoes. Usually the point at<br />
which this should occur is very clearly marked by<br />
a raised step and a rack where shoes are<br />
exchanged for indoor slippers. Use the slippers<br />
provided, but remember to swap into special<br />
toilet slippers when necessary. Forgetting to swap<br />
back can be embarrassing, though will almost<br />
certainly happen at least once during your stay!<br />
You can largely apply the principle of ‘when in<br />
Rome...’ to eating etiquette. Sometimes you’ll be<br />
surprised by the slurping of your neighbours,<br />
while at others, dining habits appear somewhat<br />
more formal. The principle thing to avoid, in<br />
common with most of northern Asia, is leaving<br />
your chopsticks sticking up vertically from your<br />
rice bowl. This is reminiscent of the incense burnt<br />
for the dead and is considered bad form.<br />
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