Japan's position as an island archipelago in the Pacific Ocean means that several different factors affect the weather during the year. Being aware of these weather patterns will help you plan your trip. The Rainy Season From the beginning of-June to mid-July is Japan's wet season (in Okinawa May through June). It is extremely humid in most parts of Japan at this time and you … [Read more...] about Weather and When to Travel
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Japan’s Beaches
The swimming season officially opens in Japan with a ceremony by a Shinto Priest declaring the waters safe to swim in. This ceremony, called Umibiraki (literally sea-opening), happens at beaches all over Japan and most Japanese people will not swim in the sea until then. Some beaches open earlier than others, but all beaches will be open by July 1st. The summer season in … [Read more...] about Japan’s Beaches
WWOOFing in Japan
If you're looking for a cheap, off-beat way to travel Japan, consider WWOOFing. WWOOF, (pronounced woof) stands for World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, and helps connect travelers with organic farms around the world. Travelers volunteer a few hours a day of their time in exchange for room and board. But WWOOFing in Japan allows you to see the lifestyles of real … [Read more...] about WWOOFing in Japan
Japan on 100 Yen
We've all heard that Japan is expensive. And it can be extremely expensive in a Paris, New York, Sydney kind of way. Public transportation, for one, is very expensive. But many things are cheaper in Japan. Most people don't realize that Japan is much cheaper than it was 10 years ago. This is because in the past 10 years, Japan has opened its doors to imports. This is called … [Read more...] about Japan on 100 Yen
Who Are Those Gods?
Anyone who has ever been to Japan has seen the various little stone figures alongside the road or sitting inside a neighborhood shrine. Who are they, and what are they doing there? Whenever you think of Japans most famous shrines, such as Meijij Shrine in Tokyo, you may have wondered exactly why these shrines are so famous and why so many tourists flock to them. For a … [Read more...] about Who Are Those Gods?