Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [626]
In the winter months (December to February), cold, dry air-masses from Siberia move down over Japan, where they meet warmer, moister air-masses from the Pacific. The resulting precipitation causes huge snowfalls on the side of the country that faces the Sea of Japan. The Pacific Ocean side of Japan receives less snow but can still be quite cold, while the big cities of Honshū like Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto have winters with highs in the single digits or low teens and lows temps a few degrees above zero (celsius). The odd January or February day will be colder, but these cold snaps usually don’t last.
The summer months (June to August) are dominated by warm, moist air currents from the Pacific, and produce high temperatures and humidity throughout most of Japan (with the blissful exception of Hokkaidō). In the early part of summer, usually mid-May to June, there is a rainy season lasting a few weeks that starts in the south and gradually works its way northward. Although it can be inconvenient, this rainy season is not usually a significant barrier to travel. August, September and October is typhoon season, which can make travel in Okinawa, the Izu-shotō and Ogasawara-shotō difficult.
In contrast to the extremes of summer and winter, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) in Japan are comparatively mild. Rainfall is relatively low and the days are often clear. These are, without a doubt, the very best times to visit the country.
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COURSES
A course is a great way to deepen your appreciation of Japanese culture. Kyoto and Tokyo are the best places to find courses taught in English. Cultural activities visas require applicants to attend 20 class hours per week. Those wishing to work while studying need to apply for permission to do so. For more information on cultural activities visas, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (www.mofa.go.jp/j_info /visit/visa/04.html).
For information on food and cooking courses, Click here.
Japanese Language
While you can study Japanese in most cities in Japan, you’ll find the best selection of schools and courses in Tokyo, Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka and Kōbe. In Kansai, you’ll find lots of ads for language courses in Kansai Time Out magazine. In Tokyo, any of the many English-language magazines will have ads for courses. Alternatively, ask at any tourist information office.
Costs at full-time private Japanese language schools vary enormously depending on the school’s status and facilities. There is usually an application fee of ¥5000 to ¥30,000, plus an administration charge of ¥50,000 to ¥100,000 and the annual tuition fees of ¥350,000 to ¥600,000. Add accommodation and food, and it is easy to see why it may be necessary to work while you study.
Traditional Arts
Many local cultural centres and tourist offices can arrange short courses in Japanese arts, such as ceramics, washi (Japanese papermaking), aizome (indigo dyeing), wood working, shodō (calligraphy), ink painting and ikebana (flower arranging). The best place to pursue these interests is Kyoto, where the TIC Click here or the International Community House can put you in touch with qualified teachers.
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CUSTOMS
Customs allowances include the usual tobacco products plus three 760mL bottles of alcoholic beverages, 56mL of perfume, and gifts and souvenirs up to a value of ¥200,000 or its equivalent. You must be over the age of 20 to qualify for these allowances. Customs officers will confiscate any pornographic materials in which pubic hair is visible.
There are no limits on the importation of foreign or Japanese currency. The export of foreign currency is also unlimited but there is a ¥5 million export limit for Japanese currency.
Visit Japan Customs (www.customs.go.jp/english/index.htm) for more information on Japan’s customs regulations.
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DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Earthquakes
Japan is an