Japan (Lonely Planet, 11th Edition) - Chris Rowthorn [629]
UK Tokyo (embassy; Map; 03-5211-1100; www.uknow.or.jp/index_e.htm; 1 Ichiban-chō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo); Osaka (consulate;06-6120-5600; 19th fl, Epson Osaka Bldg, 3-5-1 Bakuromachi, Chūō-ku, Osaka)
USA Tokyo (embassy; Map; 03-3224-5000; http://japan.usembassy.gov/t-main.html; 1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo); Fukuoka (consulate; 092-751-9331; 2-5-26 Ōhori, Chūō-ku, Fukuoka); Osaka (consulate; Map;06-6315-5900; 2-11-5 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Return to beginning of chapter
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
A matsuri (festival) is often the highlight of a trip to Japan. It is a chance to see the Japanese at their most uninhibited, and get some insight into the ancient traditions and beliefs of the country. In addition to matsuri, there are several important annual events, including Buddhist imports from China, and more recent imports from the West (eg Christmas).
The Japanese often welcome interested foreigners to participate in their local matsuri. You might help carry a portable shrine around a neighbourhood, march in a parade or just dance around a fire. If you’d like to join a local matsuri, the best thing to do is ask at the local tourist information office. If you happen upon a matsuri, you can usually ask one of the participants if it would be OK to join in. Be warned: participation in a matsuri usually also means participation in the drinking session that inevitably follows the festival – or is the main part of the festival!
For a list of Japan’s most interesting matsuri and other yearly events, see the Events Calendar.
Return to beginning of chapter
FOOD
In the bigger cities, the restaurants that appear in the Eating sections of this guide are divided by neighbourhoods and either by budget or by type of cuisine (Japanese or international). Outside the bigger cities, eating options are generally presented in one section. In this guide, budget options cost ¥1000 or less; midrange eateries cost between ¥1000 and ¥4000; and top-end places will cost more than ¥4000. For more information about Japan’s cuisine, Click here.
Return to beginning of chapter
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELLERS
With the possible exception of Thailand, Japan is Asia’s most enlightened nation with regard to the sexual preferences of foreigners. Shinjuku-nichōme in Tokyo is an established scene where English is spoken and meeting men is fairly straightforward.
In provincial areas there may be one ‘snack’ bar, where you pay about ¥1500 for the first drink, entry and the snack. Snack bars can be found in the central entertainment districts of towns and cities. They are usually small places capable of seating only a dozen or fewer customers. They may appear like hole-in-the-wall bars. (Note that most snack bars cater to heterosexual customers. Gay-friendly snack bars are hard to locate without an inside connection.)
Staying in hotels is simple as most have twin rooms but love hotels are less accessible; if you know someone Japanese and can overcome the language barrier, a stay in a love hotel may be possible, but some are not particularly foreigner friendly (Click here). The lesbian scene is growing in Japan but is still elusive for most non-Japanese-speaking foreigners. Outside Tokyo you may find it difficult to break into the local scene unless you spend considerable time in a place or have local contacts who can show you around.
Given Japan’s penchant for convenience the internet has been a boon for the gay and lesbian scene. Utopia (www.utopia-asia.com) is the site most commonly frequented by English-speaking gays and lesbians. For information about gay and lesbian venues in Tokyo, Click here.
There are no legal restraints to same-sex sexual activities of either gender in Japan. Public displays of affection are likely to be the only cause for concern for all visitors – gay, straight or otherwise.
Return to beginning of chapter
HOLIDAYS
Japan has 15 national holidays. When a public holiday