Are you planning a fancy traveling to Japan? Even if you are not, Japan should be one of the destinations list for your future travel. It is indeed a country everyone should visit. Here are some things you’ll need to know before planning a trip.
Japan, also known as the land of the rising sun, is an island country in East Asia and consists entirely of four main islands. The country is surrounded by the ocean and it lies in the northern Pacific Ocean. There are four main islands that make up Japan and they are Honshu (the largest island), Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Apart from these four major islands, countless small islands also make up the country of Japan. Some people may already know the beautiful islands of Okinawa, the southern prefecture. Tokyo, the biggest city and the capital of Japan is definitely one of the most densely populated cities on the planet. Although known for its peaceful environment, Japan is a region that experiences vast amounts of natural calamities. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are common occurrences there.
Nippon, Nihon, or Japan? What should we call it?
We have always heard the name, Japan when talking about this Asian country. It was Chinese people who gave Japan its current name during the early days of trading between two ancient countries.
According to the study of the history of Japan, it had a different name in the past. Nowadays Japanese people call it either Nippon or Nihon. Japanese use the kanji (Chinese characters) for writing their words. While in kanji Japan has only one name, there are two names in terms of pronunciation i.e. Nippon and Nihon.
Nowadays people in Japan tend to use the name, Nippon, often in official documents, like banknotes and postage stamps. Whereas Japanese people tend to use the name, Nihon in everyday language.
Japan’s name have variations all over the world. Initially, European countries called it Giapan, and Portuguese traders called it Japun. As time went by, English people replaced all these names with Japan, its current name. Why is Japan called Japan? People from all over the world often ask this question. Japan and Nippon are actually variants of pronunciation of the same Kanji. They both have their origins in the same Chinese characters which represent the country of Japan. When it is pronounced in the Japanese way, it is Nippon and when it is pronounced in the way the people in the Southern part of China did centuries ago it is Zu-pang which is quite similar to Japan. This is how Japan got its name.
Some tips on traveling to Japan
Japan is a country known for seamlessly blending old traditions with modern technology. Full of beautiful landscape and plenty of greenery, Japan is a perfect place for vacationing with your family and friends.
But before you start planning a trip to Japan, there are some things you’ll have to know:
- Almost all the transactions in Japan are done by cash. Be it your accommodations, food, entertainment, etc., cash always rules. Some shops, restaurants and facilities, especially large ones do accept credit cards now, but best to ask beforehand.
- Before going on a night out in Japan, you should probably know that Metro services are not available 24-hours there. Even in big cities like Tokyo, Metro is available not available after midnight.
- Learning the local language of the place you’re traveling to is always beneficial. Before going to Japan, do practice a few of the common words from the Japanese language, like thank you, welcome, sorry, etc.
- In Japan, you will have to take off your shoes in certain places as a sign of respect. Japanese people consider keeping your boots on disrespectful at several locations in Japan.
- When you go out to eat in Japan, do not tip the waiters or leave money on the table. They will be likely to return your money, thinking you left it behind accidentally.
So, before you book your trip to Japan, do a background check on what to do and what not to do while vacationing there. And have a pleasant trip.
