Overview
With one of the richest cultures in the world Japan is an extremely diverse destination in one compact nation!
With a population of over 130 million crammed into enourmous cities you would be forgiven for thinking Japan would be a concrete jungle. However places such as Kyoto will show you the Japanese Heritage which still lives on in Japan. From amazing temples and hilltop monuments, Japan is the place where you can buy an array of electronics and gadgets then find yourself in remote islands and bays.
Visas
There are two visas available for gappers heading to Japan:
Japan Visitor Visa - UK cizitens will automatically get a 90 day visa when arriving in Japan. If you want to stay longer you can get another 90 day extension once there.
Japan Working Holiday Visa - this year long visa allows UK citizens to work as well as travel in Japan. 400 are issued each year and application must be made in writing to the Japan Consulate in London. Applicants must be 18-25 in age and provide documentation so support their application. Click here for more details.
Flights
Tokyo is the main airport in Japan although you can also find a range of flights into Osaka which is well based for a number of tourism destinations. Flights from the UK cost around £400-600 and airlines fly from most major airports in the UK. There are also a number of discounted rail tickets available to tourists to help you get around in Japan.
Health and Safety
No vaccinations are required for travel to Japan. The medical system is good but expensive. You will find that when buying travel insurance you have to pay more to visit this destination. Even with this it's essential you take it out.
Activities
- Try snowboarding and surfing
- Visit traditional Japanese temples
- See a sumo wrestling match
- Explore ornate Japanese gardens
- Go gadget mad in Tokyo
- Teach english to the locals
Related Companies
Japanese Embassy (http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp) - information on visas
JET (http://www.jet-uk.org) - Japan exchange and teaching programme
Conclusion
If you want to experience a rich culture then Japan is the place for you. Its physical and climate diversity makes it a varied destination over a small area.
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