Japan is a rare gem in the crown of travel destinations. Wealthy people fly here, who are difficult to surprise in travel with comfortable hotels, a rich excursion program, and opportunities for active recreation. But Japan still succeeds, because such a harmonious fusion of exoticism and modernity cannot be found, perhaps, anywhere else. You can go to Japan on your own to admire the cherry blossoms, master one of the martial arts, or hone your skills in the best fan parks at ski resorts.
Entry formalities
You can get a visa to the Land of the Rising Sun only with the support of the host country. It can be either a private person or a travel company. It is the receiving party that first sends the necessary documents to the applicant, with which he, attaching a portion of his own, goes to the consulate. There is no visa fee, you only have to pay for the shipping of documents.
Direct flights to Tokyo are operated by Russian and Japanese air carriers.
Yen and spending
The official currency of the country is the Japanese yen. Going to Japan on your own, buy some of the currency in yen already in Russia - the rate turns out to be more profitable than in the Land of the Rising Sun itself. Converting dollars into yen is preferable to euros, and credit cards are accepted everywhere, except for small cafes and shops.
Food prices in Japan depend on the status of the restaurant, while the quality of cooking in them is almost the same:
- If the lack of service is not a hindrance to the traveler, you can have lunch or dinner at the ribbon sushi bar, where a couple of rolls will cost 100 yen.
- A portion of rice with seafood in a cafe will cost from 500 to 700 yen, pizza from 800 to 1200, and a bowl of shrimp soup will cost 400-600 yen.
- An express bus or train to Tokyo from the airport will cost 1000-3000 yen, depending on their type and comfort, and a full-day subway pass will cost from 100 to 1200 yen in different cities.
- Entrance fees to museums and attractions range from ¥ 1,000 to ¥ 4,000, depending on location and property status (approximate prices are as of August 2015).
Valuable observations
- Taxis in Japan are very expensive, with prices increasing by a third at night.
- When heading to Japan on your own, pay attention to the night long-distance buses. They are very comfortable and, despite the not too cheap tickets, such a bus will help to save money on the hotel and give the traveler an opportunity to have a good rest on the road.
