See what the experts are saying about Sendai. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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The best temples & shrines
Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo): Tokyo's most venerable and refined Shinto shrine honors the Emperor Meiji and his empress with simple yet dignified architecture surrounded by a dense forest. This is a great refuge in the heart of the city. Senso... Continue reading »
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Planning a trip
This guide is designed to guide you through your own discoveries of Japan, however brief or extended your visit may be. From experience, I know that the two biggest concerns for visitors to Japan are the language barrier and the high cost of... Continue reading »
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Visitor information
The Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO) publishes a wealth of free, colorful brochures and maps covering Japan as a whole and various regions of the country. Be sure to get "The Tourist's Language Handbook," a phrase booklet to help fo... Continue reading »
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When to go
Climate Most of Japan's islands lie in a temperate seasonal wind zone similar to that of the East Coast of the United States, which means there are four distinct seasons. Japanese are very proud of their seasons and place much more emphasis... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
January New Year's Day is the most important national holiday in Japan. Because this is a time when Japanese are with their families and because virtually all businesses, restaurants, museums, and shops close down, it's not a particularly... Continue reading »
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Getting there
By Plane Japan has three international airports. Outside Tokyo is Narita International Airport (NRT), where you'll want to land if your main business is in the capital, the surrounding region, or at points north or east such as Hokkaido. A... Continue reading »
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Escorted & package tours
Escorted Tours Escorted tours are structured group tours, with a group leader. The price usually includes everything from airfare to hotels, meals, tours, admission costs, and local transportation. Despite the fact that escorted tours r... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
Entry Requirements Americans, Australians, and New Zealanders traveling to Japan as tourists for a stay of 90 days or less need only a valid passport to gain entry into the country. Canadians don't need a visa for stays of up to 3 months,... Continue reading »
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Getting around
Japan has an extensive public transport system, the most convenient segment of which is the nation's excellent rail service. You can also travel by plane (good for long-distance hauls but expensive unless you plan ahead), bus (the cheapest mo... Continue reading »
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Money
Currency The currency in Japan is called the yen, symbolized by Â¥. Coins come in denominations of Â¥1, Â¥5, Â¥10, Â¥50, Â¥100, and Â¥500. Bills come in denominations of Â¥1,000, Â¥2,000, Â¥5,000, and Â¥10,000, though Â¥2,000 notes are rarely seen. You'... Continue reading »
