Today I include the section 'Why go to Japan?' - I have this section in all my Short Journeys books. I think it's particularly interesting in this book and worth reading even if you're not interested in the book.
Here are the links:
Short Journeys: Japan (Amazon US store - $1.99)
Short Journeys: Japan (Amazon UK store - 1.09)
Short Journeys: Japan (Payhip - $0.99, PDF format)
Short Journeys: Japan (Lulu - $1.99, Epub Format)
From the book - Why Go to Japan?
Japan is a set of islands in North Asia, once known as ‘The
Japans’, although the local name is Nihon (often called Nippon). Japan is a
country with an incredible mix of the modern and the ancient, with warm
friendly people and it is simply one of the most rewarding countries on Earth
to visit. Thanks to so many years of isolation Japanese culture is still to
this day, despite a love of Disney and some influences from the West, unique.
Travel around Japan is very easy, even if it isn’t
particularly cheap. Good public transport exists in practically every city of
note, and the bullet trains – the Shinkansens, move people around at lightning
fast speeds. For those with a love for the ancient, Japan has many temples and
World Heritage Sites, for those in love with technology, Japan sports the
latest in devices, cameras and the like, for those in love with Manga, this is
the country that invented it and it is incredibly visible and popular wherever
you go, and for those in love with the slightly strange and odd, well welcome
to Japan!
As if all that wasn’t enough, Japanese food (although
admittedly not this author’s favourite) is far more than sushi, it has its own
flavours and character. Simply, and obviously Japan is th best place for that!
And if those things haven’t grabbed you, wait until you try the toilets! If you
don’t like a cold bottom when you do your business, come to Japan because the
toilet seats plug into power to give you warmth and a range of bidee-like
options! I still remember going to the loo the first time with its
electric-warmed seat and a set of buttons and settings and wondering what on
Earth it was all about.
For the backpacker, it’s not impossible to keep your costs
down once you have conquered transport, and the hostels are wonderful places in
Japan - absolutely spotless, friendly, with a range of options for tours and
the like, and a great place to meet likeminded travellers.
Tokyo is a mind blowing place, so big, so tall, with a mix
of all that is Japan. It has a couple of massive parks, museums, theme parks,
and the Akihabara district where you can find all manner of electronic items, appreciate
the geek-culture or visit a Maid Café. Kyoto is often most visitors’ favourite
place in Japan – it certainly is mine. Kyoto is a wonderful, friendly city with
so much to see and do, and in April the cherry blossoms bloom and there is no
better place in Japan to see them.
Hiroshima is another highlight. A city known for one fateful
day at the end of the Second World War today is a vibrant, beautiful place with
a sobering museum. Not far from Hiroshima you will find Miyajima, a beautiful
island with an amazing temple. Then we have Osaka, Takayama, Nara and more. No
country in the world offers the traveller what Japan does.
This book also includes a chapter on Iwate, a less visited
place in the north of Kyushu, and my home from March 2012 to March 2014. Part
of Tohoku, the region most affected by the earthquake and tsunami of March
2011, I encourage all visitors in Japan to head up to Iwate and see some of the
natural beauty, temples and festivals that make it special. Tourism is one way
to reinvigorate and economy and instil a feeling of hope and enthusiasm for the
region. It might not be the part of Japan the visitors wants to visit most, but
it does offer a lot!
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