The Japanese culture is surprisingly different from ours. Traditions, gastronomy, religion, fashion, daily life, leisure, professional and personal relationships; Japan always surprises and delights. It can scare us and fascinate us, but the best thing to do is to experience this unique culture for yourself during a visit to Japan.
Japanese gastronomy is a food culture which can appeal to the greatest number of people. Much tastier than what we get back home, la Japanese gastronomy is rich, varied, delicate and surprising. Nothing can beat the sushi and sashimi you will find there. Food experiences are not limited to raw fish and you will also try different delicacies for all occasions and in different places: green tea desserts, cold pasta, fermented beans… Indulge yourself!
Japanese do not often speak very good English and at first sight can appear cold and timid. However, they are kind and welcoming and always ready to help or guide you through the intricacies of their culture. Just ignore the language barrier and use sign language to meet some great people.
During your visit to Japan, you will have unique experiences! The culture is so different that each activity can seem out of the ordinary: spending time with cats in a Neko Cafe, dressing in a traditional kimono and visiting temples or festivals, taking part in a tea ceremony, sleeping in a Manga cafe or a capsule hotel, spending hours in a games arcade or a photo booth, etc.
People often come to Japan for its extraordinary culture, but we sometimes forget that Japan is also a magnificent country with varied landscapes which change with the seasons. Here you can explore tropical beaches and islands, ultra-modern cities, rolling countryside with paddy fields, cherry trees in blossom in spring, mountains, castles, snowy landscapes and magnificent autumn colours.
Those who go to Japan at the end of March or beginning of April will be lucky enough to see the cherry blossoms bloom,
and will also experience Hanami, and celebrate the arrival of spring with friends and family.
Ultra-modern transport, unsettling architecture and technology far ahead of its time (even heated toilet seats!), Japan provides us with a glimpse of tomorrow's world.
A visit to Kyoto, Nara or Kamakura and you will see what Japan looked like a few centuries ago . A quietude not easily found in most modern cities.
Those who go to Japan at the end of March or beginning of April will be lucky enough to see the cherry blossoms bloom, and will also experience Hanami, and celebrate the arrival of spring with friends and family. A true symbol of Japan.
Discover all our travel ideas for a trip in Japan.
The best season to visit Japan is the spring: the weather is glorious and the cherry trees are in blossom. You can also go in the autumn when the colours are just as beautiful. But is it always better to go mid-season to explore the country. In fact, winter can be very cold, whilst summer is often very hot with heavy rain.
Top places to discover.
There are no compulsory vaccinations for a trip to Japan . Cases of German measles have been on the increase for a few years, so check before leaving that your vaccination is up to date, as well as your vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and polio.
Finally, you can take out health and repatriation insurance covering hospital expenses.
The country code for Japan is 81.
Japan is a country at the forefront of technology and the Internet, so you won't have any problems finding a connection.
The French Embassy in Japan
4-11-44 Minami-Azabu MinatoKu
Tokyo
The Japanese Embassy in France
7, avenue Hoche
75008 Paris
Police: 110
Police with a possible reply in French: (03) 3503-8484
Fire service: 119
Ambulance: 119
Tokyo Clinic (English-speaking and French-speaking doctors): 03 3436-3028 et 03 3436-3025.