Japan holidays are filled with colour – from the bright neon lights of Tokyo and Osaka to the pastel shades of cherry blossom season and elegant red temples of Kyoto and Nagoya. This is a country that delivers a true feast for the senses.
Japan enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons. The warmest months are June to September, with average highs touching 29°C and above. The weather can vary considerably between regions, so it is best to check conditions for your destination before travelling.
Japan’s local currency is the Yen. In cities, the use of cards and ATMs are the norm. Expect to pay in cash in more rural and remote areas.
Japanese is, of course, the most widely-spoken language across the nation. In major cities, however, many signs and menus will have English translations.
Japan’s travel network is comprehensive and extremely efficient, with plane, ferry, bullet train, subway and bus options. Locally, bikes are useful for exploring cities while hire cars make remote areas more accessible.
Japan is an extremely polite nation and bowing and saying ‘arigato’ – or thank you – is widespread. Tipping in restaurants is not expected, and is even sometimes frowned upon.
The flight time from Abu Dhabi to Tokyo is around 9.5 hours. Onward travel from Tokyo to Osaka takes 2.5 hours by Bullet train and Kyoto takes around 2 hours 20.
Japan’s capital is electric in more ways than one. This hi-tech hub is a treat for gamers and gadget fans. The real gaming haven is in Akihabara, or Electric Town, where you can buy almost any game or console before launching into Tokyo’s arcades for a night of gaming fun. For a truly immersive experience, visit teamLab and explore a never-before-seen world of art, science and technology in this digital art museum.
Holidays in Japan are an opportunity for culinary enthusiasts to sample the famous sushi. One of Japan’s national dishes, the colours, shapes and intricate handiwork involved make these extraordinary inventions almost too good to eat. Newcomers can try simple ‘Kapa maki’ or cucumber roll for an introduction to this Japanese delicacy.
The cherry blossom has been celebrated for many centuries in Japan. Most trees bloom for just a couple of days in Spring but it can be as early as January and as late as May. In most major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto the season famously begins in late March and lasts for around two weeks. If you’re in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen Park has more than 1,000 species of flowering cherry, or sakura, trees and is one of the best places to see the blooms.
There are thousands of temples found across Japan, all waiting to be discovered. One of the most beautiful can be found in Kyoto – around an hour away from Osaka by local train. Built in the 14th century, Kinkaku-ji is covered in gold leaf and sits on a serene pond. Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, dates back to 645 AD and has become one of the area’s major attractions. Visit these spiritual sites and find yourself enchanted by the magnificent architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Prices are starting prices, including applicable taxes, and fuel surcharges. Packages include return flights with Etihad Airways departing from Abu Dhabi, priced per person sharing a Double/Twin room. Sales period is from 19 January - 14 February 2020. Travel period is from 19 January - 30 June 2020. Terms and conditions apply including high season surcharges, restrictions on offers during festival and special events travel period. Airport transfers and city transfers/train tickets are not included unless otherwise stated. Hotels are based on “Room Only” basis unless otherwise mentioned. Conditions apply. To book visit www.etihadholidays.com or call 800 2324
