Japan
Getting there: Japan Airlines has a daily non-stop flight from Heathrow to Tokyo, taking 11hrs 45mins. British Airways has a twice-daily non-stop service from Heathrow to Tokyo. All Nippon Airways and Virgin Atlantic also have daily non-stop services from Heathrow to Tokyo.
Geography: Japan is a chain of over 1,000 islands stretching for more than 2,375 miles off the eastern coast of Asia. The two main tourist destinations Tokyo and Kyoto, are on the island of Honshu.
Best time to go: the months of March, April and May are when the cherry blossoms come out. It is best to avoid visiting during the rainy season in June; summer continues through July and August with high temperatures and humidity. The months of September to November are ideal for a visit to see the reds, oranges and browns of the maple trees in the national parks.
Visa: UK nationals do not need a visa for trips of up to 90 days.
Currency: the yen.
Food and drink: lots of raw fish and rice dishes (sushi and sashimi). Fried noodles with vegetables and seafood (yakisoba), noodles in soup with meat or vegetables (ramen), seafood and vegetables deep fried in a light batter (tempura). The traditional rice-wine spirit sake also is worth trying.
Operators: Kuoni, Airwaves, Bales, Asian Journeys, Creative Tours, KR Tours, Nippon Travel Agency, ANA World Tours, Reliance Tours.
Japan
Getting there: Japan Airlines has a daily non-stop flight from Heathrow to Tokyo, taking 11hrs 45mins. British Airways has a twice-daily non-stop service from Heathrow to Tokyo. All Nippon Airways and Virgin Atlantic also have daily non-stop services from Heathrow to Tokyo.
Geography:Japan is a chain of over 1,000 islands stretching for more than 2,375 miles off the eastern coast of Asia. The two main tourist destinations Tokyo and Kyoto, are on the island of Honshu.
Best time to go: the months of March, April and May are when the cherry blossoms come out. It is best to avoid visiting during the rainy season in June; summer continues through July and August with high temperatures and humidity. The months of September to November are ideal for a visit to see the reds, oranges and browns of the maple trees in the national parks.
Visa: UK nationals do not need a visa for trips of up to 90 days.
Currency: the yen.
Food and drink: lots of raw fish and rice dishes (sushi and sashimi). Fried noodles with vegetables and seafood (yakisoba), noodles in soup with meat or vegetables (ramen), seafood and vegetables deep fried in a light batter (tempura). The traditional rice-wine spirit sake also is worth trying.
Operators: Kuoni, Airwaves, Bales, Asian Journeys, Creative Tours, KR Tours, Nippon Travel Agency, ANA World Tours, Reliance Tours.