Japan is the subject of more gullible and misguided musings than perhaps any other place in the world: the best way to approach it is to discard your preconceptions. Somewhere between the elegant formality of Japanese manners and the candid, sometimes boisterous exchanges that take place over a few drinks, between the sanitized shopping malls and the unexpected rural festivals, everyone finds their own vision of Japan. Whether you end up taking photos of a reproduction Eiffel Tower, surfing an indoor wave, shacking up in a love hotel or kipping down in a capsule, you'll do best to come with an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.

country highlights
Tokyo Disneyland
Home of the "Jungle Cruise", "Space Mountain", and, of course, the "Pirates of the Caribbean". One can only imagine the experience.

International Aquarium
Large collection in what claims to be the world's highest aquarium. Dolphins and electric eels compete with piranhas and sea horses for attention. Some rare species are also featured.

East Garden
The perfect choice after a visit to the Imperial Palace; the large gardens were formerly part of Edo Castle. The paths wind their way past formal shrubbery and wild patches. The pond is both serene and a little wild -- the plantings are old and more natural than those found in formal Japanese gardens.

Goto Museum of Art
Collection centers on the fine arts of Asia with an emphasis on painting, ceramic and lacquerware. A garden with teahouse complete the experience.

Ueno Zoo
The zoo is over one hundred years old and now houses two giant pandas (the zoo's most popular exhibit). In addition to outdoor animal exhibits, there is also an aquarium and aviary. While the pandas tend to attract most of the attention.

Ekoin Temple (aka the Shrine of the Rat Boy)
After visiting the Sumo stadium, follow the street lined with Sumo statues until it ends. Across the street you'll see a wooden gate: this is the entrance too Ekoin Temple, one of the most eclectic temples in Tokyo. Legend has it this is where retiring sumo wrestlers bury their topknots. Originally built in 1657 as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the great fire, the temple has long since transcended its original purpose. king penguins are also worth the price of admission.

Is Japan Safe?
Street theft and personal assault are not a problem. Visitors should be secure in all but the darkest back streets. Exercise the usual precautions and your visit should be untroubled.

Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.

What is the local currency?
The basic unit of currency is the yen. Bills are available in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000. Coins are denominated as follows: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500.

Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
Canadian citizens: A valid passport / return or onward ticket are required for stays of up to 3 months. EU citizens: A valid passport is required by all EU citizens for visits of up to three months, or for visits of up to six months by nationals of Germany, the Republic of Ireland, and the UK. U.S. citizens: A valid passport and a return or onward ticket are required for stays of up to three months.

How do you get there from here?
Many international airlines fly directly to Kansai International Airport (KIX), and there are regular connecting flights from Tokyo. However, travelers leaving Tokyo for Osaka or another destination must pay a terminal use fee of ´2,930.Kansai International Airport, built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, is connected to the city by a six-lane highway and rail bridge. Travelers can also reach Osaka or Kobe via jet boat service.

How to get around/to Kanazawa
Normal Method A : Domestic flight to Kanazawa using a domestic flight from Haneda airport (Tokyo airport for domestic flights).

Way to Haneda airport from Narita
Go to the bus terminal following the sign and take the Limousine bus to Haneda airport. Frequent service. The fare is approx. 3,000 Yen for one adult (normally = 12 years old+). The ticket can be bought at the ticket office near the bus terminal. From Narita to Haneda takes 75 minutes formally, but usually more. You have to think two hours in the worst case.

From Haneda to Komatsu airport
There are 9 flights from Haneda to Komatsu airport which is 25 km west from Kanazawa. Only 60 minutes flight. The fare is approx.14,600 Yen for one adult. The ticket can be bought at each ticket counter of each airline company.

From Komatsu airport to Kanazawa
There are bus connections from Komatsu to Kanazawa city center and Kanazawa railway station starting at 15 minutes after the arrival. The fare is approx. 1,100 Yen for one adult. If you deposit big bags, you may need more time than 15 minutes. Then you have to use the next bus which is connected to lines other than from Tokyo. The last bus starts 20:45 from Komatsu. Or take a taxi, but it costs more than 10,000 Yen! A bus service is also available from the station through the city center to Kanazawa.

Train via Tokyo, EchigoYuzawa (From Narita to Tokyo station)
There are two ways from Narita to the Tokyo direction. One is JR (Japan Railway Company) line. The other is Keio line. You must take JR line to the Tokyo station. At the ticket office, you have to buy two kinds of tickets. One is the normal ticket from Narita station-Tokyo station-EchigoYuzawa station-Kanazawa. The price is 8,850 Yen for one adult. The other is the special express tickets. There are three kinds of them for different lines you use: Narita-Tokyo, Tokyo-EchigoYuzawa, EchigoYuzawa-Kanazawa. The total price for the three including a discount is 6,800 Yen. You should check if you have four tickets.

From Tokyo to EchigoYuzawa station
The train from Narita arrives at the fourth floor underground near the Marunouch exit which is near the Palace. The train from Tokyo to EchigoYuzawa (Special super express called Joetsu shinkansen line) starts from the platforms at the other exit called Yaesuguchi. You have to go up to the ground floor by escalator and go to the platforms near the Yaesuguchi exit. Maybe 10 minute walk. there are many platforms for three special super express lines and so be careful to find the correct one. (12) or (13)is the platform number.

You have to get off at EchigoYuzawa station which is not the last stop. There is an English car announcer, please take care not to miss EchigoYuzawa. You have to change for Hokuhoku line to go to Kanazawa. You need less than 6 minutes to change the train into Hokuhoku line. Many people change the train into Hokuhoku line and so follow such people.

What is the weather like?
The weather is generally mild, with four distinct seasons. The annual average temperature is 61.3F, and average precipitation is 1,318mm.

Will my electrical gadgets work?
Current is 100 volts AC, 60 Hz in the west (Osaka), and 100 volts AC, 50 Hz in eastern Japan and Tokyo. Plugs are the flat, two-pin style. Visitors from abroad who wish to operate personal small electronic items should bring a plug adapter and a transformer.

What is the best way to phone home?
It is smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Japan at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.

What major holidays are there in Japan?
Banks and most businesses close on New Year's Day and beyond (13 January), Coming of Age Day (15 January), National Foundation Day (11 February), Spring Equinox Day (either 20 or 21 March), Green Day (late April; date varies), Constitution Memorial Day (3 May), Children's Day (5 May), Respect-for-the-Aged Day (15 September), Autumnal Equinox Day (approximately 23 September; date varies), Sports Day (10 October), Culture Day (3 November), Labor Thanksgiving Day (23 November), and Birthday of the Emperor (23 December).