For a country that lived in self-imposed isolation until 150 years ago, Japan has not hesitated in making up for lost time since the world came calling. Anyone who's eaten sushi or used a Sony Walkman feels they know something about this slinky archipelago of some 6800 volcanic islands tucked away off the far eastern coast of Asia, and yet, from the moment of arrival in this oddly familiar, quintessentially Oriental land it's almost as if you've touched down on another planet.
Japan is a place of ancient gods and customs, but is also the cutting edge of cool modernity. High-speed trains whisk you from one end of the country to another with frightening punctuality. You can catch sight of a farmer tending his paddy field, then turn the corner and find yourself next to a neon-festooned electronic games parlour in the suburb of a sprawling metropolis. One day you could be picking through the fashions in the biggest department store on earth, the next relaxing in an outdoor hot-spring pool, watching cherry blossom or snowflakes fall, depending on the season.
Few other countries have, in the space of a few generations, experienced so much or made such an impact. Industrialized at lightning speed, Japan shed its feudal trappings to become the most powerful and outwardly aggressive country in Asia in a matter of decades. After defeat in World War II, it transformed itself from atom bomb victim to wonder economy, the envy of the globe. Currently facing up to recession and rising unemployment after years of conspicuous consumption, Japan still remains fabulously wealthy and intent on reinvention for the twenty-first century, when, together with South Korea, it will become the first Asian nation to host soccer's World Cup in 2002.
Japan is never going to be a cheap place to travel, but there's no reason why it should be wildly expensive either. Some of the most atmospheric and traditionally Japanese places to stay and eat are often those that are the best value. Furthermore, the recession and tentative moves towards deregulation of the airlines, among other industries, have led to significant price-cutting in some areas.
*Fares shown in off-site and on-site advertisements do not include the following government and other authority imposed taxes and fees: (a) U.S. Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) starting at US$3.00 up to US$18.00, depending upon the itinerary chosen; (b) U.S. Federal Domestic Flight Segment Fee of US$3.70 per flight segment defined as one takeoff and one landing; (c) September 11 Security Fee of US$2.50 per each flight segment per U.S. enplanement (maximum charge per trip--$5.00 USD one-way, $10.00 USD round-trip); (d) U.S. Federal Domestic Excise Tax of 7.5% applied to the airline base fare may be pro-rated for flights to/from the 48 contiguous U.S. states and Alaska and Hawaii, and some international destinations; (f) U.S. Immigration Fee of US$7.00 for all arrivals from international airports into the United States; (g) U.S. Customs User Fee of US$5.50 for all arrivals from international airports into the United States; (h) U.S. or International Departure and Arrival Charges of up to US$200.00 (approx..) may apply, depending upon the itinerary chosen. Government imposed taxes and fees are subject to change.
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