Tokyo


 * Tokyo Metropolis (Tokyo), Japan **


 * __The Essential Guide to Japan__ ** [[image:http://www.eurosis.org/cms/files/Japan_map.gif width="287" height="320" align="right" caption="This is a map of Japan, with the capital - Tokyo - starred, along with major cities being labeled. (Eurosis Organization)"]]

__Geography__ Japan is an island country lying off the East coast of Asia, formed with four main islands. Nearly the entire land area is taken up by the country's four main islands from north to south. These are Hokkaido (Hokkaido), Honshu (Honshu), Shikoku, and Kyushu (Kyushu). Honshu is the largest of the four, followed in size by Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

The estimated area that Japan covers is 377,930 km2,. Japan is a mountainous region that is an archipelago of islands.

__Site & Situation__ Around this country are four major bodies of water: to the East is North Pacific Ocean, to the South is the Philippine Sea, to the West are East China Sea and the Sea of Japan. Because Japan is located in a region, where several continental plates meet, the country experiences frequent earthquakes. For the same reason, there are many volcanos in Japan. Japan's most famous volcano and highest mountain is Mt. Fuji. __Climate__ The climate of Japan varies, depending on the region. Japan, especially the Kanto area (including Tokyo) is famous for its distinct four seasons. Its monsoon season occurs in June to September, with an average temperature of 20-26°C. The average temperature during spring and autumn is between 10-20°C. Winter temperature ranges from 4-12°C, and it snows at most part of the country. During Spring, usually during the last week of March to the first week of April, the cherry blossoms “sakura” blooms.

__Population__ The population of Japan is approximately 127 556 000 people.

__Language__ The official language of Japan is Japanese, which was derived and evolved from Chinese from centuries ago.

__Ethnicity__ There are several different ethnic groups in Japan. 98.5% of the population are Japanese, 0.5% are Korean, 0.4% are Chinese and 0.6% are others.

__Religion__ It is estimated that around 83.9% of the population are Shintoists, while 71.4% of the population are Buddhist. The total exceeds 100% because some are of both religions. 2% of the population are Christians, while 7.8% are of other religions.

__Currency/Economy__ Japan is one of the world's leading industrial and trading nations and the first nation in Asia to develop into a technologically advanced industrial economy. Compared to other leading economic nations, Japan is smaller than the United States, but is larger than most major European nations.

__Arts__ Japan is famous for its Japanese pottery, clay statuary, and other Neolithic artifacts, but much of Japanese arts received much influence from China and the West. During the isolated Tokugawa period, distinctly Japanese art forms developed. These included the Ukiyo-e (woodblock print), Kabuki and other theater, and unique forms of architecture and landscape design. In later years, Japanese touch to the arts spread to the western culture.


 * __The Essential Guide to Tokyo__ **

Tokyo (official name Tokyo Metropolis) is the capital and the largest city in Japan. It is also one of the most populous cities in the world and has the highest GDP among cities worldwide. It was called Edo until 1868, when the city became the imperial capital. Tokyo has more than 400 years in history and since the late 19th century, the city has been developed greatly and gained prestigious status among world cities. The city has an area of 844 square mile and is extremely crowded with around 38,000 people per square mile.

__Culture__ //Food & Drink// Tokyo has a diverse range of food choices. Japanese traditional food remains popular in the city, however western foods are becoming more and more accepted in the city. Seafood are often used in dishes. Tokyo is the city with the most number of “Michelin” star-restaurants in the world. Popular drinks are beer, sake, unsweetened black and green tea.

**//Entertainment//** //Clothing// Tokyo is known to be one of the top fashion cities. There are four main fashion districts targeted for all age groups in Tokyo: Shibuya-young adults, Harajuku-teenagers, Ginza-sophisticated and luxurious, and Shinjuku-fancy department stores. Many foreign fashion brands incorporate Japanese elements to their products.

//Sports// Tokyo is home to two professional baseball clubs; the Yomiuri Giants (Tokyo Dome) and Tokyo Yakult Swallows (Meiji-Jingu Stadium). The Japan Sumo Association is also headquartered in Tokyo at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan sumo arena where three official sumo tournaments are held annually (in January, May, and September). Soccer clubs in Tokyo include F.C. Tokyo and Tokyo Verdy, both of which play at Ajinomoto Stadium in Chōfu.

//Nightlife// Tokyo has a very complicated nightlife, from traditional Kabuki, to modern clubs and bars. After work, most Japanese would visit an Izakaya – light food and drink, or a karaoke to socialize with coworkers or friends.

//Music// Music plays an important role in the Japanese culture. From centuries ago, traditional Japanese music – Enka, shōmyō (Buddhist chanting), gagaku (orchestral court music), have been prevalent through Japan. Folk music appeared later along with the use of traditional instruments. Western music eventually arrived in Japan, and the Japanese incorporated different musical elements to its own to create what is known as J-Pop (like rock and jazz). Karaoke is very popular among the people in Japan as a typical leisure activity.

__Safety__ Generally, Tokyo is a very safe city compared to other major cities in the world. Police booths are easily seen in the city. Sexual gestures are common in Tokyo. However, one can encounter pickpockets in crowded areas such as in a subway.

__Tips For Traveller__ - Taxi doors open automatically; it is considered to be rude to open the taxi doors and not wait till the driver opens for you - Almost everything is tax and charge included; it is also a “no-tipping” culture - Unless phone is 3G, Canadian cellular phones cannot be used in Japan - It is highly recommended to get a “SUICA” or a “PASMO” card when travelling to Tokyo for convenient public transportation - Same electric outlet plug as the ones in Canada - No smoking in subways - No phone calls in subways - In general, Tokyo is a “smoking-accepted” environment __**Useful Japanese to know:**__ -"Good morning" - "Ohaiyogozaimasu" -"Good afternoon" - "Konnichiwa" -"Good Evening" - "Konbanwa" -"Thank you" - "Arigatoo gozaimasu" -"Where is the bathroom?" - "Toireto wa doko desuka?" -"This!" (to order food or buy certain item) - "Kore onegaishimasu!" -"Just one." (to order food or buy certain item) - "Hitotsu onegaishimasu!" __Transportation__ The main type of transportation used in Tokyo would be the underground public transit. Railway and subway systems are extremely advanced in Tokyo. There are 12 main subway lines, along with multiple railway lines connecting Tokyo to its suburban areas and the rest of Japan. It is most convenient to get around Tokyo with the underground rails. Tokyo subways accommodates around 12 million people per day. Japanese taxis have great services, with nice interiors. However, taxis are extremely costly: starting price – 660yen, 80yen/274metres; with additional charges at certain hours.

__Currency__ Currency used in Japan is Japanese Yen (¥ ). They have 4 bills with denominations of ¥ 1000, ¥ 2000, ¥ 5000, ¥ 10000, and 6 coins with denominations of ¥ 1, ¥ 5, ¥ 10, ¥ 50, ¥ 100, ¥ 500
 * 1 Canadian dollar is approximately 88 yens. (Mar. 8)**

__**Honeymoon Itinerary**__ //**April 1 ~ 8 (See bottom of webpage for detailed and total cost)** __**Itinerary Preview**:__ // Day 1: Arrive into Tokyo Day 2: Getting around and familiarize the city Day 3: Day trip to Japan's old capital - Kyoto Day 4: Depart to Hakone, a 1.5hr train ride from Tokyo for a natural phenomenon experience Day 5: Experience traditional and old lifestyle of Japan - Edo - in Hakone; and take a trip Mt.Fuji Day 6: Back in Tokyo: shop for the beloved Day 7: Tokyo... I shall return...

__Flight Information:__

Flight departs __Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1__ to __Tokyo Narita International Airport Terminal 1__ Flight: Air Canada - AC 001 Departure Time: April 1 12:00 Arrival Time: April 2 15:00 Class of Service: Executive First Class
 * =========AIR CANADA AC1 1200 1500 (+1) HK2 (J)==========**

****April 2 ~ April 4 : Mandarin Oriental Tokyo** - Honeymoon Package: Suite includes daily breakfast, and special gifts - Amour Package: Twin Suite with dinner and breakfast, and dedicated amenities - Honeymoon Package: Suite includes daily breakfast, and special gifts
 * __Hotel Information:__
 * April 5 : Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa**
 * April 6 ~ April 8 : Mandarin Oriental Tokyo** **

Day One: April 2 - Flight arrives into Tokyo, at 15:00. - Limousine arrangement to Mandarin Oriental Tokyo Hotel - approximated arrival time to hotel: 17:00. (Allocentric: Hummer H2 limo) - Dinner: Tapas Molecular Bar at hotel - 1-star Michelin restaurant - **(Allo-centric – not your typical bar, “food magic”)
 * ==============Hotel: Mandarin Oriental================**

**Day Two: April 3** - Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel - For relaxation purposes, enjoy 2-hour spa treatment in hotel (recover from jet-lagging) - Lunch @ Tsukiji Fish Market (Allo-centric, due to fish smell and gutting) - Afternoon: Tsukiji Market>>Roppongi (by subway, experience the Japanese way of life) {Take Oedo-line subway to Roppongi from Tsukiji Market (5 stops)} - Shop @ Roppongi Hills, and Midtown in Roppongi: high class, with seasonal discounts/promotions (Psycho-centric: Most people enjoy to shop in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment) - Visit Mori Art Museum @ Roppongi Hills (Psycho-centric - modern and contemporary Japanese arts) - Dinner: L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon: high class, 3-star Michelin French contemporary cuisine, located in Roppongi - Return to hotel by subway*


 * Optional: clubbing @ Roppongi/Ginza after dinner
 * ==============Hotel: Mandarin Oriental================**

- Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel - Take 9:30 Shinkansen (bullet train/high-speed rail) to Kyoto - "The Old Japan" - Train arrives Kyoto 11:50 - Take taxi to “Kyo Kaiseki—Kinmata” Traditional Japanese cuisine, for lunch: sit in a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats; along with a cooking class session (Allo-centric activity, to experience how to make traditional Japanese food) - Around 16:15, take taxi to "Kiyomizu Shrine, for lovers" *See video to the right - Customize Kimono from Kimono store near shrine (Japanese traditional wear) - Train back to Tokyo: Leaves 18:23 - Dinner: food purchased from Shrine, leftover from cooking class, and/or purchase //bento set// on train (Psycho-centric, //bento sets//: what Japanese train-riders and normal tourists would eat when riding the Bullet train/train) - Train Arrives Tokyo Station 20:43 - Walk back to Hotel, as hotel is near the station, about 10 minutes of walking distance
 * Day Three: April 4 **media type="youtube" key="B0DXSwbgkm4" height="317" width="384" align="right"
 * ==============Hotel: Mandarin Oriental================**

- ‘Temporarily’ check out from Mandarin Oriental Tokyo after breakfast - Leave bulky luggage at concierge desk at Mandarin Oriental as will be returning; pack light luggage for 2-day-1-night trip to Hakone - Take subway to Shinjuku Train station to take Odakyu Train to Hakone (Romance Car)
 * Day Four: April 5 **

//__Train Information:__// Train Departs Shinjuku Station: 11:10 Train Arrives Hakone: 12:37 Tickets: Pre-arranged, bought and booked via Mandarin Oriental concierge desk

- Once arrived Hakone, Hyatt Regency Hakone Hotel shuttle bus would be waiting for you to the hotel - 13:30 check-in @ hotel (requested early check-in in advance) - 14:00 ~ 16:00 “MRT”/cable car to Oowakutani to sightsee the natural phenomenon of the erupting volcano - Eat blackened boiled eggs, boiled using the hot water with sulfur from volcano (Both psycho-centric: a "must-visit" attraction and allocentric: disturbing smell and mountain climbing) - Take ropeway down the mountain to the streets of the town Hakone for some delightful shopping experience, and purchase local snacks - 18:00 ~ 20:00 French/sushi dinner in hotel; included in stay plan - 21:00 ~ 22:00 Onsen - hot spring bath using hot underground water from vocano with sulfur and other minerals
 * ======Hotel: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa======**

- Light breakfast: room serviced, included in plan - 10:00 ~11:30 Spa @ hotel {90 Min hot stones} - 12:00 Check out of hotel - 12:30 Mrt/walk to Oshinoko (lake near Mt. Fuji) - 13:00 Pirate ship ride for 40 mins (Psycho-centric, a must when making a visit to Hakone) - 15:00 Visit Hakone Osekisho - experience what Japan was like 400 years ago (Allo-centric) - 17:30 Train departs Hakone to Tokyo - 18:42 Train arrives Shinjuku station - Take subway back to Hotel - Dinner: Sant Pau (Michelin 2 star Spanish Cuisine)
 * Day Five: April 6 **
 * ==============Hotel: Mandarin Oriental================**

**Day Six: April 7** - Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel - 10:30 ~ 14:30 Shop at Omotesando - modern and fashionable experience - : lunch counted for in this session (by subway) - 15:00 ~ 18:00 Taxi to Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium to watch sumo wrestling (Allo-centric activity: front-row tickets) - Dinner at L’Osier, at Ginza: fancy 3-star Michelin restaurant - Return to hotel by walking (approximately 10 minutes)
 * ==============Hotel: Mandarin Oriental================**

- Enjoy complimentary breakfast in hotel - 12:00 Check-out from hotel - Take pre-arranged limousine (Rolls Royce) to Narita International Airport - 15:00 Arrive at the airport - Shopping at airport before departure for last-minute souvenir shopping
 * Day Seven: April 8 **

__Flight Information:__

Flight departs __Tokyo Narita International Airport Terminal 1__ to __Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1__ Flight: Air Canada - AC 002 Departure Time: April 8 17:00 Arrival Time: April 8 15:15 Class of Service: Executive First Class
 * ==========AIR CANADA AC2 1700 1515 HK2 (J)=============**



- Couple: Psycho-centric wife, Allo-centric husband - City given: Tokyo - Budget given: $30 000 By Ryan Cho & Wellington Chow
 * Remarks*