JAPAN
Artistically presented Japanese meal |
Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll |
Major airline:
Japan Airlines
Capital:
Tokyo.
Language:
Japanese is the official language, but English is taught at all school levels.
Currency:
The yen
Eating Out:
In Japan, food must appeal to the eye as well as the stomach. Sukiyaki (thinly-sliced beef, vegetables, bean curd and vermicelli, prepared at the table), tempura (prawns, fish and vegetables dipped in light batter and deep-fried), sushi (raw fish on vinegared rice), sashimi (raw fish), yakitori (grilled chicken and vegetables on a stick), tonkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork cutlet), shabu-shabu (beef-cooked fondue-style), chawanmushi (custard with meat or fish, in a small bowl), soba & udon (buckwheat flour and wheat flour noodles served in broth or dipped in sauce).
Shopping Specialties:
Cameras, watches, electronic items, silk, pearls, bamboo-ware, Japanese and samurai dolls, damascene (gold and silver-inlaid articles), lacquerware, woodblock prints, kimonos, porcelain, fans, Noh masks, sake pitchers and cups.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Japan National Tourist Organization