SOUTHEAST ASIA GUIDE — JAPAN

Story and photos by Barb & Ron Kroll

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JAPAN

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:

Artistically presented Japanese meal.

Photo © Barb & Ron Kroll

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), lacquer ware, woodblock prints, kimonos, porcelain, fans, Noh masks, sake pitchers and cups.

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TRAVEL INFORMATION

Japan National Tourist Organization: www.japantravelinfo.com

Tokyo Encounter (Lonely Planet)

Japan (Lonely Planet)