Japan is a spectacular country with gracious people and incredible traditions, where cherry blossoms fall at your feet. It’s certainly more expensive than the rest of Asia, but it’s still possible to travel there on a tight budget.
The best time to visit Japan is spring, when cherry blossom fever holds the country in its grip. There are even special forecasts on TV, and enthusiasts move en masse from one side of the country to the other, following the predicted bloomings. Fall is great for the autumnal colors and local festivals. And winter offers excellent skiing and it's a great time to see the little snow monkeys in their hot baths.
Fast Facts
Population: 126,804,433 (July 2010 est.)
Capital City: Tokyo
Climate: Varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north
Time Difference: UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Source: CIA World Fact Book
Japan Articles
Good Fortune in Japan, Fishing in Africa…Posted on January 19, 2012 by anon
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
Wanted: Your Holiday PhotosPosted on January 11, 2012 by Caroline Maryan
Fog clung to our clothes. The air smelled of wet wood smoke. The wind chilled our bones. We were on our way down Mount Misen, on the Japanese island of Miyajima. We’d ridden two ropeways to the top, cameras in hand, to photograph the famous panoramic view of the Inland Sea. Sadly, visibility was poor and it was starting to look like we would be heading back empty handed.
- News and Notes from Around the World
Posted on November 24, 2011 by International Living
News and notes from around the world.
Pirate Week and a Monkey BanquetPosted on October 27, 2011 by Darius Fisher
The Cayman Islands hosts an annual Pirates Week Festival from November 10 to 20. It’s got everything you’re looking for in a pirate fest: an underwater treasure hunt, paddleboard races, and a Miss Pirate Queen pageant. Don’t forget your costume!
Have You Considered This Way to Play the Japanese Recovery?Posted on March 30, 2011 by Chris Hunter
I’ve already urged you to buy leading Japanese stocks through the iShares MSCI Japan Index ETF (NYSE:EWJ). I made this recommendation before the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan. Following the earthquake, I believe the investment case for Japan is even stronger.
Japanese Crisis – How It Affects Our PortfolioPosted on March 13, 2011 by Chris Hunter
On Friday, the Earth’s axis shifted 9.8 inches. The force of 1,500 one-megaton nuclear bombs exploding beneath the seabed off the coast of Japan triggered one of the most powerful earthquakes in recorded history. A lethal tsunami followed.
Japan: This Overlooked Asian Market is a Steal Right NowPosted on March 7, 2011 by Chris Hunter
Our mission here at International Living Investor is to hunt down the best profit opportunities the world has to offer. That means harnessing the power of the world’s fast-growing emerging markets—places like India, Brazil and China.
Why It’s Finally Time to Buy This Hated Country…Posted on January 12, 2011 by Chris Hunter
If you want to make real money in the markets, you have to do one thing above all else: Buy when others are fearful and sell when others are greedy. Buying when others are fearful forces you to “buy low.” Selling when others are greedy forces you to “sell high.”
The Travel Press TalksPosted on June 1, 2010 by Anna Skellern
The Japanese have the highest life expectancy in the world: four to five years longer than their U.S. counterparts, and their country boasts more than 20,000 centenarians. So what is their secret?
Travel: Japan on the Cheap with a Family in TowPosted on March 24, 2010 by Jean Flitcroft
After a year of planning, my husband and I finally packed our bags, emptied our piggy banks, took our three kids out of school and set off around the world for six months. As we had no salary coming in and were living off of savings, we had to think really hard about getting the most value for our money in the 15 countries we traveled through.
Where the Timing is Right for Real EstatePosted on March 24, 2010 by International Living
“Timing is everything.” They say it about wine. About fashion. And, of course, about real estate. I’m ill-qualified to comment on the first two. But when it comes to property investing, I’d agree.
Speak English? It could pay your way overseasPosted on April 28, 2008 by Suzan Haskins
“I’ll need to work to support my new life. What kind of job can I get?” This is a typical question from the would-be expat. The answer is that it’s usually difficult to get a job in a foreign country unless you meet a host of requirements. And if you don’t speak the language of your new country, things can be even tougher. There is one way, though, to ease into a new culture and make a bit of money at the same time. You may be able to get a job teaching English.
Where to put your dollars now? JapanPosted on March 23, 2008 by Bill Bonner
When I started International Living nearly three decades ago, two things were obvious:
The U.S. dollar was headed down, especially against gold…and there were surely better investment opportunities outside the U.S.
A ski trip without the masses: 6 of the bestPosted on November 30, 2007 by Hannah Roberts
International Living selects 6 of the best ski resorts in the world.
- Twenty-five of the World’s Best Flea Markets
Posted on October 9, 2007 by International Living
<!– –> by Robbie McDonald and prepared by the staff of International Living Learn …
Shaking your shamrock around the world this Paddy’s DayPosted on May 22, 2007 by International Living
A much bigger event overseas than in Ireland itself, St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is a good excuse for expats around the world to get nostalgic and indulge a little. Here’s a whirlwind tour of how this green day is celebrated on different parts of the globe…
- Hang Ten in San Blas
Posted on April 19, 2007 by International Living
San Blas is a Mexican hotspot for surfers from around the world. If you …
Teaching English abroad–the creative approach to funding the international lifestyle of your dreamsPosted on October 1, 2005 by International Living
If you can order French fries in the drive-thru, you’ve got a skill that others want. And the ability to teach your native tongue in a foreign country can be your gateway to big opportunity. While formal programs may serve as a shortcut, all you really need is an open mind, persistence, and a teacher’s bag of tricks…
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