The country’s main attraction for tourists is, of course, the bustling city of Tokyo. Only a few of its landmarks will be mentioned here.

1) Tiyoda” home of the imperial palace and other buildings. The palace, called Kkyo, is, like the European castles of medieval times, surrounded by walls and a moat. Fujimi-yagura was once part of Edo Castle. Some art museums, such as Idemitsu Art Museum, are also located here.

2) Kiyosumi Garden, in Eastern Tokyo, is pleasantly uncrowded.

3) Nakano Broadway” can get comics etc. here

Here is a list of five things to do before moving to Japan.

1. Get all the proper documents
A visa will be needed to enter Japan. Search online for the Japanese Embassy’s website. There will be plenty of helpful information on getting visa’s to enter Japan.

2. Pack up
Sell as much as possible, bring only what is needed.

3. Tie up loose ends
Settle as much debt as possible and close any bank or business accounts that will no longer be needed.

4. Let go of one home and search for another.
Start searching for a house or apartment in Japan. Contact some potential residences by email and, hopefully, have a house or apartment waiting.

5. Learn some of the Japanese culture and language.
Learn basic, conversational Japanese as well as a bit of the culture, http://www.culturecheesemag.com/. A little will go a long way once in Japan.

These are some simple steps to make the transition to Japan a little easier. Enjoy the Japanese culture and people.

• All-You-Can Japan: Getting the Most Bang For Your Yen (Josh Shulman) is written by an author who has lived, worked, and traveled Japan for over 10 years and knows which locations are hits and which ones are misses. Written with the insight of a local, the book shows you were you can eat inexpensive sushi that is awesome in every regard instead of spending your hard come by travel dollars on over-priced sushi that is mediocre at best. The author points out that the book doesn’t list the “cheapest” travel options, merely the ones that equate to smart choices. One reviewer of this book called it “incredibly useful” and we believe you’ll find it helpful, as well. Also available on Kindle.
• Japan: Eyewitness Travel Guides (DK Publishing) is a whopping 416 pages that is published by what the Chicago Tribune calls “the most graphically exciting and visually pleasing series on the market.” The book covers aspects of Japan’s modern life as well as providing insight into its history, art, and ancient traditions which will serve to only enhance your travel experience. Included are over 800 full-color photographs to truly whet your appetite. One reviewer wrote that publishers “definitely know their audience, and all of the weird and wild parts of the country and its culture are captured.”
• Gateway to Japan (June Kinoshita and Nicholas Palevsky) is broken out into two main sections: History and Culture, and Japan by Region so you can decide which area you are most interested in exploring and navigate that interest in a very manageable way. The book is a colossal 808 pages so you know the author’s not only did their homework, but they’ve provided thoughtful and thorough commentary, as well. One reviewer commented the book as being “without a doubt the most useful and informative guidebook” available.

There are many more, of course; we suggest these three merely as a starting point on your path of exploring the many wonders of Japan, its people, and its history.

1. Bowing: In Japan it is customary and expected that two people bow a greeting and a goodbye to one another. This is done no matter how well you know a person and even if you’ve seen them already that day. There are different levels of bowing that are reserved for different individuals. Generally the more authority a person has the longer and deeper a bow they receive.
2. Dinner Etiquette: Before beginning a meal, it is polite to say “itadakimaso,” which is translated to mean “I humbly receive.” One etiquette rule many westerners struggle to wrap their head around is the acceptance of slurping. Most of us grew up being scolded for slurping our soup or noodles, but this is actually encouraged as a showing of gratitude and enjoyment of the food. Holding a bowl up to the face to eat or drink soup or noodles is also an acceptable practice.
3. Tipping: No matter what the service, whether it is a waitress, a taxi driver or a bartender, tipping is not expected. It can even be considered rude, so enjoy the reprieve from adding gratuity while you’re away.
4. Taking off Shoes: Unlike in the United States where taking off your shoes in public or in someone’s home can be considered rude, the opposite is true in Japan. When you enter a person’s house you should always remove your shoes and they will usually have guest slippers for you to wear. This is often the custom in businesses or hotels as well.
5. Public Behavior: In our fast paced society it is nothing out of the ordinary to see someone eating in public or talking on the phone. However, this is considered extremely rude in Japanese culture. Blowing your nose in public is also extremely offensive, so try to take care of any sniffles in private.