Japan Travel Guide

General Information

• CIA World Fact Book: Japan - The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s Fact Book on Japan.

• Japan Consular Information Sheet - An official government site with Japan entry requirements, safety and security information, medical insurance, health information, and more.

• Maps of Japan - Includes city maps as well as country maps.

• The Kabuki Story - Some great information and resources about the art of Kabuki, a type of stylized Japanese dance-drama.

• All Japanese Programs Suspended - This program is Suspended

Getting There & Around

• The Japan Railways Group (JR) - This Japanese organization runs one of the best rail networks in the world.

Hotels & Restaurants

• Japan Hotels - This site is filled with hotel listings complete with pictures, directions and simple street maps, and a daily currency rate for Europe and the U.S. to calculate room charges.

• Lodging options - A multi-lingual site offering hotel listings and vacation rentals by area and their regional attractions.

• Restaurant Listing - A straightforward yet complete listing of restaurants searchable by region.

• Tokyo Food Guide - A complete bilingual guide to Japanese cuisine and eating in Tokyo, with recipes, culinary travel tips, restaurant listings, and more.

News & Culture

• Japanese Magazine - A quarterly magazine introducing modern Japan to people all over the world. Offered in multiple languages.

• Japanese News - A bilingual online newspaper.

• Kabuki for Everyone - This fascinating Japanese theatrical art is presented by a kabuki actor.

Staff Picks

• Kanazawa Featured in New York Times - A visitor to Kanazawa recalls the sights of the city.

Travel & Tourism

• Japan National Tourist Organization - “Your Gateway to Japan”: This invaluable website includes lots and lots of useful tourist information such as illustrated glimpses into Japan’s culture (a must see!), customs and lifestyle, how to eat Japanese style, practical travel guides with attractions maps and much more. A unique traveler’s gem!

• Lonely Planet: Destination Japan - A fun site that includes basic travel information, history, culture, attractions, and more for the independent traveler.

• An online travel reference - This site includes an online hotel booking, currency and time zone converters, language translator and general tips and information. They also offer the opportunity to submit your travel pictures and stories or view others’.

• Memoirs of a Geisha (Book Reviews) - AmeriSpan's Sue Lavene reviews this recent biography-turned-motion picture movie.

• Bridging the Achievement Gap (Learning A language) - Marlo Goldstein, Director of Academic Programs at AmeriSpan, recently attended two conferences focusing Latino issues in North Carolina, the state facing the highest percentage of growth in the latino community. She left the conferences informed and inspired.

• Are Language Skills Enough? (Learning A language) - Article on the importance of cross-cultural communication

• Get an Edge in the Job Market (AmeriSpan Staff Commentary) - AmeriSpan's Business and Professional language programs can give you an edge in the job market and make your resume stand out.

• Learning a Language? Add Some Fun! (AmeriSpan Staff Commentary) - Discover AmeriSpan's 'Language and Fun' programs

• Tips for Traveling Inexpensively (AmeriSpan Staff Commentary) - These days, from the weak dollar to the outrageous airfares, traveling abroad may seem out of the question. We beg to differ! There are many ways you can travel that are budget-friendly. We’ve gathered together some of our favorite cheap travel tips to help you make your trip a reality!

• AmeriSpan Study Abroad Named LTM's 2011 Best Agency in North America (Press Releases) - AmeriSpan awarded LTM's Best Agency in North America for the third year in a row.