Situated between the North Pacific and the Sea of
Japan, Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than
4,000 smaller islands. Being a compulsory part of education, English is
widely spoken. In no other place will you find the mix of a
bustling fast-paced metropolis with the calm tranquillity that hangs
over the zen gardens and temples. Studying abroad in Japan, you should
be sure to catch some of the cultural and sporting events which take
place throughout the year. Catching a Sumo tournament should certainly
be on your agenda. Study abroad in Japan offers something for
everyone. From the postcard backdrop of Mount Fuji to the crowded
24-hour days in Tokyo, the splendid ranges of Daisetsuzan National Park
to the culture capital that is Kyoto. Japan is also home to the Saegaia Ocean Dome - the
largest indoor water park in the world. A virtual environment of
beaches, oceans and even a sky. In a nutshell, Japan is the future – technology
that you probably would have thought you would never see in your
lifetime – and with the neon light and crowded sidewalks of Tokyo, you
will feel as if you are walking through a movie set, yet immersed in
the infectious and mystical religious aura that surrounds you.
International student accommodation in Japan is
hard to come by, especially in Tokyo. Choices are limited and can not
be offered to all students.
Dormitories are fairly common, and for
international students, there are specially designated international
student houses. Sometimes, private accommodation may be offered,
although a basic proficiency in Japanese is often required to secure
these. Private apartment houses are another option with the shortage of
university housing.
Weather
The climate in Japan is influenced by monsoons to
the south of the island. The north is generally warmer than the south.
Winter along the Pacific coast and to the south are very mild, whilst
further north, the winter snow makes for excellent skiing and winter
sports.
Summer, which runs from June to August, tends to
start with some rather heavy rainfall, followed by very hot and humid
weather. This is also the time when most of the festivals take place.
The autumn bring a welcomed cool to the air, and makes for even more
spectacular views of the parks and garden.
Transportation
Japan is very well connected and has excellent,
clean and modern public transport systems. 90 airports serve
domestic and overseas flights, primarily through JAL and the JAL
network.
All major cities have subways which are clean,
quick and efficient. The Yamanote-sen loop line in Tokyo and the
kanjo-sen loop line in Osaka both circle the centre of the respective
cities. Buses are available both as public transport and linking
cities, but are not as reliable as the trains and planes, and can also
prove a problem to non-Japanese speaking visitors.
Cost (in ¥ Yen)
| Item |
Price |
| litre of milk |
¥190.00 |
| 12 eggs |
¥300.00 |
| cheap bowl of noodles |
¥400.00 |
| average temple/museum admission |
¥500.00 |
| internet per hour |
¥500.00 |
| developing a roll of 36 exposure film |
¥600.00 |
| simple restaurant meal |
¥1,000.00 |
| youth hostel accommodation |
¥2,800.00 |
Dialing code: 81
Currency: Yen (¥)
Time zone: GMT/UTC +9
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