Japan country guide

Introduction to Japan

Jan 22 |14:07

Japan has been in a state of malaise since it's economic bubble years of the late 80s/ early 90s. Today, economic stagnation continues, and the country is suffering from myriad social problems: the homeless have taken over most city parks, tens of millions of young people have literally shut themselves off from sociatey, and the political landscape was a mess, even before the current economic crisis hit.

Traditionally, foreigners had an easy way into Japan via the English teaching trade. However, the nation's largest English franchise recently collapsed, while white collared jobs are dwindling in the current global climate.

That said, if you're simply passing through on a holiday, Japan still has enough going for it to delight: think amazing food, hot and loose women that love to drink and crave stimulation, world-class shopping options, and a deeply-ingrained service culture that will make your time here a stress-free breeze.

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Tokyo guide

Japan country guide

Jan 22 |14:06

From a negative perspective, Tokyo can be summarized as a soulless crowded swatch of concrete urban blight with ridiculous prices under a thick layer of pigeon droppings.

Conversely, Tokyo's got killer nightlife (with tons of hot, hard drinking chicks wearing Gucci), amazing restaurants, and a manic shopping culture done just right with impeccable service. Plus, those looking for depth need not be disappointed: there are numerous cultural attractions within the city core, and plenty more in the fringes.

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Osaka city guide

Japan country guide

Jan 22 |13:06

Japan's most progressive city has a well-integrated expat community, an excellent nightlife scene, and world-class culinary options.

For expats, English teaching and bar-oriented work are the two primary sources of employment, although the pickings have gotten slimmer in recent years. That said, cheap short-term rentals are easy to find, so a foray through this vibrant merchant town won't cost as much as it did ten years ago.

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Tokyo getaways

Japan country guide

Jan 22 |12:06

Spending a holiday in Tokyo does not mean you need to cocoon within the concrete grid, as there are plenty of destinations in the fringes worth at least a few days of your time.

This 3-in-1 guide covers three of the best: the mountain hot springs of Hakkone; the lovely hiking trails and ancient temples in Kamakura; and the 400km coastline off of the Chiba penninsula, where there are literally doezens of decent beaches (with loads of bikinied Japanese strumpets) to choose from.

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Kyoto walker

Japan country guide

Jan 21 |13:06

When you first arrive in Kyoto (likely via Koyoto Station), expect to be disappointed by the grim concrete grid of its downtown core. However, a short distance away in every direction on the compass, there are myriad temples, walking trails, and forested mountains to enjoy that are particularly spectacular in autumn.

PAzine breaks down each of the sectors via compass points to allow you to plan your exploration of the area with full awareness of what's on offer.

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Sapporo guide

Japan country guide

Nov 28 |09:35

The Japanese love a good vacation and during the winter, hundreds of thousands of them flock to this northern hub, and for good reason.

Sapporo is a clean, well-organized tourist-dependent city. It provides easy access to Asia’s best ski slopes in winter, and some decent hiking/adventure spots in summer.

Year-round, it’s also got awesome food (seafood and barbecue are specialties), vibrant nightlife, and some cool sites within the city core.

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A Nara day-trip

Japan country guide

Nov 28 |01:48

Although Nara is a quaint little tourist town with a romantic air, inquisitive deer (!) and some of Japan's most revered temples, it simply does not have enough going for it to warrant more than a day of your time.

Fortunately, it's less than a 40-minute train ride from Osaka, so if you're based there are desire an easy day trip, Nara should definitely be on your list.

Bring a date.

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Fukuoka guide

Japan country guide

Nov 28 |01:39

Fukuoka is kind of like a poor man's Osaka, in that it offers pretty much the same things (shopping, expat community, good eats, etc), but on a much smaller scale. Thus, if you’re not comfortable starting your trip in a big city, Fukuoka's laid back “urban lite” vibe might appeal.

However, if you just want to gawk at skimpy Japanese babes in bikinis, head here in summer and bring a telephoto lens: there is a wide swatch of beach right in the center of town with plenty of lithe prancing pie on display.

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Hiroshima guide

Japan country guide

Nov 28 |01:19

Hiroshima's Peace Park contains an intense warning from the past

Hiroshima is an easy Shinkansen ride from Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo, and PAzine guarantees a memorable experience should you take the time to visit.

The allure has nothing to do with the town itself, which – although clean and orderly – doesn't really have very much going for it. However, visiting Hiroshima's Peace Park is an intensely powerful experience that is something you will shake your being to its core.

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All Japan guides

Introduction to Japan Japan has been in a state of malaise since it's economic bubble years of the late 80s/ early 90s. Today, economic stagnation continues, and the country...
Tokyo guide From a negative perspective, Tokyo can be summarized as a soulless crowded swatch of concrete urban blight with ridiculous prices under a thick layer of...
Osaka city guide Japan's most progressive city has a well-integrated expat community, an excellent nightlife scene, and world-class culinary options. For expats,...