The Doll Collectors Group go to Japan!!

Lindsey Johnson6th Period

Tourist Spots

The Imperial Palace, no visit to Japan would be complete without taking a look at the Imperial Palace. With the exception of 2 January and 23 December, the Palace is closed to the public, but visitors can still wander its outskirts. A grand view of the Imperial Palace complete with its landmark Nijubashi bridge can be seen from the Outer Palace Garden which visitors are free to explore. If shopping is more your style, then take a quick peek and photo at the Palace just to show you've been there, and then enjoy the rest of the day blocks away in Ginza, one of Tokyo's best shopping districts.

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2. Sensoji Temple, there are many shrines in and around Tokyo, but none on quite the same scale as Sensoji temple, with its rumored statue of Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Located in Tokyo's Asakusa area, this impressive five story pagoda temple is Tokyo's largest and is well worth a visit. It's popular and gets crowded but the experience of walking up the steps to pay your respects by tossing a coin and bowing your head in prayer in the traditional manner is something that you'll never forget.

3. Mount Fuji is a sight you

shouldn't miss. It can be reached as a day-trip from Tokyo, fitting most schedules. It's a spectacular landmark often found on photos and art as a symbol of Japan. If you have the energy, you can undertake the 4 mile climb to the summit. Those who prefer their travel experiences to be a little less physical can enjoy the spectacular view while relaxing in the hot springs at nearby Hakone.

4. Gion, KyotoTo experience some traditional Japanese culture, make sure you visit Kyoto's oldest entertainment district, Gion. The Minamiza Theater is Japan's oldest kabuki (Japanese drama) theater, and you may be lucky to get tickets for one of their extravagant all-male productions. To see geisha, you can get a taste at Gion Corner, or opt for the full version at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater. Check local listings to secure tickets before you go, especially if you are visiting Japan during a busy vacation period.

5. Cherry Blossom Festivals (Various Locations) Visitors to Japan who arrive

between January and April should make a point of visiting one of the many cherry blossom festivals across the country. Often illuminated at night, the festivals also sometimes offer traditional entertainment options like tea ceremonies, Japanese music, or dance. There are many places all over Japan to enjoy these beautiful flowers. For more information, take a look at our top 15 cherry blossom tourist spots.

Weather• Thursday NightChance of Rain. Scattered

Clouds. Low: 50 °F . Wind ENE 4 mph . 20% chance of precipitation (trace amounts).

• FridayClear. High: 66 °F . Wind SW 20 mph .• Friday NightOvercast. Low: 53 °F . Wind SSW 8

mph .• SaturdayOvercast. High: 62 °F . Wind NNE 8

mph .• Saturday NightChance of Rain. Overcast. Low:

55 °F . Wind NNW 8 mph . 20% chance of precipitation (trace amounts).

• SundayChance of Rain. Overcast. High: 66 °F . Wind North 8 mph . 20% chance of precipitation (trace amounts).

• Sunday NightPartly Cloudy. Low: 55 °F . Wind North 13 mph .

• MondayChance of Rain. Scattered Clouds. High: 62 °F . Wind NNE 15 mph . 30% chance of precipitation (water equivalent of 0.03 in).

• Monday NightChance of Rain. Partly Cloudy. Low: 46 °F . Wind NE 17 mph . 30% chance of precipitation (water equivalent of 0.24 in).

• TuesdayChance of Rain. Scattered Clouds. High: 53 °F . Wind North 6 mph . 20% chance of precipitation (trace amounts).

• Tuesday NightChance of Rain. Scattered Clouds. Low: 44 °F . Wind North 8 mph . 20% chance of precipitation (trace amounts).

• WednesdayChance of Rain. Scattered Clouds. High: 57 °F . Wind Calm. 20% chance of precipitation (trace amounts).

• Wednesday NightChance of Rain. Scattered Clouds. Low: 44 °F . Wind Calm. 20% chance of precipitation (trace amounts).

Tokyo, JP (Airport)Updated: 21 min 41 sec ago54 °FPartly CloudyHumidity:72%Dew Point:45 °FWind:9 mph from the NNEPressure:30.09 in (Steady)Visibility:6.2 milesUV:0 out of 16Clouds:Few 5000 ft(Above Ground Level)Elevation:26 ft

Clothing For The Current Month

We’ll be needing clothes ready for rain and the cold! Bring light clothing just in case.

Interesting Facts

1. Raw horse meat is a popular food in Japan.2. Sometimes the trains are so crowded railway staff are

employed to cram passengers inside.3. Japanese celebrate Christmas, but it is more like

Valentine's Day in the western world.4. Poorly written English can be found everywhere, including

T-shirts and other fashion items. 5. More than 70% of Japan consists of mountains, including

more than 200 volcanoes.6. Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, is an active volcano.7. Many Japanese do not know the difference between

Shintoism and Buddhism.8. A nice musk melon, similar to a cantaloupe, may sell for

over $300US.9. There are four different writing systems in Japan, romaji,

katakana, hiragana, and kanji.

10. Coffee is very popular and Japan imports approximately 85% of Jamaica's annual coffee production.11. Japan's literacy rate is almost 100%.12. Sumo is Japan's national sport, although baseball is also very popular.13. Sumo wrestlers eat a stew called Chankonabe to fatten up. Many restaurants in the Ryogoku district of Tokyo serve this nabe (Japanese word for stew).14. Many toilets in Japan have a built-in bidet system for spraying your backside 15. When you use the restroom in some one's home, you should put on special bathroom slippers so as not to contaminate the rest of the home.