Japan is an unusual mixture of traditional and ultra-modern.
This can be confusing for the visitor because, although it looks quite western,
Japan is still in many ways very oriental. Whenever you go into a house you must
take off your shoes. Sometimes your host will provide you with slippers; if not,
you walk round in your socks. A visitor should also expect in more traditional
houses, hotels and restaurants to eat kneeling down on the floor on a cushion in
front of a low table. It is a good idea to get used to eating with chopsticks
but, if you can’t manage, ask for a knife and fork. The Japanese are extremely
polite and friendly: you can nearly always find someone who speaks English. In
summer the country is very hot and humid so anyone planning a trip then ought to
take light, comfortable clothes with them. The majority of
tourists head for Tokyo but you ought not to miss the chance of visiting the old
capital cities of Kyoto and Nara. From Tokyo you can get to Kyoto in three hours
on the "Shinkansen" superexpress. If you are driving, it is important to
remember that in Japan you have to drive on the left-hand side of the
road.
What is unusual about driving in Japan People in
Japan drive______.