Japan: Explore the Orients soul

Hearing the word 'Japan' always fills the mind with a plethora of images of ages-old temples, a futuristic metropolis, bullet trains that seem to transcend the speed of sound, mountain-tops covered in mist, businessmen and geisha clad in suits and kimonos (respectively), and so on. If ever there was an award for a country that is many countries, it would certainly go to Japan, for there are so many different identities that it is easy to get confused regarding what is the true identity of the country – but it is all here! However, Japan also has its share of myths, one of the most popular ones being that it is an extremely expensive country, which is false, since it is much more economical to travel in Japan than Western Europe, North America, and some parts of Oceania. Another myth is that it is extremely difficult to travel in Japan. That too, is as farther from the truth as can be, since the country is among the easiest one can travel to and within. Cities like Kyoto and Nara are the best ones to spend most of the time if one is into culture and traditions, whereas spellbinding technology obviously exists in every nook and cranny. Natural beauty is another one of nature's gifts to Japan, with Okinawa's coral reefs and the Niseko ski-resort being just a couple of the many eventful examples. Coming to the food, there's the irresistible sushi and the sumptuous tempura that top the list.

Kyoto: Aptly nicknamed the 'storehouse of Japan's culture', Kyoto is a city that has played host to most of the Japanese history; a fact evident with the existence of 1600 Buddhist temples, 17 UNESCO world heritage sites and more than 400 Shintō shrines. Going deeper, there are poets' huts nestled among bamboo groves, pebble gardens, golden temples sitting atop water bodies and vermilion shrine gates. However, it's not all history and culture here, as one would experience just after stepping out of the station, with oodles of neon lights an concrete structures all around.

Nara: Many consider Nara to be Japan's first real capital, and the city is also one of the most interesting destinations in Japan, with a cluster of historical sites of paramount importance. Alike Kyoto, Nara also might seem extremely mundane at first glance, but that is only because there is so much of an overdose of history and culture here that it seems to blend into the city's very atmosphere. Talking of Japan's cultural history, Nara is second only to Kyoto, with eight UNESCO world heritage sites. However, the best part is that since the city is so small, one can visit all the prominent places in a single day, although spending a couple of days is highly recommended.

While on a trip to Japan, it is very important to constantly stay in contact with one's friends and family, so that all the special moments can be relived. Matrix international SIM cards give that opportunity to be in touch with exciting international calling rates and quality network coverage.