Rachel+&+LeeAnn

=Welcome to Japan! = = The island of Japan is located in a temperate climate zone, which means its seasons are very defined. Much like the U.S., they have spring, summer, winter, and fall. Seasonal changes are important because the Japanese are agricultural. During spring and summer it rains often because of the rainy season. The fall brings typhoons that are terrible but bring necessary water. There is little to no humidity during winter, which makes the temperature feel colder. Spring is the best time to visit Japan.  There are many places to [|visit in Japan.]  = = =  ==The Kabuki Theater, Harajuku, Kinkakuji, and Lake Ashi are among the most interesting. The Kabuki Theater, known for its traditional performances and beautiful costumes, is a guaranteed good time. The Tokyo teenage fashion district Harajuku (made famous in the United States by Gwen Stefani's namesake handbag and perfume brand) provides exotic performances and live music, typically you can be entertained by the people alone. Crowds of rebellious teenagers hoard the streets dressed as ridiculously as possible, to stand out against the ordinary. Gold-leaf gilded Kinkakuhi (the Golden Temple) in Kyoto (Japan's capital) supplies a magnificent view and breathtaking architecture, as well as a bit of history for your visit. Finally, what could be more fun than Lake Ashi (in Hakone): a 400,000 year old volcanic crater lake that never freezes? Here, water sports are popular as well as sight-seeing. To travel to Japan, you need a valid passport and an onward/return ticket. Your passports and visas must also be up to date. The Center for Disease Control advises that routine vaccinations are current. Routine vaccinations given throughout life include diseases such as influenza, chickenpox, polio, measles/mumps/rubella, and tetanus. These are recomended even when not traveling. == = = =Information for when in Japan, or when traveling to Japan: 1 US Dollar equals 98.7874 Japenese Yen = =Washington Dulles Airport to Narita International Airport: 9,473 miles = = = =Prices: Roundtrip air fees = ==$1,753.00 per person DEPART: Tues. January 5, 2010 @4:10 a.m. ARRIVE: San Salvador, El Salvador @ 7:50 am CHANGE AIRLINES! Time between: 1hr. 25 min. DEPART: San Salvador, El Salvador @ 9:15 a.m. ARRIVE: Los Angeles, California @12:30 p.m. CHANGE AIRLINES! Time between: 22 hr. 45 min. DEPART: Wed. January 6, 2010 @11:15 a.m. ARRIVE: Narita International Airport @ 3:15 a.m. ==

=DEPART: Tues. January 19, 2010 @1:00 p.m. ARRIVE: Fort Worth, Texas @ 9:20 a.m CHANGE AIRLINES! Time betwee:3 hr.5 min. DEPART: Fort Worth, Texas @ 12:25 p.m. ARRIVE: Washington D.C. @ 4:05 p.m. = .

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;">A beautiful view of Lake Ashi!



Two young girls in the Harakuku District! <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive;"> A view of the bustling streets of Japan!