This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Two things can be true at once — and in Japan they usually are. It's a land of contradictions and, thanks to this and its reputation ...

Japan just feels different. Organised, peaceful, and full of quiet respect — it’s the sort of place where the little things matter. If you’re heading there, you don’t need to memorise every custom.

A four-week basic Japanese language course has begun at the Japan Centre Project at the University of Ghana (UG), offering participants an introduction to the Japanese language, culture and etiquette.