Armenia – Basic Information
- ✓ Area: 29,800 km² (about 1/13 of Japan)
- ✓ Population: Approx. 2.9 million (2019, UNFPA)
- ✓ Capital: Yerevan
- ✓ Ethnic Groups: Armenian (98.1%), Yazidi, Russian, etc.
- ✓ Language: Armenian (Indo-European language family with its own unique script)
- ✓ Religion: Christianity (The first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion, in 301 AD)
- ✓ Time Difference: 5 hours behind Japan (Japan 12:00 → Armenia 07:00) / GMT+4
Visa Information for Japanese Citizens
Japanese citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Climate, Clothing & Best Seasons
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Warm and full of blooming flowers. Light long-sleeves and a thin jacket are recommended.
- Summer (Jul–Sep): Hot and dry during the day. T-shirts, hats, and sunglasses are essential.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Beautiful fall colors with chilly mornings and evenings. Light coats and sweaters are needed.
- Winter (Dec–Mar): Cold with heavy snow. Warm coats and winter gear are a must.
Best Season: April to June, and September to October are comfortable and ideal for sightseeing.
Recommended Tourist Attractions
Yerevan City: A fusion of modern and historical sites. Home to the Cascade, Republic Square, and museums.
Geghard Monastery: UNESCO World Heritage Site. A majestic monastery carved into rock.
Garni Temple: Roman-style ancient temple. The only remaining pagan structure in Armenia.
Sevanavank Monastery: Located on the shores of Lake Sevan. A serene monastery with breathtaking views.
Khor Virap Monastery: Offers stunning views of Mount Ararat. A symbolic site in Christian history.
Etchmiadzin Cathedral: One of the world’s oldest Christian cathedrals. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Saint Hripsime Church: Early Armenian church architecture. A UNESCO site.
Zvartnots Ruins: Remains of a majestic circular cathedral built in the 7th century. UNESCO World Heritage.
Recommended Dishes
Khorovats: Armenian-style barbecue. Juicy meat grilled over charcoal — a beloved local dish.
Lahmajoon: Armenian-style pizza with spiced ground meat on thin dough. A popular and casual street food.
Dolma: Traditional dish of grape leaves wrapped around rice and minced meat. Light and flavorful.
Gata: A sweet pastry filled with nuts and sugar. Mildly sweet and a popular souvenir.
Recommended Activities
Lavash Baking Experience: Try stretching and baking the traditional flatbread “Lavash” — a UNESCO intangible heritage.
Wine Festival: A festive event held in autumn where you can enjoy wine tasting, folk music, and colorful parades.
Vardavar Festival: A traditional summer event where people joyfully splash water on each other to cool off.
Traditional Dance Experience: Wear colorful ethnic costumes and learn to dance to the rhythms of Armenia in a hands-on workshop.
Caucasus Model Tour Plans
From full guided tours to affordable hotel & transfer-only packages — find the best plan for you.