Japan is a fascinating country of economic and business prowess, rich in culture, technical wizardry and is famous for stunning gardens and landscapes. Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands located in a volcanic zone on the Pacific Ring of Fire. A nearly continuous series of ocean trenches, volcanic arcs and shifting tectonic plates, the Pacific Ring of Fire accounts for more than 75 percent of the world’s active volcanoes and 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes.The island's landscape really is unique, with its fjords, impressive waterfalls, stunning hot springs, and gigantic glaciers as well as the wild, untouched highlands, which often resemble a lunar landscape.
Japan held onto the title of the world’s second largest economy for more than 40 years from 1968 to 2010. Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is the world’s largest metropolitan area, with a population of 32.5 million people. Despite having an area slightly bigger than Germany and smaller than California, Japan is the world’s tenth largest country by population, with 127.3 million people.
Japan has five Regions,
Tohoku
Kanto
Kansai
Chubu
Chugoku
1 - Tohuku Region – Northern Honshu
The northern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu is called Tohoku. Throughout the past century, Tohoku’s rugged terrain and snowy winters isolated it from the modernization that seized most of Japan, preserving its natural beauty and traditions. With abundant snow perfect for skiing, Tohoku boasts three national parks, nine quasi-national parks and numerous hot-spring spas, some large and popular and some rustic and unspoilt. Historic sites and unique traditional folk dances, songs and festivals round out the region’s many attractions. The three famous festivals, all held in August include, Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori city, Tanabata Matsuri in Sendai city and Kanto Matsuri in Akita city.
2 - Kanto Region – Tokyo & Vicinity
If you have a day or two to explore, the following countryside’s should defiantly be considered. Nikko, Yokohama, Kamakura, Hakone, and Mt. Fuji are all easy reached within a two-hour train or bus ride.
Nikko
The Nikko-Kinugawa area is an easy day’s side trip or overnight stay from Tokyo, yet it is worlds away in terms of scenic beauty and historic architectural gems. Nesteld in a forest of cedars is the village of Nikko, world famous for its scrumptious Nikko Toshogu shrine. The final resting place of a powerful Shogun and one of Japan’s most visited shrines. Together with nearby Futarasan Shrine and Rinnoji Temple, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. You will also be drawn to the fabulous sights of Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
Yokohama / Kamakura
Kamakura and Yokohama are conveniently located less than an hour from Tokyo. Yokohama is the premier city for large scale gatherings and boasts an international conference centre with a capacity of 5,000. Kamakura, sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, attracts visitors with its numerous temples, shrines, and other historical monuments, all within easy walking distance. The Great Buddha which is 37feet high is Kamakura’s top attraction, the second largest bronze image in Japan.
Hakone
Hakone is located in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park and is one of the most popular inland tourist resorts in Japan. Nestled between Mt. Fuji and Izu Peninsular, it boasts forested mountains, deep glens, ravines, lakes, hot springs, and fantastic scenery. The spectacular site of Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji in the background, is the symbol of Hakone. Hakone also boasts numerous historic attractions, including pagodas and stane images of Buddha, all designated Important Cultural Properties. These can easily be explored by public transportation, by mountain trains, buses, pleasure boats and ropeways.
Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji, rising to a level of 12,388 feet, is the highest mountain in Japan. With its unrivaled magnificence and beautiful cone shape, Mt. Fuji has often been selected as the subject for paintings and literature. It is the World-famous symbol of Japan.
3 - Kansai Region – Kyoto, Osaka & Vicinity
Kansai is considered the cradle of Japanese civilization, since it was here that its earliest capitals, shrines, and temples were constructed. As a result, the areas is rich in historic sites and cultural attractions.
Kyoto
Kyoto’s significance in the annals of Japanese history cannot be overstated. Having served as Japan’s capital twice for a total of more than 600 years, Kyoto is the historic centre of the country, filled with temples, shrines, imperial villas and other memorials to the glory and splendor of Japan’s ancient past, from its narrow residential streets lined with temples and traditional wooden homes, to its many craft stores that have been passed down for generations. There is no other city in Japan quite like it, Kyoto boasts an outstanding 2,000 or more shrines and temples.
Approximately 20% of Japan’s national treasures are in Kyoto. The city also boasts the nations greatest concentration of crafts artisans, producing highly refined articles, such as Nishijin silk, weaving, Yuzen dyeing, Kiyomizuyaki ceramic ware, Kyoto dolls and lacquer ware. All the craftmanship have been handed down through generations of families with several museums and shops holding demonstrations of their work. Stretching back for centuries, Kyoto is also renowned for its festivals. The three grandest are the Aoi (Hollhock) festival in May, Gion Festival in July, and Jidai (festival of the ages) in October.
Nara
Nara is located in the South of Kyoto and was the old capital of Japan and was the cradle of Japan’s art, crafts and literature. Buddhism first flourished here under the strong patronage of successive emperors.
Todai-ji Temple is a must see. It is one of the largest wooden works of architecture in the world, which enshrines Japan’s largest indoor Buddha and Horyu-ji Temple in Ikaruga town, the world’s oldest existing wooded structure.
Osaka
Osaka serves as the commercial and industrial centre for western Japan. Because of an extensive transportation network, radiating from Osaka, it’s a good base from which to explore Kyoti, the inland Sea, Shikoku and Kyushu.
Osaka has served as port town, a castle town, and a commercial centre for merchants, all of these influences still evident today. Osaka also is famous for its local cuisine. Umeda has a gigantic stretch of underground mall that houses many restaurants, and clothes shops. The area of Dotonbori has a variety of gourmet restaurants, including inexpensive eateries located on both sides of the Dotonbori-gawi river.
Hokkaido – Northern Island
Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s four major islands, has a mild summer climate and is graced by a number of national parks with vast virgin forests, mountain ranges, gorges, sparkling caldera lakes, wildflowers, and a wide-open pastures. It is home to a variety of wildlife, from Hokkaido brown bears to red-crowned cranes. While winters can be severe, cold weather doesn’t deter those interested in skiing Hokkaido’s many snowy peaks. Sapporo, the largest city on the island, is famous for its snow festival and Niseko, a large resort area of the region is popular for a variety of outdoor sports, such as skiing, hiking and rafting. The area encompasses Mt Yotei-zan, (which resembles Mt. Fuji). Shiretoko, designated as a World Heritage site in 2005, is considered to be the last pristine wilderness remaining in Japan.
4 - Chubu & Hokuriku Regions – Central Honshu
Nagoya
Nagoya is a castle town, with Nagoya Castle still dominating its centre. It also boasts one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, Atsuta Jingu shrine and its museum of treasures that once belonged to the Tokugawi clan. Tokugawi art museum and other attractions, Nagoya is also one of Japan’s leading industrial centres. The Toyota Commemorative Museum of industry and technology traces the development of Toyota through its early years as producer of textile machinery to its current use of the most updated automobile assembly equipment.
Takayama
Takayama, in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, is a castle town at the foot of Takayama castle built in the 16th century. It is a town of old wooden houses standing side by side. Visitors are delighted by its lineal beauty, highlighted by projecting lattice and eaves of uniform height. Takayama Matsuri festival, believed to have begun in the 16th to 17th century, is one of the three largest and most beautiful festivals in Japan.
Kanazawa
A centre of economy, commerce and culture for the Hokuriku region, Kanazawa has been a prosperous castle town for about 470 years. At the centre of the city lies the Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three most famous gardens in Japan (along with the Kairakuen garden in Mito, and Korakuen garden in Okayama).
Shikoku
One of Japan’s four principal islands, Shikoku has many attractions, including, the scenic Seto inland sea coast, forming part of the Seto inland sea national park, Awa-odori(dance)festival in Tokushima, the beautiful Ritsurin park in Takamatsu, Naoshima, the island for modern art and architecture lovers and the Shikoku pilgrimage to 88 sacred places.
5 - Chugoku Region – Western Honshu
The Chugo/ku region occupies the western end of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It’s primary tourist destinations include Okayama for its must-see garden, Koraku-en, Kurashiki for its charming historic district of old warehouses, Miyajima for its beautiful Itsukushima shrine and Iwakuni for its unique five-span arched bridge.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a world-renowned city of peace. The city’s main tourist attractions are Peace Memorial Park, located in the area sandwiched between the Ota-gawa river and Motoyasu-gawi river, and a bomb dome, the symbol of Hiroshima, the city that advocates peace in the world.
Kyushu -Southern Island
Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four major islands, boasts a mild, subtropical climate, plenty of sunshine and natural beauty preserved in many national parks and quasi-national parks. Kyushi abounds in hot springs, including unique sand baths, and boasts numerous historic sites with ties to Europe and China, testimony to the islands long flow of international cultural exchange. Such as foreign influences are evident in its unique local cuisine, a fusion of various recipes adapted from several countries. Among them, the most popular are different types of savoury Ramen Noodles. Along with the local food, visitors can enjoy a cup of Sake and Shochu with a distinctive flavour and character unique to the region.
Okinawa
The Okinawa islands seems a world apart from the rest of Japan, with a slower pace of life, a tropical climate, white sandy beaches and traditions distinctive to the islands. In recent years, Okinawa also has been recognised as the land of longevity. For about 450 years, Okinawa prospered as the kingdom of Ryukyu, as state independent of Japan’s central government. Its unique culture, stemming from its relations with foreign countries, left behind distintive artifacts and festivals that give additional charm to Okinawa. Shuri Castle (the castle of the King of Ryukyu), reconstructed in Naha City, is registered as a World Heritage Site.
So, what does Japan have to offer?
Visit in March/April to view the famous stunning cherry Blossoms.
Osaka Castle Park is a 15-acre Nishinomaru Garden, which was once the home of the wife of the Japanese ruler Toyotomi Hideyashi, and is Osaka’s most beloved cherry blossom viewing spots.
Indulge in some serious shopping or soak up the local atmosphere in Minami (Namba) where you will find several long streets and underground passages with hundreds of shops and restaurants.
Experience a private tea ceremony wearing the traditional Kimono.
Visit the stunning Kyoto Cultural Forest. Learn about the history of Japan and visit shrines and temples.
Take a trip to Mt Fuji and experience the stunning views of this famous mountain with the picturesque surrounding lakes and national parks.
Japan is also a perfect destination to ski. The snow in Japan is super light, extraordinarily dry and such fun to ski on.
Visit the cheeky Japanese Macaques, also known as the snow monkeys which are native of Japan.
For the fun people with Families, why not experience world class entertainment and the immersive rides at the Universal Studios in Osaka.
Japanese Climate
Most of Japan’s islands lie in a temperate seasonal wind zone similar to that of the East coast of the U.S., which means there are four seasons.
Spring lasts from March to May and Japan’s famous cherry blossoms bloom in March and April. During Spring, numerous festivals throughout Japan celebrate the rebirth of nature. Tokyo’s average temperature for these months’ ranges from 50-degree Fahrenheit in March to 61 degrees in April and 69 degrees in May.
Summer lasts from June to August with average temperatures in Tokyo range from 71 degrees Fahrenheit in June to 78 degrees in July to 81 degrees in August.
Autumn is from September to November, is among the best time to visit Japan, particular in Kyoto and more rural areas which display glorious autumn colours. The average temperature in September is 76 degrees Fahrenheit and 57degrees in November.
Accommodations
Japan offers a wide selection of accommodations, the familiar comforts of the western style hotel with famous name chains well presented in larger cities. These hotels will generally have western restaurants and high-quality Japanese restaurants. Some hotels also have a few Japanese style rooms as well a beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds. Or enjoy the comfort and personal attention of a Ryokan or Japanese style inn. To personally experience the uniqueness of Japan, the architecture, lifestyle, nature, traditions, and culture, staying at a Japanese Ryokan offers the opportunity to enjoy the spirit of Japanese hospitality and graceful customs that have been passed down for generations.
Budget travellers that wish to experience affordable Japanese style lodging, a Minshuku is a great choice. Small family run guest houses located primarily in tourist resorts and the countryside offers breakfast and dinner. Note, Minshuka is a Japanese version of a bed and breakfast and generally cater for Japanese travellers and offer shared bathrooms, but also a great way to meet the Japanese.
Japanese Cuisine
The traditional cuisine of Japan (Japanese: washoku) is based on rice with miso soup and other dishes; there is an emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Side dishes often consist of fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetables cooked in broth. Seafood is common, often grilled, but also served raw as sashimi or in sushi.
It's not just what Japanese eat that’s important, it’s how the meal is presented, the way it’s arranged on the plate, since food should appeal to the eyes as well as the palate.
For people on the go, noodle stands, fast food outlets and vending machines provide a variety of food and drinks at a very low price.
In 2011, Japan overtook France to become the country with the most 3-starred Michelin restaurants; as of 2018, the capital Tokyo has maintained the title of the city with the most 3-starred restaurants in the world. In 2013, Japanese cuisine was added to the UNESCO intangible heritage list.
Planning your trip to Japan
Japan’s official language is Japanese, but English is generally understood in major cities and designated tourist sites.
The Japanese yen is used throughout the country, and you can exchange foreign currency at the airports and most major banks.
Even though Japan is a cash-centric country, credit cards are usually accepted in most shops, restaurants, and taxis in major cities.
Visitors to Japan are eligible for tax exemption on many consumer goods.
Japan uses two flat parallel prong plugs. For guaranteed charging of your electrical necessities, purchase a plug adapter beforehand.
Travellers from 68 countries across the globe can visit Japan for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
Visitors to Japan pay a 1,000-yen departure tax to expand and enhance the country’s tourist infrastructure, a small tax that will make significant difference.
In Japan there is no tipping in bars and restaurants, in fact tipping is not customary in any situation throughout the country and can cause discomfort and confusion to the locals.
Here’s your fun facts of Japan..
Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands.
Japan has a ‘suicide forest’. Called ‘the perfect place to die’, the Aokigahara forest has the unfortunate distinction of the world’s second most popular place to take one’s life. (The first is the Golden Gate Bridge).
28% of the Japanese population is aged 65 and older, the highest proportion in the world. Japan has more than 70,000 people who are over 100 years old.
Japan feels very safe in general. They say you could leave your wallet on the floor of the busiest metro station and come back an hour later to still find it there, untouched.
Japanese trains are among the world’s most punctual: their average delay is just 18 seconds!
The Japanese survivor of the Titanic was called a coward in his country for not dying with the other passengers.
In Japan there are ‘Maid Cafes’ where waitresses dressed in maid costumes act as servants and treat customers as masters (and mistresses) in a private home, rather than as café patrons.
Geisha means “person of the arts” and the first geisha were actually men.
It’s considered inappropriate to blow your nose in public.
Many thanks to my friend Yoko Kawaguchi in Japan who has contributed some wonderful photos.
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