Ancient rituals and vibrant pop culture live and breathe side by side. You can spend weeks learning traditional culture from many temples, kabuki theaters, tea ceremonies and extraordinary museums in Japan. If you are more interested in contemporary culture and high technology, you will find a futuristic wonderland in the charming cities of Japan, where there are glittering skyscrapers, pumping discotheques, spirits and sushi restaurants.
Japan's Emerald Archipelago is home to a population of1270,000, floating along the eastern edge of the Asian continent, stretching for more than 3,000 kilometers and accumulating nearly 30,000 kilometers of coastline. From Hokkaido in the sub-arctic to Okinawa in the subtropical zone, the Japanese archipelago has a variety of animals and plants. Japan's land area is slightly smaller than California's and equivalent to Germany's, but its urban area is the most densely populated area in the world.
Japan consists of four big islands and about 3900 small islands. The main islands are Hokkaido in the north, Honshu, the big island in the middle (where Tokyo is located), and the smaller southern islands Shikoku and Kyushu. These striking islands are composed of steep mountains, dark green valleys, lakes and winding rivers, which flow into large deltas and busy ports. Most of the mountains in the country are volcanoes, which makes Japan one of the most seismically active areas in the world. However, severe earthquakes and tsunamis occur only a few times a century. In most cases, Japan only recorded a slight vibration. Thanks to all these geological activities, this country is blessed with rich therapeutic hot springs and spectacular scenery.
Japanese is of course the official language, and many Japanese can understand some English to some extent, because it is part of compulsory education. Trying some common Japanese phrases will make your trip more special. A little is enough. However, you don't need to know Japanese to enjoy Japan.
Japan was traditionally settled by various indigenous tribes in 660 BC. Written history began in the 5th century, and Buddhism was introduced from China in the 6th century. The opposition between Buddhism and Shintoism (a traditional religion in Japan) is resolved by taking the gods of Shintoism as the manifestation of Buddhism. Today, these two religions coexist peacefully and hold many festivals and celebrations.
During the long feudal period from12nd century to19th century, military power was dominated by shogunate generals and samurai. Japan closed its borders, forbidding its citizens to leave the country and foreigners to enter the country. When tokugawa era was overthrown by the imperial power of the shogunate in 1868, this national isolation ended. The feudal system was abolished and the country was open to western trade and industrial technology. Today, Japan is highly industrialized and is famous for its advanced technology.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a dazzling big city, where old and new things collide with endless strange sights and sounds. Tokyo has a population of over120,000, exuberant energy and fascinating and unique discoveries everywhere.
Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan, with charming temples, perfect gardens and ancient Nijo Castle. If you stay in the temple for too long, you can try to enjoy some of the best food in Japan, or walk through the majestic mountain roads. Kyoto is an excellent base for exploring Osaka, Nara and other parts of the Kansai Plain.
Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan, located in the Great Kansai Plain. As a highly commercialized shopping area, Osaka is famous for its kabuki theater, wenle (a unique puppet theater), Osaka Castle, rich food and simple people, showing a complex and vivid atmosphere, especially at night.
Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan, but it has the least population. As the northernmost island in Japan, it is rich in snowfall and is the main winter vacation and sports place in Japan. Sapporo, the capital of the island, hosted the 1972 Winter Olympic Games. The beautiful scenery of Hokkaido is preserved in several national parks, including vast forests, rugged mountains and Ishikari River, the second longest river in Japan.
Okinawa is a group of small islands in the Ryukyu Islands in southwestern Japan, surrounded by the clearest sea water in the world. Ryukyu Islands has a pleasant subtropical climate, extending over 1000 km. It is home to a large number of wildlife, dense forests, mountains, caves, coral reefs and the most beautiful beaches in Japan. Historically, Okinawa is an independent country, and its language and culture are very different from those of Japan, which makes it a fascinating tourist destination.
Nagoya is a culturally rich16th century fortress city on the main island of Honshu. There are many universities in Nagoya, the magnificent Nagoya Castle and two famous shrines, one of which contains the sacred imperial Kusanagi sword and thousands of national treasures. Tokugawa Art Museum, Dongshan Park and the art museum cooperating with Boston Art Museum are also places to attract tourists.
Yokohama is a big city 30 kilometers south of Tokyo, located on the coast of Tokyo Bay. As the birthplace of Japan's first railway, Yokohama today is connected with Tokyo through several railway lines and many expressways. Almost completely destroyed in an earthquake and fire in 1923, it was quickly rebuilt and modernized, and now it is a major port and industrial center. It is home to the historic and tranquil Sankeien Garden, Lamian Noodles and Curry Museum, and one of the tallest buildings in Japan, with a landmark tower nearly 300 meters high.
Fukuoka is a prosperous coastal city in the south of Kyushu Island, surrounded by mountains and the dark sea. Compared with other parts of Japan, Fukuoka is less active in earthquakes. It is famous for its Hakata dolls, rich agriculture, universities and three famous shrines. Fukuoka Castle, Omori Park and "Fukuoka Sky Dream", one of the highest ferris wheels in the world, are other famous landmarks in Fukuoka.
It is pleasant to visit Japan in every season of the year. Spring and autumn bring mild weather and colorful leaves and flowers. Winter is an ideal time to enjoy winter sports and hot springs, while summer brings too many fascinating festivals.
The climate varies from the sub-arctic in the north to the subtropical zone in the south. Rainfall varies all over the country, but it is regular all year round, usually a little more in summer and autumn.