For such a tiny total landmass, Japan has left a definite stamp on human history.  If you are considering Japan as a destination, here is a helicopter view of the country. 

An outline of Japan for Travelers

Extending along the eastern coast of Far East, Japan is a country composed from a collection of islands.  The mainland, as we think of it, is the island of Honshu.  There are three other huge islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and roughly 3,000 much smaller islands comprising what we call Japan.  Put together, the total land mass is smaller than California.  The geography across the islands is mountainous, best embodied by Mt.  Fuji at 12,385 feet.  As you’d expect, the island country is intrinsically recognition of a volcanic are and Japan experiences earthquakes fairly frequently, some on a giant scale. 

Japan is an intensely urbanized country with many people living in major towns.  The 2 notable faiths are Shintoism and Buddhism.  The belief systems are harmonious and frequently share similar temples. 

Per legend, Japan was founded by Emperor Jimmu around six hundred BC.  The existing emperor is a descendent of the first. 

the 1st interaction with the West was in 1542 when a lost Portuguese ship landed in Japan.  Over the following century more Westerns came, but they were not trusted.  The Japan shoguns ultimately banned all foreigners and the country was isolated for over 200 years.  Not till 1854 did Japan open its doors to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the US.  Once this happened, Japan quickly evolved from a feudal state to a more modern approach. 

World War I used to be a boon for Japan.  Fighting on the side of the winning Allies, Japan repeated new respect as an economic and army power following the defeat of the Axis.  Alas, the emperor of Japan went in a different direction after the war, seeking dominance of China and Pacific Rim generally. 

In 1937, Japan became a friend of fascist German.  This at last led to its call to pursue an attack on Pearl bay on December seven, 1941.  Following four years of war, the loss of 3 million Japanese lives and two atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the united states on September two, 1945.  It was stripped of the majority of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, delegated the ultimate chief. 

Following WW2, Japan turned to a democratic system thru reforms.  The U.S.  And allies returned absolute control to Japan on April 28, 1952 thru the deal of Peace.  Though its days as a army power were over, Japan once again became an economic giant.  Despite its relatively miniscule land mass, Japan has the second biggest economy in the world. 

modern day Japan covers 145,902 square miles.  The capital is Tokyo.  The terrain is best described as rugged, mountainous islands with varying temperatures. 

The people of Japan are called’Japanese.’ The total population is just over 127.4 million folks, but the population is decreasing slightly in size.  Jap is the essentially language spoken and literacy rates are 99 %.  Jap males have a survival expectation of 77 years while girls live to 84 typically. 

With its mountainous island landscape, Japan is a hot destination spot for travelers.  It is dear, but a trip to Mount Fuji alone makes a trip worthwhile.

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Visiting Japan can be like transporting yourself to another world.  Life revolves around ancient customs and the beauty of nature. 

Nagasaki

be sure to visit the vision bridge near Nagasaki.  This beautiful ancient stone bridge seems like a couple of glasses when viewed with the reflection of water flowing under the bridge and is a popular visitor stop.  Visiting the pretty red and yellow shrine known as Confucius Shrine and Museum of Natural History near Nagasaki can give you glances of Chinese treasures on loan form Beijing.  Chinatown dates back to the 17 th century and can be a haven for food lovers visiting Japan.  Dejima is an artificial island once used to confine Dutch employees and now homes a museum and many historical buildings. 

On August 9, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.  Be sure to go to the museum dedicated to this crisis when visiting Nagasaki as well as Nagasaki Peace Park.  Glover Gardens is an open air museum featuring nine western style homes including Glover Mansion.  Nishizaka Hill located in Nagasaki is the location of a religious monument to the 20 six martyrs who were crucified on this spot for practicing Christianity in the 1600’s. 

Tokyo

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is an interesting traveller stop and is a sushi lovers nirvana.  It’s the biggest wholesale market in Japan.  Asakusa in Tokyo is a popular neighborhood stuffed with shops and restaurants together with the famous Senso church.  The East Gardens are found near the outside of the Imperial Palace and are open to the general public.  Yasukun jinja is the site of a large, torii gate that stands at the entrance to this shrine built in memory of people who died protecting Japan.  Many officials still come and offer prayer annually on August fifteen, anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War. 

The Kabuki Theater hosts conventional Japanese Kabuki performances and is found in the Ginza district.  The Edo Tokyo Museum displays artifacts and design showing Tokyo’s history.  Exhibits include replicas of a traditional Kabuki theater and the original Edo Castle.  The Hama Rikyo park is found next to Tokyo Bay and is one of the most beautiful gardens in the town.  The Tokyo National Museum is a must see with the largest collection of japanese artifacts and artworks in the world.  It features over 100,000 pieces and room to display only 4,000 so exhibits are rotated consistently.  The Mori Art Museum is located in Roppong Hills, is one of East Asia’s, biggest collections of contemporary art. 

Hiroshima

While visiting Hiroshima, be certain to see the Hiroshima Peace commemorative Museum.  This park remembers the explosion of the first atomic bomb.  It houses the Peace memorial Museum.  The Hiroshima Castle and the Atomic Dome are also must see sites when visiting Hiroshima.

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