Japan
Japan is a diverse country with traditional and modern culture side-by-side. In Japan, one can experience ultramodern cities, serene countryside, snow-capped mountains, and the famous traditional gardens.
Japan is one of the most influential countries in the world. It has the second or third largest economy in the world, calculated by nominal GDP and purchasing power parity respectively, after only the U.S. and China. Its modern culture, including anime, cute, iconic cartoons like Hello Kitty, everything small, sleek, and portable, is increasingly popular and influential, particularly in America and East Asian countries. On the other hand the country is known for its traditional culture and values, such as tea, traditional architecture, and a social code and values that survive in spite of the nation’s rapid modernization.
Although Japan is not a large nation by land area, being about the size of the U.S. state of California, its north-south orientation gives the country a large range of climates. The four main islands from north to south are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Major cities include Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Yokohama, Osaka, Sapporo, and Kawasaki. Tokyo is the capital and largest city, and the sprawling metropolis of Greater Tokyo is home to 35 million people, and considered the largest metropolitan area in the world.
Climate
Japan’s climate, such as on the main island of Honshu, is largely temperate. However climate ranges from sub arctic in the north to relatively warm in the southern islands. The rainy season usually occurs in early summer.
Health and Safety
Visit the CDC’s Japan page for updated information on health conditions in Japan.
Religion and Festivals
The dominant religions of Japan are Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto remains as the religion unique to ancient Japan, with shrines and the distinctive torii gates. Japanese celebrate five holidays including Showa Day, May Day, Constitution Memorial Day, Greenery Day, and children’s Day from April 29 to May 5. This is known as the “Golden Week”.
Transportation
It is easy to reach Japan by plane or by ship from South Korea. The train network is excellent and the expensive lines, such as the iconic bullet train, are fast and luxurious. Both ferries and trains connect the islands of Japan. Driving and bicycling are also fairly common options.
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