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Japan
Japan is known as 'Nihon' or 'Nippon' in
Japanese. The characters that make up Japan's name literally mean
'Suns Origin' which is why it is sometimes known as 'The land of the
Rising Sun.' The country lies to the east of China, Korea and Russia in
East Asia. In the Pacific Ocean this island country stretches from
the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, to the East China Sea in the south.
Over 3,000 islands make up Japan.
The largest of these are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu.
Most of the islands are mountainous and some volcanic including the
highest peak Mount Fuji. Around 70% to 80% of the country is
forested and mountainous with steep elevations making it unsuitable for
agriculture, residential development or industrial use.
Japan has become the 19th most densely
populated country in the world. It has a population of 128
million. Tokyo the capital is home to around 30 million, which
makes it the largest metropolitan area in the world. Due to the effects
of a post war baby boom followed by a decrease of births in the late
20th century the population is ageing. In 2004 over 19% of the
population was over 65 years. Japan has one of the highest life
expectancy rates in the world at 81.25 years.
Japan has only a very small population of
foreign workers and minorities, making it linguistically and culturally
homogenous. 99% of the population speak Japanese as a first
language, although Japan does not legally recognise an official
language. Most schools require students to study both Japanese and
English. Around 84% of the population believe Buddhism and Shinto,
which is the native religion of Japan.
Regions
and Places to Visit in Japan
Tokyo the capital of Japan is where most
tourists start their visit. Filled with culture and history it is
unlike any other city in the world, although many will feel they need
another break after a few days or at least its from its expense.
The Tokyo National Museum is the largest in Japan and has twenty
exhibitions open to the public. You can see everything cultural
here from the Auka period to Japanese ceramics and Buddhist sculptures.
Kyoto was once the country capital, and
is still the second most visited tourist destination due to its 15 well
preserved UNESCO world heritage sites. This town has many
attractions and places to visit, and is also ideal for any tourist
particularly interested in history. Wander through the many Zen
Gardens and notice the locals enjoying aerobics, or cyclists abandoning
their things and having a run around.
In Oskada the Umeda Sky Building is a
must, and although from the bottom it does not seem to stand out amongst
the many skyscrapers it does offer a panoramic and spectacular view of
the city. You may even spot an aeroplane flying at nearly the same
height as yourself.
Nikko is a UNESCO world heritage site,
and features many shrines and temples.
The surrounding natural park is also stunningly beautiful and provides
great opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating. Kamakura is
also an excellent place to visit for its shrines, temples and monuments.
It is famous for its great Buddha statue within the town.
Mount Fuji is the most famous and sacred
mountain in Japan. Situated in the Mount Fuji Izu National Park
the strato-volcano is nearly symmetrical and reaches over 12,000 feet.
This area is beautiful to explore but also famous for it hot springs and
spas.
Hot Springs or 'Onsen' can be found
everywhere in Japan. The most unique and memorable experience has
to be the Rotneburo meaning 'dew sky bath' which is located outside with
great views of the natural scenery. Most baths run commercially
and charge, but larger shared and more basic public baths are available
for free.
Along western Honshu there are many spots
of interest to visit. In Himeji the white Himeji castle is the
best preserved in Japan, whereas Okayama is known for its black castle
and stroll garden. Hiroshima also in this area was the target of
the world's first atomic bomb in world war two, but has now become a
thriving and modern city. Nearby the pottery town of Bizen can be
found and Kurashiki full of museums and craft fairs.
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