Japan, an island nation in East Asia, comprises four main islands - Kyushu, Honshu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido - along with over 14,000 smaller islands. The nation boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, rich traditional culture, vibrant festivals, and iconic cuisine. Travelers can also explore its diverse pop culture, including anime, manga, J-pop, and cosplay. Efficient public transport, like the Shinkansen (bullet trains), makes traversing Japan convenient.
Despite being one of the most developed and open countries today, Japan's history includes a period of seclusion. The arrival of the American "Black Ships" in 1853 sparked the "Meiji Restoration" in 1868, ending feudalism and embracing modernization and industrialization. Rapid progress fuelled Japan's imperial ambitions until the end of World War II, when the Pearl Harbor attack led to U.S. intervention and Japan's surrender after atomic bombings. Post-war, Japan swiftly recovered and maintained its meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication to excellence, making its products synonymous with high quality.
Top Destinations in Japan
Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan's largest city, offers vibrant shopping, cultural, entertainment, and culinary experiences. Shinjuku, Asakusa, Akihabara, and Tokyo Disneyland. The extensive railway network allows for easy exploration of attractions like Mount Fuji, Kamakura and the hot springs havens of Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi.
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Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe
Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe, form the "Keihanshin" region. Osaka, the largest city and economic center in western Japan, features renowned shopping districts like Shinsaibashi, Umeda, and Namba, along with Universal Studios Japan.
Adjacent to Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe hold great historical and cultural significance in Japan, showcasing distinctive cultures and architecture. Additionally, places like Nara and Wakayama are beloved tourist destinations, and many travelers include them in their Osaka itinerary.
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Hokkaido
Hokkaido, in northern Japan, offers a cold climate with temperatures below freezing in winter. Hot spring baths are a must-do activity to combat the chill. With heavy snowfall, the region becomes a ski enthusiast's paradise, with various resorts scattered across Sapporo, Furano, Niseko and Asahikawa. In Abashiri, you can even embark on an icebreaker ship excursion.
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Kyushu
Kyushu, in southern Japan, combines vibrant cities with breathtaking natural landscapes. Fukuoka, the largest city and gateway, offers numerous shopping spots, family-friendly attractions and day trip destinations. Don't miss the hot springs regions of Yufuin, Ibusuki and Kurokawa Onsen. Kyushu is also home to Mount Aso, Japan's largest active volcano, and unique experiences like sunbathing in Ibusuki's sand baths and dolphin-watching in Amakusa.
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Okinawa
Okinawa, the southernmost prefecture of Japan and a former independent Ryukyu Kingdom, has a distinct culture that sets it apart from the rest of Japan. When mentioning Okinawa, sunshine and beaches immediately come to mind. With approximately 160 islands, Okinawa showcases expansive coastlines, teeming marine life, and vibrant coral ecosystems. It is a world-renowned destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, offering numerous resorts and a stunning aquarium.