Japan comprises over 3,000 islands making it an archipelago. The largest islands are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku, together accounting for 97% of Japan's land area. Most of the islands are mountainous, many volcanic; for example, Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, is a volcano. About 70% to 80% of the country is forested, mountainous.
Climate and Weather
Due to the large North South extension of the country, the climate varies strongly in different regions. The climate in most of the major cities, including Tokyo, is temperate to subtropic and consists of four seasons. The winter is mild and the summer is hot and humid. There is a rainy season in early summer, and typhoons hit parts of the country every year during late summer. The climate of the northern island of Hokkaido and the Sea of Japan coast is colder, and snow falls in large amounts. In Okinawa, on the other hand, the mean temperature of January is a warm 16 degrees Celsius.
Population
As of June 2008, Japan's population is around 127.7 million, making it the world's tenth most populated country. Its size can be attributed to fast growth rates experienced during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
However more recently Japan has been experiencing net population loss, due to falling birth rates and almost no net immigration. Japan is also noted for ethnic homogeneity, high population densities and for having one of the highest life expectancies in the world, at 81.25 years of age as of 2006. The share of 65-85 years old residents is expected to rise from 6% to 15% by 2025.
Transportation
Japan has an efficient public transportation network, especially within metropolitan areas and between the large cities. Japanese public transportation is characterized by its punctuality, its superb service, and the large crowds of people using it.
Top Attractions
1. Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.
2. Kokyo Gaien.
3. Mt. Fuji.
4. Sumo Wrestling.
5. Fire Walking.
6. Kabuki, Noh and Bunraku.
7. Hiroshima.
8. Hokkaido.
9. The Kodo Drum Festival.
10. The Tono Valley.
Best Travel Time
In the early spring when the entire country even much of the desert areas is green from the winter rains and the weather is still not hot or October-November when again it isn't too hot and the evenings are cool. Both these periods are ideal for touring.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Teriyaki (marinated beef/chicken/fish seared on a hot plate).
• Sukiyaki (thin slices of beef, tofu and vegetables cooked in soy sauce and then dipped in egg).
• Tempura (deep fried seafood and vegetables).
• Sushi (slices of raw seafood placed on light and vinegary rice balls – very tasty and refreshing).
• Sashimi (slices of raw seafood dipped in soy sauce).
National drinks:
• Green tea is by far the most popular beverage amongst the Japanese. The quality of the tea varies greatly from houjicha (a common brown-colored tea) to matcha (a bitter green tea used in tea ceremonies).
• Sake, rice wine served hot or cold according to the season, is strong and distinctively fresh tasting.
• Shochu, a strong aquavit, is an acquired taste.
• Japanese wines are worth trying once.
• Beer – similar to lager – is recommended. Popular brands are Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory.
Local Products/Shopping
A blend of Oriental goods and Western sales techniques confronts the shopper, particularly at the big department stores, which are more like exhibitions than shops. Playgrounds for children are available. Special purchases include kimonos, mingei (local crafts including kites and folk toys); Kyoto silks, fans, screens, dolls; religious articles such as Shinto and Buddhist artifacts; paper lanterns; lacquerware; hi-fi equipment, cameras, televisions and other electronic equipment. Bargaining is not usual. Tax exemptions: These are available in authorized tax-free stores. Certain items costing more than ¥10,000 are exempt from tax.
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1. Tokyo’s Imperial Palace.
In the early spring when the entire country even much of the desert areas is green from the winter rains and the weather is still not hot or October-November when again it isn't too hot and the evenings are cool. Both these periods are ideal for touring.