Area wise Japan is equivalent to that of Germany or California of the US. More than 50% of the country is mountainous and covered by forests. Japan is politically structured into 8 regions and 47 prefectures. Japan has a population of 125,000,000 of which approximately two million are foreign residents. People of Korean descent comprise more than half of the non-Japanese population in Japan. Japan is located on the meeting point of the various continental plates. As a result, the country is prone to earthquakes. Frequent earthquakes occur in different parts of Japan. There are several volcanoes in Japan. Among them Mt. Fuji is the most well known and it is also the highest point on the Japanese peninsula.Large North South extension of Japan causes different climate in different regions of the country. The weather in most of the major cities is temperate and subtropic. There are four seasons in Japan. The winter is placid, but the summer is hot and humid. Rain occurs in early summer, and typhoons often hit various parts of the country during late summer. The climate of the northern island of Hokkaido is colder, and snow storms occur frequently during winter. In Okinawa, on the other hand, the mean temperature of January is a warm 16 degrees Celsius.
History of Japan
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The Yayoi period (300 B.C to 300 A.D) in Japanese history points to the introduction of agriculture and as a result one finds the growth of differentiation in the society. The Kofun period (300- 538) is the time when greater political unity could be seen in then Japan. The country was united and the center of power lay in the province of Yamato. The emperor ruled from Yamato and form time to time the capital shifted from one city to another. It was during this time due to the external influence one finds the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. During this period one can also find Chinese influence under the rule of Prince Shotoku.
Further in 710 A.D. in the history of Japan the first permanent capital was established in Nara. Large Buddhist monasteries were built with political patronage. During this a lot of imported traditions solidified. The Fujiwara dominance came to an end in 1068 A.D. with emperor Go- Sanjo taking the reigns in his hands. In 1185 the Minamoto family ruled Japan but after the death of Yorimoto's death one finds that feuds started again until Kamakura were able to control effectively. The leading social class of this period was the samurai class that also supported the new sect Zen sect.
Another development in the history Japan was the introduction of the legal code that stressed the importance of loyalty to the master and stood for high morals. In 1259 the Mongols invaded China and eyed on Japan as well. The Mongols even attempted but due to bad weather conditions they had to pull out. By 1333 due to various reasons the influence of Hojo regents in Kamakura declined and emperor GO- Daigo came back to power.
But troubles and feuds never seized as Ashikaga Takauji challenged the emperor and thereby the latter had to flee to south of Kyoto leading the existence of two courts (south and north). By 15 and 16th centuries the Ashikaga influenced reduced and land owning and military families came to power. The new families were called the daimyo and often fought with each other.
In 1542 one finds the Portuguese influence in the form of traders and missionaries who introduced firearms and also the new religion of Christianity in Japan.
In the 1580's one finds that Toyotomi Hideyoshi took over the control and subdued the northern provinces and Shikoku and Kyushu in 1587. Tokugawa Ieyasu succeeded Hideyoshi and provided patronage to Europeans but also suppressed Christianity. The ensuing peace in the country led to the growth of literature and philosophy.
The Edo period (1688-1703) the culture flourished and arts forms also developed. The most important development in the Tokugawa Japan was the growth of Neo- Confucianism that laid stress on hierarchy, morals and education. But due to financial weakness and the increasing dependence of Samurai on the merchants led to he downfall of the Tokugawa government. In the 18th century external pressure increased in the form of Russian endeavor to establish trading relations with Japan. Soon to follow were the Europeans and Americans in the 19th century. One finds that in 1853 Commodore Perry was able to force the Tokogawa government to open up for trades.
Another historical event in Japan was the coming of the Meiji Restoration. Now the capital moved to Tokyo from Kyoto. In order to do away with the inequality serious reforms were undertaken to close the from the West. Now to establish democracy was stressed and differences between social classes were slowly weakened.
Another historical event of Japan was the growing clash of interest between China and Japan that led to Sino- Japanese war in 1894- 95. The clash of interest with Russia led to the Russo- Japanese War in 1904-1905.The history of Japan further reveals that with the death of emperor Meiji the rule by elder came to an end. Form 1912- 1926 during the rule of emperor Taisho there was the shift to parliament and democratic parties.
History reveals that Japan took part in the World Wars and underwent huge loses and one is reminded of the atomic bombing in the World War II.Japanese Culture
Japanese Culture is eclectic in nature. The indigenous Jomon culture of Japan has now become modified into a hybrid culture that is concoction of cultures of Europe, North America and other countries of Asia. Especially after the world wars the country of Japan was profoundly influenced by American and European culture, reflection of which can be seen in the music and fashion of the country. The culture of Japan is reflected in its clothing, music, literature, cuisine and sports.
The traditional Japanese dress is Kimono; initially the term 'Kimono' referred to all types of clothing of Japan. But now it refers only to the full-length garment, which is also known as naga-gi. Today 'Kimono' is worn by men and women only during any traditional festival and occasion. In daily life the Japanese people wear Western clothing, which includes trousers, skirts, t-shirts, sweaters of various styles, Western-style undergarments and Western-style footwear.
Music of Japan is also diverse. Influences of the West as well as East can be seen in the instruments, scales and styles of Japan. Instruments like koto have been in vogue since the ninth and tenth centuries. The present musical scenario of Japan is heavily influenced by Western music and the popularity of the J-Pop artists clearly reflects the fact that Japan's present generation is inclined towards Western music.
Japanese Literature is variegated. The earliest example of Japanese literature are two books of history, the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki and book of poems, Man'y?sh?, which was written in the 8th century. The Heian period saw the first Japanese narrative, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. During the Edo Period Japanese literature was characterized by a change in the readers and the authors and the onus shifted from the aristocracy to the common people. The Meiji era was marked by the disintegration of the traditional literary forms and by the infiltration of the Western literary influences. The first modern novelists of Japan were Natsume S?seki and Mori ?gai and they were followed by other Japanese modern writers like Akutagawa Ry?nosuke, Tanizaki Jun'ichir?, Kawabata Yasunari, Mishima Yukio, and more recently, Murakami Haruki. Japan also boasts two prize wining authors, Kawabata Yasunari (1968) and ?e Kenzabur? (1994). Both of them had won the Nobel Prize for literature in the years 1968 and 1994 respectively.
One of the highlights of the culture of Japan is its cuisine. A traditional Japanese meal boast of Japanese rice along with tsukemono pickles, a bowl of miso soup, seafood, meat, egg, and vegetable dishes and green tea. Japanese people begin and conclude their meals with phrases like itadakimasu and gochis?sama, respectively. Some of the popular Japanese dishes and beverages are sushi, sashimi, ramen, sake, wasabi, sukiyaki and teriyaki.
Sports and recreational activities have also been characterized by flux and change. The traditional sport of Japan is martial arts known as "budo", which includes jud?, karate and kendo. But then today the Western games have taken over from the traditional sports. Presently baseball and football are the two most popular games of the country.Popular Japan Destinations
Japan is undoubtedly, the sunshine country for the tourists. The variety of tourist attraction that Japan offers is seldom found any where in the world. Popular destinations in Japan are well endowed with beautiful landscape, amazing science museums, state of the art sports venues, enchanting amusement parks and many more.
Among the popular Japan destinations, Tokyo is most favored by the tourists. The Imperial Palace, the Sensoji Temple, Keji shrine and many other temples and monasteries offer a splendid architectural view to the tourists. The modern attractions like more than a dozen of amusement parks, museums on science and technology and sky scrappers hold the awe of the visitors on their Japan tour. In the old capital Kyoto, you can visit the historic forts build by the Samurais. The beautiful laid out gardens and temples there, attract thousands of tourists every day. The technology city of Yokohama and Osaka have many museums dedicated to futuristic technology. The giant atomic dome and adjacent museum in Hiroshima reminds you the need for peace in the progress of human civilization. Kobe with its enchanting attractions adds to the popular tourist destinations on your Japan tour.
The giant sport arenas and entertainment complexes at various parts of Japan are among the popular attractions for the tourists. The Giza quarters in Kobe and Kyoto are always found to be crowded by tourists. Japan is the leader of technology and it is best visible in the cinema halls of Japan. The multiplexes are simply beyond imagination. The electronic shopping in Japan is above all parlance. In the cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, there are thousands of malls exclusively selling electronic and computer items.
Tourist Attractions in Japan
To many, Japan epitomizes a grandeur which is enmeshed in enigma, grace which is almost poetic by virtue of being minimal and a culture which finds few compeers in wealth. Japan to many represents the face of East Asia. Tourist Attractions in Japan run wild and rampant, and are known to jump upon an unsuspecting tourist and captivate him by sheer charm.
Some of the chief tourist attractions in Japan are-
Temples in Japan
The Temples in Japan are houses of worship for the Buddhists, who account for 80% of the country's population. Beautiful as they stand, the temples should be especially noted for the manner in which they blend with their verdant surroundings. The simple architecture of these temples cannot go unnoticed.
Shrines in Japan
Japan is home to nearly one million shrines, most of which are important places of worship for the followers of Shintoism. These shrines are mostly located far from the crowded cities, close to the isolated woods whose calmness they seem to suck and manifest in their tranquility.
When first built, these shrines in Japan were extremely bare and simple places of worship with only a single room. In the course of many years, Chinese architecture gained ground in Japan as did Buddhism, and consequently the shrines began to resemble Buddhist temples more.
Depending on the style of architecture, a shrine may be divided into the following types-
- Taisha
- Nagare
- Shinmei
- Hachiman
Gardens in Japan
The profuse richness of Japanese art overflows into many walks of their lives, gardens being no exception. While many of the gardens in Japan are located in the calm environs of monasteries, others blossom in the ruins of feudal lords' castles. Ponds are an indispensable feature of almost all the gardens in Japan.
The gardens in Japan may be categorized into the following types-
- Tsukiyama Gardens (hill gardens)
- Karesansui Gardens (dry gardens)
- Chaniwa Gardens (tea gardens).
Castles in Japan
In its essence, castles in Japan, like other castles around the world, were built for military purposes. As the years brought peace and prosperity, these castles were metamorphosed into important commercial centers. Thus in due course of time, the castle became grander and assumed the pride of the entire region.
Castles in Japan were born out of immense labor, involving marriage of conscientious planning and untiring toil.
Japan Festivals & Events
Japan Festivals & Events are the expressions of the best traditions of the Japanese nation. This shows the recreational spirit of the Japanese people. The festivals in Japan are embodiment of the vibrant culture of Japan.
Cultural events in Japan are countless. Almost every shrine celebrates its own local festivals named matsuri. Most Japan Festivals & Events are organized annually to commemorate a seasonal or historical event.
Mikoshi or procession is an essential element of festivals in Japan. The deity of the local shrine is carried on a palanquin. Dashi or decorated floats are pulled through the town in various festivals, escorted by drum and flute music. While many festivals in Japan are calm and meditative, most cultural events in Japan tend to be energetic and noisy.
Japan Festivals & Events season begins with Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Huge snow and ice statues are built in the centrally located Odori Park. Takayama Matsuri, Gifu comes on twice a year April 14-15 and October 9-10. Outsized and elaborately decorated floats are drawn through the town. Sanja Matsuri held in week ends of June is one of the biggest festivals in Tokyo. Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Kyoto on July 17th features above six meter tall festival floats. Nebuta Matsuri, Armory city held in August draws several million visitors every year. Organized on August 12-15, Awaodori festival, Tokushima Cityis known for the time-honored dancing festivals held across Japan. Nagasaki Kunchi (October 7-9) is known for its Chinese mode dragons and portable miniature ships.Japan Festivals & Events also include many modern day festivals in Japan and cultural events in Japan. Tanabata or the Star Festival on July 7th, is celebrated wishing success, wealth, love and health. Through the Obon festival the Japanese remember their elders. Eisa is performed to make happy and console the ancestors and drive out any bad spirit. Kanamara Matsuri or Festival of the Steel Phallus is observed with much fanfare. Hamauri or the Beach Visiting Day is celebrated all over Japan on April 2nd. The Hadaka Matsuri or Naked Festival in the mid-winter is a test of love between the couples. Right through the spring and early summer the annual tradition of Haari or Dragon Boat Races is carried out in the fishing ports around Okinawa.
Thousands of tourists from in and around Japan as well as across the world take part in these colorful Japan Festivals & Events. The atmosphere looks chilling and every heart seems thrilling in enjoyment. Oceans of man carrying beautiful tabloids and various religious and secular events are the hallmark of these festivals in Japan. Your travel to Japan coinciding with major cultural events in Japan is sure to enthrall you. These cultural extravaganzas are part and parcel of the Japanese society and give them strength and vitality to move forward
Japanese Cuisine
Japanese Cuisine is a creation of a centuries-old tradition, a high sense of aesthetic sensibility, a rich epicurean experience and liberal adaptability of modern tastes. Cuisine has always been an essential part of Japanese culture. Be it the traditional rice dishes or the Japanese style hamburger, Japanese food has reached the level of Art transcending beyond the mere lines of cooked dishes for consumption. Your tour to Japan is not complete until you taste, savor and enjoy the experience that is Japanese Cuisine. Take a brief look into some of the most popular dishes of Japan and choose what's going to be your favorite.
- Rice Dishes
Rice has been occupying the most important place in the list of food stuff in Japanese cuisine for over 2000 years. Although, vast changes have occurred in eating patterns over the last decades and rice consumption is gradually decreasing in recent years. But, rice still remains one of the most important ingredients in Japan today and is used in many dishes. Some of the most popular rice dishes are Rice Bowl, Sushi, Domburi, Onigiri, Kare Raisu, Fried Rice, Chazuke and Kayu.
- Seafood Dishes
Varieties of fish, shellfish and other sea foods from oceans, lakes and rivers are used in the mouth watering Japanese cuisine. These are prepared and enjoyed in different recipes. Take your pick from raw, dried, boiled, grilled, deep fried or steamed varieties of sea food. Don't miss the Sashimi and Yakizakana.
- Noodle Dishes
There are various traditional Japanese dishes which have always been a part of Japanese cuisine. Also, there are some Japanized noodle dishes which have been introduced later. Most of these are a big hit. Soba, Udon, Ramen, Somen and Yakisoba are some of the lip smacking noodle varieties.
- Nabe Dishes
Nabe dishes or hot pot dishes are cooked in a hot pot, usually at the table. Traditional ingredients are vegetables such as negi or Japanese leek, hakusai or Chinese cabbage, various mushrooms, seafood and meat. There are many variations according to regions and personal choices. Cold winter months are the perfect time to savor the dishes. Some special nabe dishes are Oden, Sukiyaki, Shabu-Shabu and Chanko Nabe.
- Soya Bean Dishes
Tofu, natto, miso and many other important ingredients of Japanese cooking are made of soya beans. Yudofu, Agedashi Tofu and Miso Soup are some of the most popular soya bean based dishes.
- Yoshoku Dishes
Yoshoku means Western food. A large number of Western dishes have been brought in to Japan over the centuries. Many of them have been adapted to Japanese cuisine and these dishes are now called Yoshoku dishes. Some of the most popular ones are Korokke, Omuraisu, Hayashi Raisu and Hamubagu.
Tempura, Monjayaki, Gyoza and Chawanmushi are some of the other dishes which are very popular in Japan. Some of these were introduces from other countries like China. Okonomiyaki is an interesting mix between pizza and pancake. Tsukemono are Japanese pickles, served with most Japanese meals.
Entertainment in Japan
Entertainment in Japan is very innovative and the entertainment industry here is one of the largest in the world. Various forms of Japanese entertainment have become popular all over the world despite the culture and language barrier in the country.
Karaoke is an important form of entertainment in Japan. Karaoke is singing the lyrics of the song to its instrumental tune. The lyrics are displayed on the screen while you sing. Karaoke has its origins in Japan but popular all over the world especially in Asia. In Japan, you will come across karaoke bars and shops that spread all over the country. Modern karaoke bars feature several private rooms which are equipped with karaoke player, screens and microphone. You could also order drinks and food in most karaoke boxes.
Comics and Cartoons in Japan are a popular form of entertainment. Manga are Japanese comics and are available in a variety of topics such as travel guides, fiction and history. There are Mangas available exclusively for children, adults and every age group. Japanese cartoons are known as Anime and have become popular all over the world.
There are numerous amusement parks that also act as a popular form of entertainment in Japan. The most popular amusement park is the Tokyo Disney Resort which is located 15 minutes away from Tokyo by train. This resort is extremely popular among young women and couples. There are numerous other amusement parks that you will come across in Japan.
Hot Springs are highly popular form of entertainment in Japan. Every part of the country has a hot spring which also features a resort town. There are various types of hot springs that are distinguished by the minerals that are dissolved in the water. Different minerals offer different health benefits and all hot springs provide a relaxing effect on your mind and body. The hot spring baths come in many varieties such as indoor or outdoor and gender separated or mixed.
Departmental store chains can be found all over Japan and the largest shopping complexes can be found in the capital city of Tokyo which are Shinkuju, Ginza and Shibuya where you will come across a number of stores side by side. These stores stock anything that you could possibly want such as apparel, books, music etc. The top floor usually houses a restaurant where you can taste Japanese, Chinese or Western cuisine.Getting to Japan
Japan Transportation
Japan transportation network is the best in the world. This well developed communication is the backbone of the Japanese economy. This best mode of Japan transportation is also helpful in attracting the tourists to ride some wonderful inventions of science in the rail, cruise, air and road transportation.
Japan transportation is known for its punctuality, superb service, and the massive crowds using it. Railways are the spine of the Japan transportation. Your travel to Japan gives you a chance to ride the best and fastest trains in the world. High-speed transportation between major cities has created a short of shrinkage in the geography of Japan. Seven Japan Railway companies, cater to the most part of Japan. There are also private companies operating railways.
Japan transportation between the islands is carried through the tunnels and bridges. These are also the wonders of modern technology invented and developed by the Japanese people. Most of the urban cities like Fukuoka, Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagoya and Yokohama have metro systems.
Japan transportation through the roads include 1,152,207 km of highways. Most of them are multilane highways. Theses are known for their high-speed, limited-access toll roads and divides. In addition, the road transport is of to relatively low fare and deluxe coached.
Air transport is an important part of Japan transportation. The airports are main international gateways. All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines are two major carriers. Domestic air travel is highly regulated. The ships and ferries connect all the islands to each other.
Hotels in Japan
