Japan is an island located in East Asia, bordering the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Sea of Japan to the west. The country consists of four main islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku) and several smaller islands. Its total land area is about 377,915 square kilometers (145,920 sq mi).
Japan is a mountainous country and more than 70% of the country is covered by mountains. The highest peak is Mount Fuji, which is 3,776 meters high. Japan has many active and dormant volcanoes, hot springs and extensive coastlines.
The country has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the northern regions. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, and the cherry blossom season in spring is a popular time for tourists to visit.
Japanese is the official language of Japan and is spoken by almost the entire population of more than 126 million people. The Japanese writing system consists of three scripts: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. English is also widely used as a second language in this country.
Russia, China and the Korean Peninsula are the closest countries to this country.
Japan is a homogenous society with more than 98% of its population being of Japanese descent. The largest minority group is the Koreans, who make up about 0.5 percent of the population. There are also smaller populations of Chinese, Filipinos, and Brazilians in Japan.
Japan’s population is concentrated in urban areas and more than 90% of the population lives in cities. Tokyo, the capital, is the largest city in Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 13 million in the city center and over 37 million in the suburbs, making it one of the largest cities in the world.
Japan is known for its advanced technology, strong economy and rich cultural heritage. The country has a parliamentary system of government with a constitutional monarchy, with the emperor as a ceremonial figurehead and the prime minister as the head of government. Japan has a high standard of living, developed infrastructure and universal health care available to the public.
In terms of religion, Japan is a combination of Shintoism and Buddhism, and Christianity and other religions are also present in this country in a limited way. Japanese culture is interwoven with unique traditional and modern traditions such as tea ceremonies, flower arranging and martial arts, as well as anime, manga and video games.
In recent years, Japan has faced several challenges, including an aging population and a declining birth rate, as well as natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. Despite these challenges, Japan remains a major player in the global economy and a popular tourist destination.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Japanese culture is their attention to detail and precision. This issue is evident in their cooking and even their daily work. The Japanese have a deep respect for their history and traditions, which is reflected in their architecture, festivals, and rituals.
Another unique feature of Japanese culture is the concept of Omotenashi, which is the idea of selfless hospitality. This means that Japanese people go out of their way to make their guests feel welcome and comfortable. From the way visitors are greeted to the meticulous attention to detail in service, omotenashi is a fundamental part of Japanese culture.
Food is also an integral part of Japanese culture, and it’s no surprise that Japan has some of the best food in the world. From sushi to ramen, the Japanese take pride in their food. Dining in Japan is not just about eating. Eating is an important ritual in Japanese culture and has many customs.
33 festivals of Japan have been registered as intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO. Some Japanese celebrations and festivals have Chinese roots, but over time they have been combined with Japanese culture and created a new form.
Cherry blossom festival
Hanami or cherry blossom festival is the most famous festival in Japan. Hanami means “seeing flowers” in Japanese. Hanami is celebrated when the sakura blossoms are blooming and when friends and relatives gather together and spread the table under the sakura trees.
Hanami became popular for the first time in the Nara period (710 to 794 AD) and among the nobility. At first, it was customary to see plum blossoms, which are called ume in Japan, but in the Heian period (794 to 1185 AD), cherry blossoms replaced plum blossoms. From the middle of the Edo period, Hanami became popular among the general public, and the Tokugawa Emperor Yoshimone, the 8th emperor of the Edo period, ordered the widespread planting of cherry trees throughout the country to encourage people and further promote Hanami.
Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is held every year in the city of the same name. In this festival, where the most prominent artists of this country are also present, various statues are made, including statues of actors, artists and other famous people.
Tenno Festival
The Tenno Festival is held every July in Tsushima City. According to customs, each boat is decorated with four hundred lanterns and moves along the Tennu River.
Festival of dolls
Hinamatsuri, or the festival of dolls or the festival of girls, is one of the most common festivals in Japan, dedicated to the growth and health of girls. This celebration is held every year on the third day of March of the third month.
Tokyo
The capital of Japan, Tokyo, is a bustling metropolis that is full of life and energy. There is always something to see and do in Tokyo, from the bustling streets of Shibuya to the tranquil gardens of Shinjuku Gion, exploring the city is one of the most unique experiences in the world. Tokyo is also Japan’s best place for shopping and dining experiences.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a city steeped in history and tradition. The city is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, including the famous Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari temples. The city is also attractive to any tourist for its beautiful gardens such as the Zen Garden at Riwanji Temple and the Bamboo Forest at Arashiyama.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and is located about 100 km southwest of Tokyo. The mountain is sacred to many Japanese people and is a popular destination for hiking and sightseeing. The best time to visit Mount Fuji is from July to August when the weather is clear and the mountain is visible.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a city known for its tragic history, but has since been rebuilt and is now a thriving cultural center. The city is home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city in 1945.
Osaka
Osaka is a city known for its food, entertainment and nightlife. The city is home to some of Japan’s best street food, including the famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancakes). Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, a popular tourist attraction.
Japan is a country with a rich culture and unique attractions that make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If you are interested in this country and its tourist attractions, join us on Benyamin Marco’s website to experience a magical journey to the birthplace of the samurai. We have gathered everything you need for your trip on this website.
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