For such a small total landmass, Japan has left a certain stamp on human history.  If you are considering Japan as a destination, here is an overview of the country. 

An Overview of Japan for Travelers

Extending along the eastern coast of Far East, Japan is a country consisting of a collection of islands.  The mainland, as we think about it, is the island of Honshu.  There are three other enormous islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and approximately 3,000 much smaller islands comprising what we call Japan.  Put together, the total land mass is slightly smaller than California.  The geography throughout the islands is mountainous, best exemplified by Mt.  Fuji at 12,385 feet.  As you’d expect, the island country is inherently recognition of a volcanic are and Japan experiences earthquakes fairly often, some on a giant scale. 

Japan is an extremely urbanized country with many folks living in major cities.  The two prominent religions are Shintoism and Buddhism.  The belief systems are harmonious and frequently share identical temples. 

Per legend, Japan was founded by Emperor Jimmu around 600 BC.  The current emperor is a descendent of the first. 

the first interaction with the West was in 1542 when a lost Portuguese ship landed in Japan.  Over the following century more Westerns came, but they weren’t trusted.  The Japan shoguns at last banned all foreigners and the country was isolated for over two hundred years.  Not till 1854 did Japan open its doors to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the US.  Once this happened, Japan quickly developed from a feudal state to a more modern approach. 

World War I was a boon for Japan.  Fighting on the side of the winning Allies, Japan repeated new respect as a business and army power following the defeat of the Axis.  Alas, the emperor of Japan went in a different direction after the war, looking for dominance of China and Asia in general. 

In 1937, Japan became a supporter of fascist German.  This finally led on to its call to chase an attack on Pearl harbor on December 7, 1941.  Following four years of war, the loss of 3,000,000 Japanese lives and two atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the united states on September 2, 1945.  It was stripped of most of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, designated the ultimate commander. 

Following World War Two, Japan turned to a democratic system through reforms.  The U.S.  And allies returned total control to Japan on Apr twenty-eight, 1952 through the Treaty of Peace.  Although its days as a army power were over, Japan once again became a business giant.  Despite its comparatively small land mass, Japan has the second biggest economy in the world. 

current day Japan covers 145,902 square miles.  The capital is Tokyo.  The terrain is best described as craggy, mountainous islands with varying temperatures. 

The people of Japan are called’Japanese.’ The total population is just over 127.4 million folks, but the population is decreasing slightly in size.  Jap is the primarily language spoken and literacy rates are ninety nine percent.  Eastern males have a survival expectation of 77 years while ladies live to 84 typically. 

With its mountainous island landscape, Japan is a hot destination spot for travelers.  It is expensive, but a visit to Mount Fuji alone makes a trip productive.

Do you love to see the world? Want to see some of the best places in the world? Visit famouswonders.com to get an idea of where to go for your next vacation. Make sure to also check out Kiyomizu Japan.