Country Focus: Japan

Japan is an island nation that includes thousands of islands. Its four main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Located in East-Asia, Japan's geographical location on top of several of the earth's tectonic plates meant that this is a country of active volcanic activities. This also translates into the fact that earthquakes are a relatively regular occurrence.

However, the active volcanic and other nature phenomena also contribute greatly to the natural beauty of Japan. The many Onsens (a.k.a Hot Springs) are direct results of the volcanic nature of Japan's landscape. These onsens are enjoyed by Japanese and visitors alike.

As a relatively large country by geography, Japan's landscape and geography extends from the cold continental climate in the northern region of Hokkiado to the humid sub-tropical climate of its southern territories in the Pacific Ocean. This diversity of climates between the different regions of Japan naturally results in a country with a rich biodiversity.

Tourism is a mainstay of the Japanese economy. This is mainly contributed by domestic tourism and to a smaller extent, international visitors to Japan. In 2014, Taiwan, South Korea and China are the 3 places with the most number of international visitors to Japan.

One of the many colorful floats that marked the Autumn Festival held in Hida-Takayama. This is a festival of the Sakurayuama Hachimangu Shrine and is held annually, usually in the 1st week of October. Hida-Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, Japan (2014)

Kumamon is the official mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan (2023)

Entrance to the male section of a public bath, Ito, Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan (2017)

Transport-wise, Japan is extensively interconnected via rail links throughout the country. Both domestic and international air links are also extensive. Thus, travel to and within Japan is relatively convenient. Most international flights fly to and from Japan via the 2 international airports in Tokyo; Narita International Airport (IATA: NRT, ICAO: RJAA) and Tokyo International Airport at Haneda (IATA: HND, ICAO: RJTT). Other popular international airports in Japan include the Kansai International Airport (IATA: KIX, ICAO: RJBB) in Osaka and the Fukuoka Airport (IATA: FUK, ICAO: RJFF) in the city of Fukuoka in Kyushu.

Train crossing, Nakano, Tokyo, Japan (2017)

Japanese are generally very well-mannered and friendly. Visitors to Japan are often amazed by how clean the streets are. This is because the Japanese do not litter. They will often carry the litter with them until they can dispose of the litter at a refuse collection point.

Japan is one of the countries which I have visited the most. Yet, I still feel that there are so many parts of Japan that I have not seen and experienced. I enjoy Japanese cuisine, love the culture and am always amaze by the natural beauty of the country.

The annual sakura season is extremely popular to both local Japanese and tourists, Ueno Park, Tokyo (2017)

Sakuras in full bloom, Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan (2017)

The Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya (original Hakone Shirne) stands at the peak of Mount Komogatake, Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan (2018)

Waterfront, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan (2023)

Travelogue Map: Japan

Tokyo
Atami (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Fukuyama (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Hakone (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Himeji (Hyogo Prefecture)
Hiroshima (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Ito (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Iwakuni (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Kagoshima (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Kamakura (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Kobe (Hyogo Prefecture)

Kumamoto (Kumamoto Prefecture)
Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture)
Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Moriyama (Shiga Prefecture)

Nagaoka (Niigata Prefecture)
Nara (Nara Prefecture)

Niigata (Niigata Prefecture)
Nikko (Tochigi Prefecture)
Omihachiman (Shiga Prefecture)
Onomichi (Hiroshima Prefecture)
Osaka (Osaka Prefecture)
Takashima (Shiga Prefecture)
Takayama (Gifu Prefecture)

Tsuruoka (Yamagata Prefecture)
Tsushima (Nagasaki Prefecture)

Yatsushiro (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture)