Introduction

The Empire of Japan is a wonderfully fascinating destination, where there is an abundance of beautiful scenery, unforgettable temples, interesting culture and delicious food. And the land is effectively tied together by the bullet train Shinkansen, so that you can easily get from one experience to another.

As a capital, Tokyo is a good place to start. This is where the emperor lives, in the city which is the epitome of modern Japan with neighborhoods like Ginza and Ikebukuro, where there is round-the-clock activity. Close to the colossal metropolitan area you can feel the tranquility of the great Buddha in Kamakura or close to the shogun history of Nikko.

Outside the capital, there are many small and large cities that are worth a trip in themselves. The old capital, Kyoto, is unique with its many temples and pagodas, and both the modern metropolis of Osaka and ancient Nara are nearby, both of which are fine and profound contrasts to Kyoto's atmosphere. Not to mention Hiroshima, Sapporo and many more.

The nature of Japan is extremely varied and there are many opportunities to get into it. The volcano Fuji thrones over the countryside on the outskirts of Tokyo, and here are tranquil lakes and green forests. Elsewhere, beautiful beaches, mountains for skiing and hot springs for relaxation await.

Biggest cities
  • Tōkyō / 東京: 13,929,286
  • Yokohama / 横 浜: 3,732,616
  • Osaka / 大阪 市: 2,668,586
  • Nagoya / 名古屋: 2,283,289
  • Sapporo / 札幌 市: 1,957,914
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Holidays
  • January 1: New Year's Day (shogatsu)
  • 2nd Monday in January: The age of 20 (Seijin n ohi)
  • February 11: Japan's founding (kenkoku kinenbi)
  • February 23 or February 24 if 23 is a Sunday: Emperor's Birthday
  • March 21: Spring Equinox (shunbun no hi)
  • April 29: Emperor Showa's Birthday (Whowa no hi)
  • May 3: Constitution Day (kenpo kinenbi)
  • May 4: Plant / Nature Day (midori no hi)
  • May 5: Children's Day (Kodomo no hi)
  • Monday, July 3: Gardens Day (uni no hi)
  • 3rd Monday in September: Elder's Day (keiro no hi)
  • September 23: Fall Evening (shubun no hi)
  • 2nd Monday in October: Health Day (taiiku no hi)
  • November 3: Culture Day (bunka no hi)
  • November 23: Tribute Day of the Work (kinro kansha no hi)
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Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan

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Practical info
  • Official name: Nippon-koku / 日本国
  • Capital: Tōkyō / 東京
  • National anthem: Kimigayo / 君 が 代
  • Language: Japanese
  • Population (2019): 126,317,000
  • Primary religion: Shinto, Buddhism
  • Currency: Yen (JPY)
  • Drives in: Left side
  • Domain: .jp
  • Phone code: +81
  • Time Zone: JST (UTC + 9)
  • Power and plugs: 100 V / 50 Hz in the east, 60 Hz in the west, plug type A, B
Geography
  • Area: 377,873 km² / 145,898 sq mi
  • Highest point: Fujisan / 富士山 3,776 m / 12,388 feet
  • Longest river: Shinano-gawa / 信 濃 川 367 km / 228 mi
  • Largest lake: Biwa-ko / 琵琶湖 670 km² / 259 sq mi
  • Largest lake: Honshū / 本州 227,960 km² / 88,016 sq mi
  • Boundaries: North: La Pérouse Strait, Nemurus Strait. South: Philippines. East: Pacific. West: Japanese Sea, Korean Strait, East China Sea.
Celebrities
  • Toyotomi Hideyoshi: General and Politician, 1537-1598
  • Ieyasu Tokugawa: Shogun, 1543-1616
  • Honda Tadakatsu: General, 1548-1610
  • Iwasaki Yataro: Mitsubishi Founder, 1835-1885
  • Sakamoto Ryoma: Activist, 1836-1867
  • Isoroku Yamamoto: Navy Admiral, 1884-1943
  • Hideki Tojo: Prime Minister, 1884-1948
  • Michio Suzuki: Inventor and Businessman, 1887-1982
  • Kiichiro Toyoda: Businessman, 1894-1952
  • Yasunari Kawabata: Author, 1899-1972
  • Hirohito: Emperor, 1901-1989
  • Soichiro Honda: Engineer and Industrialist, 1906-1991
  • Hideki Yukawa: Physicist, 1907-1981
  • Kyo Sakamoto: Singer and Actor, 1941-1985
  • Yoko Ono: Artist, 1933-
  • Shinzo Abe: Prime Minister, 1954-
  • Ken Watanabe: Actor, 1959-
  • Naruhito: Emperor, 1960-
  • Kimiko Date: Tennis Player, 1970-
  • Hidetoshi Nakata: Football Player, 1977-