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

An top level view of Japan for Travelers

Extending along the eastern coast of Asia, Japan is a country composed from a collection of a collection of islands. The mainland, as we think of it, is the island of Honshu. There are three other enormous islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and roughly 3,000 much smaller islands comprising what we call Japan. Put together, the total land mass is slightly smaller than California. The geography across the islands is mountainous, best exemplified by Mt. Fuji at 12,385 feet. As you might expect, the island country is intrinsically recognition of a volcanic are and Japan experiences quakes reasonably often, some on a massive scale.

Japan is an highly urbanized country with many folks living in major towns. The two prominent religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. The belief systems are harmonious and often share the same temples.

Per legend, Japan was set up by Emperor Jimmu around 600 BC. The present emperor is a descendent of the 1st.

The first interaction with the West was in 1542 when a lost Portuguese ship landed in Japan. Over the next century more Westerns came, but they weren’t trusted. The Japan shoguns at last banned all foreigners and the country was isolated for over 2 hundred years. Not until 1854 did Japan open its doors to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the U. S. Once this occurred, Japan quickly evolved from a feudal state to a more modern approach.

World War I used to be a boon for Japan. Fighting on the side of the winning Allies, Japan repeated new respect as a commercial 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 Pacific Rim usually.

In 1937, Japan became a supporter of Fascist German. This finally led to its decision to pursue an attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Following four years of war, the loss of 3 million Japanese lives and two atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the United States On Sep two, 1945. It was stripped of the majority of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, appointed the Supreme Commander.

Following WW2, Japan turned to a democratic system thru reforms. The U.S. and allies returned complete control to Japan on Apr twenty-eight, 1952 via the Contract of Peace. Although its days as a military power were over, Japan once again became an economic giant. In spite of its comparatively small land mass, Japan has the second largest economy in the world.

Modern day Japan covers 145,902 square miles. The capital is Tokyo. The terrain is most accurately described as rough, mountainous islands with varying temperatures.

The folks of Japan are called “Japanese.” The total population is just over 127.4 million folk, but the population is decreasing a touch in size. Eastern is the basically language spoken and literacy rates are 99 percent. Japanese males have a life outlook of 77 years while women live to 84 on average.

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 worthwhile.

If you find this article useful, you may also visit famouswonders.com to read more about some of the best places to visit and have a look at important places in Japan.