JAPAN
Many people have negative correlation with Japan because of 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb still creates ripples in their mind. Today Japan is looked upon with awe because of its pioneer work in different spheres of life. Would you not be tempted to visit the land of graceful kimonos wearing women and men carrying samurai sword?
GEOGRAPHY
It is 378,000 sq. km island nation in the Pacific; the Japanese archipelago is separated from the Asian mainland by the Sea of Japan; it includes the islands from north to south namely Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, the Ryukyu group, Tsushima, Bonin, Izu and Volcano Islands as well as numerous smaller islands. Its neighboring countries include Korea, Russia, and China. The ocean surrounding it has tepid and freezing water tides that are reason why many species of fish are found here.
The islands of Japan are mostly forested mountainous region sprinkled sparsely by plains and basins. They contain more than 50 active volcanoes and earthquakes are common. The largest lowland is the Kwanto Plain around the capital Tokyo. The mostly short rivers have ample volumes and hydroelectric projects have been constructed on the upper courses of many of them. Forests cover about 65% of the country. Japan has coniferous forests which merge to the south into evergreen broadleaf forests. The flora and fauna are rich and Japan is the home of the badger, bear, fox, Japanese macaque, otter, raccoon, dog, wolf, and other animals.
The leading crop is rice followed by barley, Soya beans, sweet potatoes, tea and wheat. Horticulture is a vital occupation here. Cattle, pigs, and poultry are reared on many farms and ser-culture and fishing are other major occupations.
Today Japan is one of the world’s most industrialized countries with the high per capita gross national product. Japanese industry is characterized by efficient organization, a high degree of mechanization and automation, and a highly skilled and dedicated work-force. The country is the world’s leading manufacturer of automobiles, motor-cycle, and television sets and it is also a major ship-builder. Japanese chemicals, electronics, optics, and textiles are world famous. The country has few natural resources such as coal, copper, limestone, mercury, oil, and natural gas.
In many ways Japanese transport is a symbol of the country’s advanced technology. There is a dense system of excellent roads, and motorways and a highly efficient system of railways, including some lines operating high speed express trains. Japan has countless tunnels, bridges, and causeways to negotiate the many natural obstacles. Japans merchant fleet is the world’s second largest. The largest sea port is Yokohama while the busiest airport at Tokyo handles hundreds of flights a day.
The highest elevation is Fuji-san at 12,388 ft. on the island of Honshu.
Some of the major cities are Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Sapporo, and Kobe.
The chief rivers are Shinano on Honshu, Ishikari, and Tone; Biwa is the largest lake.
The threat of typhoons volcanic volley and earthquake trembles can be anticipated at any time.
CAPITAL
Tokyo or Edo as it was known earlier is not only the nation’s largest city it is also the capital city. The city was reborn twice once after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and other time after war destruction in 1945. Many gardens with impeccable landscaping exist in the city like the Koishikawa Korakuen, Rikugien, Hama Rikyu, the soul stirring impact of Imperial Garden in March and April popularly called the cherry blossom season. The list is long and you can pick the garden nearer to your place of stay. The blend of Japanese and European style can be very well appreciated in the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The spiritual hearted must tale a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine.
For tranquil water floating experience on Sumida River or the Tokyo Bay take a boat; the demand for boats goes up during cherry blossom season.
Shopping of all variety suiting all budgets is possible here.
THE CLIMATE
The climate is monsoon type, temperate in the north and subtropical in the south; the climate is strongly affected by ocean currents. North South elongation of the nation is also the cause of climate. The main seasons are winter, autumn, summer, and spring. The trees are filled with shades of red orange and yellows because of the leaves. From north to south the same season may show remarkable differences from bright sun at one place to snow at the other.
HISTORY
The documented papers show first sign of humans in 8000 B.C. The hunter community made caves, ravines and huts their abode. 200 B.C. saw Asians on the island as rulers who contributed to the progress in the times to come. In 250 AD more invaders from Asia won over the region and later were known as the ruler class.
In 1853 USA ships touch the shore and suggest trade links. It off and on fought war and annexed regions. Japan is most admired for having risen from the ashes to become today’s world power and its path breaking technology has astonished the most advanced country.
POPULATION
The national composition consists of Japanese, Ainu the natives,
Buddhism and Shintoism are the religions followed by the people of the land.
All official work is conducted through Japanese language.
Transaction currency in use is Yen.
TOURISM
Mt Fuji a dormant volcano subsequent to 1707 attract vast crowd approximately of 500,000 every summer to Fuji Island when it is opened on July 1 each year for climbing expedition or yamabiraki; the route is open till end August. The climbing procedure goes through ten stations. Fuji beauty lies in its cone outline of 2620 feet, spacious foothills and gleaming snow covered peaks. The Sun-rise from the peak is breath taking. The entire route is so well planned and all age groups can dare to undertake the adventure of mountain climbing; the temperature at elevation necessities woolens as clothing. From the peak you may even send postal messages to your dear ones far and wide in geographical location.
Japanese temples are based on Buddhist precepts. At times tourists prefer to be at Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura and Mount Kyoto for religious reasons; revered temples are located here. The architectural structures are typical. Many tourists pay homage at Shinto shrine. A lot of local rush is seen here on festival days.
Garden layout of this nation is well known since ancient times. The landscaping of hilly regions, dry gardens and tea gardens is just amazing. If you happen to be in Hirosaki do not miss the Fujita Garden, Hiraizumi in the premises of Motsuji Temple has beautiful Pure Land Garden, Kyoto is a city of gardens.
There is a phase in the history of the country when castles were built here. In Tenshukaku there is five storied Castle Tower with even more floors inside it; the watch tower at Yagura known as worth visiting.
Onsen Spa in Japan is hot springs enriched in minerals of different types which exists in abundance all over the land because of its volcanic topology. The locals use these places to relax over the week-end. The 2000 onsen are well organized with facilities like indoor or outdoor bath, separate units for men and women, or as public baths. These resorts have accommodation for overnight stay.
The multihued leaves of autumn and cherry blossoms in spring makes surroundings for nature enthusiast a kaleidoscope in nature; the view is admired by one and all. Tourists plan their visit to coincide with this event.
The nation has preserved and displayed its history in capsule form by establishing open air museums in various part of the land. These make interesting outing place with family and kids. Some of these places are Historic Village of Hokkaido, Abashiri Prison Museum, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, and Meiji Mura and so on.
Snow resorts attract many Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The regions most visited are Tohoku, Chubu, and Hokkaido. Many onsen are located in the vicinity. The procedure popularly followed is to enjoy good snow sports and then relax in onsen. Hukuba is a very popular resort in this category.
In the north of the nation is a group of four islands that goes by the name Hokkaido. Snow festival is traditionally held here. There are similar other festivals of lesser significance like Okhotsk coast’s Drift Ice Festival, Kushiro Ice Festival etc.
FOOD
If in Japan treat yourself to the local food like noodles, soba, udon, mochi, manju, taiyaki, azuki etc.
ACCOMMODATION
Being a significant tourist destination it has international accredited hotels economical hotels, resorts at specific destinations and guesthouses for stay. Booking can be done online much in advance to avoid disappointment.
The nightlife is based on bars, discos and clubs. Here there is fusion of Japanese and western culture.
Visit the land of the rising Sun and be amazed by nature and manmade products.
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