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For such a miniscule total landmass, Japan has left a certain stamp on human history.  If you’re considering Japan as a destination, here is an outline of the country. 

An overview of Japan for Travelers

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

Japan is a very urbanized country with most folk living in major cities.  The 2 outstanding religions are Shintoism and Buddhism.  The belief systems are harmonious and often share the same churches. 

Per legend, Japan was set up by Emperor Jimmu around six hundred BC.  The existing emperor is a descendent of the first. 

the 1st interactions with the West was in 1542 when a lost Portuguese ship landed in Japan.  Over the next century more Westerns came, but they were not trusted.  The Japan shoguns at last banned all foreigners and the country was isolated for over 200 years.  Not until 1854 did Japan open its doors to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the US.  Once this occurred, Japan quickly evolved 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 Pacific Rim in general. 

In 1937, Japan became a friend of fascist German.  This eventually led on to its decision to pursue an attack on Pearl harbor on December seven, 1941.  Following four years of war, the loss of 3,000,000 Japanese lives and two atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the US on Sep two, 1945.  It was stripped of almost all of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, delegated the supreme chief. 

Following WW2, Japan turned to a democratic system thru reforms.  The U.S.  And allies returned absolute control to Japan on Apr twenty-eight, 1952 through the deal of Peace.  Though its days as a army power were over, Japan once again became a commercial giant.  In spite of its comparatively miniscule land mass, Japan has the second biggest economy in the world. 

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

The people of Japan are called’Japanese.’ The total population is just over 127.4 million folk, but the population is decreasing slightly in size.  Jap is the primarily language spoken and literacy rates are 99 %.  Japanese males have a life expectancy of 77 years while women live to 84 normally. 

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 profitable.

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 Daitokuji Temple Japan.