A View of Japan for Tourists
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 a top level view of the country.
An Overview of Japan for Travelers
Extending along the eastern coast of Pacific Rim, Japan is a country composed of islands. The mainland, as we think of it, is the island of Honshu. There are 3 other big islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and approximately three thousand much smaller islands comprising what we call Japan. Put together, the total land mass is rather smaller than California. The geography across the islands is mountainous, best exemplified by Mt. Fuji at 12,385 feet. As you could expect, the island country is inherently recognition of a volcanic are and Japan experiences earthquakes reasonably often, some on a large scale.
Japan is an intensely urbanized country with many folks living in major cities. The 2 outstanding faiths 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 current 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 were not trusted. The Japan shoguns ultimately banned all foreigners and the country was isolated for over 200 years. Not till 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 victorious 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, seeking dominance of China and Asia in general.
In 1937, Japan became a supporter of Fascist German. This finally led to its decision to follow 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 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 Ultimate Chief .
Following World War II, Japan turned to a democratic system through reforms. The U.S. and allies returned absolute control to Japan on Apr twenty-eight, 1952 via the Treaty of Peace. Although its days as an army power were over, Japan once again became an industrial giant. Notwithstanding its comparatively miniscule land mass, Japan has the second biggest economy in the planet.
Modern day Japan covers 145,902 square miles. The capital is Tokyo. The terrain is most accurately described as rugged, mountainous islands with varying temperatures.
The people of Japan are called “Japanese.” The total population is just over 127.4 million people, but the population is decreasing a little in size. Eastern is the basically language spoken and literacy rates are ninety nine p.c. Japanese males have a life expectancy 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 costly, but a visit to Mount Fuji alone makes a trip worthwhile.
If you enjoy traveling and would like to read more on some of the most famous places in the world, visit famouswonders.com and also check out landmarks in Japan.