A Brief Guide to the History of Japan for Modern Visitors

Japan may appear small when you look at it on the world map, but its history has had a much greater influence than its size would suggest. This is a country packed with historical and cultural sites for the visitor to discover, and a striking combination of scenic mountains and stunningly modern cities. Tourists can often feel overwhelmed by their first introduction to Japan. A brief overview of the history that has made Japan what it is today may help you to adjust more easily.

First, a refresher on the geography of Japan. The total area is a little smaller than California, although it consists of thousands of scattered islands. The main island is Honshu. Hokkaido, together with Shikoku and the island of Kyushu, make up the other three major islands. These islands are all the result of ancient volcanic activity and Japan suffers from earthquakes which are occasionally severe.

The origins of the islands are reflected by their characteristic mountains. The most famous of these is Mount Fuji, which reaches over twelve thousand feet at its summit. The steep slopes covering most of the country have caused the Japanese people to congregate in densely populated cities along the coasts. The majority live in these urban areas, such as the capital, Tokyo.

Japan has a population of over 127 million, which is gradually decreasing at the moment. The term “Japanese” is used to refer to the people, and is also the name of the main language. Japan has a literacy rate of 99%, and life expectancy here is very high, 77 for men and 84 for women. The two main religions have co-existed harmoniously in Japan for a long time due to their similar beliefs. Shinto and Buddhist temples are often shared.

The Emperor of Japan traces back his ancestry to the legendary founder of his nation, Jimmu, who supposedly created Japan as a country in about 600 BCE.

It was by chance that the first Europeans arrived in Japan, when a ship that had lost its way brought some Portuguese sailors to its shores. As more travelers came from the West they were welcomed only with suspicion. They were eventually banned from entering the country, and for two centuries Japan remained isolated. In 1854 this decision was reversed after Japan came to an agreement with the US. This time the contact with the outside world brought change to the people of Japan, and their society changed its traditional feudalism for more modern values.

Japan came out of the First World War, having supported the Allies, as a respected world power of economic as well as military value. This good relationship did not last, however. The then Emperor attempted to spread the influence of Japan by attempting to take over parts of China, hoping to make Japan the dominant power across the whole of Asia. As the Nazi party rose to power in Germany, Japan decided to ally itself with this new power.

Japan entered the Second World War with an attack on the US at Pearl Harbor in 1941. By the end of the war, with more than three million casualties and the horror the two atomic bombs dropped on their soil, Japan was left with no alternative but to surrender. Japan lost most of its overseas territories and was placed under the command of General MacArthur, until it regained its independence in 1952. Japan underwent great changes during this and subsequent times, developing as a democracy and becoming the world’s second largest economy.

Japan can be a confusing and expensive place to visit, due to its unique culture and fast-paced cities, but with a willingness to try to understand its history, modern Japan can be an extremely interesting and exciting destination- and if one thing is sure, it is that you will never be bored.

Great Places to Visit While in Tokyo

One of the most popular tourist spots for performing arts fanciers in the Japanese capital of Tokyo, is Kabuki. Located in Ginza, which is the part of the urban center recognized for its shopping amenities, classic theatre is provided, with explanations and narrations in English in a video format. The presentations in Kabuki last for several hours and are designed to be savored in an unhurried and leisurely manner. Taking in just a portion of a production is not feasible.

Rising early for a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market will allow you to witness the catch of the day. The fish are immediately provided to an assortment of restaurants to provide sushi meals. The most beneficial times to visit are between five and eight a.m.

Japanese royalty can be seen at the Imperial Palace, but solely on the single public visitation day of January 1st. The exquisite grounds of the palace however,are open for taking in year round. The Imperial Palace is likewise home to the East Garden providing a tea pavilion with open lawns to unwind and rejuvenate in.

Constructed in honor of two celebrated personalities, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji-Jingu Shrine is a frequent tourist attraction. Originally constructed in 1920, the Meiji-Jingu Shrine was damaged severely during World War 2 and had to be restored using local cypress wood.. After visiting the Meiji-Jingu Shrine Yoyogi Park and Harajuku District are nearby.

The spiritual side of the city may be experienced in Kamakura. There are a variety of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples making up that of Daibutsu which stands 11.4 meters tall and is constituted of 850 tons of bronze. The Kannon Statue, geological dating back to the eighth century is housed in the Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura. Just twenty minutes outside of Kamakura tourists can travel to a beach to decompress.

What to See in Tokyo

Tokyo offers tourists many interesting and exciting things to do and see. Listed below are just a few.

Located in Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping districts, Kabuki is something every visitor should see. The production offers narration in English as well as the classic theater format. Just make sure you have enough time to take it in. The full Kabuki experiences last for three or four hours, and there are no tickets for shorter periods.

If you are an early riser, you will certain enjoy a visit to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. You can watch while the fishermen bring in amazing creatures from the sea that will then be taken to local restaurants. As a visitor, you cannot be involved in handling or throwing the fish, but you are free to wander around the stalls and observe the workers. The best time to go is from five to eight in the morning.

A visit to the Imperial Palace will let you catch a glimpse of Japanese royalty. However, you should know that the Imperial Palace is different from the other royal houses around the city. The public is only allowed to once a year on January 1. So if you are in Tokyo at this time, this is a chance you should not pass up. The tours are on a tight schedule, so you cannot just wander around. But the Palace also has a tea pavilion in the East Garden where the public can spend time and relax.

There are many tourist spots in Tokyo that are open to the public all the time. The Meiji-Jingu Shrine is a beautiful structure that was constructed to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Work on the shrine was completed in 1920. However, during the Second World War, the Shrine was badly damaged. Some years later it was renovated and returned to its original condition. After a short tour, you can go to the nearby Yoyogi Park and walk around.

Kamakura is a favorite spot were visitors can see the spiritual and religious side of the great city. Here you can view a number of impressive Shinto shrines and great Buddhist temples. The great Daibutsu temple, which is made of bronze and stands over eleven meters tall, can be seen at Kamakura. If you are looking for a little color or just a stroll by the water, there is a nice beach just a few minutes walk from Kamakura.