The Beginner’s Guide to Japan

Japan is a tiny country, about the same size as California, which has had a disproportionately large impact upon the rest of the globe and on the course of human history. The traveler can experience some of the unique culture that has both caused and resulted from Japan’s place in the world, and will find that their trip is enhanced by having some prior understanding of what has made Japan into the modern and exciting country that it is today.

Japan is formed from several larger and thousands of smaller islands. Honshu is the largest and this is the part of Japan which most visitors will experience. Hokkaido Island is another popular destination, while Kyushu and Shikoku are the other fairly large islands.

The Japanese islands are volcanic in origin, and they still experience the effects of tectonic activity, particularly in the fairly frequent earthquakes. The countryside is predominantly mountainous. The most famous peak is that of Mount Fuji, and you have probably seen photos of its characteristic snow-capped dome even if you didn’t know its name.

The capital of Japan is Tokyo, and the majority of the Japanese are packed into this and other cities. The population is well over one and a quarter million, but has begun to decline in recent time. The life expectancy in Japan is one of the highest in the world, 77 for men and 84 for women, and the literacy rate is also high, at 99%. The most commonly used language is Japanese.

The Japanese culture has been influenced by its landscape which has forced people to live around the coasts since the interior is to steep for building, and even for cultivation in places. This has resulted in densely populated cities and some beautifully untouched countryside. Another important influence had been the existence of two separate but similar religions, Shinto the “native” religion and Buddhism, which arrived here via China. There both value nature and share similar beliefs, with worshipers from each sometimes using the same temple.

Japan has an Emperor, and the current incumbent is a descendant of the first, Jimmu, who was traditionally believed to have founded Japan when he arrived more than two and a half thousand years ago.

Japan’s first Western visitors were the crew of a ship from Portugal that accidentally landed here after getting lost at sea in the 16th century. Many modern day visitors can feel similarly lost, as if they have stumbled onto an alien world rather than just another part of our own. This is partly because for many centuries there was a policy of isolationism. Foreigners were banned until mid way through the 19th century, and the Japanese culture developed without outside influences.

The changes were rapid once Japan had opened its doors. Unfortunately Japan’s new interest in world affairs resulted in their association with Nazi Germany during World War Two. Japan had fought with the Allies in World War One, and gained a reputation for military might to match its new economic status. It then developed ambitions for dominance in Asia and attacked China, and began a relationship with the Nazis. In 1941 the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor stimulated the US into action. Over three million Japanese people lost their lives during the war, and a huge amount of damage was incurred by the cities. The worst attacks came at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where the US dropped atom bombs, effectively bringing about the Japanese surrender and the end of the war.

Japan has changed a lot since this low point at the end of the war, when it lost its possessions overseas and was placed under the control of General MacArthur. It became a democracy and regained control of its own governance in 1952. While its military ambitions were gone, Japan became an important player in the world economy.

The raid changes that Japan has undergone have created a unique and vibrant culture that provides much of interest for the visitor, especially the Western traveler whose home country will seem a million miles away.

Top Places to Go in Japan

Many strangers to Japan can feel like they have suddenly arrived on another planet. The natural beauty and enchanting traditional society does however make this a great destination for exploring a foreign and surprising culture. It is a good idea to have a plan of what you want to see and do before you arrive, because the culture shock can be quite overwhelming, especially for westerners.

Nagasaki and Hiroshima are both names you have probably heard in relation to the events surrounding the end of the Second World War, when they were both hit by atomic bombs. Each site houses a museum in which you can learn more about these bombs and the effect they had on the local people. There is also a Peace Park in both cities, which is dedicated to remembrance of these terrible events.

There is a great deal of historical interest from other periods in Japan’s past to be found in Nagasaki. Perhaps the most famous- and most photographed- spot is the Spectacle bridge. If you position yourself so that you get a good look at the bridge and it’s reflection in the water below, you will see how it got it’s name- it looks just like a pair of spectacles!

Many different cultures have played a part in the history of Nagasaki. There is a vibrant Chinatown, established here in the 17th century, where adventurous tourists can seek some of the varied restaurants. In the Natural History museum you will find many interesting objects of importance to the history of China that have been borrowed from museums in Beijing. You can also visit the famous Confucius Shrine, which is a stunning glimpse into the melting pot of Asian traditions. If you are interested in history, you will also find Dejima island to be worth a visit. This artificial piece of land was once the home of workers from the Netherlands who were restricted to this part of Nagasaki. Many interesting buildings still remain, and there is also an informative museum. A monument on Nishizaka, a hill overlooking the city, is dedicated to 26 Christian martyrs of the 17th century who were killed for their beliefs- by crucifixion. The Glover park and mansion is a great place to visit when the weather is good. Situated around the park are 9 houses built in various western styles.

Tourists in Hiroshima may also like to visit the Castle and the Atomic Dome.

Tokyo offers all the culture and variety that you would expect from a thriving capital city. The National and Mori museums house vast collections. Items in the National Museum have to be rotated as there is not enough room for them all to be shown at once. It is an essential place to visit for anyone with an interest in the history of Japan. Many contemporary artist’s are represented in the art museum. Edo Museum has many exhibits that are more specifically related to Tokyo’s past. If you are unable to attend a Kabuki performance while you are here, or your interest has been piqued by the experience, then you will find an excellent replica of an ancient performance theater here, among other intriguing items. Kabuki is the famous traditional performing art of Japan, and it is well worth taking the chance to see it if you can. The main theater can be found in Ginza.

The massive Torii gate which guards the way into the Imperial Palace is a monument to those who have been killed in defense of the country. If you are in Tokyo on the 15th of August you may witness the annual ceremony of remembrance held here to mark the end of World War II. This is usually attended by many important officials.

Nearby are some peaceful gardens where you can relax on a sunny day. There is another beautiful park, called Hama Rikyo, down by the bay.

If you enjoy your food then you will find Tokyo to be a great vacation destination. The vast fish market offers excellent choice if you are looking for sushi, or even if you just want an interesting day out. One of the best districts for eating out is Asakusa, where you can relax with an excellent meal after visiting the enchanting temple, Senso.