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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 an helicopter view of the country.

An helicopter view of Japan for Travelers

Extending along the eastern coast of Pacific Rim, Japan is a country composed of a collection of islands. The mainland, as we think of it, is the island of Honshu. There are 3 other enormous 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 throughout the islands is mountainous, best exemplified by Mt. Fuji at 12,385 feet. As you might expect, the island country is intrinsically recognition of a volcanic are and Japan experiences quakes reasonably often, some on a massive scale.

Japan is an intensely urbanized country with many folks living in major towns. The two prominent religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. The belief systems are harmonious and regularly share the same temples.

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

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 weren’t trusted. The Japan shoguns ultimately banned all foreigners and the country was isolated for over 2 hundred years. Not till 1854 did Japan open its doorways to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the U. S. Once this happened, 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 winning Allies, Japan repeated new respect as a commercial and military 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 Far East usually.

In 1937, Japan became an ally of Fascist German. This eventually led to its call to pursue an attack on Pearl Bay on December 7, 1941. Following 4 years of war, the loss of 3 million Japanese lives and 2 atomic bombings, Japan surrendered to the United States on September 2, 1945. It was stripped of most of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, delegated the Supreme Commander.

Following WW2, Japan turned to a democratic system thru reforms. The U.S. and allies returned total control to Japan on Apr twenty-eight, 1952 through the Treaty of Peace. Although its days as an army power were over, Japan once more became an economic giant. In spite of its relatively tiny land mass, Japan has the 2nd largest economy on the planet.

Modern day Japan covers 145,902 square miles. The capital is Tokyo. The terrain is best described as craggy, 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. Japanese is the primarily language spoken and literacy rates are 99 percent. Japanese males have a life outlook of 77 years whilst girls live to 84 on average.

With its mountainous island landscape, Japan is a hot destination spot for travelers. It is expensive, but a trip to Mount Fuji alone makes a trip worthwhile.

If you find this article useful, you may also visit famouswonders.com to read more about some of the best places to visit and have a look at Japan tourist attractions.