An Overview of Japan for Travelers

Extending along the eastern coast of Asia, Japan is a country consisting of a collection of islands. The mainland is the island of Honshu. There are three other large islands, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and about 3,000 smaller islands.

Put together, the total land mass is slightly smaller than California. The geography throughout the islands is mountainous, best exemplified by Mt. Fuji at 12,385 feet.

Japan is an urban nation, with most of its 127 million people living in major cities. The two prominent religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. The belief systems are harmonious and often share the same temples.

According to legend, Japan was founded by Emperor Jimmu around 600 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 Westerners came, but they were not trusted. The Japanese shoguns eventually banned all foreigners and the country remained isolated for more than 200 years.

It wasn't until 1854 that Japan opened its doors to the world under the Convention of Kanagawa with the United States. Once this occurred, Japan quickly evolved from a feudal state to a more modern society.

World War I was a boon for Japan. Fighting on the side of the victorious Allies, Japan gained new respect as an economic and military power. But, the emperor of Japan went in a different direction after the war, seeking dominance of China and Asia in general.

In 1937, Japan became an ally of Nazi Germany, eventually leading to Japan's decision to attack 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 U.S. on September 2, 1945. Japan was stripped of most of its territorial holdings and was ruled de facto by General Douglas MacArthur, the Allied Forces Supreme Commander.

Following World War II, Japan turned to a democratic system through reforms. The U.S. and allies returned complete control to Japan on April 28, 1952 via the Treaty of Peace. Although its days as a military power were over, Japan once again became an economic giant. Despite its relatively tiny land mass, Japan still has the third-largest economy in the world.

photo credit: skyseeker via photo pin cc