Japan - Key Country Facts

Formal Name: State of Japan (日本国, pronounced Nippon-koku or Nihon-koku)

Location: Japan is an island nation in East Asia, comprising four main islands—Honshu (本州), Hokkaido (北海道), Kyushu (九州), and Shikoku (四国)—along with over 14,000 smaller islands. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Sea of Japan to the west, the East China Sea to the south, and the Sea of Okhotsk to the north. The country's diverse geography includes mountains, forests, and a vast coastline nearly 30,000 km long, making it one of the longest in the world.

Capital: Tokyo (東京), located on Honshu island, has been Japan's capital since 1868. It is one of the largest metropolitan areas globally, with a city population of around 14 million and over 37 million in the Greater Tokyo Area. The city is a major hub for culture, politics, technology, and is a central focus in many Japan travel guides.

Area: Covering 378,000 km², Japan is relatively small compared to many other countries but boasts a varied landscape of mountains, forests, and coastal plains. Population: With over 123 million residents, Japan ranks as the 11th most populous country in the world. The population is highly urbanized, with the majority living in metropolitan areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama.

Language: Japanese is the official language, spoken by over 99% of the population. The language features three scripts: katakana (片仮名), hiragana (平仮名), and kanji (漢字). While English is taught in schools and signage in major cities is often bilingual, overall English proficiency remains moderate.

Religion: Shinto (神道) and Buddhism are the primary religions, often practiced simultaneously. Shinto, considered Japan's indigenous religion, focuses on rituals and the veneration of kami (spirits). Prominent Shinto sites include Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮), while notable Buddhist temples include Senso-ji (浅草寺) in Tokyo and Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) in Kyoto.

Government: Japan operates as a constitutional monarchy with Emperor Naruhito (徳仁) serving as a symbolic figurehead. Political power is vested in the National Diet, Japan's bicameral legislature, and the Prime Minister, currently Shigeru Ishiba (石破茂), who leads the executive branch.

Regions and Administrative Divisions: The country is divided into 8 regions and 47 prefectures. Key regions include:

Kanto (関東地方): Home to Tokyo and Yokohama.
Kansai (関西地方): Includes Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
Kyushu (九州): Known for its volcanic landscapes and hot springs.

Currency: The Japanese yen (JPY) is the national currency. Banknotes are issued in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen. As of current exchange rates, 1,000 yen equals approximately 6 USD.

National Symbols: Japan's flag, known as the Hinomaru (日の丸), features a red circle symbolizing the sun on a white background. Other national symbols include Mount Fuji (富士山), cherry blossoms (桜), and the chrysanthemum crest of the Imperial family.

Major Cities and Tourist Highlights:

Tokyo (東京): The bustling capital blends tradition and modernity. Must-see attractions include Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, and the bustling streets of Shibuya—perfect things to do in Japan.
Yokohama (横浜市): A major port city known for its waterfront, Chinatown, and vibrant shopping districts.
Osaka (大阪市): Famous for its nightlife, Japanese street food, and landmarks like Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and the lively Dotonbori district.
Kyoto (京都): Renowned for its historic temples and traditional tea houses, including Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and the Gion district, Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japanese culture.
Hiroshima (広島市): Known for its Peace Memorial Park and historical significance.
Sapporo (札幌市): Host of the famous Sapporo Snow Festival.
Mount Fuji (富士山): Japan's highest peak, offering scenic hikes and breathtaking views, along with the picturesque Five Lakes region.

Upcoming Events*:

Expo 2025 in Osaka (April 13 – October 13, 2025): This world exhibition will focus on technology, sustainability, and global collaboration, drawing millions of visitors to Kansai.
World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 (September 13-21): Showcasing top athletic talent from around the globe.
Formula One Suzuka 2025 (April 6): The iconic Japanese Grand Prix, held at the Suzuka International Racing Course.

Cuisine: Japanese cuisine is world-renowned, blending traditional flavors with modern innovations. The country boasts over 300 Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any other nation. Signature dishes include sushi (すし), ramen (ラーメン), tempura (天ぷら), and sashimi (刺身). Street food is also popular, with must-try items like okonomiyaki (お好み焼き), takoyaki (たこ焼き), and mochi (餅). Tokyo is often dubbed the "gastronomic capital of the world".

Economy: Japan has the fourth-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP, driven by advanced technology, electronics, automotive industries, and shipbuilding. The country is also the largest foreign investor globally, with significant economic influence in the USA and China.

Technology and Innovation: Japan is a global leader in technological advancements, seamlessly blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation. Visitors can experience:

High-tech Toilets: Equipped with bidet functions, heated seats, and even ambient music, these toilets offer a luxurious bathroom experience.
Robot Cafés and Hotels: Tokyo's Robot Restaurant and the Henn-na Hotel in Nagasaki offer a futuristic hospitality experience.
Vending Machines in Japan: With over 5 million machines across the country, they sell everything from hot meals to umbrellas and fresh flowers.
Shinkansen Bullet Trains: Renowned for their speed and punctuality, these trains can reach speeds of up to 320 km/h.
Capsule hotels in Japan offer compact, futuristic sleeping pods and provide a unique accommodation option.

Luxury Travel and Shopping: Japan is a premier destination for luxury travelers, offering an array of high-end experiences. In Tokyo and Osaka, visitors can explore exclusive shopping districts like Ginza in Tokyo and Shinsaibashi in Osaka, home to flagship stores of world-renowned brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada. Japan also boasts traditional luxury, from private tea ceremonies in Kyoto's historic teahouses to stays at luxury ryokan and onsen (hot springs) featuring kaiseki (multi-course) dining. Additionally, high-end department stores like Mitsukoshi and Isetan offer impeccable service and a wide selection of luxury goods, from fashion to artisanal crafts.

MICE Destination: Japan is an ideal destination for MICE tourism, offering state-of-the-art facilities and a blend of tradition and modernity. Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama boast world-class convention centers such as Tokyo Big Sight and the Osaka International Convention Center. Meetings and conferences in Tokyo are supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and a wealth of cultural experiences. Japan's efficient transportation network, including the Shinkansen bullet trains, ensures easy access between major cities. The country's commitment to hospitality, combined with its rich cultural heritage and advanced technology, creates a unique environment for successful business events and international gatherings.

Time Zone: Japan operates on Japan Standard Time (UTC +9) year-round, as it does not observe daylight saving time.

Communication: Japan is a leader in technology and communication infrastructure, offering high-speed internet and extensive mobile coverage. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in urban centers, facilitated by apps like Japan Wi-Fi Auto-connect and services from providers like SoftBank.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only. Advantour is not responsible for any event cancellations or rescheduling.