Japan, a Pacific Ocean island nation, consists of approximately 6,900 islands.
The most populous islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, make up ninety-seven percent of the country’s population.
In Japan, 70 percent of which is mountainous, the majority of the people live in the coastal areas.
The primary language is Modern Japanese in Japan, pronounced “Nippon” in the national language.
Shinto and Buddhism are the two main religions of Japan. 39% of the people are Buddhists, 4% are Shinto, and the rest are Christians.
Shintoism, an indigenous spirituality, believes that every living being and even sounds in nature are divine. The main places where the principles of Shintoism can be observed are the art of flower arrangement called ikebana and Japanese garden design.
Each town has its own festivals. These festivals, called Matsuri, are held to accommodate spring and summer with intense participation.
The most important time of the calendar is the New Year, which is celebrated from 1 to 3 January. On this great holiday, ancestral tombs and temples are visited.
Although Sumo, judo, and karate are traditional Japanese sports, baseball is the most-watched sport in the country. Sumo, the national sport, is mainly practiced only in Japan.
The main element of Japanese cuisine is fish, such that 12% of the fish caught in the world are consumed only in Japan. When it comes to Japanese food in the world, the first meals that come to mind are sushi and rice. Sake, a type of rice wine, is their national drink.
Having a fascinating and versatile culture, Japan is based on the deep traditions of thousands of years ago, although it constantly improves itself with its openness to innovations.
Manners and traditions are an important part of everyday life in Japan, and for those who do not belong to this culture, these rules seem quite complex.
Perhaps the most common social tradition in Japan is the bowing movement. This act of greeting, thanking, and apologizing also expresses respect towards the other party.
Famous Zen gardens are of great importance, and their every element is full of religious significance. While the earth represents the fertility and abundance of the Buddha, it is believed that the paths of the garden lead to enlightenment. Lanterns and arched bridges are the most iconic objects of garden design.
Japan, where modern time and the past are fascinatingly blended, is also extremely generous with the must-see places.
Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan, with traditional Japanese houses, bamboo forests, golden temples, elegant tea ceremonies, and Zen gardens,
Tokyo, where the modern and urbanized face of Japan is displayed, unlike Kyoto, with skyscrapers, arcades, crazy crowds of people, shopping malls, and restaurants
Takayama, one of Japan’s lesser-known paradises, located right on the shores of the Japanese Alps, with a very historical scent.
The mighty Mount Fuji, which alone could be enough reason to visit Japan,
Kanazawa, home to one of the country’s most beautiful Zen gardens and an art museum,
The town of Nikko, where the Toshogu Temple, which is a huge complex of red and golden buildings under cedar trees, can also be seen, which is under protection as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,
Koya-san holy temple town where you can experience the life of a monk from the edge, eat vegetarian meals and participate in an early morning meditation ceremony, experience the difficulties and beauties of staying in a temple,
Tsumago, one of the best-preserved Japanese cities, with perfectly restored wooden inns and quiet streets,
And Nara, the first capital of Japan and home to many historical treasures, including the world’s largest wooden building, are among the beauties of Japan that you should not miss.