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Japan is an archipelago nation that sits off the eastern seaboard of the Asian continent. The country is famous for its blend of the hypermodern with the traditional, a combination that attracts millions of annual visitors from all across the world. Japan is often listed among the best places to visit because of the wide variety of activities and cultural heritage it offers. The type of trip that visitors want to take will help them decide which Japanese visa type to apply for.
For travelers looking for the hustle and bustle of major metropolises, Japan’s capital city of Tokyo could be the ideal starting point for a Japanese vacation.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the country boasts incredible natural wonders, from the idyllic Mt. Fiji to its famous hot springs, Japan is even becoming a destination for thrill-seekers. In any case, here are five facts about Japan that could help any traveler plan the perfect holiday.
1. How Many Islands Does Japan Have?
It is clear when looking at a map that Japan is an island nation. What is not immediately apparent, is just how many islands comprise Japan. Some of its neighbors to the south, like the Philippines and Indonesia, are famous for being archipelagos, but Japan also boasts an impressive 6,582 islands.
Travelers may not associate Japan with tropical weather and world-class diving like they do those other countries, but it has a more diverse climate that allows for a tremendous range of biodiversity and natural wonders that are spread throughout those thousands of islands. Japan tour packages offer an opportunity to explore these hidden gems and experience the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes that Japan has to offer.
2. Japan Is a Skiing Destination
When most people think about mountains on the Asian continent, they think about the Himalayas of Nepal and India. That is largely thanks to the mythos of Mount Everest and the other peaks that constitute the tallest mountain ranges on earth. While those mountains are tremendous for extreme climbing, they aren’t ideal for other thrill-seeking activities.
When it comes to winter sports, few places on earth boast the number of world-class ski resorts that Japan does. In fact, Japan’s ski resorts and mountain ranges are so highly regarded, that two separate cities have played host to the Winter Olympics, once in Sapporo in 1972, and again in 1998 in Nagano.
Suggested Read: Best places to visit in Japan
3. More Than Just Sushi
As is often the case when the cuisine of a country boasts one or two world-famous dishes (i.e. Italy; pizza, pasta) the complex richness of that cuisine takes a backseat. Outside of Japan, that is often the case, as the country is, of course, famous across the world for its sushi.
For food-lovers who are interesting in learning more about sushi or even in branching out from a known quantity, there is no shortage of other dishes that help make Japanese cuisine one of the most well-revered on the planet.
While dishes like ramen, yakisoba, or gyoza have gained popularity in recent years, there are plenty of other options like okonomiyaki or nikujaga to delight those who hunger for different flavors while honoring Japan’s immense cultural diversity.
4. Japan Has the Oldest People
Okay, so maybe Japan isn’t the oldest nation in the world, but it does have the highest life expectancy at 84. In fact, Japan also has the current official record for the oldest living person at 117 years old. Sociologists believe that a healthy diet and lifestyle contribute to Japan having such a high life expectancy.
However, it isn’t all good news, as the aging population is reproducing less and less each year, which could one day result in an economic and cultural crisis.
The government’s response to this birth rate decline has been to try to entice women to have children by providing them with a more attractive work-life balance. In Japan, there is a tremendous amount of pressure to work very hard, which often leads people to become extremely stressed and can even lead to depression.
Also Read: Things to do in Japan
5. Sports Are Very Popular in Japan
Japan has an amazing athletic culture that ranges from youth activities to sporting events at the highest international levels. Some of the top athletes in the world in sports like golf, tennis, football, and baseball all hail from Japan.
When it comes to domestic sports, the situation is no different. Japan has a tremendous history of its own sporting culture, featuring competitions like Sumo wrestling, as well as excelling at sports that they have adopted, like baseball.
Baseball is the most popular sport in Japan. Over the years, some of the best players in America’s Major League Baseball have come over from Japan, which has led to an increase in interest in the sport for fans back home in Japan.