The contrasts of Japan are startling -
Tokyo dazzles with
bright lights and
high-tech gadgetry while the
cherry blossoms in Kyoto’s Maruyama Park are symbols of peace and beauty, as they have been for over 1,000 years.
Since 1950,
Japan has seen exceptional economic growth, becoming one of the world’s most powerful economies. Bustling cities burst with
skyscrapers,
bullet trains and trendy nightlife. The brief economic dip in the 1990s is starting to recede into the distance, as rampant consumerism again picks up pace.
Yet beneath the
brash modernity beats an
ancient heart. This is still the realm of the exquisite art of the
geisha and the skill of the
sumo wrestler; where ancient festivals are celebrated and food is elevated to an art form. And Japan is still a land of great
natural beauty, from the
snow festivals and lavender farms of the northern isle of Hokkaido to the
sun-drenched beaches of the subtropical south. Whether you choose to climb
Mount Fuji or relax at
volcanic hot spring resorts, Japan is unforgettable.
GeographyJapan is separated from the Asian mainland by 160km (100 miles) of sea. About 70% of the country is covered by hills and mountains, a number of which are active or dormant volcanoes. A series of mountain ranges runs from northern Hokkaido to southern Kyushu. The Japanese Alps (the most prominent range) run in a north-south direction through central Honshu. The highest mountain is Mount Fuji at 3,776m (12,388ft). Lowlands and plains are small and scattered, mostly lying along the coast and composed of alluvial lowlands and diluvial uplands. The coastline is very long in relation to the land area, and has very varied features. The deeply indented bays with good natural harbors tend to be adjacent to mountainous terrain.
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