Overview of Japan

Quick Overview

Japan is an archipelago made up of four main islands, from north to south: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, plus thousands of islands and islets (3,400!). The whole is of volcanic origin, which explains the frequent earthquakes and tsunamis, and still has around fifty active volcanoes. Mount Fuji (3,776 m) south of Tokyo is the country's highest point.

Key Facts

• Type of place: country.

• Location: at the far east of Asia, facing South Korea.

• Latitude/longitude: 35°41' N, 139°46' E.

• Local time: Heure : 12816

• Capital: Tokyo

• Nature of the state: constitutional monarchy.

• Official language: Japanese de facto.

• Currency: Yen.

• Population: 126,168,156 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 377,915 km².

• Density: 334 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Mount Fuji (3,776 m).

• Lowest point: Hachirogata (-8 m).

• Coastline: 33,889 km.

• Driving: left-hand traffic.

Tourism

Japan is a world apart, between clichés and realities, which can be surprising. Despite a still somewhat high budget, the "Land of the Rising Sun" will delight with its culture, traditions, "astonishing" cities, religious heritage, and an environment where sea, volcanoes, and mountains come together to form pleasant landscapes.

Beyond significant domestic tourism, Japan now also welcomes over 30 million foreign visitors each year (31.192 million in 2018), a sharp increase in recent years as the country's popularity has nearly quadrupled since 2010. Generally, tourists still come mainly from the region (China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand...) but also from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, France (300,000 in 2018), and Canada (273,000 in 2016).

Essentials for Travel

• Destination: for beginner/somewhat experienced travelers.

• By air: France-Tokyo.

• Entry requirements: passport.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily budget for budget travelers:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best period for climate/crowds/prices:

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★★★; Adventure ★★; Culture ★★★★; Relaxation/holidays ★★

Useful Addresses

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life": 19/188 (rank in 2018)

• GDP per capita: $42,900 (2017)

• Average monthly income: ()

• Inflation: +0.5% (2017)

• "Official" unemployment: 2.9% (2017)

• Population below the poverty line: 16.1% (2013)

• Life expectancy: 85.5 years (2018)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: 0 (2017)

• Population growth: -0.24% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 100% (2016)

• Urban population: 91.6% (2018)

• Press freedom: 67/180 (rank in 2018)

• Political regime: flawed democracy (22/167 in 2018)

Sources: World Bank, Human Development Indicators, RSF, The Economist, The World Factbook