Japan

In many ways, nature has not treated Japan kindly. In fact, few countries face more geographical and environmental obstacles than does Japan. Its location off the eastern edge of Asia isolates the country from the rest of the world. Japan faces the challenge of extreme fragmentation. The archipelago, or chain of islands, includes four major islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu—and thousands of smaller ones (3,413 by one count!). To further complicate its geographical distribution,the islands lie scattered along a southwest-northeast axis spanning nearly 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers). Providing transportation among the islands is difficult and costly. Fragmented countries often suffer from conflicting cultures and can be very difficult to govern. The natural environment also poses many economic challenges. It offers few natural resources to support the country’s huge industrial economy.Approximately 95 percent of all environmental resources (metals, fuels, wood, and so f...

It is one of the most amazing countries in the world. The Japanese call it Nippon or Nihon, meaning the source of the Sun. Others call it the Land of the Rising Sun. We call it Japan. This small nation of scattered islands off the eastern coast of mainland Asia is often called the “Miracle of the Orient.” It has risen from obscurity and self-imposed isolation to a position as a global economic giant in little more than a century. Yet considering the country’s physical geography, its history, and its huge population, Japan should have been a huge failure. Japan had to overcome many seemingly insurmountable obstacles to achieve its present-day place among major world nations. The Japanese peoples’ spirit, determination, work ethic, and knowledge have been their primary tools in achieving this “miracle.” Japan poses many questions. How has such a small country, with almost no natural resources, become the world’s second strongest industrial economy? How can people with traditions so dif...

                The Japanese train system The  railway system in Japan  is so well developed, punctual, extensive and diverse that you can simply assume that wherever you plan to go – there is a train that will take you there. The very first thing to know is that railway lines in Japan are not operated by a single company.  National Japan Railways Group owns roughly 80% of the railroads , but the rest are privately owned companies. Due to this, when reading the visual maps above any ticket-vending machine around Japan you will notice that some lines headed in the same direction have different prices. This is so because each company has its own price list. You are free to select the company you wish. The  Japan Rail Pass  discounted multi-use ticket is part of the National JR Group. Types of trains in Japan Following are the intercity and suburban Japanese train categories explained: Shinkansen (Sup...

What is Japan Rail Pass? Japan Rail Pass is a multi-use discounted ticket, valid for travels on all JR national trains in Japan, including  Shinkansen bullet trains and Narita Express. You can select 7, 14 or 21 consecutive validity days. Choose between Standard and Green Pass (first class). Order your JR Pass online. You will receive an Exchange Order (delivery in Japan available), which then needs to be exchanged and activated in Japan for the actual JR Pass. All foreign nationals who visit Japan for tourist reasons can purchase it. Discover Japan by train with the Japan Rail Pass The Japan Rail Pass is a multi-use  all-you-can-ride discounted rail ticket . It gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, as well as JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. Enjoy to the fullest your discovery of Japan in the most economical travel option available. To travel with your 7-day Japan Rail Pass, means to have th...

Rail transport in Japan   is a major means of passenger  transport , especially for mass and high-speed travel between major cities and for commuter transport in  urban areas . It is used relatively little for freight transport, accounting for just 0.84% of goods movement. The privatised network is highly efficient, requiring few subsidies and running extremely punctually. Rail transport services in Japan are provided by more than 100 private companies, including Six  Japan Railways Group  (JR) regional companies (state owned until 1987) which provide passenger services to most parts of  Hokkaido ,  Honshu ,  Shikoku , and  Kyushu ; The nationwide JR freight company; and 16 major regional companies which provide railway services as part of their corporate operations. There are also dozens of smaller local private railways. Many of the private rail companies rank among the top corporations in the country. Railways were bu...

We take a look at the top most interesting facts about Tokyo, a must-read before you pack your bags!                  As one of the most exciting cities in the world, Tokyo offers more than harajuku looks and men's tailoring, take a look at our most interesting facts on Japan's capital below. 1) Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world, hosting over 36 million people spread over 3 prefectures. 2) Tokyo was formerly known as Edo in the 20th century. The name was changed to Tokyo in 1890 in light of the Meiji Restoration. 3)  Great for tax-free shopping  Tokyo is one of the best shopping destinations in the world. Head over to Ginza, the world-renowned shopping district, for major international labels including Chanel, Cartier and Bulgari. For those looking for more unusual or cutting-edge trends, the Harajuku and Omotesandō neighbourhoods are the place to go. 4) The Harajuku district in Tokyo is famous for i...

 Spring Festivals And Events The Japanese archipelago, for the most part, belongs to the temperate zone and its climate is characterized by four distinct seasonal changes. This climatic feature has long been a great source of enjoyment. Above all, the festivals of Japan may well be one of the country's greatest sources of enjoyment. Festivals take place virtually every day throughout the year, somewhere in Japan. Listed here are only some examples of major Japanese festivals from a list that is almost  uncountable. SPRING — The plum and cherry trees burst into bloom There are many traditional festivals and events in Japan all year round, and spring is no exception.  Spring arrives in Japan as the cold winter eases up, the sunlight starts to glisten, and the plants and trees start to bloom. The Japanese refer to this as haruranman (spring in full bloom) and view it as a positive season full of hope. Let’s take a look at the spring festivals and events in J...