‘Where tradition and modernity meet’

The Japanese archipelago has long been a favourite of more adventurous travellers, and with high-tech Tokyo and vibrant Osaka increasingly popular choices for long-haul stopovers, and Japanese culture more fashionable than ever, there has never been a better time to explore this multifaceted country.

While the bustling cities won’t fail to impress those in search of the clichés of the Japanese success story – skyscrapers, bullet trains, trendy nightlife and rampant consumerism – beneath the brash modernity beats an ancient heart. This is the realm of emperors and shoguns, the exquisite art of the geisha and the skill of the sumo wrestler. A land of great natural beauty where ancient festivals are celebrated according to the seasons and food is elevated to an art form.

And from the snow festivals and lavender farms of the northern isle of Hokkaido, via Kyoto’s shrines and temples, to the sun-drenched beaches of the subtropical south, superb public transport means everywhere is easily accessible. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and there’s no need to worry about the language barrier – the Japanese are unfailingly friendly so help is always at hand. Whether you choose to climb Mount Fuji or relax at volcanic hot spring resorts, delight in traditional performing arts or lose yourself in high-tech wonderland, Japan is a truly unforgettable destination.

Lucy Moss

Far East.

GMT + 9.

377,864 sq km (145,894 sq miles).

127.9 million (UN, 2005).

338.48 per sq km.

Tokyo. Population: 8.1 million (2000).

Japan is separated from the Asian mainland by 160km (100 miles) of sea. About 70 per cent 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 3776m (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 harbours tend to be adjacent to mountainous terrain.

Constitutional monarchy. Head of State: Emperor Akihito since 1989. Head of Government: Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi since 2001. Recent history: After scraping through the November 2000 general election, the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party, or Jiyu Minshu-to) was about to recall their leader, the deeply unpopular ex-finance minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, when an unlikely would-be saviour appeared in the form of Junichiro Koizumi, a former minister with a huge popular following by virtue of his flamboyant personal style and evident determination to break with the past. The LDP’s overwhelming victory in upper house parliamentary elections in July 2001 secured his position. In October 2002, the Koizumi government finally unveiled plans to tackle the country’s financial crisis. Barring unemployment, which reached an unprecedented 6 per cent, the programme had begun to show results by late 2003 as Government measures began to take effect. This was the main reason for Koizumi’s successful re-election campaign that saw the LDP returned as the largest party. Koizumi also won an overwhelming victory in lower house elections in September 2005, giving his party and its coalition ally a key two-thirds majority in the new Parliament. Mr Koizumi promised to push on with post office reform, which he had put at the heart of his campaign. He said he still intended to step down in September 2006, when his term as President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ends.
The Japanese parliament is the bicameral Kokkai (or Diet). The upper house (Sangi-in) has 252 members directly elected from constituencies for six-year terms (half of which are renewed every three years). The lower house (Shugi-in) has 500 members elected for four-year terms partly by single-seat constituencies, partly by proportional representation. The Diet approves the appointment of a Prime Minister who holds executive power with the assistance of a cabinet of ministers. The appointment of the Prime Minister is formally entrusted to the Emperor who is head of State but has negligible constitutional powers.

Japanese is the official language. Some English is spoken in major cities.

Shintoism and Buddhism (most Japanese follow both religions) with a Christian minority. In Okinawa, however, people believe in Niraikanai, the realm of the dead beyond the sea.

100 volts AC, 60Hz in the west (Osaka); 100 volts AC, 50Hz in eastern Japan and Tokyo. Plugs are flat two-pin and light bulbs are screw-type.

Japanese manners and customs are vastly different from those of Western people. A strict code of behaviour and politeness is recognised and followed by almost all Japanese. However, they are aware of the difference between themselves and the West and therefore do not expect visitors to be familiar with all their customs but expect them to behave formally and politely. A straightforward refusal does not form part of Japanese etiquette. A vague ‘yes’ does not really mean ‘yes’ but the visitor may be comforted to know that confusion caused by non-committal replies occurs between the Japanese themselves. Entertaining guests at home is not as customary as in the West, as it is an enterprise not taken lightly and the full red-carpet treatment is given. Japanese men are also sensitive lest their wives be embarrassed and feel that their hospitality is inadequate by Western standards; for instance, by the inconvenience to a foreign guest of the custom of sitting on the floor. Bowing is the customary greeting but handshaking is becoming more common for business meetings with Westerners. The honorific suffix san should be used when addressing all men and women; for instance Mr Yamada would be addressed as Yamada-san. When entering a Japanese home or restaurant it is customary to remove shoes. Table manners are very important, although the Japanese host will be very tolerant towards a visitor. However, it is best if visitors familiarise themselves with basic table etiquette and use chopsticks. It is customary for a guest to bring a small gift when visiting someone’s home. Exchange of gifts is also a common business practice and may take the form of souvenir items such as company pens, ties or high-quality spirits. Smoking is only restricted where notified.