Unbelievably, Japan comprises an archipelago of some 6800 volcanic islands. Whilst we're all familiar with sushi, sake, the bullet train and martial arts, from the moment of arrival in Japan, it's almost as if you've landed on another planet. Prepare to be somewhat bamboozled as you negotiate a fascinating culture where ancient gods, customs and craftsmanship are mixed up with cutting edge modern technology, futuristic fashions and up-to-the-second style.
High-speed trains whisk you from one end of the country to the other with awe-inspiring punctuality. In the suburbs of a sprawling metropolis, you can catch sight of a farmer tending his paddy field, then turn the corner and find yourself next to a neon-festooned games parlour. One day you could be picking through fashions in a boutique designed by an award-winning architect, the next relaxing in an outdoor hot-spring pool, watching cherry blossom or snowflakes fall, depending on the season.
Few other countries have, in such a short time, experienced so much or made such an impact. Industrialized at lightning speed in the late nineteenth century, Japan shed its feudal trappings to become the most powerful and outwardly aggressive country in Asia. After defeat in World War II, it transformed itself into an economic giant, the envy of the world. Having weathered a decade-long recession from the mid-1990s, Japan is now relishing its "soft power" as the world's pre-eminent purveyor of pop culture.
In the cities you'll certainly be struck by the sheer number of people. These hyperactive environments are the place to catch the latest trend, the hippest fashions and must-have gadgets before they are launched upon the rest of the world. But it's not all about modernity: Tokyo, Kyoto, Ōsaka and Kanazawa, for example, also provide the best opportunities to view traditional performance arts as well as a wealth of visual arts in major museums. Outside the cities there's a vast range of travel options, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaidō to the balmy subtropical islands of Okinawa. You'll seldom have to go far to catch sight of a lofty castle, ancient temple or shrine, or locals celebrating at a colourful street festival.
In common with all developed countries, Japan is not a cheap place in which to travel but there's no reason why it should be wildly expensive either. Some of the most atmospheric and traditionally Japanese places to stay and eat are often those that are the best value. There's been significant price-cutting in some areas in recent years, particularly airline tickets, which now rival the famed bargain rail passes as a means of reaching far-flung corners of the country.
However, it's not all perfect. The Japanese are experts at focusing on detail (the exquisite tea ceremony for example) but often miss the broader picture. Rampant development and sometimes appalling pollution are difficult to square with a country also renowned for cleanliness and appreciation of nature. Part of the problem is that natural cataclysms, such as earthquakes and typhoons, regularly hit Japan, so few people expect things to last for long. There's no denying either the pernicious impact of mass tourism, with ranks of gift shops, ugly hotels and crowds often ruining potentially idyllic spots. Yet, time and again, Japan redeems itself with unexpectedly beautiful landscapes, charming, courteous people and a tangible sense of history and cherished traditions. Few will be able to resist the chance to get to grips with a mysterious, tantalising culture that blurs the East-West boundary.
Title Image Credit: Moyan Brenn (Image Cropped)