Japan

East Asia

Japan is a country in East Asia, home to 123.7 million people, with an area of 377,975 km². Its capital is Tokyo.

Capital: Tokyo
Population: 123.7 million
Area: 377,975 km²
Region: East Asia
Density: 327 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Japan · East Asia · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Japan is known for

Japan is best known for Tokyo Skytree, Mount Fuji and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Japan is an island country in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of four main islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku) and numerous smaller islands. Japan is known for its rich history, culture, and technological advancements.

Japan at a glance

Language: Japanese is the official language, with English also widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas
Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
Religion: Shintoism and Buddhism are the main religions in Japan, but many Japanese people also practice other religions, including Christianity
National dish: There is no official national dish, but sushi and ramen are popular and well-known Japanese dishes
Climate: Japan has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, ranging from a hot and humid summer to a cold and dry winter
Main industries: Manufacturing, including automobiles, electronics, and machinery; service industries, including finance, retail, and tourism; and agriculture, including rice, fish, and vegetables
GDP: $5.0 trillion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Japan is considered a highly developed country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 17 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Japan

Some of the main tourist attractions in Japan include:

Tokyo Skytree A broadcasting tower that is the tallest structure in Japan and provides a panoramic view of Tokyo.
Mount Fuji An active volcano and Japan's highest mountain, famous for its snow-capped peak and stunning views.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park A park and memorial site dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
Kyoto A city known for its traditional temples, shrines, and gardens, and its preserved geisha district.
Osaka Castle A castle that dates back to the 16th century and provides a glimpse into Japan's feudal history.
Nara Park A park in Nara City that is home to over a thousand free-roaming deer, considered sacred by the Japanese.
Universal Studios Japan A popular theme park that features attractions based on Hollywood movies and TV shows.
Tsukiji Fish Market A market in Tokyo that is the world's largest seafood market, famous for its tuna auctions and fresh sushi.
Okinawa A chain of islands in the south of Japan known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and unique culture.
Hokkaido Japan's northernmost island, known for its natural beauty, ski resorts, and seafood.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Japan has to offer. The country is also known for its unique fashion, entertainment, and cuisine, and its traditional arts and crafts such as origami and calligraphy.

Japan in pictures

Japan on video

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Japan compared with its neighbours

How it sits against the other countries of East Asia.

Country	Population	Area	Capital
Japan	123.7 million	377,975 km²	Tokyo
South Korea	51.7 million	100,210 km²	Seoul
North Korea	26.5 million	120,540 km²	Pyongyang
Mongolia	3.5 million	1,564,110 km²	Ulaanbaatar