Japan flag

Japan

History

Traditional accounts place the founding of Japan under Emperor Jimmu.
Nara became Japan's first permanent imperial capital.
Tokugawa Ieyasu founded the shogunate that ruled Japan from Edo until 1868.
The Meiji Restoration returned imperial rule and accelerated modernization.
The postwar constitution came into force, renouncing war and vesting sovereignty in the people.
Asia thumbnailPart ofAsiaMore countries, cities and routes.
CapitalTokyo
Population123.2M
Area377,975 km2
CurrencyJapanese yen

Short facts

RegionEast Asia
LanguageJapanese
Time zoneJST (UTC+9)
Drives onLeft

Worth seeing

  • Kyoto: Thousand-year imperial capital of geisha, zen gardens, bamboo forests, and 2,000 temples.
  • Mount Fuji: Japan's sacred volcano and highest peak, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Tokyo: Hyper-modern megalopolis blending neon technology with ancient shrine culture.

Find a city in Japan

Showing all cities

Motegi thumbnailMotegiCityNagoya thumbnailNagoyaCityTokyo thumbnailTokyoCity

Planning questions

What is Japan known for?Kyoto, Mount Fuji, Tokyo.
What is the capital?Tokyo.
Which language is useful?Japanese.
When is the national day?11 February (National Foundation Day).
How should I browse it here?Start with the facts, jump to linked cities, then check events and topics.

Upcoming events

Showing all 13 events

Japan Series thumbnailJapan Series24 October 2026 – 1 November 2026 — JapanTOTO Japan Classic thumbnailTOTO Japan Classic05 November–08 November 2026 — Shiga — JapanIron Maiden Yokohama thumbnailIron Maiden Yokohama25 November 2026 – 25 November 2026 — Yokohama — JapanJapan Cup thumbnailJapan Cup29 November 2026 — Tokyo — JapanMotoGP Japan thumbnailMotoGP JapanAutumn 2026 · JapanSapporo Snow Festival thumbnailSapporo Snow Festival4 February 2027 – 11 February 2027 — Sapporo — JapanJapan National Day thumbnailJapan National Day11 February 2027 — Across Japan — JapanJapan Sauna Fair thumbnailJapan Sauna Fair24–26 February 2027 — Tokyo — JapanTokyo Marathon thumbnailTokyo Marathon7 March 2027 — Tokyo — JapanTokyo Fashion Week thumbnailTokyo Fashion Week16 March 2027 – 21 March 2027 — Tokyo — JapanCherry Blossom Wildlife Season thumbnailCherry Blossom Wildlife Season20 March 2027 – 10 April 2027 — Japan — JapanFuji Rock Festival thumbnailFuji Rock Festival24 July 2027–26 July 2027 — Naeba — JapanObon Festival thumbnailObon Festival13 August 2027 – 16 August 2027 — Japan — Japan

Use Tokyo as the first planning anchor for Japan, then compare the city, food and worth-seeing notes on this page.

Food & drink

Street food thumbnailStreet foodSignature dishTea thumbnailTeaLocal drink

Known for

KyotoMount FujiTokyoTokyoStreet foodTea
Eurovision Song Contest thumbnailMusic & CultureFestivals, concerts and cultural calendars.Asia thumbnailCoasts and islandsMarine calendars, islands, reefs and coastal travel timing.