Japan
Japan is swathed in natural beauty, from the snow festivals and lavender farms of
the northern isle of Hokkaido to the sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters of
the subtropical islands of Okinawa. Whether climbing volcanic Mount Fuji, wandering
the pine forests of Mount Koya, taking in the springtime beauty of the sakura cherry
blossoms or the spectacular maple leaves in the autumn, a journey to Japan is a
wealth of unforgettable natural landscapes. In recent years, the powdery snow of
Japan’s ski fields has also been attracting international visitors.
Culturally, Japan offers a unique and exciting fusion of the traditional and the
modern. The speed at which new technological developments are realized in Japan
is as impressive as the longevity of traditional art forms and customs. Whilst it
is no longer the economic powerhouse it was for the greater part of the 20th century,
Japan is still a world leader in innovative design and fashion, and continues to
offer superb customer service, clean and punctual trains and meticulously prepared
and presented cuisine.
Japanese culture embraces the new while celebrating the past. It’s not unusual to
see kimono-clad geisha singing karaoke in downtown Kyoto, or fully-robed Buddhist
monks whiz by on motorbikes in central Tokyo. ‘Cool Japan’ has become an internationally-recognized
byword for Japan’s popular culture, and Japanese manga, anime and video games have
never been more popular. Modern architecture in Tokyo, and other major Japanese
cities, is well-regarded for forging radical new styles and using clever combinations
of glass and concrete, which hint at traditional architectural forms yet offer minimalist
sophistication. However, ancient castles, atmospheric Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines
and fascinating festivals are never far away.
Despite never having been colonized, the country’s own imperialist ambitions in
Asia during the first part of the 20th century had devastating consequences, culminating
in the dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Japan has also had to deal
with a vulnerability to earthquakes and tsunamis that has caused widespread natural
disasters throughout its history. The most recent include the powerful earthquake
that hit Kobe, a port city in Western Japan in 1995, and in March 2011, when a massive
earthquake and tsunami off the coast of North-eastern Japan caused the country’s
biggest loss of life since WWII, and resulted in one of the world’s worst nuclear
accidents at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant.
With great challenges of rebuilding and revitalization ahead, the resilience of
the Japanese people is proving to be essential to recovery. Greater emphasis is
being placed on disaster preparedness and environmental issues. Renewed efforts
to attract international visitors mean there has never been a better time to visit
beautiful and fascinating Japan.