Geography
Japan is situated in northeastern Asia between the North Pacific and the Sea of Japan. Japan is 377,873 square kilometers, nearly equivalent to Germany and Switzerland combined or slightly smaller than California. Japan consists of four major islands, surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller islands. Hokkaido(northern island), Honshu(main island), Shikoku(smallest island) and Kyushu(southern island) are the main islands of Japan.
Japan's topographical features include coastlines with varied scenery, towering mountains, which are very often volcanic and twisted valleys that invite visitors into the mysterious world of nature.
Language
There is only one official language spoken in Japan, which is of course Japanese. Japanese is a part of Ural-Altay Language Family. Compare with European countries Japanese may be difficult to learn because if it different grammar system.
However, many Japanese are able to understand English to a certain extent since English is the foreign language that everyone must learn as part of compulsory education.
Here are some Japanese words you can use in your travel to Japan.
| Ohayou gozaimasu | Good morning |
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| Konnichiwa | Good afternoon |
| Konbanwa | Good evening |
| Oyasuminasai | Good night |
| Sayonara | Good-bye |
| Sumimasen | Excuse me |
| Gomennasai | I am sorry |
| Wakarimasen | I don't understand |
| Arigatou | Thank you |
| Hai | Yes |
| Iie | No |
Population
Japan's population is over 126 million. Most Japanese reside in densely populated urban areas. Japan's capital city is Tokyo. The population of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area including the city, some of its suburbs and the surrounding area is approximately 12 million.
Climate
Winter (December - February)
The temperature rarely drops below 0ﾂｰC in the plains along the Pacific coast during wintertime. It is also quite dry and very often sunny. Central Japan and Northern Japan are highly reputed regions for winter sports. Southern Japan is comparatively mild and pleasant in winter.
Clothing: overcoats, sweaters, etc.
Spring (March - May)
The plum blossom is a good sign that the cold winter will soon end and spring is just around the corner, followed by the cherry blossom at its best in the Tokyo area between the end of March and the beginning of April to bring this beautiful season to a climax. Splendid views of mountains, fields and gardens all blanketed in gentle pink abound in this season.
Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.
Summer (June - August)
The Japanese summer begins in June with a three to four week rainy season. This is an important time for farmers to plant rice. It becomes seriously hot and humid from July onward and many Japanese enjoy bathing in the sea and relaxing at cool resorts in mountainous areas. Summer is when many interesting festivals and other events are held all over the country.
Clothing: light clothes (cardigans and other similar kinds are handy, since indoors are mostly air-conditioned.)
Autumn (September - November)
Autumn always brings such freshness with a light breeze and cool temperature after the hot and humid summer. All forests are dyed in glorious autumn colors. Chrysanthemums create beautiful displays with their abundance of flowers to enchant visitors to parks and gardens. Autumn is also the season for many exhibitions, music concerts and sports tournaments in Japan.
Clothing: light jackets, light sweaters and other similar kinds of tops.
Average Temperature & Precipitation in Major Cities:
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Winter (Jan)
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Spring (Apr)
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Sapporo |
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Sendai |
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Tokyo |
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Nagoya |
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Osaka |
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Fukuoka |
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Naha |
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Summer (Jul)
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Autumn (Oct)
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Sapporo |
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Sendai |
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Tokyo |
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Nagoya |
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Osaka |
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Fukuoka |
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Naha |
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