David and Julia's Living Book

Land of the Rising Sun

Japan

Mount Yotei, Niseko, Hokkaido

Japan is one of the most naturally stunning places on Earth. More than 62 million acres of forest blanket the landscape, covering approximately 67% of the country’s total landmass. The terrain is punctuated by hills, mountains, and volcanoes, creating a breathtaking environment.

The nation consists of a long, narrow archipelago of four closely connected islands stretching from north to south—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu—with Okinawa situated farther south. Despite its modest size of 143,619 square miles (slightly smaller than California), Japan has a dense population of approximately 128 million people as of 2010. While the major cities are bustling, the countryside offers tranquil escapes where the sheer scale of the population feels surprisingly distant.

Temple at Nikko, Tochigi

Beyond its natural beauty, Japan is a land rich in culture and history. It is home to countless Buddhist and Shinto temples, majestic Shogun castles, and charming spa towns where visitors can partake in the traditional Onsen bathing ritual. Yet, Japan is also an ultramodern marvel, with Tokyo—a metropolis of 35 million people—at its vibrant core. From the Emperor’s Palace to quirky attractions like Maid Cafés, Tokyo offers a unique blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation.

If you love food, Japan will be a culinary revelation. The country's cuisine is renowned for its delicate flavors, artistic presentation, and sheer variety—introducing travelers to flavors and dishes they never knew existed.

Ground Zero, Hiroshima

Even Japan’s plumbing is an experience in itself. The nation has a long tradition of cleanliness and relaxation, evident in its historic Onsen bathing customs and the invention of fully automated, high-tech toilets.

In my upcoming series of articles, I will outline an unforgettable four-week journey across Japan. This adventure will take you from the contemporary city of Sapporo in Hokkaido to the resilient, rebuilt city of Hiroshima in southern Honshu—all made possible by Japan’s modern, safe, clean, and remarkably efficient railway system.

Information:

A round-trip flight from San Francisco to Tokyo typically costs between $762 and $4,187.

A 21-day Japan Rail Pass ranges from $616.81 (57,700 YEN) to $850.92 (79,600 YEN).

A great resource for booking accommodations in Japan is Japan Hotel Booking .