Capital: Tokyo
Language: Japanese
Climate
Japan is an island country located in eastern Asia, with only the Pacific ocean between the island and the US. Because of it’s unique location, the climate in Japan is incredibly different in both the north and south. There are 6 climate zones:
Hokkaido
In the north, Hokkaido has a humid climate and cold winters that last a long time. Summers can vary from warm to cooler temperatures.
Sea of Japan
The Sea of Japan is located on Honshu’s west coast. The winter typically has lots of snow. Their summers are cooler than other parts of Japan.
Central Highland
Central Highland has a humid climate and temperatures vary during the winter and summer, with winter bringing snow.
Seto Inland Sea
This area of Japan experiences seasonal winds which make for a mild weather all year-round.
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Coast has a humid subtropical climate with milder winters that experience only occasional snowfall. The summers are hot and humid.
Ryukyu Islands
The Ryukyu Islands have a subtropical climate with both warm summers and even hotter summers. There is a rainy season and at other times, precipitation can be heavy as well.
photo (c) gyduxa
Food
Traditional Japanese food is focused on a few ingredients: rice, soy beans, and dishes created with seasonal ingredients. While red-meats and cooking oils are used sparingly in Japan, noodles, seafood and vegetables are used in almost every meal! Not unlike western cultures, who created alcohol from the grains they had access to (like wheat and barley), Japan created their more well-known alcoholic drink from rice. Sake is a rice wine that is considered to be a strong alcoholic drink ideal for social gatherings and celebrations.
Sushi
Sushi is made with special “sushi rice” that sticks together to create it, seasoned with rice vinegar. There are many different types of sushi and now both classic and modern. Sushi is eaten around the world. Most often it features raw fish, vegetables, sushi rice and the outer edges is wrapped with dark green seaweed.
Green tea
Many around the world now drink Green tea but this began in Japan. Green tea is a mildly sweet tea with a little caffeine. It is known for having a lot of antioxidants and is good for you.
Miso soup
This is created from miso paste dissolved into fish stock. Most often seaweed and tofu will be added to this soup.
Bento box
This is a very popular way to eat a lunch or dinner “to go” as the Bento box is simply a “boxed meal” and can contain just about anything! You can find them at supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants. One of the things Bento boxes are especially known for is a beautiful presentation.
Tempura
You’ll find a delicious meal when you choose Tempura. It has seafood, meat or vegetables that are deep fried – but the frying has a very light and crispy outside that is delicate. Most often Tempura is also eaten with a sauce to dip your food into.
Sashimi – This is raw seafood, most often it is eaten with soy sauce and wasabi (very hot and spicy!). Wasabi is green and comes served on the edge of your plate, you only need to use a tiny bit to get a good effect.
Yakitori – grilled chicken pieces that are skewered and then lightly seasoned.
Things That Make Japan Special
Tokyo Imperial Palace – This is a well-known historical site. The Emperor of Japan has his home at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. There is also a museum that features Japanese art and history for everyone to admire. The palace has stunning, traditional Japanese gardens and welcomes the public.
Mount Fuji – A simply majestic site, this mountain is the highest mountain in Japan. It is 12,388 feet. It has a volcano at the top. You’ve likely seen the beauty and loveliness of Mount Fiji featured in art from Japan. Why, it’s simply breathtaking!
Temple of the Golden Pavilion – This is also known as Kinkaku-ji and is considered to be one of the most beloved and popular tourist attractions in Japan. It was built as a place for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu to retire, during the 14th century. Sadly, the pavilion burned down – but amazingly was painstakingly recreated exactly as it was. It is covered in shimmering gold leaf!
Tokyo Tower – right in downtown Tokyo, the capitol of Japan. It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. This is the 2nd tallest created structure located in Japan. If you like to be up high in the sky, you’ll be pleased to know that is has an observation tower so you can see the beauty of Tokyo!
Famous & Notable People Born in Japan
Princess Masako, Princess 1963 – present
Issey Miyake, Fashion Designer 1938 – present
Momofuku Ando, Inventor 1910 – 2007
Yoko Ono, Artist 1933 – present
Hirohito, Emperor 1901 – 1989
Mazie Hirono, U.S. Representative 1947 – present
Murakami Haruki, Writer 1949 – present
