Japan

Country

Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with dense cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples. Shinkansen bullet trains connect the main islands of Kyushu (with Okinawa's subtropical beaches), Honshu (home to Tokyo and Hiroshima’s atomic-bomb memorial) and Hokkaido (famous for skiing). Tokyo, the capital, is known for skyscrapers, shopping and pop culture.

Business Economy

The economy of Japan is the third-largest in the world by nominal GDP and the fourth-largest by purchasing power parity(PPP). and is the world's second largest developed economyJapan is the world's third largest automobile manufacturing country,has the largest electronics goods industry, and is often ranked among the world's most innovative countries leading several measures of global patent filings.Facing increasing competition from China and South Korea,manufacturing in Japan today now focuses primarily on high-tech and precision goods, such as optical instruments, hybrid vehicles, and robotics. Besides the Kantō region,theKansai region is one of the leading industrial clusters and manufacturing centers for the Japanese economy.

Natural Resources

Japan's natural resources include fish, agriculture and small amounts of metals and minerals. Japan is notable for boasting strong industrial output and a high standard of living despite having very few natural resources, particularly in the area of natural energy

Higher Education

In Japan, higher education starts upon completion of a total of 12 years of primary education (6 years in elementary school) and secondary education (three years respectively in both lower and upper secondary schools). Japanese higher education institutions include universities awarding bachelor’s, master’s, doctor’s and professional degrees, junior colleges awarding associate’s degree, and colleges of technology, where lower secondary school graduates are admitted and receive practical and creative completion education throughout a five-year period, and specialized training colleges (specialized schools) which offer specialized courses for the purpose of developing professional or practical abilities or to foster culture.

Tourism

Japan attracted 19.73 million international tourists in 2015. ... Popular foreigner attractions include Tokyo and Hiroshima, Mount Fuji, ski resorts such as Niseko in Hokkaido, Okinawa, riding the shinkansen and taking advantage of Japan's hotel and hotspring network.

Climate Weather

Japanese climate. The weather in Japan is generally temperate, with four distinct seasons: Winter, from December to February, is quite dry and sunny along the Pacific coast and the temperatures rarely drop below 32°F. The temperatures drop as you move north, with the Central and Northern regions experiencing snowfall.

Required clothing

• If traveling in the winter (December, January and February) take an overcoat, gloves, scarf and ear muffs. You won't see many Japanese wearing ear muffs but you'll be glad you packed them.
• Spring (March, April and May) is a great time to be in Japan but the weather can be variable so for March/April we would suggest packing gloves, scarf and a waterproof jacket. Buy an umbrella when you get there.
• Summer (June, July, August) gets very hot and humid, so lightweight natural fabrics such as linen will work best. Make sure you wear sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 rangefor 10 hour protection), a sunhat (or carry an umbrella), and take plenty of water with you when sightseeing (a Go! Filtered Water Bottle is handy).
• It's worth knowing that it rains more in June, so a lightweight raincoat would be worth packing (but save space in your case and buy an umbrella when you get there - there is plenty of choice).