Japan

Known for its proud ancient traditions, spectacular scenery and mouth-watering cuisine, Japan is one of the most alluring places on earth. Home to a population of more than 127 million people, and slightly smaller than California, Japan is one of the easiest countries in which to travel.

Whether it's visiting a Shinto shrine in Nara, navigating through a sprawling underground shopping centre in Osaka, or scaling the remarkable Mt Fuji, Japan has much to offer the international visitor. If you’re after a bit of culture, a visit to Kyoto is truly rewarding.

Japan consists of 4 main islands - Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku - and is surrounded by more than 4,000 smaller ones. A nation of contrast; the diverse scenery ranges from towering mountains and twisted valleys, to rural villages and advanced technological metropolises.

Did you know - The characters that make up Japan's name mean "sun-origin" (because of its geographic location to the east of nearby countries), which is why it's referred to as the "Land of the Rising Sun".