Japan Orbit: Information about Japanese Culture, Japanese History, and Travel in Japan Japan Orbit: Information about Japanese Culture, Japanese History, and Travel in Japan
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Welcome to JapanOrbit.com. Here you will find information about the culture and history of japan as well as recieve travel tips for your upcoming visit.

Japan Orbit

Japan is a very unique and exciting country. Each region and each city has a different thing to offer. Traveling in the country is very easy, therefore it encourages people to visit it thoroughly. On Japanorbit.com you will be able to receive essential information on Japan’s history, cities, culture, food and other things which will enable you to get familiar with the country before your travels.

Japanese Geisha

The image of a geisha is indigenous in Japanese culture. The history of these female entertainers in Japan can be traced back to the 11th century. However, we can observe a dramatic decline in the number of geisha's nowadays. This is mostly due to the fact that becoming a genuine geisha involves a lot of work, commitment and financial support.

Japanese Architecture

Japanese architecture has a very long history. It is considered to have begun in the fifth century BC. Some evidences of prehistoric architecture from this time has survived in the form of terra-cotta houses and pit houses built by the Japanese neolithic tribe, known as Jomon. Since that time architecture in Japan has changed considerably, developing a variety of traditional styles and different types of designs. Japanese contemporary architecture is exiting and at the same time influential all over the world.

Japanese Garden

The art of Japanese gardens have been believed to be one of the most important parts of Japanese culture for many centuries. The garden design in Japan is strongly connected to the philospohy and religion of the country. Shinto, Buddhism and Taoism were used in the creation of diffrent garden styles in order to bring a spiritual sense to the gardens and make them places where people could spend their time in a peaceful way and meditate.

Japanese Food

Japanese food is more than the infamous sushi and sashimi dishes. There’s actually a lot more variety than you may think. However, rice is still a main component to Japanese cuisine. Below is a list of the traditional Japanese foods you will find everywhere in Japan.

Nagasaki

As one of Japan's closest port cities to the Asian mainland, Nagasaki has played a prominent role in foreign trade relations for many centuries and was the most important of only a very few ports open to restricted numbers of foreign traders during Japan's period of isolation.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and the largest city of the Chugoku Region, the westernmost region on Japan's main island of Honshu. It is home to about one million people. On August 6, 1945, Hiroshima was chosen by US armed forces as the first ever target of an atomic bomb employed over a populated area.

Japanese Visa Information

Japan allows most country’s nationals access within its borders for the purpose of a short-term trip. The only information you must provide is your passport and your return ticket voucher. The only reasons for a visa requirement are visits to reside in Japan, to obtain employment or to otherwise engage in remunerative activities.

Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan’s former ancient capital in the late 1800’s, has the reputation for being Japan’s most beautiful city. Having an abundance of traditional temples, shrines, gardens, and castles, you will surely find beauty, peace, and relaxation. Kyoto is located on the western island of Honshu surrounded by mountains. It has survived many wars and is now on the UNESCO World Heritage sites list.

Mt Fuji

Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest peak. Standing at approximately 3776 meters or 12,388 feet, this volcanic cone is always capped with snow and a majestic sight to see with your own eyes. Mount Fuji or Fuji-san to the Japanese last erupted in 1707 when large amounts of volcanic ash rained on the city of Tokyo.

Tokyo

In the middle of the archipelago of Japan and situated close to the North Pacific Ocean is Japan’s capital, Tokyo, a fascinating and exhilarating city. Even though there are over 12 million people inhabiting this city, you are able to find the futuristic fast-paced, high-tech culture as well as the peaceful, old traditional Japanese style culture and customs.

Nikko

Nikko is a small city at the entrance to Nikko National Park. It is famous for the Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine complex and mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Okinawa Honto

The center of the former Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa Main Island (Okinawa Honto) is by far the largest and most populous island in Okinawa Prefecture and the regional transportation hub. The prefectural capital Naha and most of the US military bases are located on Okinawa Honto.

Getting There

There are two general ways to get to Japan. The first option and most common is by air, the second option which is by sea is probably the cheapest for those living near the island.

Kamakura

Kamakura was once Japan’s capital from 1100’s to 1300’s. Today it is more of a cultural town and where it’s home of the Great Buddha. Tourists and locals alike tend to visit Kamakura as a day trip because of its easy accessibility from the JR Yokosuka Line. Temples, shrines, historic buildings, and beaches make a Kamakura a great place for retreat from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

Miyajima

Miyajima has been considered a holy place for most of Japanese history. In 806 AD, the monk Kobo Daishi ascended Mt. Misen and opened the mountain as an ascetic site for the Shingon sect of Buddhism.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa's importance grew in the 15th century, when the powerful and militant Ikko sect established its new headquarters there after being chased out of Kyoto by the monks of Mt.Hiei.

Nara

Nara is Japan's first permanent capital that was established in the year 710 at Heijo, the city now known as Nara. As the influence and political ambitions of the city's powerful Buddhist monasteries grew to become a serious threat to the government, the capital was moved to Nagaoka in 784.

Japanese Flag

The national flag of Japan has a crimson disc, symbolizing the sun, in the center of a white field. It is known as the Hinomaru (literally meaning ‘sun disc’). It is said that at the time of the Mongol Invasions of Japan, between 1274 and 1281 the priest Nichiren presented a sun flag to the shogun. The Tokugawa shogunate (1603-1867) adopted the flag for its ships in the early 1600s.

Trains in Japan

The Japan rail system is very efficient. Most of the trains are new and operate in a very organized way.Japan Railways offers the choice between two classes, ordinary and green (first class), on shinkansen and limited express trains and a small number of slower trains. Most local trains carry only ordinary cars.

Japan Climate

In general Japan is a rainy and highly humid country. Japan has very varied climate temperatures owing to its extended geographic location. Japan’s long latitudinal shape experiences similar climate conditions to the eastern United States. Japan too has four distinct seasons throughout the year: spring, summer, autumn/fall, and winter.

Japanese Fashion

When talking about fashion in Japan it is just impossible not to acknowledge the fact that Japanese people have an incredible sense of style. Fashion plays a huge role in Japanese peoples everyday life because they have a special attitude towards clothing. In Japan fashion is considered to be a simple way to express yourself, to manifest who you are, and to show others that you are aware of the newest trends. This phenomenon can be easily observed in Japanese biggest cities, especially in such metropolis as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Japanese Calligraphy

The traditional Japanese way of writing is known as Shodo. It belongs to the most valued and appreciated arts in Japan. It is still cultivated by nobles, priests and samurai followers and is studied by Japanese school children.

Information

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