The island nation of Japan is composed of a chain of mountains and active volcanoes, the tallest and most famous being Mt. Fuji. The volcanoes also bless the country with hot springs, a traditional way for weary travelers to relax and enjoy Japan's natural and spiritual surroundings. Most of the population resides in the cities, where the hustle and bustle is a far cry from the beautiful scenery of the remote, less populated regions. There are extreme variations in climate, though most of the country is mild with hot and humid summers and rainy seasons that can be credited for the lush vegetation and dense forests found throughout the country. Long winters and heavy snow falls on the northern island of Hokkaido and throughout the mountainous spine of Honshu, Japan's largest island. The southern islands, most notably Kyushu and Okinawa, are sub-tropical. Autumn and spring are ideal times to travel in Japan--there is little rainfall, lots of sunshine, and the brilliant colors of the changing Fall maple leaves and Spring cherry blossoms.

Japan was once attached to Korea and Siberia and most of its early inhabitants are believed to have arrived by way of the connecting land passes, with the exception of Hokkaido's indigenous Ainu people and the Polynesian influence in Japan's southern islands. The country was a hunting and gathering society until the 3rd century BC, when people from continental Asia introduced rice cultivation and the domestication of animals. By the 4th century, rulers had declared direct descent from the sun goddess (thus placing themselves above the powerful Shinto deities) and the role of the emperor was created. Leadership was centralized, the imperial court system emerged, Chinese written script was adapted, and Buddhism was introduced. In 716, the first capital was set up in Nara. Several decades later, the capital was moved to Kyoto in an attempt to separate the politics of the imperial government from Buddhist priests vying for power. The new capital revived clan authority and saw a growth of private armies that eventually became the samurais. Eventually these armies gained power, creating the Shogunate military governments that ruled Japan from 1185 until 1863.

Europeans reached Japan in 1543 and trading with the Portuguese was established by 1545. However, feudal lords came into conflict with Catholicism, eventually leading to the restriction of all Europeans (except the Dutch) from entering Japan. By 1616, several feudal families were at war until one finally gained rule, resulting in the centralization of economic and military power in Edo, known today as Tokyo. Centuries later, Japan's governing system began to collapse and peasant uprisings increased. The United States took advantage of Japan's internal problems and forced it to end its seclusion in 1854. In 1868 the Meiji Restoration began with a return to Imperial government and the welcoming of foreign political, economic, and social influences. Japan began to expand its rule throughout Asia before World War II, eventually surrendering to the United States in 1945. The United States occupied Japan until 1952 and brought about vast societal reforms, including a democratic government.

Since 1945, Japan has experienced remarkable economic growth and today plays a powerful international role.