See our Japan Map for a much larger map with cities and attractions marked.

Japan

Japan (Japanese: 日本, Nihon or Nippon), is an East Asian island country, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and various seas. One of the world's leading industralized countries, Japan is known as the "Land of the Rising Sun" and encompasses over 3,000 islands.

Japanese religion is primarily expressed in mythology, traditions and community activities. When asked to identify their religion, most profess either Shintoism (84%) or Buddhism (71%), while a minority profess to Christianity (2%) or other religions (7%) like shamanism and Islam, but Japanese religion is syncretistic and inclusive.

Confucianism or Taoism tends to serve as the basis for the moral code and shakai-tunen (social common idea). Common religious practices in Japan might include Shinto rituals, prayers before exams, weddings at Christian churches and funerals at Buddhist temples. The rich religious diversity of Japan is reflected in its many shrines and temples that dot the cities and the countrysides. If you're interested in sacred sites and have time for only one city, Kyoto, the "City of a Thousand Temples," is the one. If you have more time, see Kamakura, Nara, Nikko, and the remote pilgrimage route of Shikoku Island.

Japan Country Guide

English Name:	Japan
Local Name:	Nihon or Nippon
Time Zone:	JST (UTC+9)
Calling Code:	81
Currency:	Japanese yen (¥, JPY)
Area:	377,915 sq km (68th in world)
Population:	127,078,679 (July 2009 est.) (11th in world)
Languages:	Japanese
Religions:	Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8% (total exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism)

	Japan Sacred Sites Index Browse our illustrated index of sacred sites and religious places
	Japan Map A detailed interactive map of Japan with major cities and religious sites marked, plus links to travel maps and more
	Japan Books A hand-selected gallery of books on Japan specially chosen for Sacred Destinations readers
	Japan Photo Gallery Explore our large collection of quality photos from Japan
	Japan Hotels Search availability, view photos, read reviews, and get a great deal on a hotel room in Japan

Featured Destinations in Japan (List All Destinations)

Nanzenji

Kyoto

An important Rinzai Zen temple on the Path of Philosophy, Nanzenji has a beautiful Zen garden and extensive grounds.

Meiji Shrine

Tokyo

A Shinto shrine dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji is surrounded by lush forests that are a haven of peace in the big city.

Ginkakuji

Kyoto

Originally intended to be coated in silver, this harmonious temple ended up in simple wood. It houses an image of Kannon and includes lovely gardens.

Japan City Guides

Kamakura
Kamakura is most famous for its Great Buddha, but the "Kyoto of Eastern Japan" also has several other temples and shrines to explore. Kamakura was once the capital of the country, when Minamoto Yoritomo chose the city as the seat of his new military government in 1192.

Kyoto
Nestled in the mountains of Western Honshu, Kyoto is widely considered Japan's most beautiful city. It is known as "the city of a thousand temples," but it actually has more - an astonishing 1,600 Buddhist temples, plus 400 Shinto shrines.

Nara
The central Japanese city of Nara, known for its historic temples and roaming deer, is located 42km (26 miles) south of Kyoto.

Nikko
Nikko (whose name means "sunlight") is a small town nestled in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Located about 125 km north of Tokyo, Nikko makes an easy day trip by train.

Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan's capital and largest urban area: 12 million people or 10% of the population lives here.