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.

The Japanese people's concern towards religion is primarily expressed in mythology, traditions, and neighborhood activities. When asked to identify their religion, most profess either Shintoism (54%) or Buddhism (40%), while a minority profess to Christianity (0.7%) or other religions (4.7%) 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.