Japan - An island nation in the Pacific Ocean
The island state of Japan consists of a chain of islands along the east coast of Asia. The entire country extends over 378,000 km² spread over 14,125 islands and, with 128 million people, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The four main islands of Japan include Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku and take up 98% of the total area. The arc-shaped archipelago of Japan lies on the west coast on the Sea of Japan and on the east coast on the Pacific Ocean. Neighbouring countries include China, Taiwan, Russia, North and South Korea. Japan can be divided into six different climate zones: from the cool north to the subtropical south with the usual four seasons.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is located in the east of the Japanese main island of Honshu. Tokyo is currently one of the largest cities in the world with 37.2 million people. The capital has a very low crime rate and the highest concentration of Michelin stars - a true gourmet paradise for food lovers. Nowhere in the world are technology and tradition so skillfully combined as in Tokyo. Whether you linger on the neon-colored streets of Shibuya, Ginza and Shinjuku or are interested in the sights such as the Sensoji Temple or the Tokyo Skytree - you will hardly be lacking in entertainment!
Mount Fuji
At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is the highest peak in Japan and is the result of volcanic activity. It is located 100 kilometers from Tokyo and borders the prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanashi, surrounded by several lakes. The Fuji Five Lakes region (Fujigoko) is about 1,000 meters above sea level around the lakes Shojiko, Motosuko, Yamanakako, Saiko and Kawaguchiko at the foot of Mount Fuji.
Kyoto
Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and residence of the emperor, is one of the 10 largest cities in the country with 1.5 million inhabitants. With its 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, this city is the epitome of traditional Japanese culture. This city is known for its countless Buddhist temples, gardens, Shinto shrines, imperial palaces and traditional wooden houses. Especially in spring, the Philosopher's Walk (Tetsugaku no Michi) along a small canal surrounded by cherry trees is a must during the cherry blossom season.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Prefecture is located in the south of Japan in the Chugoku region on the Seto Inland Sea and offers a rich historical past with a beautiful setting through the blue waters of Hiroshima Bay. In the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park you can find numerous representations of the past such as the Atomic Bomb Dome. The Buddhist Mitaki-Dera Temple is located on the slopes of Mitaki Mountain and is a hidden gem to enjoy the momiji (red maple leaves in autumn) and the sakura (cherry blossoms in spring).
Traffic rules and driving license in Japan
A camper van is the perfect way to explore Japan and is the best and most beautiful way to travel. The speed limit is: 50 km/h in towns, 60 km/h on country roads and 100 km/h on motorways. The Japanese generally drive slower and more defensively than Europeans - true to the Japanese mentality of dealing with each other peacefully. The road conditions are good and there is a high level of road safety. On the roads of Japan, traffic drives on the left and, in addition to a passport, a translation of your driving license is required. Discover this fascinating country by camper van!