Konichiwa (今日は)
Have a look at my pictures from my visit to
The Land of the Rising Sun

PICTURES, STORIES & LINKS FROM MY TRIP TO JAPAN (日本)

Map of Japan

Japanese flag

Japanese Imperial Seal of Chrysanthemum

Japan (Japanese: 日本, Nihon or Nippon, officially 日本国 Nihon-koku or Nippon-koku) is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of China, Korea, and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. Its capital is Tokyo.

At over 377,872 square kilometres (145,898 sq mi), Japan is the 62nd largest country by area. It encompasses over 3,000 islands, the largest of which are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. Most of Japan's islands are mountainous, and many are volcanic, including the highest peak, Mount Fuji. It has the world's 10th largest population, with nearly 128 million people. The Greater Tokyo Area, with over 30 million residents, is the largest metropolitan area in the world.

Archaeological research indicates that people were living on the islands of Japan as early as the upper paleolithic period. The first written mention of Japan begins with brief appearances in Chinese history texts from the 1st century AD. Japanese history has been marked by alternating periods of long isolation and radical influence from the outside world. Its culture today is a mixture of outside and internal influences.

Since it adopted its constitution on May 3, 1947, Japan has maintained a unitary constitutional monarchy with an emperor and an elected parliament, the Diet, which is one of the oldest legislative bodies in Asia. Japan is an economic world power with the world's second largest economy, and is the sixth largest exporter and importer and is a member of the United Nations, G8, G4, and APEC.

In the begining of September 2006 I had the chance to go to Japan. I had never been in Asia before so I knew I would be in for a different kind of vacation then I was used to. Culture, language, foods and etiquettes totally "foreign" to me. Here are some pictures and impression from this trip.

Before you enter the pages here are some explanations to some Japanese words I heard frequently and that I used on the following pages.

-bashi

-bashi(橋) ex. Nihonbashi = Japan Bridge or ishibashi = stone bridge.

Daimyo

The daimyo (大名, daimyo) were the most powerful feudal rulers from the 12th century to the 19th century in Japan. The term "daimyo" literally means "great name." From the shugo of the Kamakura period through the sengoku to the daimyo of the Edo period, the rank had a long and varied history. The term "daimyo" is also sometimes used to refer to the leading figures of such clans, also called "warlords". It was usually, though not exclusively, from these warlords that a shogun arose or a regent was chosen.

Futon

A futon ( 布団) is a type of mattress that makes up a Japanese bed.

Ryokan

A ryokan ( 旅館) is a type of traditional Japanese inn dating from the Edo Era (1603-1868), when they served travellers along Japan's highways. They typically feature tatami rooms, a communal bath, and other shared areas where visitors can wear yukata and talk with the owner.

Sentō

A sentō ( 銭湯) is a type of Japanese communal bath house. Traditionally these bath houses have been quite utilitarian, with one large room separating the sexes by a tall barrier, and on both sides, usually a minimum of lined up faucets and a single large bath for the already washed bathers to sit in among others.

Shogun

Shogun (将軍, shōgun) is a military rank and historical title in Japan. The rank is equivalent to "general," a high officer in an army.

Torii

A torii ( 鳥居) is a traditional Japanese gate commonly found at the entry to a Shinto shrine, although it can be found at Buddhist temples as well.

Yukata

A yukata ( 浴衣) is a Japanese summer garment. People wearing yukata are a common sight at fireworks displays, bon-odori festivals, and other summer events. The yukata is a casual form of kimono that is also frequently worn after bathing at traditional Japanese inns. Though their use is not limited to after-bath wear, yukata literally means bath(ing) clothes.

And its off to Japan.

Chicago O'Hare: JL009 bound for Tokyo.

Snow covered Alaskan mountain peaks.

Flying over Alaska.

Leaving The North American Continent.

Inflight information in Japanese.

More inflight information in Japanese.

Notice the natural phenomenon in shape of a line in the upper right corner. Scroll down for answer.

It was the crossing of The Date Line.

Let's go to The Land of The Rising Sun
Arriving in Japan