About
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland, it is bordered to the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea in the south. The Japanese archipelago consists of four major islands alongside 14,121 smaller islands. Japan is divided into 47 administrative prefectures and eight traditional regions, and around 75% of its terrain is mountainous and heavily forested, concentrating its agriculture and highly urbanized population along its eastern coastal plains. With a population of almost 123 million as of 2026, it is the world's 11th most populous country. Tokyo is the country's capital and largest city.
When things are closed
Upcoming public holidays in Japan. On these dates, expect banks, post offices, and government services to close. Many shops and museums close or run shortened hours; transit typically still runs.
山の日 · Mountain Day
August 11, 2026
Tuesday
敬老の日 · Respect for the Aged Day
September 21, 2026
Monday
秋分の日 · Autumnal Equinox Day
September 23, 2026
Wednesday
スポーツの日 · Sports Day
October 12, 2026
Monday
文化の日 · Culture Day
November 3, 2026
Tuesday
勤労感謝の日 · Labour Thanksgiving Day
November 23, 2026
Monday
Cities (36)
Saved on my Japan lists
13 places · 13 visited
References4
These references support the changing or licensed material on this page. Personal notes and ordinary geographic facts are not footnoted individually. Entry rules can change, so verify them before booking.
- Travel practicalities. Entry, driving, electricity, water, and official application context. Related: Driving side, World Standards, CDC Yellow Book, WHO drinking-water guidance.
- Country background. Wikipedia summary may be clipped or paraphrased. Numeric baselines are cross-checked with Wikidata. Related: Wikidata, .
