About Japan
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, the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, and the East China Sea in the south. The Japanese archipelago consists of four major islands alongside over 14,000 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.
Climate in Tokyo
Warmest August, coolest January, driest December, sunniest August. Best time to visit: May, August.
Monthly climate normals for Tokyo, 2020| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Sunshine |
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| January | 9.9°C | 2.7°C | 137mm | 193h |
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| February | 11.4°C | 2.5°C | 38mm | 248h |
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| March | 14°C | 5°C | 133mm | 234h |
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| April | 16°C | 7.7°C | 177mm | 281h |
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| May | 22.1°C | 15.3°C | 130mm | 258h |
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| June | 25.9°C | 19.7°C | 199mm | 239h |
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| July | 26.8°C | 22.3°C | 340mm | 127h |
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| August | 31.8°C | 25.1°C | 44mm | 372h |
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| September | 27.2°C | 22.1°C | 145mm | 209h |
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| October | 20.3°C | 14°C | 240mm | 188h |
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| November | 17.1°C | 8.8°C | 39mm | 238h |
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| December | 11.1°C | 2.4°C | 20mm | 224h |
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Avg. high/low, °C (left axis) Rainfall, mm (bar maxes out at 250mm/month)
Daily normals for 2020. Hover a month for exact figures.
Travel guide
Japan, known as Nihon or Nippon (日本) in Japanese, is an island nation in East Asia. Its insular character has allowed it to develop a unique and very intricate culture, while its closeness to other ancient East Asian cultures, in particular China, has left lasting influence. Despite belonging to a nation long at war, Japan's people have always placed emphasis on inner balance, tranquility and natural beauty. These traditional values have become increasingly important now that Japan has grown to be one of the world's most densely-populated countries, and its legendary work ethic makes life in its cities quite hectic.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Amami-Ōshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island
- Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara
- Buddhist Monuments in the Hōryū-ji Area
- Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration
- Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
- Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region
- Higashi Kairō
- Himeji Castle
- Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Upcoming public holidays
Full source list on About.
Japan
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