When many people think of Japan, they conjure images of Tokyo and bullet trains, cherry blossoms, and Mount Fuji.
Those images are certainly well-known, but Japan is much more than that. The nation is composed of thousands of small islands inhabiting 127 million people. The terrain ranges from Tokyo’s skyscrapers and ancient shrines to Hokkaido’s stark mountain ranges to Okinawa’s dense jungle. Different regions maintain distinctive cuisine, festivals, and cultural customs.
Matador’s community of expats and travelers have written much about Japan. Here you will find personal accounts of teaching English and studying Japanese, recommendations for what NOT to do, and tips for partying with salarymen. In addition, there is a range of helpful articles to seek out cultural festivals, unusual theme restaurants, and the strangest beauty products.
