Japan

At a Glance

Japan is a country where ancient tradition and hyper-modern innovation coexist with a seamlessness that seems impossible until you experience it, from the temples and zen gardens of Kyoto to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the mountain shrines of the Japan Alps. The culture is one of extraordinary attention to craft, detail, and hospitality, expressed in everything from a bowl of ramen to the design of a train station. It suits almost every kind of traveller and consistently ranks among the most memorable places people have ever visited.

• Lowest homicide rate of any large nation on earth.
• Has more people over 100 years old than any country except the United States.
• Vending machines outnumber convenience stores — roughly one per 25 people.