Climate
Japan has four seasons; winter (December-Febuary), spring (March-May), summer (June-August), and autumn (September-November). The best time to visit Japan is the end of spring to the beginning of summer (May-June) because it isn't too hot and it isn't too cold so you can visit all of the amazing places without sweating or freezing. Japan is in the mid-latitude climate region with Tokyo having 59 degrees as an average temperature.
Religion
Japan is full of many religions ranging from Buddhism to Christianity. Some of the religions observed in Japan are Shinto, Confucianism, Christianity, and Buddhism. Shinto is a religion indigenous to Japan where spirits that exist in everyday life objects and concepts the are important to life are worshiped. Confucianism is based on the teachings of the Chinease philosopher Confucius that focuses on social relationships. Buddhism was based in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama.
Language and Currency
The national language of Japan is Japanese. The basic unit of money or currency of Japan is Japanese Yen. There is 1 Yen, 5 Yen, 10 Yen, 50 Yen, 100 Yen, 500 Yen, 1000 Yen, 2000 Yen, 5000 Yen, and 10000 Yen.
Sports
Japan has a variety of sports. Some of them are: judo, baseball, sumo, aikido, takagari/ falconry, hunting, laido, japanese archery, jujutsu, karate, kendo, kenjutsu, kite flying, nanbudo, shurikenjutsu, yabusame, and ping-pong. Sumo being the national sport.
Food
There are many different types of foods in Japan. Two of the most commonly eaten foods are white rice and seafood. White rice is mostly eaten at every meal and seafood is commonly served raw as sushi or sashimi. The first meal in Japan frequently consist of white rice, soup, and vegetables. The second meal normally consist of seafood, vegetables, with a choice of white rice or noodles. The third and last meal in Japan generally consist of vegetables, white rice, and a choice of fish, beef, pork, or chicken.
Customs
Japan has many customs that include festivals/celebrations and holidays. One festival/celebration in Japan is the Obon Festival. The Obon Festival is celebrated in honor of dead family members and ancestors. It is usually celebrated from August 13-15 but can be celebrated from July 13-15. Some holidays in Japan are: New Years Day on January 1st, Commemoration of the Founding of the Nation on February 11th, Vernal Equinox Day on March 20th or 21st, Constitution Day on May 3rd, Autumnal Equinox Day on September 23rd or 24th, and Emperor's Birthday on December 23rd.
Literature
Poetry plays a central role in Japanese culture. It is used in many different occasions and there is a poetry contest every year awarded by the emperor each New Years. Most of Japan's poetry is either a haiku or tanka. A haiku is a three-line poem that has five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, and five syllables in the third/last line. A tanka is a five-line poem that has five syllables in the first line, seven syllables in the second line, five syllables in the third line, seven syllables in the fourth line, and seven syllables in the fifth/final line. The No or Noh plays are very common in Japan. They combines reciting, music, and slow dance. The No plays can be acknowledged to be scenes from the ceremonial lives of lords or ladies during Japan's Middle Ages. The plays are very serious and usually tragic. In all The No plays, exceptionally good poetry is read. The No plays are always short and about gods, warriors, women, demons, or other supernatural beings. Literature is a very important part of Japan.
Japanese Flag
Japanese flag is called the Hinomaru (circle of the sun) or The Sun Flag.