Though four major islands - Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu - account for the majority of Japan's land area, the country is made up of more than 3000 islands in total. While 80 per cent of Japan consists of mountains or forests, most of the population lives along the coast.
With a population of 126 million, this mass of humanity has found some original and uniquely Japanese solutions to overcrowding, from quick-stay "love hotels" to capsule hotels, for those who literally just want somewhere to sleep.
In Japan, tradition and respect for the past coexist with the workaholic Japanese penchant for innovation and high-tech goods. The careful and precise art of the tea ceremony contrasts with sometimes garish, neon-lit skyscraper cities; anime films are as popular as the city's stunning traditional cherry blossoms; ceremoniously-prepared fresh sushi competes with vending machines offering anything from soft drinks to potted plants.
Cheap flights to Japan arrive at either Narita (near Tokyo) or Kansai (near Osaka), both well integrated into Japan's excellent transport system.