1. Japan Land of the Rising Sun
Nippon: the Japanese word for “Japan” means “sun origin”

2. Tokyo with Mt. Fuji in background

3. Tokyo lights

4. Cherry blossoms – Japan’s unofficial national flower– has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture.

5. Traditional Architecture: Pagoda
Replica of 950 year-old Buddhist temple

6. Matsue Castle Built in 1611 A.D.
Is one of only about a dozen original castles in Japan, meaning that its castle tower has survived the wars, fires, earthquakes and anti-feudal activities of the post-feudal era (since 1868).

7. Samurai warriors

8. Tsunami damage – 2011
Natural hazards: tsunamis, earthquakes
Man-made disaster – nuclear powerplant meltdown & explosion due to earthquake and tsunami

9. Terraced Rice Paddies

11. Japanese Weddings

12. Official Religion – Shinto(ism)
Shinto is the name of the formal state religion of Japan that was first used in the 6th century A.D., although the roots of the religion go back to at least the 6th century B.C.
Shinto understands that the kami not only exist as spiritual beings, but also in nature; they are within mountains, trees, rivers, and even geographical regions. In this sense, the kami are not like the all-powerful divine beings found in Western religion, but the abstract creative forces in nature.
Other religions in Japan include Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam
Read more:

13. Shinto has no founder, no official sacred texts, and no formalized system of doctrine, but it does have shrines with rules.
No photos may be taken in the inner shrine. This photo is of the outer shrine.
This shrine has to be rebuilt every 20 years, so there is an empty lot next to it for the next rebuilding (in 2033).

14. Wedding Reception
Guests attending a Japanese wedding reception are expected to bring a cash gift. Sometimes, the amount is specified on the invitation. Typically the amount depends on the guest's relationship with the couple. The cash is presented in a decorative envelope called Shugi-bukuro.
Bride’s reception gown

15. No chairs: a low table with mats to kneel on.

16. New Year’s Food: Osechi ryori
Stores were closed for 3 days, and these foods could sit out for that time without spoiling.

17. Japanese Etiquette and Taboos
Chopsticks – DON”T Another DON’T – Why?
Also, see “Traveling to Japan” section. What do you think of when you hear the word “Pusher”?