Japan

Japan faces a number of challenges when it comes to travel and tourism. The country itself is made up of hundreds of islands, and the main islands are very mountainous in places. Although Japan’s area is approximately 52% bigger than the United Kingdom, for example, it is relatively narrow, stretching over 3,200 kilometers (2,000 mi) from north to south. The climate varies considerably across the country, and there are significant seasonal variations throughout most of the country.

With few other countries nearby, the potential for tourism is also somewhat reduced. China and [Page 698]South Korea are key markets, particularly from which to attract tourists, but often the history of Japan’s wars with these countries has led to both political and social disputes that have made the ...