Often you see palm trees and it reminds me of the Mediterranean coast or even some Pacific islands. The land was shaped by volcanoes, the most impressive of which is majestic fuji-san , Mt. Fuji. You won't appreciate it until you see it with your own eyes on the horizon, from 100 km away or from 20. I often see it from my balcony. Only when you will be here will you understand why it is a sacred mountain.
Japan is a southern country.
Few Europeans are aware that Tokyo lies closer to the equator than either Spain or Turkey. It is on the same lattitude as northern Morocco or Syria. These forces of nature are combined with an ancient culture, much of it imported from China which around 700 A.D. was almost 1000 years ahead of Europe. When you come here expecting to meet that ancient culture, don't be disappointed. Much is lost or hidden, has to be uncovered by someone who is determine to dig deeper.