You’d think with 195 countries on the map, we’d have a whole alphabet’s worth of variety. But if you’re looking for countries that begin with J, you’re going to hit a wall pretty fast. There are only three. That’s it. Jamaica, Japan, and Jordan.
It’s a weirdly short list. Honestly, it feels like there should be more, but unless you’re counting disputed territories or historical footnotes, these three are the only heavy hitters. They couldn't be more different if they tried. One is a Caribbean powerhouse of rhythm, one is a high-tech archipelago in East Asia, and one is a desert kingdom steeped in biblical history.
Japan: More Than Just Neon and Sushi
People usually think of Tokyo when they hear Japan. You know the vibe—flashing billboards, Shibuya Crossing, and trains so punctual they literally apologize if they’re twenty seconds late. But Japan is actually about 80% mountainous. Most of it is rugged, green, and surprisingly empty.
If you’ve ever wanted to soak in a hot spring with a literal monkey, this is the place. The Jigokudani Monkey Park is real, though the macaques mostly care about the steam and not your selfies. Also, the food culture goes way beyond raw fish. Did you know KFC is a legitimate Christmas tradition there? It’s wild. People order their "Christmas Buckets" weeks in advance because of a clever marketing campaign from the 70s.
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The Cash Paradox
Despite being the world leader in robotics and vending machines (there’s roughly one machine for every 24 people), Japan is strangely obsessed with cash.
You’ll be in a futuristic skyscraper and find a tiny ramen shop that only takes physical yen. Carrying a coin purse isn't just a "vintage" choice; it's a survival tactic. You’ll end up with a pocket full of 1-yen coins that feel like play money but add up fast. Expert tip: don't hand cash directly to a cashier. Put it in the little tray on the counter. It’s a small etiquette thing that goes a long way.
Jordan: The Rose-Red City and Salt Baths
Jordan is basically a massive open-air museum. Most people know Petra—the "Rose City" carved into sandstone cliffs. It’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for a reason. But here's the thing: most tourists only see the Treasury (the famous building from Indiana Jones), yet that’s only about 15% of the total site. The rest is still buried or spread across miles of desert.
Floating at the Bottom of the World
The Dead Sea is another big draw. It’s the lowest point on Earth, sitting about 430 meters below sea level. The water is so salty you don't just float; you bob like a cork. You can’t even really swim. If you try to do a traditional breaststroke, your legs will just pop up behind you.
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- Don't shave before going in. Seriously. Every tiny nick on your skin will burn like fire.
- Keep the water out of your eyes. It’s not a "sting"; it’s a "call the medic" level of pain.
- Wear old flip-flops. The salt crystals on the shore are sharp enough to cut through your feet.
Jordan is also incredibly stable and welcoming. There’s a Bedouin saying that "the guest is the king of the house," and they mean it. You’ll be offered tea (sweet, sage-infused, and boiling hot) roughly every ten minutes. It’s rude to say no to the first cup.
Jamaica: The Island of Records
Jamaica is small, but it punches way above its weight class. We’re talking about the birthplace of Reggae, the home of the fastest humans on the planet, and a place with more churches per square mile than anywhere else on earth. It’s a land of extremes.
You’ve got the Blue Mountains, which produce some of the most expensive coffee in the world, and then you’ve got the street-level jerk pits where the smoke from pimento wood smells better than any five-star restaurant.
What You Need to Know About the "No Problem" Vibe
The "Island Time" thing is real. If someone tells you they’ll be there in five minutes, they might mean an hour. Or tomorrow. Honestly, it’s better to just lean into it.
One thing that surprises people? The water. Jamaican tap water is actually safe to drink in most tourist areas, which is a rarity in the Caribbean. But keep an eye on your transport. Always agree on a price before you put your bags in a taxi. Scams aren't rampant, but "tourist pricing" is definitely a thing if you look lost.
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The "J" Country Reality Check
When you compare these three, the common thread is how much they defy expectations. Japan is high-tech but traditional. Jordan is desert but full of water-rich wadis. Jamaica is a chill island but has an intense, competitive athletic drive.
Actionable Insights for Your "J" Travels
- For Japan: Buy a Suica or Pasmo card the second you land. It’s a tap-to-pay card that works on trains, buses, and even in convenience stores (Conbini). It saves you from the "cash-only" headache in many spots.
- For Jordan: Get the Jordan Pass before you arrive. It waives your visa fee and gives you entry to Petra and dozens of other sites. It pays for itself in about ten minutes.
- For Jamaica: Get out of the all-inclusive resorts. Go to Port Antonio or the Blue Mountains. The "real" Jamaica is found in the small roadside stands, not the buffet lines.
If you're planning a trip to any of these, don't just stick to the highlights. Japan’s hidden temples, Jordan’s northern forests (yes, they have forests), and Jamaica’s inland waterfalls are where the real stories are.
Next Steps for Planning:
- Check the current visa requirements for Jordan’s Jordan Pass.
- Download an offline translation app for Japanese signage.
- Look up local "J-Route" flight deals that sometimes bundle these regions.