What Are The Countries That Start With J? Let’s Know The Names And A Hidden Gem That Awaits You

This time, exploring the countries that start with J was a lot of fun. I found a hidden gem that, despite being the largest channel island, is not familiar to many people. 

However, three more countries begin with the letter J. Let’s know them in this Dream and Travel fun travel trivia. 

What Are The Countries That Start With J? Let’s Know Them

Just four countries in the world begin with the letter J. Those countries are Japan, Jordan, Jersey, and Jamaica. 

Let’s start knowing these countries with some quick facts. Then, we will move to how these countries are doing in the tourism sector and some lesser-known facts about them. 

1. Jordan

• Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
• Main airport: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) or Amman Airport
• Neighbors: Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Palestinian Territory
• Places to Visit: Amman, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Umm Qais, and Petra (A UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Jordan is one of the most historically significant countries in Asia. Its official name is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and it gets its name from the Jordan River. 

The nation was born as a result of the First World War. Also, it gained independence from the British in 1946. 

Majorly a Muslin Nation, Jordan is also home to Orthodox Christians, Iraqis, Palestinians, and Syrians. Furthermore, the Bedouin people here in the rural areas practice an ancient nomadic lifestyle. 

Furthermore, the economy of this nation relies heavily on its natural resources, such as oil. Additionally, it is a significant exporter of potash, textiles, and chemicals.

Tourism In Jordan

The economy of the country also depends on tourism, with the tourism revenue hitting $3.7 billion in the first half of 2025. The figure marks a tourism income boost of around 12% so far this year. 

These impressive figures are proof that Jordan is moving in the right direction with its bold moves to reform tourism. The 2025 Hotel and Tourism Establishments Bylaw and 2025 Tourist Restaurants Bylaw have been the most important milestones in this regard. 

These laws ensure inclusive tourism standards, the elimination of licensing fees, and a focus on sustainable practices. 

Moreover, Saad Al-Kharji, the chairperson of Qatar Tourism, has recently visited the Amman Citadel in Jordan. There have been discussions about launching a joint promotional campaign to share resources and expertise for sustainable tourism marketing. 

Also, the Tourism Quarterly Review Q1 2025 of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) has mentioned, “Despite the lingering impact of the war on Gaza, the start of 2025 is very promising.” 

Things You Did Not Know About Jordan

• Did you know that Jordan is a country that starts with X in the Galician language? In the Galician language, the country is called Xordania. 

• The Dead Sea in Jordan is the lowest point in the world. 
• Jordan has more than 100000 historical and archaeological sites. 

• Only 15% of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been explored so far.

• Jabal al-Qal’a, or the ancient citadel of Amman, takes us back to the Early Bronze Age from 3200 – 2000 B.C. 

• Movies such as Dune, Indiana Jones, and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker are some famous movies filmed in Jordan. 

2. Japan

• Best time to visit: March to May (the Cherryblossom Season) and September to Autumn
• Main airport: Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport
• Neighbors: China, Russia, North Korea, and South Korea
• Places to Visit: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Yokohama, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Hokkaido, and Yakushima (a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Ancient Forests)  

Japan is among the five letter countries in Asia. It is also one of the countries showing how to combat the perils of overtourism. Slow tourism in the Japan countryside, or Inaka, has been telling us how to make every travel experience meaningful. 

Furthermore, Japan has always played an important role in shaping popular culture and entertainment across the world. Be it the medieval Samurai culture or the recent Anime series, everything about the country is so fascinating!

Also, the economy of the country is mainly dependent on high-end technology and manufacturing. The country is especially known for its cars and computers.

Tourism In Japan

As I have just mentioned, the World Economic Forum has acknowledged that Japan is promoting regional tourism to combat the odds of overtourism. It is a crucial move considering Japan has already recorded 22 million foreign travelers in the first half of 2025. 

Hokkaido, Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo are already facing an excessive tourist surge, and the scenario is an echo of what Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, anticipated a year ago. She said,

“Japan’s Travel & Tourism sector is set to break all records, partly fuelled by a positive exchange rate for international travellers. All the indicators are set to rise – contribution to the Japanese economy, increasing job numbers, and visitor spending.

These milestones highlight Japan’s leadership and commitment to excellence in the global tourism landscape.”

Nevertheless, by promoting regional attractions or lesser-known places to international tourists, the country is trying to boost the local economy and the conditions of the local communities. 

The Sustainable Tourism Promotion Project through Preventing and Mitigating Overtourism of the Japan Tourism Agency and the investment of the Japanese government in “Emergency Measures for Preventing and Mitigating Overtourism and Improving the Reception Environment for Foreign Visitors” have been important government initiatives to boost regional tourism in Japan. 

Japan Airlines has also started a campaign to promote the hidden gems or regional areas of Japan. 

Things You Did Not Know About Japan

• You don’t sign in Japan. You have your stamp or Hanko, meaning your signature translated into Kanji characters. 

• Hadaka Matsuri, or the Naked Festival, is one of the most bizarre festivals in Japan.

• Okunoshima, or the Rabbit Island in Japan, is a predator-free roaming ground for rabbits. 

• Japan has more than 100 active volcanoes, and Mount Fuji is the tallest among them. 
• The Yamato Dynasty in Japan is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. 

3. Jersey: One Of The Lesser Known Countries That Start With J

• Best time to visit: May and September to October
• Main airport: Jersey Airport (JER)
• Neighbors: France, Britain
• Places to Visit: Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey War Tunnels, Jersey Zoo, St. Ouen’s Bay

Home to medieval castles and blessed with abundant natural beauty, Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands. Located in the English Channel, it is a British Crown Dependency. 

You will love hiking through the trails, relaxing at the tranquil shores, and exploring the World War II relics.

Tourism In Jersey

Since early 2025, Jersey has been witnessing a tourism hike thanks to the Bergerac effect. The Bergerac TV series has encouraged more people to explore the Visit Jersey website and book a trip to this island. 

St Ouen’s Bay, Roseville Street, and Gorey Pier have been some of the places where the Bergerac TV series was shot. 

However, it is not the Bergerac effect alone. For the tourism and hospitality industry of Jersey, 2025 was meant to be a meaningful year. 

Investment in air and sea travel has been a prominent move to boost tourism in Jersey. Meanwhile, the European charter flight programme of the Blue Islands is connecting Jersey to the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. 

Did You Know These Things About Jersey? 

• Jersey has the third-largest tidal movement in the world. So, the island grows twice a day. 
• Jersey was Hitler’s holiday island after the Germans occupied the Channel Islands during WW2. 
• Black butter (du nièr beurre) is an apple-preserved cider and a specialty of the island.
• You can spot red squirrels in Jersey.

4. Jamaica

• Best time to visit: Mid-December to Mid-April
• Main airport: Sangster International Airport (MBJ)
• Neighbors: Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic
• Places to Visit: Seven Mile Beach (Negril), Dunn’s River Falls (Ocho Rios), Blue Hole, Martha Brae River, Bob Marley Museum

Jamaica gets its name from the indigenous Taino people, who named it Xaymaca, meaning the “Land of Springs.”

It got its current form after the European colonization happened here in the 16th century. Nevertheless, it is Jamaican music that introduced this beautiful Caribbean country to the world in the 60s and 70s. 

Nevertheless, 2025 is going to be an economically significant year for Jamaica, with the World Bank anticipating a growth of 1.7%. 

Tourism In Jamaica

The tourism industry of Jamaica is growing at a steady pace. From January to June 2025, the country already had a footfall of 2.3 million, and the tourism revenue of the country reached USD 2.4 billion. 

Jamaica is also getting ready to attract more tourists with the first Caribbean Tourism Innovation Township and the tallest hotel in Montego Bay. 

Furthermore, the government of Jamaica is encouraging more community involvement in the tourism industry of the country. In this regard, Minister Barlett has mentioned,

“Every handcrafted product on display represents one of the pillars in the journey to link tourism to the prosperity of all Jamaicans.”

Did You Know These About Jamaica, One Of The Carribean Countries That Start With J? 

• Jamaica is located on a large underwater mountain.
• Appleton Estate 50-Year Rum, the most expensive rum in the world, came from Jamaica. 
• All the James Bond thrillers by Ian Fleming were written in Jamaica. 
• Jamaica became independent of Britain in 1962.