Geography of Japan

An archipelago, a series of islands, in the Pacific Ocean, Japan is separated from the east coast of Asia by the Sea of Japan. It is approximately the size of Montana. Japan's four main islands are Honshu (the “mainland”), Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku. There are also about 3,000 other smaller islands that include Okinawa.

While more than 50% of the area of Japan is mountainous and covered by forests Japan is better known for its more severe geography and natural effects.

Located where several continental and oceanic plates meet, Japan has over 100 active volcanoes and suffers frequent earthquakes. It’s most recent significant earthquake occurred in 1995 in Kobe.

The most famous Japanese volcano is Mt. Fuji, which is also Japan’s highest peak.

The prevalence of volcanoes creates hot springs. Hot springs are caused from geothermal heat, heat from the interior of the Earth, heating the water as it leaves the ground. Natural hot springs are located throughout Japan and accessible through private club memberships and as public baths.

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