Japan Geography
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Geographic Location | Asia |
| Total Area | 145,913 Square Miles (377,915 Square Kilometers) |
| Land Area | 140,728 Square Miles (364,485 Square Kilometers) |
| Water Area | 5,185 Square Miles (13,430 Square Kilometers) |
| Irrigated Land | 9,653 Square Miles (25,000 Square Kilometers) |
| Coastline | 18,486 Miles (29,751 Kilometers) |
| Geographic Coordinates | 36 00 N, 138 00 E |
| Terrain | Mostly rugged and mountainous |
| Highest Point | 3,776 Meters (Fujiyama – Mount Fuji) |
| Lowest Point | -4 Meters (Hachiro-gata) |
| Natural Resources | Negligible mineral resources, fish |
| Time Zone | UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) |
Island Nation
Japan is a country made up of islands located off the eastern coast of Asia. The main islands include Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa, along with around 3,000 smaller islands.
Mountainous Terrain
Approximately 71% of Japan’s land is mountainous, with chains of mountains running through each of the main islands. The iconic Mount Fuji, standing at 12,385 feet, is Japan’s highest mountain.
Volcanic Activity
Japan lies in a volcanic zone along the Pacific, leading to frequent low-intensity earthquakes and occasional volcanic eruptions. Hot springs, a result of volcanic activity, are abundant and some have been developed into resorts.
Climate Variations
Due to its geographical location and north-south orientation of the islands, Japan experiences diverse climates. Regions like Sapporo in the north have cold winters with heavy snowfall, while cities like Tokyo in the south have mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Seasonal Beauty
Spring is famous for cherry blossoms, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. These seasons offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, contrasting with the hot and humid summers.
Limited Arable Land
Only about 11.3% of Japan’s land is suitable for agriculture. This scarcity of flat land has led to innovative farming techniques such as terraced cultivation on hillsides.
Natural Resource Dependency
Japan lacks significant mineral resources and relies heavily on imports, making it the world’s largest importer of coal, liquefied natural gas, and the second-largest importer of oil.
Natural Hazards
Japan faces numerous natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country is also home to many dormant and active volcanoes.
Environmental Concerns
Japan grapples with environmental issues such as air pollution from industrial emissions, acidification of water bodies, and overconsumption of fish and timber resources.
International Environmental Commitments
Japan is a signatory to various international agreements aimed at environmental protection and conservation, including agreements related to biodiversity, climate change, and marine conservation.