Japan Geography

What is the terrain and geography like in Japan?

Overview

Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu, or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa, which is about 380 miles southwest of Kyushu. About 3,000 smaller islands are included in the archipelago.

About 71% of the country is mountainous, with a chain running through each of the main islands. Japan’s highest mountain is the world-famous Mt. Fuji (12,385 feet). Since so little flat area exists, many hills and mountainsides are cultivated all the way to the top. Situated as it is in a volcanic zone along the Pacific deep, frequent low-intensity earth tremors and occasional volcanic activity are felt throughout the islands. Hot springs are numerous; some have been developed as resorts.

Geography - note

Strategic location in northeast Asia

Japan Use of Natural Resources

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
Highest Point Location	Fujiyama (Mount Fuji) 3,776 m
Lowest Point	-4 Meters
Lowest Point Location	Hachiro-gata -4 m
Natural Resources	Negligible mineral resources, fish Note: With virtually no energy natural resources, Japan is the world's largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, as well as the second largest importer of oil
Time Zone	UTC+9 (14 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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