Land and Nature of Japan Geography and Climate Japan is an island nation extending in a curve along the eastern cost of the Asian continent. Japan consists of four main islands: a. Hokkaid b. Honsh c. Shikoku d. Kysh e. & almost 7,000 islands altogether Geography and Climate (cont.) Japans land area is about the same as that of Germany (357,000 km 2 = 137,838 sq mi). Total Area: 377,864 km 2 = 145,894 sq mi, including 5,036 km 2 (= 1,944 sq mi) of the Northern Territories Japan has 47 prefectures.
Topography Japan is surrounded by sea. A large portion of the land consists of mountains, most of which are steep and covered with forest. Some 67% of the country = mountains Only 13% of the country = plains There are seven volcanic zones. Most rivers are narrow and rapid, with flat plains surrounding the areas where rivers run into the sea. Top 5: Mountains (Height) 1. Fujisan: 3,776 m = 12,388 ft 2. Kitadake: 3,192 m = 10,472 ft 3. Oku-hotakadake: 3,190 m = 10,466 ft 4. Ainotake: 3,189 m = 10,463 ft 5. Yarigatake: 3,180 m = 10,433 ft Top 5: Rivers (Length) 1. Shinanogawa: 367 km = 1,204 ft 2. Tonegawa: 322 km = 1,056 ft 3. Ishikarigawa: 268 km = 879 ft 4. Teshiogawa: 256 km = 840 ft 5. Kitakamigawa: 249 km = 817 ft Seasons There are four seasons in Japan: o Spring (March May) o Summer (June August) o Fall (September November) o Winter (December February) The Japanese note with great pleasure the transition of the seasons. Seasons (cont.) Spring = After the first storm of spring, the temperature rises and beautiful flowers bloom. April 1 is the beginning of the academic and business year. Summer = The rainy season is followed by hot weather that sends people flocking to the mountains or beaches. Summer is very humid and hot. Seasons (cont.) Fall = Typhoons come periodically, but fall is a beautiful season with its colored leaves. People enjoy local festivals and going on excursions. Winter = It is cold in winter, and snows in many regions. In areas without snow, a piercing cold wind blows. Climate Stretching from north to south, Japan has different climates from region to region. Due to seasonal winds, the Sea of Japan coastal area and the Pacific Ocean side have different climates. Climate (cont.) The Climate in Hokkaid o Severely cold in winter, cool in summer. The Climate along the Sea of Japan Coast o Heavy snow in winter. The Climate in the Southwest Islands o Warm in winter, hot in summer, much rain.
Climate (cont.) The Climate on the Pacific Ocean Side o Cold in winter but not much snow. o Many clear days, not too cold in winter. o Warm in winter and much rain in summer. o Cold in winter, cool in summer. o Mild throughout the year with little rain. o Not very cold in winter but cloudy.