Geography of Japan
Japan’s geography is full of challenges. It’s surrounded by water. The inland is made up of
rugged hills, mountains and forests plus lacks flat land. Earthquakes and volcanoes are common
natural disasters. See how the Japanese have turned these challenges into opportunities.
Nation of Islands
Japan is a nation found on the east Pacific Coast and is part of Asia. The nation is made up of
archipelago islands, which are a group of islands. There are 4 main islands and over 6,000
small islands. The people are separated from each other because they are surrounded by the
ocean and seas. They solved this barrier issue by building tunnels and bridges between the
islands. Another issue is that Japan experiences about 10 typhoons yearly. Typhoons are like
hurricanes, fast moving storms that start over the ocean. They can cause flooding, high
winds, damage and many deaths. However, fishing from the ocean is the source for the
seafood the Japanese use to prepare their famous dishes of sushi and sashimi. The waters
also connect them to the world through shipping and exporting products to other nations.
Lake and Rivers
Almost all the lakes in Japan are small but they are popular for water activities like fishing,
boating, and wind surfing. Japan has short, fast moving rivers. Dams are built in the rivers to
create hydroelectric power. The river systems are also used to irrigate rice farms on the
plains and hills. Irrigation is when water is brought from one area to another. During they
typhoon season, rivers can burst their banks and flood the land due to by extreme rainfall.
Shipping freight passing by Japans’ icon Mount Fuji
Lakes and rivers are dammed to create hydropower
Forests
Over 70% of Japan’s land is covered with forests which can be a challenge for population space
and farming areas. However, the large amount of vegetation boosts an important business in
the forest industry. The trees are cut down and the lumber is a major resource that produces
many wood products for exporting.
Ring of Fire
Japan is located on the Ring of Fire, an area in the Pacific Ocean where earthquakes and
volcanic eruptions occur. Most of the earthquakes have minor tremors (shaking). The last
major earthquake was in 2011 that included a tsunami. These earthquakes have shaped
Japan’s highlands. Nearly 80% of Japan is covered with hills and mountains. Buildings and
skyscrapers are constructed to withstand constant tremors.
The mountains can reach elevations of 12,000 feet and are popular for hiking but they have
many challenges. There are about 180 volcanic mountains in Japan and fifty of them are
active. Despite the obvious dangers if they erupt, the Japanese have used the volcanic
activity as a tourist attraction. The volcanos’ natural thermal energy is used to steam lakes
and pools as hot springs. The springs contain elements that are believed to have health
benefits. Resort hotels are built near the springs for guests to unwind and enjoy.
Many visit Japan all-year-round because it has some of
the world’s best natural hot springs. It’s a good thing
resorts located in O’Hara have volcanoes that stay
Aogashima is an active volcano that last erupted in
the 1780′s. Today, some 200 brave villagers live on
the island.
“asleep” for decades, if not centuries.
Farming and building homes on hills is difficult. The people of Japan created terraces oh the
hillsides to make farming easier. Terraces are flat areas cut in the hillside to make room for
farming. They grow rice and other products. Hills provide living spaces for only small villages.
The city
skyline
of
Tokyo,
Japan
Coastal Plains
About 25% of the land Japan are plains and they are found on the coast. These coastal plains
are not very large areas but are very important because they are needed for living space,
farming and manufacturing centers (factories). The lack of leveled land for large
communities has caused high population density (crowded) in the urban cities like Tokyo.
By Saada Charara