LOCATION Japan is located off the northeast coast of Asia.
It is in the Pacific Ocean, with its closest neighbors being
southeastern Russia, North and South Korea, and China.
Click bullets to view a map of Japan!
ISLANDS Japan is composed of four (4) major islands and
thousands of smaller ones that together form a curved
landmass. The major islands are called Hokkaido,
Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
MOUNTAINS Mountains and forests contribute greatly to Japan's
environment. Mountains cover 70% of Japan's land area,
while forests cover 68% of the mountains.
Click bullets to see photos of the mountains in Japan!
(In site, click each photo to see enlarged view.)
EARTHQUAKES Japan is located on an unstable portion of the earth's
crust. As a result, they experience about 1,500
earthquakes each year. Most of these are not serious,
but they can be. Sometimes, these earthquakes cause
great waves, called tsunamis, on Japan's coast.
Click bullets to get more information on Japan's earthquakes!
VOLCANOES Japan has about 150 volcanoes. 60 of these are
active volcanoes. The most famous inactive volcano in
Mount Fuji (called Fujisan). Mount Fuji is 12, 388 ft.
above sea level, which is the highest point in Japan.
The last time Mount Fuji erupted was in 1707.
Click bullets to view photos and information on volcanoes in Japan!
(In site, click on a mountain name to find info about it!)
**BONUS SITE: Click on this bullet to view a Virtual Field Trip
to Aso-Kuju Volcanic Park in Japan!
RESOURCES Farming in Japan is difficult because of the many
mountains. Farming takes place on only 15% of the land.
There are not many mineral resources in Japan. Water is
the best natural resource for the Japanese. From it,
they are able to harness power to make electricity.
They are also able to water farmland along the coast.
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Information taken from:
Greene, Carol. Enchantment of the World: Japan. Children's Press: Chicago, 1983.
The World Book Encyclopedia: People and Place. vol. 3/I-L World Book: Chicago, 1998.
Thanks to the following:
-Eclipse Digital's Animation Factory(Bullets)
-Kaleidescape(Background)