Map of Japan

Located in East Asia, Japan is a archipelago of over 6,800 islands. The four largest islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, make up about 97% of the total land area. The island country is roughly the same size as California. Japan has a diverse landscape that includes coastal plains, mountains, and forests. The highest mountain peak is Mt. Fuji, which is just over 12,388 feet tall. One-third of Japan is covered by forest. The climate in Japan varies by region but is generally temperate with four distinct seasons. Summer is hot and humid with occasional typhoons while winter months are generally cool with few harsh weather conditions. Japan is also home to a unique culture with a long history. Traditional Japanese architecture, art, food, and fashion are still prevalent today and highly respected around the world. From samurai to Geisha to sushi, there are many aspects of Japanese culture that are familiar to people all over the globe.