The country in brief
Japan is characterized by its rugged relief due to the meeting, a few million years ago, between the Pacific crust and the Asian plate. Slopes higher than 15% form three quarters of the country. Mount Fuji culminates at 3 776 meters. In the Japanese Alps chain, about thirty peaks exceed 3,000 meters. The youthfulness of the relief is reflected in the sharp shape of the heights, the numerous earthquakes (5,000 seismic shocks recorded per year) and an active volcanism. Out of 265 volcanoes, about twenty have appeared since the beginning of the 20th century. All these volcanoes, scattered throughout the archipelago, allow locals and travelers to enjoy throughout the year the famous onsen, these Japanese thermal baths whose water comes from volcanic springs. These waters are famous for their therapeutic properties (often detailed in the ryokan concerned or on informative panels). The plains occupy 16% of the territory and are constituted by alluvial deposits. The biggest plains are those of Niigata, Toyama and Ishikawa on the Sea of Japan. The plains of Sendai, Kantō, Nōbi (Nagoya) and finally Ōsaka face the Pacific. The valleys cleared by the mountainous axes have seen irregular rivers gathered that terraces covered with volcanic ash and silt girdle. Japan has 33 000 km of coastline, which is considerable. The coasts of the Sea of Japan are low and sometimes marshy. Those of the Pacific are very indented and lined with cliffs, with very deep bays. The fight against tsunamis (tidal waves) has largely contributed to the concreting of the coastline. Given the physiognomy of the place and the omnipresent relief, the rivers of the archipelago are only too rarely the playground of outdoor activities, due to steep, abrupt and often dangerous waterways. Of course, there are exceptions and the visitor would be wrong not to take advantage of them. The numerous lakes of the country will on the other hand be great allies for kayak, paddle or sailing enthusiasts (Lake Biwa in the lead).
National parks
Contrary to popular belief, Japan is a very green country outside of its urban centers. This is largely due to the Japanese respect for nature, guaranteed by a series of measures. There are 34 national parks in Japan(Kokuritsu kōen). There are also 56 "quasi-national" parks (or Kokutei kōen, literally parks established by the state) and 311 prefectural nature parks (or Todōfukenritsu shizen kōen). In other words, there are parks just about everywhere in the archipelago! The NationalParks Law regulates these various parks, promoting and protecting Japan's ecosystems and nature, and educating people about the environment, tourism and nature-based activities. Japan's first national parks were established in 1931. They cover a wide range of environments, including volcanoes, forests, marshes, beaches, coasts and underwater marine habitats. For travelers, Japan is ideal for hiking, diving, fishing and boating.
The Japan subdivision
The archipelago is made up of 47 administrative districts, often referred to as prefectures or départements. This subdivision of the country also includes a number of special features, such as Tōkyō, the capital, which is considered a metropolis with 23 special districts within it. These districts have a special status with limited power (the Tōkyō metropolitan government also exercises specific functions). Hokkaidō, Osaka and Kyōto are among the other exceptions among the 47 administrative districts. The organization of the other prefectures (or departments) is relatively ordinary, with subdivisions into cities, villages and towns. Hiroshima, Nara, Fukuoka, Hyōgo and Nagasaki, to name but a few, are among the prefectures most visited by international tourists.
