The country in brief
Japan's rugged topography is the result of the meeting of the Pacific crust and the Asian plate several million years ago. Three-quarters of the country has slopes in excess of 15%. Mount Fuji peaks at 3,776 metres. In the Japanese Alps, some thirty peaks exceed 3,000 meters. The country's youthful topography is reflected in the acute shape of its heights, its numerous earthquakes (5,000 a year) and its active volcanism. Out of 265 volcanoes, around twenty have erupted since the beginning of the 20th century. All these volcanoes, scattered across the archipelago, enable locals and travellers alike to enjoy the famous onsen, the Japanese thermal baths whose water comes from volcanic springs, all year round. These waters are renowned for their therapeutic properties (often described in detail in the ryokan concerned or on adjacent information boards). The plains cover 16% of the territory and are made up of alluvial deposits. The largest 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 come together, which terraces covered in volcanic ash and silt girdle.
Japan has a considerable 33,000 km of coastline. The Sea of Japan coasts are low-lying and sometimes marshy. The Pacific coasts are jagged and cliff-lined, with deep bays. The fight against tsunamis (tidal waves) has largely contributed to the concreting of the coastline. Given the landscape and the omnipresent relief, the archipelago's rivers are all too rarely the playground of outdoor activities, due to steep, steep and often dangerous waterways. Of course, there are exceptions, and visitors would be wrong not to take advantage of them. The country's many lakes, on the other hand, are a great ally for kayakers, paddleboarders and sailing enthusiasts (Lake Biwa is a prime example).
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.
