Geography

Geography
Slightly smaller than California at 145,877 square miles. Japan is an archipelago between the Pacific Ocean on the east and the Sea of Japan on the west. It is separated from the Asia mainland from as little as 100 miles and as much as 500 miles. Its 4 main islands, Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, and Shikoku, make up about 90% of its land mass.1.2

Terrain and Elevation
Mostly rugged and mountainous lowest point: Hachiro-gata -4 m highest point: Fujiyama 3,776 m1.2

Climate
Varies from tropical in south to cool temperate in north1.2

Natural Resources
Negligible mineral resources, fish1.2

Land Use
Arable land: 12.13% permanent crops: 1.01% other: 86.86% (1998 est.)1.2

Natural Hazards
Many dormant and some active volcanoes; about 1,500 seismic occurrences (mostly tremors) every year; tsunamis; typhoons1.2