Most people don’t realize it, but Japan is actually considered an Island country, made up of 6,852 islands that border the Pacific Coast in East Asia. Because of it’s neighboring location to the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, as well as some of Asia’s most prominent countries, like China and Korea, Japan is truly a world of wonder when it comes to natural beauty. It is often called the ‘Land of the Rising Sun,’ and because of its island-like properties, it’s no wonder why so many people make the journey to this Asian treasure every year to spend time, and see so much natural beauty.

There are four main islands that make up the area of Japan: Hokkaido, Shikoku, Honshu, and Kyushu. These islands are typically referred to as the Japanese Archipelago, and each island has something slightly different to offer. There are so many different natural aspects to Japan, it would be impossible to visit them all in a short trip, but if you’re able to stay in the country awhile, you can see everything from mountain ranges to deep forests, and everything in between.

Because a majority of Japan is made up of these mountainous or forested areas, much of the land can’t be used for agricultural, or industrial purposes. That’s why coastal areas that are actually suitable for such things are so densely-populated, and why major Japanese cities have a reputation of being ‘busy.’ These dense populations in habitable areas make Japan one of the most closely-populated countries in the entire world.

Japan is a land of volcanoes, which not only helped contribute to the formation of the country itself, thanks to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire, but also helps to draw in even more tourism year after year. In the 20th century alone, new volcanoes emerged, adding to the lengthy list of active volcanoes already showing up in the country. As of now, Japan holds claim to 108 volcanoes that are currently active and visible at different parts of the country.

But, for as beautiful as Japan’s landscapes can be, they can be dangerous at times, too. Because of its location, and the constant movement of plates below the ocean, Japan is at risk more often than not for things like tsunamis and damaging earthquakes, which can occur several times throughout a century. The largest earthquake the country has ever experienced was in 1923, when over 140,000 people lost their lives in the devastation. The quakes themselves can trigger tsunamis, giving Japan the title of having the highest rate of natural disasters in the world.

However, despite the risks for disasters like these, it clearly hasn’t turned off the population of the country, or the popularity of tourists coming to see the natural beauty that surrounds Japan. From volcanoes and forests, to busy populations and wide mountain ranges, this popular Asian country truly has something for everyone to enjoy when it comes to natural landscapes, and endless beauty.

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