The country at a glance
Japan is characterized by its rugged terrain. Three-quarters of the country has slopes in excess of 15%. Mount Fuji peaks at 3,776 meters, and 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, numerous earthquakes (5,000 a year) and active volcanism. Out of 111 volcanoes, around twenty have erupted since the beginning of the 20th century. These volcanoes enable visitors to enjoy the famous onsen all year round.
The plains cover 16% of the country. The Sendai plain in Tōhoku is one of the country's most fertile, especially for rice. The valleys cleared by the mountainous axes have seen irregular rivers come together.
Japan has 33,000 km of coastline. The Sea of Japan coasts are low and sometimes marshy. The Pacific coasts are jagged and cliff-lined, with deep bays. The Sanriku coast in Tōhoku is a spectacular example of this rugged coastline, with its narrow coves and jagged relief. 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. The many lakes, on the other hand, are allies for kayakers, paddleboarders and sailors (Lake Biwa being the most popular). Tōhoku boasts several remarkable lakes, including Lake Towada, Lake Tazawa and Lake Inawashiro, renowned for their scenery and the purity of their waters.
National parks
Outside the cities, Japan is a very green country. There are 35 national parks in Japan(Kokuritsu kōen). There are also 57 "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! Japan's first national parks were created in 1934 and cover a wide range of environments. Tōhoku boasts several of great beauty, such as Towada-Hachimantai National Park or Rikuchū Kaigan (Sanriku Fukkō), which protect spectacular landscapes and remarkable biodiversity.
The Japan subdivision
The archipelago is made up of 47 administrative districts that are often referred to as prefectures or departments, as the translation of the Nipponese word todōfuken can be confusing. This subdivision of the country has a few specific features, such as Tōkyō, the capital, which is considered a metropolis with 23 special districts. Other exceptions include Hokkaidō, Osaka and Kyōto. The organization of the other prefectures is relatively ordinary, with subdivisions into towns, villages and boroughs. Tōhoku comprises six prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata and Fukushima. But although Niigata is not officially part of Tōhoku, its geographical proximity, comparable landscapes and cultural links with the region fully justify its place in this guide. And even if the region is still little known to foreign visitors, especially on a first trip, its natural, cultural and spa heritage makes it an increasingly popular region.
