Maps of Japan

Maps of Japan

Japan is an island country located off the eastern coast of Asia, consisting of a great string of islands that stretch in a northeast-southwest arc for approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 km) through the western North Pacific Ocean. The country is characterized by its rugged landscape, with over four-fifths of its land area being mountainous. The Japanese Alps run down the center of Honshu, which is the largest island. Japan has numerous active and dormant volcanoes, including Mount Fuji (Fuji-san), which stands as the highest peak at an elevation of 12,388 feet (3,776 meters). The geography also features many rivers and lakes, contributing to a diverse ecosystem.

Population

As of 2024, Japan’s estimated population is approximately 123.95 million people. The population density is notably high due to the limited land area available for habitation; it stands at about 849.4 persons per square mile (327.9 persons per square kilometer). A significant portion of the population is concentrated in urban areas along the Pacific coast of Honshu, particularly in metropolitan regions such as Tokyo, which is one of the world’s most populous cities. Urbanization has led to about 91.6% of the population living in urban areas as of 2018.

Land Area

Japan covers a total area of approximately 377,969 square kilometers (145,934 square miles). This includes both its main islands and numerous smaller islands that contribute to its geographical diversity. Despite its relatively small size compared to other countries, Japan’s complex topography and extensive coastline provide a rich variety of landscapes and habitats.

Main Islands

Japan consists primarily of four main islands:

1. Honshu: The largest island and the political and economic center of Japan. It hosts major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
2. Hokkaido: Located to the north of Honshu, Hokkaido is known for its natural beauty and colder climate compared to other regions.
3. Kyushu: Situated to the southwest of Honshu, Kyushu is known for its volcanic activity and hot springs.
4. Shikoku: The smallest of the four main islands lies between Honshu and Kyushu and is famous for its pilgrimage routes.

In addition to these main islands, Japan has nearly 4,000 smaller islands that contribute to its geographical complexity.

Map – 47 Prefectures of Japan

Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, each functioning as an administrative region. These prefectures are categorized into eight regions, and each has its own unique culture, history, and attractions. Below is a closer look at Japan’s prefectures.

List of Prefectures by Region

Hokkaido Region

• Hokkaido

Tohoku Region

• Aomori
• Iwate
• Miyagi
• Akita
• Yamagata
• Fukushima

Kanto Region

• Tokyo
• Kanagawa
• Chiba
• Saitama
• Gunma
• Ibaraki
• Tochigi

Chubu Region

• Niigata
• Toyama
• Ishikawa
• Fukui
• Yamanashi
• Nagano
• Gifu
• Shizuoka
• Aichi

Kinki (Kansai) Region

• Mie
• Shiga
• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Hyogo
• Nara
• Wakayama

Chugoku Region

• Tottori
• Shimane
• Okayama
• Hiroshima
• Yamaguchi

Shikoku Region

• Tokushima
• Kagawa
• Ehime
• Kochi

Kyushu Region

• Fukuoka
• Saga
• Nagasaki
• Kumamoto
• Oita
• Miyazaki
• Kagoshima