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Japan (Nippon/Nihon, literally 'the origin of the sun' or less literally 'Land of the Rising Sun') is an island country east of the Asian continent on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. It comprises over 6,800 islands having a coastline 100 meters or longer. The largest and main islands are, from north to south, Hokkaido, Honshu (the largest island), Shikoku, and Kyushu.

Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific coast of Asia. The main islands (sometimes referred to as the Home Islands), running from north to south, are Hokkaido, Honshu (or the mainland), Shikoku, and Kyushu. Naha on Okinawa in the Ryukyu archipelago is over 600 km to the southwest of Kyushu. In addition, about 3,000 smaller islands may be counted in the full extent of the archipelago that comprises greater Japan.

Japan is the 16th most densly populated country in the world List of countries by population density. However since about 73% of the country is mountainous, with a chain running through each of the main islands, flat land is limited. The population density is exacerbated by a traditional Shinto belief that the hills were for the gods, and hence there is very little agricultural or architectural development on Japan's mountains.

Japan is situated in a volcanic zone on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Frequent low intensity earth tremors and occasional volcanic activity are felt throughout the islands. Destructive earthquakes, often resulting in tsunamis, occur several times a century. The most recent major quakes include the 2004 Chuetsu Earthquake and the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995. Hot springs are numerous and have been developed as resorts.

Travel Category: Main Travel Page » Asia » Japan

Useful travel links and resources for Japan by our editors. Find quality travel links about Japan's hotels, tours, cruises, car rentals and vacation packages in Japan.