- Mountains: Japan is a mountainous country with over 60% of its land area covered by mountains. The Northern Japanese Alps, the Akaishi Mountains, and the Chichibu Mountains are some of the most famous mountain ranges.
- Volcanoes: There are over 110 active volcanoes in Japan. Mount Fuji, located on the island of Honshu, is the highest mountain in Japan and is considered to be a sacred site. Other well-known volcanoes include Mount Asama, Mount Sakurajima, and Mount Unzen.
- Rivers: Japan has many large rivers, including the Shinano River, the Tone River, and the Yoshino River. These rivers are important for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation.
- Lakes: Japan has many lakes, including Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Other well-known lakes include Lake Towada, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Shikotsu.
- Hot springs: Japan is known for its many hot springs, which are popular tourist destinations. Some of the most famous hot springs include Hakone, Beppu, and Kusatsu.
- Wildlife: The diverse landscapes of Japan support a wide variety of wildlife species. Some of the most well-known species include the Japanese macaque, the red-crowned crane, the giant salamander, and the Asian black bear.
Built-in features
- Castles: Japan has many castles, which are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Some of the most famous castles include Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Osaka Castle.
- Temples and Shrines: Japan is known for its many temples and shrines, which are important religious and cultural sites. Some of the most famous temples and shrines include the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the Meiji Shrine.
- Gardens: Japan is known for its beautiful gardens, which are designed to create a harmonious and peaceful environment. Some of the most famous gardens include the Kenroku-en Garden, the Korakuen Garden, and the Rikugien Garden.
- Traditional Architecture: Japan has many examples of traditional architecture, which is characterized by its use of natural materials and simple, elegant designs. Some of the most famous examples of traditional architecture include the tea houses, the samurai residences, and the merchant houses.
- Modern Architecture: Japan is also known for its modern architecture, which is often characterized by its innovative and futuristic designs. Some of the most famous examples of modern architecture include the Tokyo Tower, the Shinjuku Golden Gai, and the Roppongi Hills.