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C H A P T E R

JAPAN’S GEOGRAPHY & LANDSCAPE

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“Nihon e yōkoso” in Nihongo —the Japanese language—or in other words, “Welcome to Japan!” This is the home of a beautiful indigenous culture that has retained its traditions while modernizing and industrializing the nation. After three decades of growth, Japan had a minor economic slowdown in the 1990s, but it remains a popular tourist destination and major economic power in today’s world. With popular locations to visit—such as the local onsens and Mt. Fuji—it is a tourist destination not to miss out on.

Geography Japan’s Neighbors

Japan is located in Eastern Asia, and it is an island chain. As such, it has no direct neighbors on its borders, but it is close to Russia, China, North Korea, and South Korea. The island chain rests between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. It also is within close range of the Korean peninsula . The Climate Japan’s climate ranges from cool and temperate in the north to tropical in the south. Japan has four distinct seasons, but they range significantly from north to south. While the north may have colder temperatures year-round, the south is more of a

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