The archipelago runs in an arc from north to south, stretching 3,800 km. A chain of mountains extends along the middle of the long, narrow archipelago, dividing it into two sides, one facing the Pacific and the other the Sea of Japan. In general, the rivers are short and swift-flowing. The archipelago is washed by the warm Japan and Tsushima currents and the cold Kurile current.
Japan abounds in volcanoes, including about one tenth of the world's active ones.
Mount Fuji, the country's highest peak, is a dormant volcano. The general climate, except for part of Hokkaido in the north and some of the southernmost islands, is temperate with seasonal winds. Rainfall is abundant, ranging from 1,000 - 3,000 millimeters annually. AsianInfo.org - All Rights Reserved.