A protected species in Japan, this rare crane breeds only in Siberia and Hokkaido. The flora of Japan is marked by a large variety of species. Some 1,600 angiosperms and gymnosperms are indigenous to Japan. The most remarkable climatic features are the wide range of temperatures and significant rainfall, both of which make for a rich abundance of flora. Foliage changes color from season to season.
Pines often make splendid scenery.
The most notable scenic spot is Amanohashidate, in Kyoto Prefecture, with more than 6,000 pine trees forming lines on the sandbar. Large pines trees, which grow to a maximum height of about 40 meters, also serve as a windbreak in coastal areas. Small pines are used as bonsai , garden trees, and materials for houses and furniture. Pines are also considered to be holy trees. People in the olden days were awed by nature and saw in plants and trees symbols of divine spirits.