Map of Japan – Cities and Roads
Download A map of Japan that features its major cities, highways, and islands. It includes a satellite and elevation map to see its mountainous terrain and imagery throughout Japan.
Japan map collection
You are free to use our Japan map for educational and commercial uses. Attribution is required. How to attribute?
About the map
Japan is a chain of islands located in Eastern Asia in the North Pacific Ocean. There are an estimated 6,800 islands in the entire archipelago of Japan. But its 4 main islands are Honshu, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Shikoku.
First, Honshu is home to major cities like Tokyo (Japan’s capital and largest city), Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. Secondly, Kyushu is its southwesternmost main island situated near the Korean Peninsula (South Korea).
Next, Hokkaido is the northernmost main island known for its colder climate. Finally, Shikoku is the smallest of the four main islands and is separated by the Inner Sea from the rest of Japan. But some consider Okinawa as the fifth main island, which has a more tropical climate.
Japan in Google Maps
SATELLITE IMAGERY
Japan Satellite Map
Japan occupies an area of 377,975 square kilometers (145,937 sq mi), which makes it about 3.7 times larger than South Korea. Vast amounts of forests cover Japan’s mountainous landscape. Because it’s difficult to develop its rugged terrain, forests span about 68.5% of Japan mostly untouched.
Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, which is over 4 million years old. Depending on the location, the climate varies tremendously in Japan. But in general, climate transitions from tropical in the south, to cool in the north.
PHYSICAL MAP
Japan Elevation Map
The terrain in Japan is very rugged with mountain ranges spanning each of its main Islands In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 73% is mountainous. But the Kanto Plain in Honshu is the most extensive lowland area in Japan.
Because of its terrain, it holds most of Japan’s largest cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kawasaki. Nearby though, you can view its most iconic mountain and dormant volcano, Mount Fuji. At 3,776 meters (12,388 ft) in height, this is Japan’s highest peak.
POLITICAL MAP
Japan Prefecture Map
There are 47 prefectures in Japan, which serve as the first-level administration unit. While two of them are city prefectures (Osaka and Kyoto), one of them is a territory prefecture (Hokkaido). The remaining 43 are proper prefectures that can contain cities, towns, and villages.
Each prefecture in Japan has an elected governor. The central government has the main control over prefectures. But prefectures retain power with functions such as education, police, and regional planning. After prefectural divisions, the second-level administration unit is subprefectures followed by municipal divisions.
