Keyword Search:

NATURE

GEOGRAPHY PHOTO GALLERY Japanese nature Environment Cherry Blossoms Japanese Gardens Ikebana Bonsai Shinto

Less than ten percent of Japan is actual residential area, and about three fourths of the country are not arable. Mountains, hills and forests cover great parts of Japan. This is a fact that is not well known by foreigners who often only get to know the heavily populated plains (Kanto around Tokyo, Kinai around Osaka, Nobi around Nagoya). The Japanese people and their traditional religion Shinto are deeply connected to nature even though much nature has been destroyed by the growing cities and the industries. Due to the large range of geographical latitudes from Northern Hokkaido to Okinawa in the South, a big variety of flora and fauna can be found in Japan. Certain trees and plants have always been especially important to the Japanese: Cherry Tree (Sakura): The cherry trees and their blossoms are of such importance that we created a special page for them. Pine Tree, Bamboo, Plum Tree: The pine tree stays green during the whole year and, therefore, symbolizes youth and longevity. It can be found in many Japanese gardens and is the most popular tree for Bonsai. Bamboo grows very fast and is also an evergreen. Bamboo wood is used for various handicrafts and constructions. Young bamboo plants are also eaten. The plum tree carries beautiful blossoms in the spring. The three trees are commonly used for naming three items like, for example, three different dishes of sushi: pine for the deluxe version, bamboo for the medium dish, and plum tree for the small portion. Camellia: Japanese camellia bloom in the winter. Pine Tree and Camellia Bamboo The Japanese fauna varies from brown bears in Hokkaido to tropical snakes in Okinawa. Japanese monkeys live throughout the country except in Hokkaido. Other famous animals are the Japanese deer, the Japanese fox (Kitsune), and the Japanese raccoon dog (Tanuki). Japanese deer

NATURE Racoon dogs in Japanese culture (Racoon dogs, degus and chincilla's index pages) About the Japanese raccoon dog (Tanuki). Yakushima Monkey (Menu for Natural Places in Japan) About the Yakushima monkeys. National Parks in Japan (Taka's Home Page) A list and information of national parks in Japan. What sort of animals live in the wild? (Kids Web Japan) General information about the most famous Japanese animals. What are the typical plants of Japan? (Kids Web Japan) General information about the most famous Japanese plants. Images of Japanese plants (Ito Hiroki Home Page) Long list of plants. Many with images.

November 11, 1997 In Deutsch

all copyrights by Schauwecker's Guide to Japan