Here are some lesser known facts about Japan's nature:

  1. Japan has a large number of hot springs, also known as onsen. There are over 3,000 hot springs in Japan, making it one of the best places in the world for hot spring enthusiasts.

  2. Japan is home to one of the world's most extensive coral reef systems. The coral reefs, located around the Okinawa Islands in the southern part of Japan, are home to over 1,000 species of marine life.

  3. Japan has over 1,500 species of native plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Some examples include the Japanese cedar, cherry blossom, and the Japanese maple.

  4. Japan is home to the world's largest freshwater lake island, Sado Island, located in Niigata Prefecture. The island is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the endangered Japanese crested ibis.

  5. Japan has a unique forest known as the Aokigahara Forest, also called the "Sea of Trees". The forest is located at the base of Mount Fuji and is known for its dense foliage, volcanic rock formations, and eerie atmosphere.

  6. Japan is home to the world's largest bee, the Japanese giant hornet. The hornets are known for their aggressive behavior and their venomous sting, which can be lethal to humans.

  7. Japan is located on the "Ring of Fire," which is a horseshoe-shaped area around the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. This geologic activity has shaped Japan's landscape and created many of its natural wonders.

  8. Japan has more than 6,800 islands, with only about 400 of them being inhabited.

  9. Japan is home to over 30,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the country.

  10. The Japanese Macaque, or snow monkey, is the northernmost non-human primate in the world, and can be found soaking in hot springs during the winter months.

  11. Japan is home to the largest population of cormorants in the world, with about 90% of the world's population of Japanese cormorants living in Japan.

  12. The Ogasawara Islands, located about 1,000 kilometers south of Tokyo, are known as the "Galapagos of the East" due to their unique wildlife, which includes many endemic species.

  13. Japan is home to some of the world's oldest trees, including a Japanese cedar tree that is estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

  14. The largest sand dune system in Japan, Tottori Sand Dunes, covers an area of 30 square kilometers and is located in Tottori Prefecture.

  15. Japan has some of the world's most diverse and unique mushroom species, with over 10,000 species of mushrooms found in the country.

  16. Japan is home to a variety of firefly species, some of which are only found in Japan and are known for their spectacular displays during the summer months.

  17. The Kii Peninsula, located in western Japan, is home to some of the country's most ancient and sacred forests, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  18. Japan is home to numerous active volcanoes: Japan has over 100 active volcanoes, which make up approximately 10% of all the active volcanoes in the world.

  19. Japan has a rich cultural connection to nature: Japanese culture has a strong connection to nature, with a long history of traditional practices such as forest bathing, bonsai, and Ikebana (flower arrangement).