Japan Elevation Facts
| Average elevation |
438 m (1,437 ft) |
| Highest point |
Mount Fuji: 3,776 m (12,388 ft) |
| Lowest point |
Hachirogata: 4 m (13 ft) below sea level |
| Elevation range |
3,780 m (12,402 ft) from the lowest point to the highest |
| Highest-elevation city |
Karuizawa: 938 m (3,077 ft) |
| Lowest-elevation city |
Kawasaki: 6 m (20 ft) |
The topography of Japan is characterized by a diverse range of elevations and landforms, ranging from soaring mountains to coastal plains and river valleys.
Japan is home to more than 200 volcanoes, many of which are active, and the country's mountainous terrain is the result of tectonic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most recognizable landmarks, is the country's highest mountain at 3,776 meters.
Japan's topography has a significant impact on the country's climate, with the mountains and coastal features playing important roles in determining the weather patterns.
Highest Point in Japan
The highest point in Japan is Mount Fuji, which stands at 3,776 meters and is a cultural icon of Japan. It is a popular destination for hikers and tourists, and is considered one of Japan's three holy mountains.
Lowest Point in Japan
The lowest point in Japan is Hachirogata, a lake located in Akita Prefecture that sits at an elevation of -4 meters below sea level. The lake was created in the 10th century after a massive flood, and is now a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Countries with Similar Topography to Japan
Japan is similar to other island nations like New Zealand and Iceland, characterized by rugged terrain and active geological processes.
Highest-Elevation Cities in Japan
Karuizawa is the highest-elevation city in Japan, at 938 m (3,077 ft) above sea level. The table below lists the major cities with their elevations, from highest to lowest.
| City |
Elevation |
Elevation in feet |
| Karuizawa |
938 m |
3,077 ft |
| Kyoto |
60 m |
197 ft |
| Tokyo |
40 m |
131 ft |
| Yokohama |
39 m |
128 ft |
| Saitama |
37 m |
121 ft |
| Kobe |
30 m |
98 ft |
| Nagoya |
20 m |
66 ft |
| Sapporo |
20 m |
66 ft |
| Osaka |
10 m |
33 ft |
| Fukuoka |
10 m |
33 ft |
| Kawasaki |
6 m |
20 ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point in Japan?
The highest point in Japan is Mount Fuji, at 3,776 m (12,388 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest point in Japan?
The lowest point in Japan is Hachirogata, at 4 m (13 ft) below sea level.
What is the average elevation of Japan?
The average elevation of Japan is 438 m (1,437 ft) above sea level, based on the CIA World Factbook.
What is the highest-elevation city in Japan?
Karuizawa is the highest-elevation city in Japan, at 938 m (3,077 ft) above sea level.
What is the lowest-elevation city in Japan?
Of the cities listed for Japan, Kawasaki is the lowest, at 6 m (20 ft) above sea level.
What is the elevation range in Japan?
Elevation in Japan ranges from 4 m (13 ft) below sea level at Hachirogata to 3,776 m (12,388 ft) at Mount Fuji, a difference of 3,780 m (12,402 ft).