Geography and Nature
Where is Japan located?
Japan is located in East Asia and is an island country comprising a stratovolcanic archipelago that extends along the Pacific coast of Asia. It is situated to the east of the Sea of Japan, East China Sea, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Russia, stretching from the Okinawa Trench in the south to the Kuril Trench in the north.
What is the highest mountain in Japan?
Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 feet).
How many islands make up Japan?
Around 6,850 islands, though the number varies depending on how they are counted.
What is the name of the iconic bullet train in Japan?
Shinkansen, meaning "new trunk line".
What is the name of the active volcano that famously erupts causing cherry blossom showers?
Mount Aso.
Which famous garden in Kyoto is known for its moss and stone landscape?
Ryoanji Temple.
Culture and History
What is the national flower of Japan?
Sakura, the cherry blossom.
What is the traditional Japanese garment worn for formal occasions?
Kimono, a full-length robe with wide sleeves.
What is the ancient Japanese martial art known for its throws and grappling?
Judo.
What is the name of the Japanese religion based on the Shinto gods and spirits?
Shintoism.
What is the traditional form of Japanese tea ceremony called?
Chanoyu, meaning "the way of tea".
Food and Entertainment
What is the national dish of Japan?
Sushi, vinegared rice topped with seafood or vegetables.
What is the fermented soybean paste used in many Japanese dishes?
Miso.
What is the noodle dish made from buckwheat flour often served cold?
Soba.
What is the popular cartoon and manga industry in Japan called?
Anime and Manga.
What is the traditional form of Japanese theatre known for its stylized makeup and costumes?
Kabuki.
Fun Facts
What is the name of the crossing in Shibuya known for its massive crowds?
Shibuya Crossing.
What is the Japanese island known for its numerous cats?
Aoshima Island, also called Cat Island.
What is the name of the world's oldest vending machine, located in Tokyo?
The Mitsuya Cider machine, installed in 1923.
What is the unique custom in Japan of bowing as a greeting and apology?
Ojigi, a deep bow that signifies respect.
What is the Japanese phrase for "thank you"?
Arigatou.
Intermediate Level
What was the name of the warrior class that ruled Japan during the feudal era?
Samurai.
What is the Japanese system of writing that uses ideograms?
Kanji.
What is the traditional form of Japanese housing known for its sliding paper walls and tatami mats?
Washitsu.
What is the name of the Japanese art of flower arrangement?
Ikebana.
What is the Japanese festival with giant floats and street parades held in summer?
Gion Matsuri.
Advanced Level
What was the name of the period of Japanese isolation from the outside world (1603-1868)?
The Edo period.
What is the name of the Japanese economic model that thrived in the post-war era?
The Japanese Miracle.
What is the name of the Japanese emperor who reigned during World War II?
Emperor Hirohito.
What is the name of the Japanese anime genre that features giant robots?
Mecha.
What is the name of the Japanese religious practice of committing suicide by crashing a plane into an enemy target?
Kamikaze.