Japan's Natural Wonders Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

Mount Fuji's last eruption occurred in December 1707, which is known as the Hoei eruption. During this event, ash and rocks were ejected from the volcano, causing significant damage to nearby areas. The eruption lasted for about two weeks, and it resulted in a new crater and a mountain of ash covering the surrounding villages. Since then, Mount Fuji has been quiet, and it is currently monitored closely by volcanologists to detect any potential activity.

The mountain has been a source of inspiration for artists and poets for centuries and has been the subject of many literary works, including haikus and woodblock prints. Mount Fuji is also considered a sacred site by some religious groups and has been a popular destination for pilgrims. Moreover, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts millions of visitors every year who come to hike its trails, view its picturesque scenery, and experience Japanese culture.

Answer: Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls is a sacred waterfall located in Japan that is revered by various religions. Shinto, a traditional Japanese religion, considers Nachi Falls as one of the three most sacred waterfalls in Japan and believes it to be the dwelling place of a kami, or a deity.

They believe that the waterfall's power can purify a person's soul and bring good fortune. On the other hand, Buddhism considers the waterfall as a symbol of enlightenment and has built temples and shrines in the area to pay homage to it. Additionally, some sects of Shugendo, a Japanese mountain religion, consider Nachi Falls as a place of spiritual training and perform rituals and ascetic practices in the surrounding mountains.

Answer: limestone

The Akiyoshidai caves in Japan are known for their unique geological formations and are made up of limestone, which affects the caves in various ways. The limestone contributes to the caves' high humidity, making them an ideal environment for the growth of various types of moss and fungi.

However, the softness of the limestone also makes the cave system fragile, and human activities, such as touching or walking on the cave formations, can damage them irreversibly. Therefore, visitors are often required to follow specific rules and procedures to protect the caves and their unique geological formations.

Answer: Naruto Strait

The Naruto whirlpools are a natural phenomenon that occur at the strait of Naruto, connecting the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. They are significant because they are one of the largest tidal whirlpools in the world, with a diameter of up to 20 meters and a speed of up to 20 kilometers per hour.

Narutomaki, or Naruto fish cake, is a popular food in Japan that is derived from the Naruto whirlpools. It is named after the whirlpools because its shape resembles the spiraling motion of the whirlpools, and it is made by wrapping fish paste around a bamboo stick and steaming it. The resulting spiral-shaped fish cake is then sliced and served as a topping in ramen or as a snack on its own.

Answer: mangrove

Iriomote Island, which is located in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, is home to a unique ecosystem of mangrove trees. The island has the largest area of mangrove forests in Japan, with over 10,000 hectares of mangroves covering its coastline. These trees play a vital role in the island's ecosystem by protecting its shorelines from erosion, filtering pollutants, and providing habitats for a diverse range of animals.

The mangrove forests of Iriomote Island are also a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to explore the forests by boat, kayak, or on foot along the boardwalks that wind through the trees.

Answer: onsen

Hot springs, or onsen, are a popular attraction in Japan due to the country's volcanic activity. There are thousands of hot springs located throughout Japan, with many of them being used for relaxation, health benefits, and even as natural sources of heating. One famous example of hot springs in Japan is the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques have been observed soaking in the warm waters of the hot springs during the winter months.

The macaques, also known as snow monkeys, have become a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to watch them relax and socialize in the steaming waters.

Answer: gorge

Takachiho Gorge is a popular destination for tourists who come to admire its natural beauty, and it is also a site of cultural significance in Japan. According to legend, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave in Takachiho Gorge, causing darkness to fall upon the world.

In order to coax her out of hiding, the other gods performed a dance that became the basis for Japan's traditional Kagura dance. Today, visitors can watch Kagura performances at the Takachiho Shrine located near the gorge, adding a cultural dimension to their visit.

Answer: Tottori

The Tottori Sand Dunes were formed by sediment carried by the Sendai River and deposited by ocean currents, creating a desert-like landscape in the middle of Japan. The dunes are a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the dunes by foot, sandboarding, or even riding camels.

Answer: jellyfish

Kabira Bay is a picturesque bay located on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The bay is known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and stunning views of surrounding mountains. The bay is a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy glass-bottom boat rides.

However, the area is also known for its dangerous jellyfish. The box jellyfish, in particular, is commonly found in Kabira Bay, and its venomous sting can be fatal.

Answer: False

Senjogahara Marshland is a highland marshland located in the Nikko National Park of Japan. The marshland covers an area of approximately 400 hectares and is known for its unique flora and fauna. The marshland is home to a variety of plant species, including cotton grass, bog bilberry, and alpine azaleas.

Due to its high elevation and cooler temperatures, the marshland is not a suitable habitat for cherry blossom trees, which prefer warmer temperatures and lower elevations. Although cherry blossom trees do not grow in Senjogahara Marshland, the area is still a popular destination for visitors who come to admire the landscape and unique plant life. Visitors can explore the marshland via a network of hiking trails and boardwalks.