|
Below is a short list of some of the most
popular plants found in Japan:
Japan, like Washington, D.C., is famous for
its cherry blossoms.
|
 |
Sakura (Cherry)
The cherry blossom is Japan's
unofficial national flower and symbol. Please check out
the
cherry blossom page for more details. |
|
 |
Ume (Japanese Plum)
Blooming several weeks ahead of the
cherry blossoms, plum blossoms are an early sign of
spring. Please check out the
plum page for more details. |
|
 |
Momiji (Japanese Maple)
The Japanese maple is the king of
spectacular
autumn colors. It is widely used as a decorative
tree in
gardens. |
|
 |
Matsu (Pine)
Green throughout the year, the pine
tree symbolizes youth and longevity and is used as
decorative plant in most
Japanese gardens. Pine trees are also very popular
for
bonsai. |
|
 |
Take (Bamboo)
Few plants are used in as many ways as
bamboo. The quickly growing evergreen has been used in
construction and various
arts and crafts for many centuries. Not at last,
bamboo shoots (takenoko) are a very popular spring
delicacy. |
Below is a
short list of some of the most popular animals
found in Japan:
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 Japanese animals include the crane,
the Japanese deer, the fox (kitsune), and the raccoon dog (tanuki).
Japanese monkeys |
Tokyo crow |
Japanese deer |
|