Japan is a bow-shaped archipelago lying to the east of the Asian Continent. The local self-governing bodies of Japan consist of prefectures and municipalities. Osaka Prefecture, located at the approximate center of Japan, is divided into 33 cities, 10 towns, and 1 village. Geographically Osaka extends from north to south, with a slight curve, open toward Osaka Bay on the west and surrounded by mountains on the other three sides. The weather is generally mild, with four distinct seasons.