last edited Aug 24, 2020
Regions of Japan
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Location Map of Japan
Japan
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Hokkaido
This is the northernmost of the main islands of the archipelago. Quite different from the others, it’s a wild land with a harsh climate, featuring mountains, volcanoes, lakes, and forests teeming with a fairly rich wildlife. You’ll also find several beautiful natural parks, such as Daisetsuzan or the one on the Shiretoko Peninsula. It’s this environment and the outdoor activities that make up the region’s main tourist appeal, far ahead of the few cities, which are rather uninviting. In short, the island is primarily a nature-adventure destination.
Honshu
The largest, most populous, and most visited of Japan’s islands, Honshu is home to cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagoya, as well as numerous natural sites such as the Japanese Alps, Mount Fuji, and many national parks. Honshu is a complete destination, offering a full experience of the country (as you might imagine it), along with a rich religious heritage and plenty of outdoor activities—from beachside relaxation to winter sports, not to mention a wide range of hiking trails.
Shikoku
The island, between Honshu and Kyushu, isn’t very popular with foreign tourists. It has fewer dramatic landscapes despite its rugged terrain, fewer cities, and fewer outdoor activity options. Shikoku presents a different side of Japan. Still, it boasts several natural sites where the sea and mountains meet (Ashizuri-Uwakai Park, Sadamisaki Peninsula, etc.), as well as a significant religious heritage, notably the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a pilgrimage route that spans the entire island.
Kyushu
The southernmost of Japan’s four main islands offers a beautiful tropical natural setting, blending sea, volcanoes (including Mount Aso), and mountains. With the many smaller islands surrounding it, the region also provides lovely beaches and all kinds of water activities, and even the chance to discover places and cultures quite different from the rest of the country, such as the Ryukyu Islands, where Okinawa Archipelago remains the main attraction. Culturally, Kyushu, like the rest of Japan, has its share of castles and religious sites to explore.