Different Regions of Japan and the Highlights of Each
Table of Contents
- 1. Hokkaido
- 2. Tohoku (Aomori, Yamagata, Akita, Miyagi, Iwate, Fukushima)
- 3. Kanto (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Ibaraki)
- 4. Chubu (Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata, Ishikawa, Fukui, Toyama)
- 5. Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Shiga, Nara, Hyogo, Wakayama)
- 6. Shikoku (Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi, Tokushima)
- 7. Chugoku (Tottori, Shimane, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama)
- 8. Kyushu (Fukuoka, Oita, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Saga)
- 9. Okinawa
When it comes to the topic of Japan, your mind probably jumps to the concrete jungle of Tokyo or the austere ambience of Kyoto — places that tourists are most likely to frequent. However, for a “small” island in the Pacific, Japan is rather multifaceted, comprised of several distinct regions that each boast unique highlights and charm. Let’s dive into the different regions of Japan and discover what makes each one stand out.
Beginning from the top, Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. It transforms into a snowy wonderland in winter, perfect for skiing and snowboarding at its many resorts.
Hokkaido’s biggest city, Sapporo, offers a mix of urban excitement and traditional culture and is famous for hosting the Sapporo Snow Festival every winter.
During summer, when the snow melts away, the slopes transform into vibrant flower fields that will take your breath away, including the lavender fields in Furano. Shiretoko is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts; it is registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Find out more about Hokkaido
Guides to Hokkaido
● Top 10 Must-Sees in Hokkaido
● 24 Hours in Sapporo: Everything You Need to Know
● Getting from Tokyo to Hokkaido
Guides to onsen in Hokkaido
● Five Must-visit Onsen in Hokkaido
● Complete Guide to Jozankei Onsen: What to Do and Where to Stay
● A Guide to Noboribetsu Onsen
Seasonal attractions in Hokkaido
● Best Places to see Cherry Blossom in Hokkaido
● Must-visit Lavender Fields in Hokkaido
● Top 10 Snow Destinations in Hokkaido
Ski resorts in Hokkaido
● A Guide to Niseko Ski Resort
● A Guide to Furano Ski Resort
Festivals and events in Hokkaido
● Everything You Need to Know About Sapporo Snow Festival
● Everything You Need to Know about Asahikawa Winter Festival
● Everything You Need to Know about Otaru Snow Light Path Festival
● Ultimate Guide to Yosakoi Soran Festival
Where to stay in Hokkaido
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo provides a luxurious stay with breathtaking views of Sapporo. The hotel features elegant rooms, a relaxing hot spring bath, and easy access to the city’s major transportation hub, which connects you to the rest of Hokkaido.
Other accommodations in Hokkaido
● 10 Best Luxury Hotels and Ryokans in Hokkaido
● 10 Best-selling Hotels and Ryokans in Sapporo
● 5 Hotels Near Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport
● Best Hotels in Niseko
Tohoku is located under Hokkaido in the northern part of Honshu, which is considered Japan's main island. Prefectures in this region are Aomori, Yamagata, Akita, Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima.
Tohoku is known for its scenic beauty and historic sites. Ginzan Onsen, one of the more picturesque hot spring towns in the winter, is located in this region.
The region boasts attractions like Hirosaki Castle, famed for its cherry blossoms, and the preserved samurai district in Kakunodate.
One of the largest cities, Sendai, is home to the lively Tanabata Festival every August, as well as Akiu Onsen.
Other attractions, such as the natural wonders of Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge offer breathtaking views. Tohoku is also famous for its hearty regional cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional stews.
Find out more about Tohoku
Guides to Tohoku
● A Guide to Michinoku Coastal Trail: Japan's Newest Hiking Destination
● What You Need to Know About Morioka
Guides to onsen in Tohoku
Ski resorts in Tohoku
● A Guide to Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Festivals and events in Tohoku
● Ultimate Guide to Sendai Tanabata Matsuri: Dates, Highlights, and More!
● Ultimate Guide to Aomori Nebuta Matsuri: Dates, Highlights, and More!
Where to stay in Tohoku
The Westin Sendai
The Westin Sendai provides luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the city and mountains. Its central location makes it easy to explore Sendai, its surroundings, and the greater Tohoku region.
Other accommodations in Tohoku
Moving further south, we arrive at the Kanto region. This region includes Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama (collectively known as the Metropolitan Area), as well as Gunma, Ibaraki, and Tochigi (sometimes referred as Northern Kanto).
This region is anchored by Japan’s political and economic center, the bustling capital city of Tokyo. Beyond Tokyo’s skyscrapers and neon lights, you can explore the historic town of Nikko, home to ornate temples and shrines. Nikko is also a popular destination in autumn for its amazing fall foliage.
The coastal city of Yokohama offers a cosmopolitan vibe with its vibrant Chinatown and beautiful waterfront districts. For a more tranquil escape, the hot springs of Hakone provide a place to relax with stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Find out more about Kanto
Guides to Kanto
● Tokyo: Top 10 Must-Sees
● Tokyo: 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary (For First Timers)
● Tokyo: A Guide to Tokyo's Key Neighborhoods
● Kanagawa: Day Trip in Kamakura
● Kanagawa: Enoshima Island Day Trip Itinerary
● Kanagawa: Best Things to Do in Yokohama
● Kanagawa: Top Five Yokohama Neighborhoods
● Tochigi: What to see and where to stay in Nikko
● Ibaraki: All About Hitachi Seaside Park
Guides to onsen in Kanto
● Kanagawa: Why You Must Visit Hakone in Japan
● Kanagawa: 24 Hours in Hakone
● Gunma: A Guide to Kusatsu Onsen
● Tochigi: What to Do and Where to Stay in Kinugawa Onsen
● Must-visit Onsen Towns Near Tokyo
Seasonal attractions in Kanto
● Tokyo: Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
● Tokyo: Where to See Autumn Leaves
Festivals and events in Kanto
● Saitama: Guide to Chichibu Shibazakura Festival
● Chiba: All About Sakura Tulip Festa
● Tokyo: Guide to Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival
● Tokyo: Guide to Tokyo Rainbow Pride
● Tokyo: Guide to Sanja Matsuri
● Tokyo: Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Where to stay in Kanto
Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Imperial Hotel Tokyo combines timeless elegance with modern luxury. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it offers impeccable service, beautifully designed rooms, and a rich history of having hosted many of the world's most important statesmen. The hotel features multiple dining options, a serene garden, and easy access to Tokyo’s major attractions, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
Chubu, located in central Honshu, is home to the iconic Mount Fuji. And although this majestic mountain is the main draw, it’s not the only marvel this region offers.
This region can also be broken down to smaller groups: Tokai (Shizuoka, Aichi, Gifu, *Mie), Koshin-etsu, (Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata), and Hokuriku (Ishikawa, Fukui, Toyama), and some of the country’s most popular ski destinations are in this region. From the hiking trails of Nakasendo to exploring the historic towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do that make the Chubu region truly special.
*Mie is also often included in the Kansai region
It is in Chubu that the city of Kanazawa sits, known for its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, as well as Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most stunning landscapes.
Finally, Nagoya, one of Chubu’s largest cities and a major industrial hub, is also a must-visit, with various attractions like the impressive Nagoya Castle.
Find out more about Chubu
Guides to Chubu
● Shizuoka, Yamanashi: All You Need to Know About Visiting Mount Fuji
● Yamanishi: Fuji-Q Highland: Rides, Tickets, and How to Get There
● Shizuoka: Izu Guide: A Beach and Hot Spring Escape Near Tokyo
● Aichi: 24 Hours in Nagoya: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
● Nagano: 24 Hours in Matsumoto City: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
● Gifu: Shirakawa-go: A Village Frozen in Time
Guides to onsen in Chubu
● Shizuoka: Guide to Atami Onsen
Seasonal attractions in Chubu
● Toyama, Nagano: Guide to Yuki no Otani (Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route)
Ski resorts in Chubu
● Nagano: Guide to Hakuba Ski Resort
● Niigata: Guide to Myoko Kogen
● Niigata: Guide to Naeba Ski Resort
Festivals and events in Chubu
● Yamanashi: Guide to Fuji Shibazakura Festival
● Niigata: Guide to Fuji Rock Festival
● Shizuoka: Guide to Hamamatsu Festival
● Gifu: Guide to Takayama Festival
Where to stay in Chubu
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort offers luxurious rooms with breathtaking views of the historic city of Takayama and greater Gifu. Its central location makes traveling around Chubu a breeze, and the hotel’s open-air hot spring baths and mountain views provide the perfect way to relax after a day of exploration.
Kyoto is famous for its exquisite temples, such as the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousand red torii gates.
Osaka is known best for its vibrant street food scene and offers modern attractions and world-class shopping alongside historic sites like Osaka Castle.
The region also includes the serene city of Kobe, the beautiful Lake Biwa, and the sacred Mount Koya.
Find out more about Kansai
Guides to Kansai
● Kyoto: Top 10 Must-Sees in Kyoto
● Kyoto: A Guide to Kyoto's Key Neighborhoods
● Osaka: Top 10 Must-Sees in Osaka
● Nara: A Day Trip to Nara, Japan’s Other Ancient Capital
● Hyogo: 24 Hours in Kobe: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
● Wakayama: Guide to Japan’s Mt. Koya
● Wakayama, Nara, Mie: Guide to the Kumano Kodo
Guides to onsen in Kansai
● Kyoto: Four Relaxing Kyoto Hotels with Onsen
● Kyoto: Hotels in Kyoto with Private Onsen
● Hyogo: Guide to Arima Onsen
● Hyogo: Guide to Kinosaki Onsen
Seasonal attractions in Kansai
● Kyoto: Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Kyoto
● Kyoto: Where to See Autumn Leaves in Kyoto
● Osaka: A Guide to Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Osaka
● Nara: Explore and Stay in Yoshino, a Must-visit Cherry Blossom-viewing Destination
Festivals and events in Kansai
● Kyoto: Guide to Gion Matsuri
● Kyoto: Guide to Miyako Odori
● Kyoto: Guide to Aoi Matsuri
● Osaka: Guide to Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri
Where to stay in Kansai
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto offers direct access to Kyoto Station, making it an ideal base for exploring the city and commuting to nearby Osaka, Nara, or Kobe via Japan's efficient high-speed rail system. The hotel also features elegant rooms and a range of delicious dining options.
Other accommodations in Kansai
● Kyoto: Best Ryokans in Kyoto
● Osaka: Where to Stay in Osaka: The Ultimate Guide
● Osaka: Best Ryokans in Osaka
● Osaka: Six Luxury Hotels in Osaka
● Osaka: Best-selling Hotels in Osaka
Shikoku, Japan’s smallest main island consisting of Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi, and Tokushima, is often overlooked but offers rich cultural experiences and natural beauty. It is renowned for the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a spiritual journey through Buddhist temples. The island features stunning landscapes like the Naruto Whirlpools and Iya Valley, known for its amazing vine bridges and jaw-dropping gorges.
Matsuyama, one of the largest cities of the Shikoku region, is famous for Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most reputable hot spring bath houses.
Find out more about Shikoku
Guides to Shikoku
● Shikoku: Where To Go With the JR All Shikoku Rail Pass
Guides to onsen in Shikoku
● Ehime: Visit the Spirited Away Bathhouse For Real: 3 Onsen That Inspired The Movie
Festivals and events in Shikoku
Where to stay in Shikoku
Dogo Onsen Funaya
The oldest inn in Matsuyama, visited by some of the greatest poets and authors throughout Japanese history, Dogo Onsen Funaya provides traditional Japanese hospitality without compromising on modern comforts. Guests can enjoy the historic onsen and easily explore the cultural sites of Matsuyama.
Other accommodations in Shikoku
Chugoku, located in western Honshu, is divided into two subregions: San’in (Tottori, Shimane) and San’yo (Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama). The San’yo subregion includes Hiroshima, known for Peace Memorial Park, and the iconic floating torii gate on Miyajima Island.
The San’in subregion offers a more rural experience with attractions like the Tottori Sand Dunes and the historic Izumo Taisha Shrine. The region is also home to Okayama, known for Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.
Find out more about Chugoku
Guides to Chugoku
● Hiroshima: A Guide to Hiroshima, the City of Peace
● Yamaguchi: What You Need to Know About Yamaguchi City
Festivals and events in Chugoku
Where to stay in Chugoku
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima offers modern accommodation with stunning views of Hiroshima. Located near Hiroshima Castle and Peace Memorial Park, the hotel features elegant rooms, a variety of dining options, and excellent amenities, including a spa and fitness center, making it an ideal base for exploring the city and the greater Chugoku region.
Other accommodations in Chugoku
Kyushu, the most southwestern of Japan’s four main islands, is a land of active volcanoes, hot springs, and rich history. This region includes Fukuoka, Oita, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Kumamoto, and Saga.
Its main city of Fukuoka is famous for its lively festivals and delicious ramen noodles. Nagasaki, with its unique blend of Japanese and western cultures, offers historical sites like the Atomic Bomb Museum and Glover Garden.
Beppu, renowned for its hot springs, features the iconic “Hells of Beppu”, a collection of stunning and unique geothermal hot springs that sport a variety of vibrant colors.
Find out more about Kyushu
Guides to Kyushu
● Kyushu: JR Kyushu Pass Itinerary
● Kyushu: 5 Day Kyushu Itinerary
● Kyushu: Top 10 Destinations in Kyushu
● Fukuoka: 6 Reasons Why Fukuoka Should be Your Next Japan Destination
● Kagoshima: Guide to the Breathtaking Amami Oshima: Nature and Coral Reefs
Guides to onsen in Kyushu
● Kyushu: Five Must-visit Hot Spring Towns in Kyushu
● Oita: Guide to Yufuin Onsen
● Oita: Must-visit Hot Spring Facilities in Beppu
● Kumamoto: Guide to Kurokawa Onsen
Festivals and events in Kyushu
● Fukuoka: Guide to Hakata Gion Yamakasa
● Nagasaki: Guide to Nagasaki Lantern Festival
Where to stay in Kyushu
Hotel Nikko Fukuoka
Hotel Nikko Fukuoka offers luxurious accommodations with convenient access to Fukuoka’s shopping and entertainment districts. The hotel provides a range of amenities and restaurants to ensure a comfortable stay.
Other accommodations in Kyushu
● Fukuoka: Best Luxury Hotels in Fukuoka
● Best-selling Hotels in Fukuoka
● Kumamoto: Best Luxury Hotels and Ryokans in Kumamoto
Last but not least is Okinawa, Japan’s tropical paradise. This region is known for its beautiful beaches and distinct island culture. Once the domain of the independent Ryukyu Kingdom, Okinawa retains a unique heritage seen in its music, dance, and crafts.
Okinawa’s main island offers attractions like Shuri Castle and the vibrant city of Naha. The surrounding islands, such as Miyakojima and Ishigaki, boast crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Find out more about Okinawa
Guides to Okinawa
● Okinawa 3-Day Itinerary For First-Timers
● 5 Day Okinawa Itinerary
Where to stay in Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa
Halekulani Okinawa offers a luxurious beachfront experience with exquisite ocean views. The resort features elegant rooms, swimming pools, multiple dining options, and a world-class spa. In addition, the hotel can arrange a variety of exciting outdoor activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, and even adventurous day trips to various secluded spots.
Other accommodations in Okinawa
● 3 Best Hotels for Long Stays in Okinawa
● Okinawa’s 8 Most Beautiful Resorts
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