Japan Regions

Written by Aleem Raheem, Earth Trip co-founder and Japan specialist · Updated October 2026

Japan’s Regions: Where to Go and What to See

Japan stretches around 3,000 kilometres from the snowy north of Hokkaido to the subtropical islands of Okinawa, and each region has its own landscapes, food and festivals. Most first trips focus on Tokyo, Kyoto and the area in between, but some of Japan’s most memorable places lie further afield, from the thatched villages of the Japanese Alps to the hot springs of Kyushu.

Japan’s bullet trains make it easy to combine two or three regions in one trip. Our Japan specialist Aleem Raheem explains what each region offers below. For ideas and itineraries, see our Japan bespoke holidays.

1. Kanto: Tokyo, Kamakura and Nikko

The Kanto region is home to Tokyo, a huge, exciting city of neighbourhoods, from the old temple district of Asakusa to the neon of Shinjuku and Shibuya. Day trips take you to Kamakura, with its Great Buddha and seaside temples, and to Nikko, where ornate shrines stand among cedar forests in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to stay: The Prince Park Tower Tokyo, The Blossom Hibiya or Keio Plaza Hotel.

2. Chubu: Mount Fuji, the Japanese Alps and Kanazawa

Central Japan is the country’s mountain heartland. Hakone and the Fuji Five Lakes have views of Mount Fuji and hot springs. In the Japanese Alps, Takayama has a beautiful old town, Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO-listed village of thatched farmhouses, and in winter you can watch snow monkeys bathing in hot springs near Nagano. On the coast, Kanazawa has Kenrokuen Garden and well-preserved geisha and samurai districts.

Where to stay: the Fujiya Hotel in Hakone, Takayama Green Hotel, Hyatt Centric Kanazawa or Hotel Kanazawa Zoushi.

3. Kansai: Kyoto, Nara and Osaka

Kansai is the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto, the old imperial capital, has around 1,600 temples, the torii gates of Fushimi Inari and the geisha district of Gion. Nara has the giant Buddha of Todai-ji and its famous deer, and Osaka is Japan’s food capital. In the south, the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails lead through forests to remote shrines.

Where to stay: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo or Caption by Hyatt Namba Osaka.

4. Chugoku: Hiroshima, Miyajima and the Inland Sea

Western Honshu has Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and the island of Miyajima, where the torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine appears to float at high tide. Nearby, Okayama has Korakuen, one of Japan’s three great gardens, and Kurashiki has canals lined with old merchant houses.

Where to stay: RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima or The Royal Park Hotel.

5. Shikoku: Temples, Art Islands and Valleys

The smallest of Japan’s four main islands is famous for its 88-temple pilgrimage route. It’s also the gateway to Naoshima and the other art islands of the Seto Inland Sea, with museums and outdoor sculptures. The deep Iya Valley has vine bridges and quiet mountain villages.

6. Kyushu: Volcanoes, Hot Springs and Fukuoka

Japan’s southern main island is warm, friendly and great for food. Fukuoka is known for its ramen and riverside food stalls, Nagasaki has a moving peace museum and a fascinating trading history, and Kumamoto has one of Japan’s finest castles. Inland, Mount Aso has one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas, and the hot spring towns of Beppu and Yufuin are among Japan’s best. Off the south coast, Yakushima’s ancient cedar forests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Hokkaido: Wild Nature and Winter Snow

Japan’s northern island is its great outdoors. In winter, come for some of the world’s best powder snow at Niseko and the Sapporo Snow Festival in February. In summer, see the lavender fields of Furano in July, hike in Daisetsuzan National Park and look for bears and seabirds in Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8. Tohoku: Japan’s Quiet North

Northern Honshu is one of Japan’s least-visited regions. Discover the old samurai town of Kakunodate, the temples of Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring town of wooden inns that is magical under snow. In summer, the Nebuta festival in Aomori fills the streets with giant lantern floats.

9. Okinawa: Beaches and Coral Reefs

Japan’s southernmost islands have a subtropical climate, white-sand beaches and coral reefs, and their own Ryukyu culture, food and music. Ishigaki and Iriomote are best for snorkelling, diving and jungle kayaking. Okinawa is a relaxing way to end a trip, about two and a half hours’ flight from Tokyo.

Japan’s Regions at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Which part of Japan is best for a first visit?

Kanto, Chubu and Kansai, which together cover Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Hakone, and Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Add Hiroshima and Miyajima in the Chugoku region, and you have the classic first trip to Japan in about two weeks.

Which region of Japan is best for nature and hiking?

The Japanese Alps in Chubu, Hokkaido’s national parks and Yakushima’s cedar forests are the best for walking and nature. For a cultural hike, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails in Kansai combine forest walks with ancient shrines and stays in traditional inns.

When is the best time to visit Hokkaido?

It depends on what you want to do. Come from December to February for skiing, deep snow and the Sapporo Snow Festival, or from June to September for green hills, the lavender fields of Furano and hiking. Hokkaido stays cooler and drier than the rest of Japan in summer.

How do you travel between Japan’s regions?

By bullet train for most journeys. Tokyo to Kyoto takes just over two hours, Tokyo to Hiroshima around four, and Tokyo to Fukuoka around five. For Hokkaido and Okinawa, a short domestic flight is usually quickest. We book all your trains and flights as part of your holiday.

Which region of Japan is least touristy?

Tohoku in the north and Shikoku in the south see far fewer international visitors than Tokyo and Kyoto, but they have beautiful scenery, hot springs, temples and a warm welcome. Kyushu is another great choice for a quieter, more relaxed trip.

Plan Your Japan Holiday

See how the regions fit together in our 15-day Japan Classic Holiday, read our Japan travel guide for practical advice, browse our Japan hotels, or explore our Japan bespoke holidays. To start planning, request a video call with our specialist.