Japan by Region

Japan's regions are distinct — from the alpine villages of Chubu to the volcanic south of Kyushu. Pick a region to find what's worth your time, what to skip, and how to get around.

Clear turquoise water over coral reef in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa
Region Guide

Okinawa: Beaches, Ryukyu Culture and the Kerama Islands

Okinawa travel guide — Naha's Shuri Castle, Kerama Islands diving, Ishigaki's coral reefs, Miyako-jima beaches, and Okinawan food culture.

White-clad Henro pilgrim walking the 88-temple route through forested mountain path in Shikoku
Region Guide

Shikoku: The 88-Temple Pilgrimage, Art Islands and Mountain Japan

Shikoku travel guide — the 88-temple Henro pilgrimage, Naoshima art island, Iya Valley, Matsuyama castle and onsen, and Kochi's Sunday market.

Traditional wooden merchant townhouses in the Chubu region of Japan
Region Guide

Chubu and the Japanese Alps: Mountain Villages and Ancient Castles

Chubu travel guide — Nagano's Zenkoji temple, Matsumoto's black castle, Shirakawa-go farmhouses, Takayama's Edo streets, and Kamikochi valley.

Floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island
Region Guide

Hiroshima and the Chugoku Region: History, Islands and Ancient Paths

Chugoku travel guide — Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Miyajima's floating torii gate, Onomichi's temple walk, and Tottori's sand dunes.

Sapporo tram running through snow-covered streets at night
Region Guide

Hokkaido: Powder Snow, Wild Seafood and Open Wilderness

Hokkaido travel guide — Sapporo Snow Festival, Niseko powder, Furano lavender, Biei blue pond, and Shiretoko's UNESCO wilderness and brown bears.

Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto
Region Guide

Kansai: Japan's Cultural and Culinary Heart

Kansai travel guide — Kyoto's temples, Osaka's food scene, Nara's deer park, Kobe beef, and Himeji Castle, Japan's finest surviving feudal fortress.

Aerial view of Tokyo with Mount Fuji visible in the distance
Region Guide

Kanto Region: Tokyo and the Cities Surrounding It

Kanto travel guide — Tokyo, Nikko's UNESCO shrines, Kamakura's Great Buddha, Hakone's Fuji views, and Yokohama's harbour within 2 hours of the capital.

Sakurajima volcano erupting above Kagoshima bay
Region Guide

Kyushu: Volcanoes, Ramen and Japan's Warmest Welcome

Kyushu travel guide — Fukuoka ramen, Mount Aso caldera, Nagasaki war history, Beppu onsen hells, and Kagoshima's Sakurajima volcano.

Snow-covered volcanic peak in the Tohoku region of Japan
Region Guide

Tohoku: Mountain Villages, Hot Springs and Ancient Temples

Tohoku travel guide — Sendai base, Matsushima pine islands, Yamadera cliff temple, Aomori's Nebuta Festival, Hirosaki cherry blossoms, and Zao Onsen.

Book an experience

Explore Japan's regions on a tour

Guided day trips and multi-day tours to Kyushu, Tohoku, Hokkaido and beyond.