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's thatched farmhouses, Takayama's Edo streets, and Kamikochi alpine valley.
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.
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.
Region Guide
Hokkaido: Powder Snow, Wild Seafood and Open Wilderness
Hokkaido travel guide — Sapporo Snow Festival, Niseko powder snow, Furano lavender fields, Biei blue pond, and Shiretoko's UNESCO wilderness and brown bears.
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.
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, all within 2 hours of the capital.
Region Guide
Kyushu: Volcanoes, Ramen and Japan's Warmest Welcome
Kyushu travel guide — Fukuoka's hakata ramen, Mount Aso's active caldera, Nagasaki's war history, Beppu's hot spring hells, and Kagoshima's Sakurajima volcano.
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.