, Hokkaido (north), Kyushu (south), Okinawa (tropical), Shikoku (pilgrim). Complete archipelago guide.){kind=link}
Quick Answer
Japan is an archipelago of 6,852 islands. Top 5 to visit: 1. Honshu (largest, mainland — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji), 2. Hokkaido (north — Sapporo, snow festivals, lavender, ski capital, hot springs), 3. Kyushu (south — Fukuoka ramen, Nagasaki, hot springs Beppu, active volcanoes Sakurajima), 4. Okinawa (tropical — Naha, Ryukyu kingdom history, world’s longest-living people, beach paradise), 5. Shikoku (smallest of 4 main — 88-temple pilgrimage, Naoshima art island nearby). Honshu has 95% of tourism — others are off-the-beaten-path. Best time: April-May (cherry blossoms), October-November (autumn foliage). Days needed: minimum 10 days for Honshu only. 3+ weeks to see multiple islands. Currency: Yen. Budget: €80-180/day mid-range.
1. Honshu (main island)
- Size: 227,962 km² (7th largest in world).
- Tokyo: 14M. Imperial Palace, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa Senso-ji.
- Kyoto: 1,600 temples. Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Gion geisha district.
- Osaka: Dotonbori, takoyaki, Universal Studios.
- Mount Fuji: 3,776m. Views from Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi. Climb July-August.
- Hiroshima: Peace Memorial (UNESCO).
- Nara: bowing deer at Todai-ji.
- Time: minimum 10-14 days for Honshu highlights.
2. Hokkaido (north)
- Sapporo: capital. Snow Festival February (massive ice sculptures). Beer.
- Niseko: world’s best powder skiing. December-March.
- Furano: lavender fields summer (June-July).
- Otaru: charming canal town. Glass workshops.
- Daisetsuzan National Park: hiking, autumn colors.
- Onsen (hot springs): Noboribetsu, Jozankei.
- Hokkaido cuisine: seafood (king crab, scallops), Genghis Khan grill, ramen, beer.
- Best time: winter for snow, summer for hiking + lavender.
- Getting there: Shinkansen Tokyo-Hakodate 4h or fly Sapporo (CTS).
3. Kyushu (south)
- Fukuoka: birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. Nightlife.
- Nagasaki: atomic bomb (1945). Peace Park. European/Christian heritage (16th century Portuguese).
- Beppu: hot springs capital. 8 different “hells” (jigoku) — colored thermal waters.
- Mount Aso: active volcano. Largest caldera in world.
- Kagoshima + Sakurajima: active volcano daily eruptions.
- Yufuin: traditional onsen town.
- Kumamoto: castle, regional capital.
- Time: 5-7 days for Kyushu circuit.
4. Okinawa (tropical paradise)
- Geography: 160 islands south of mainland. Subtropical to tropical climate.
- Naha (Okinawa main island): capital. Shuri Castle (UNESCO, partially destroyed 2019, rebuilding).
- Ryukyu Kingdom: Okinawa was independent kingdom 1429-1879. Distinct culture from Japan.
- Beaches: Manza, Emerald, Aharen (Tokashiki Island), Furuzamami (Zamami).
- World’s longest-living people: Okinawan diet (sweet potatoes, tofu, fish, vegetables).
- WWII: Battle of Okinawa 1945. Peace Memorial Park.
- Beach island day trips: Tokashiki, Zamami, Aka via ferry from Naha.
- Best time: March-May, October-November. Avoid June-September typhoons + crowds.
- Getting there: 2-3h flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka.
5. Shikoku (pilgrim’s island)
- Smallest of 4 main islands: 18,800 km².
- 88-Temple Pilgrimage (Henro): 1,200 km circular pilgrimage of 88 Buddhist temples. Founded by Kūkai 9th century. Walking 30-60 days, driving 7-10 days.
- Matsuyama: largest city. Dōgo Onsen (hot spring inspiration for Spirited Away film).
- Naoshima: nearby island (Inland Sea). Modern art museums by Tadao Ando. Yayoi Kusama yellow pumpkin.
- Iya Valley: remote mountainous, vine bridges, hidden hot springs.
- Awa Odori (Tokushima): dance festival August.
- Best time: April-May, October-November.
- Getting there: Shinkansen + transfer or fly Matsuyama (MYJ).
Practical info
- JR Pass: 7-21 days, ¥50,000-100,000. Covers most train travel including Shinkansen.
- Best time: April-May (sakura), October-November (momiji). Avoid Golden Week (April 29-May 5) and Obon (mid-August).
- Currency: Yen. Cash still essential outside cities.
- Budget: €80-180/day mid-range. Hotels €70-200. Restaurant meal €15-30.
- Language: Japanese. English limited outside tourist hubs.
- Visa: EU/US/UK/AU/CA visa-free 90 days for tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many islands does Japan have?
6,852 islands officially. 4 main: Honshu (largest with Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka), Hokkaido (north), Kyushu (south), Shikoku (pilgrim). Plus Okinawa archipelago + many smaller.
Best Japan island to visit first time?
Honshu — has 95% of tourism (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima). Second visit: Hokkaido or Kyushu. Third: Okinawa for tropical.
Is Okinawa really tropical?
Yes, subtropical to tropical climate. Distinct from mainland Japan culture (Ryukyu Kingdom). Beach paradise, world’s longest-living people, WWII history. 2-3h flight from Tokyo.
How long for Japan multi-island trip?
Minimum 14 days for Honshu + one other. 21-28 days for 3 islands. JR Pass essential (€350-700 depending on duration).
Best time to visit Japan?
March-April (sakura), October-November (autumn). Avoid Golden Week (April 29-May 5) and Obon (mid-August) — domestic crowds. December-February cold but cheap.
Which Japan island for skiing?
Hokkaido. Niseko especially world-class powder. December-March season. Sapporo Snow Festival February. From Tokyo: Shinkansen 4h or fly 1.5h.
Recommended on Amazon
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- Lonely Planet Japan — comprehensive country guide.
- JR Pass guide — maximize value.
- Japan travel adapter Type A — specific Japanese plug.