Hokkaido 北海道
Japan's northern island is known for mountains, national parks, winter snow, skiing and the lively city of Sapporo.
Ultra Quick Guide to Japan
A brief introduction to Japan's main islands and some of its most interesting cities.
Learning Japanese is even more rewarding when you have the opportunity to use it in Japan. This quick guide will help you get your bearings and choose where you might like to visit.
Japan travel
Japan stretches for more than 3,000 kilometres from north to south, so its weather, scenery and food vary considerably between regions.
Tokyo and Kyoto are natural choices for a first visit, while Osaka, Hokkaido and Kyushu reveal very different sides of the country.
Explore the destinations below and use the hotel links to compare places to stay.
Japan's four main islands
Honshu 本州
The largest island contains Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Yokohama and Nagoya, as well as Mount Fuji and most of Japan's population.
Shikoku 四国
The smallest of the four main islands offers dramatic valleys, pilgrimage routes, castles and a quieter view of Japanese life.
Kyushu 九州
The southernmost main island is famous for volcanoes, hot springs, subtropical scenery and the energetic gateway city of Fukuoka.
Japan also includes Okinawa and thousands of smaller islands extending to the south and west.
Eight cities to explore
Kanto · Honshu
Tokyo 東京
Japan's vast capital combines neon-lit neighbourhoods, historic temples, exceptional food and an apparently endless choice of things to see.
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Kansai · Honshu
Kyoto 京都
The former imperial capital is celebrated for its temples, gardens, traditional streets and seasonal beauty, especially during spring and autumn.
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Kansai · Honshu
Osaka 大阪
Friendly and energetic Osaka is known for street food, nightlife and its castle, and makes an excellent base for exploring the Kansai region.
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Hokkaido
Sapporo 札幌
Hokkaido's relaxed capital is particularly popular for its winter snow festival, beer, ramen and easy access to mountains and ski resorts.
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Kanto · Honshu
Yokohama 横浜
Just south of Tokyo, this cosmopolitan port city offers an attractive waterfront, museums, gardens and Japan's largest Chinatown.
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Chubu · Honshu
Nagoya 名古屋
Conveniently placed between Tokyo and Kyoto, Nagoya has an impressive castle, distinctive local cuisine and excellent transport connections.
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Kansai · Honshu
Kobe 神戸
Set between the sea and the Rokko mountains, Kobe is an international port with attractive harbour views, hillside walks and famous cuisine.
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Kyushu
Fukuoka 福岡
Compact and welcoming Fukuoka is known for its waterfront, open-air food stalls and superb ramen, and is an ideal introduction to Kyushu.
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