From the northernmost Hokkaido to the southernmost Okinawa, Japan is an island nation made up of approximately 14,125 islands as of February 2023, both large and small.
If you want to learn more about their composition and current state, be sure to read this article until the end.
* By purchasing or reserving products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
🚅Book your Shinkansen ticket with NAVITIME Travel! 👉 Click here
What are Japan’s Four Major Islands and Its 10 Regions
Japan consists of four major islands: Hokkaido in the north, Honshu, Shikoku further south, and Kyushu. These are further divided into 10 regions, each with its own distinct dialects, customs, and cultural traits that have developed over time. Additionally, each of Japan’s 47 prefectures has a unique local identity.
【Hokkaido】Over 20% of Japan’s Total Land Area!
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost region and the second-largest island in the country. Unlike Honshu, which is divided into 34 prefectures, Hokkaido functions as a single administrative unit known as a "dō" (道). Due to its high latitude, it generally has lower temperatures throughout the year. The island is home to a vast number of scenic spots, including mystical lakes and endless flower fields, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Meanwhile, Susukino, located in the heart of Sapporo, is one of Japan’s "Three Great Entertainment Districts," alongside Kabukicho in Tokyo’s Shinjuku and Nakasu in Fukuoka. Here, visitors can fully enjoy Japan’s vibrant nightlife.
👉 【KKday】Recommended Tours & Tickets in Hokkaido
👉 【Tabelog】Hokkaido's Recommended Restaurant Ranking
👉 【AutoReserve】20 Popular Restaurants in Hokkaido
Regional Divisions
Jozankei & Sapporo Area
- Niseko & Otaru Area
- Toyako & Noboribetsu Area
- Hakodate Area
- Asahikawa Area
- Furano & Biei Area
- Wakkanai Region, Rishiri Island, Rebun Island
- Abashiri & Monbetsu Area
- Tokachi & Obihiro Area
- Kushiro & Nemuro Area
【Honshu】Japan’s Largest Island
Honshu, the seventh-largest island in the world by area, serves as the political, industrial, economic, and cultural hub of Japan, home to approximately 80% of the country’s population. Stretching in a long, narrow shape from northeast to southwest, it measures about 1,500 km in length and 300 km at its widest point, covering a total area of 227,414 square kilometers. Honshu consists of 34 prefectures (1 metropolis, 2 urban prefectures, and 31 prefectures) and is divided into five regions: Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, and Chugoku.
Honshu’s climate varies significantly by region, mainly divided into the Japan Sea side, the Pacific Ocean side, and inland areas. The Japan Sea side experiences heavy snowfall in winter due to seasonal winds from Siberia, with some regions classified as heavy snowfall areas. In contrast, the Pacific Ocean side is relatively mild, with dry and sunny winters. Summers across the island tend to be hot and humid, influenced by the rainy season and typhoons. Inland areas, especially basins, experience extreme temperature differences, with scorching summers and harsh winters. Honshu is also known for its distinct four seasons, offering cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage in the fall.
Regional Divisions
Tohoku - 6 prefectures
- Aomori
- Iwate
- Miyagi
- Akita
- Yamagata
- Fukushima
Kanto - 7 prefectures
- Ibaraki
- Tochigi
- Gunma
- Saitama
- Chiba
- Tokyo
- Kanagawa
Chubu - 9 prefectures
- Niigata
- Toyama
- Ishikawa
- Fukui
- Yamanashi
- Nagano
- Gifu
- Shizuoka
- Aichi
Kinki - 7 prefectures
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Mie
- Shiga
- Hyogo
- Nara
- Wakayama
Chugoku - 5 prefectures
- Tottori
- Shimane
- Okayama
- Hiroshima
- Yamaguchi
【Kyushu】The Island of Fire, Rich in Volcanoes and Hot Springs
Located in the southwesternmost part of the Japanese archipelago, Kyushu is the third-largest island in Japan. This region is home to numerous active faults and volcanoes, including Mount Aso (1,592m), which erupted in 2020. In total, Kyushu has 17 active volcanoes and many fault lines. Kyushu is also known as a "hot spring paradise," containing about one-third of all hot spring sources in Japan. Among them, the most famous are Beppu Onsen in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, and Kurokawa Onsen in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture.
👉 【KKday】Day trip to Kyushu, Fukuoka and Beppu
👉 【KKday】【Kumamoto Day Tour】Aso Shrine, Daikan Peak, Kurokawa Onsen
Regional Divisions
- Fukuoka
- Saga
- Nagasaki
- Kumamoto
- Oita
- Miyazaki
- Kagoshima
【Shikoku】A Nature-Rich Area with Japan’s Traditional Landscape
Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, yet it is rich in historical sites and cultural experiences. One of its most well-known traditions is the "Shikoku Pilgrimage," a spiritual journey that has been passed down for over 1,200 years. This pilgrimage, which involves visiting 88 temples across Shikoku, attracts around 200,000 pilgrims annually, with numbers continuing to grow. While enjoying the pilgrimage and the island’s stunning natural scenery, travelers can also explore many other worthwhile destinations.
For an active adventure, cycling along the "Setouchi Shimanami Kaido," a scenic route connecting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea via seven bridges, is highly recommended.
👉 【KKday】Shikoku Tours & Tickets
👉 【Klook】Shodoshima Meguri Bus Tour (Kagawa)
👉 【Klook】Shikoku Aquarium Admission Ticket (Kagawa)
Regional Divisions
- Tokushima
- Kagawa
- Ehime
- Kochi
【Okinawa】Japan’s Only Subtropical Region
Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, consisting of 160 islands, including 38 inhabited ones and over 100 uninhabited ones. Its total area is about two-thirds the size of mainland Japan. Geographically, Okinawa is located at the same latitude as Hawaii, and due to the strong influence of American culture, many people refer to it as "Japan’s Hawaii."
Okinawa has a subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and a high amount of rainfall. The rainy season lasts from May to June, and typhoons frequently impact the region.
The islands are famous for their crystal-clear waters and marine activities. Visitors can enjoy diving and snorkeling to observe coral reefs and tropical fish, as well as engage in marine sports and cruising. During the summer, Okinawa attracts large numbers of tourists seeking its pristine beaches and vibrant ocean life.
👉 【KKday】Okinawa Tours & Tickets
👉 【Tabelog】Okinawa Recommended Restaurant Ranking
👉 【AutoReserve】20 Popular Restaurants in Okinawa
Regional Divisions
- Okinawa Islands: Okinawa Main Island, Kume Island, Kerama Islands, Ie Island, etc.
- Miyako Islands: Miyako Island, Irabu Island, Tarama Island, etc.
- Yaeyama Islands: Iriomote Island, Ishigaki Island, Yonaguni Island, etc.
Japan as a Maritime Nation
A country surrounded by the sea is often referred to as a "maritime nation," and Japan is one such country.
Japan’s Marine Resources
Japan’s marine resources primarily include fisheries, mineral resources, and energy resources. Sustainable utilization of these resources is a key focus.
Fisheries Resources
Japan is one of the world’s leading fishing nations, with abundant catches of species such as mackerel, tuna, and Pacific saury. In addition to coastal fishing, offshore and aquaculture industries are also well-developed.
Marine Mineral Resources
Japan’s seabed contains valuable mineral resources, including seafloor hydrothermal deposits, manganese nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and rare earth elements, with future mining potential being explored.
Energy Resources
Japan’s seabed holds energy resources such as methane hydrate (also known as "flammable ice") and offshore oil fields. Research and development efforts are underway to improve Japan’s energy self-sufficiency.
Japan’s Coastline
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s "Coastline Statistics," Japan’s total coastline stretches approximately 35,558 km. Given that the Earth’s circumference is about 40,000 km, Japan’s coastline is more than 80% of the length of a full trip around the globe.
Japan’s Ports
As of 2024, according to port-related statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan has 993 ports. These include 5 international strategic ports, 18 international hub ports, 102 major ports, and 807 local ports (including 35 designated evacuation ports), along with 61 ports classified under Article 56 of the Port and Harbor Act.
Comments