Japan is a magnificent country with each of the nine regions having their own unique characteristics and locations to visit. The country is typically divided into nine regions (日本の地域, Nihon no Chiiki), which are groupings of the 47 prefectures (都道府県, To-dō-fu-ken) of Japan.
(From north to south)
- Hokkaidō (北海道, Hokkaidō) is one of Japan's most famous regions, popular for its flowers in Spring, ski resorts in Winter, and year-round for its seafood.
- Tohoku (東北, Tōhoku) is the northern part of Honshu (本州, Honshū) and is often an underrated destination with beautiful mountain ranges, views of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, an its onsen (温泉, Hot Spring) towns.
- Kanto (関東, Kantō) is the most populous region of Japan where the capital of Tokyo (東京, Tōkyō) is located. Apart from Tokyo, its surrounding prefectures are also rich in culture and nature, and are often overlooked by travellers.
- Chubu (中部, Chūbu) is located right in the central part of Honshu, and is famous for its traditional townscapes, beautiful views of the Japanese Alps (日本アルプス, Nihon Arupusu) in the center, and delicious seafood in the north.
- Kansai (関西, Kansai) is the second most populous region of Japan with the Keihanshin (京阪神) metropolis alongside the ancient capital of Nara and the beautiful untouched forests of Wakayama (和歌山県, Wakayama-ken).
- Chugoku (中国, Chūgoku) is famous for the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海, Seto-naikai), as well as the stunning Shimanami Kaido cycling route from Honshu across the inland sea to Shikoku (四国).
- Shikoku (四国, Shikoku) is Japan's smallest main island, one of the best off-the-beaten path destinations with fantastic views, and famous for its clear and pristine rivers.
- Kyushu (九州, Kyūshū) is Japan's southernmost main island and a popular destination for road-trips in Japan. Located right in the centre, Mount Aso is Japan's largest active volcano with sprawling volcanic landscapes.
- Okinawa (沖縄, Okinawa) is an island chain that is the southernmost prefecture of Japan. It is often thought of as a tropical escape within Japan with its beautiful beaches and a great diving spot.
