Japan is an archipelago of over 6,800 islands located in the Pacific Ocean. Of these 6,800+ islands, there are four main islands that make up the country of Japan – Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. All four of these islands are home to the majority of Japan’s population and feature a variety of popular attractions and destinations. Let’s take a look at a brief overview of each island.
Honshu
Honshu is the largest and most populous island in Japan, making up approximately 60% of Japan’s total land area and home to over 100 million people. It is located in the southeastern region of the country and is home to the country’s largest city, Tokyo, as well as many other major cities such as Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto. Honshu is home to a variety of attractions, such as the iconic Mount Fuji, the ancient city of Nara, and the beautiful Himeji Castle.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the second largest island in Japan and is located in the northernmost region of the country. It is home to over 5 million people and is the country’s least densely populated island. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, with many popular attractions such as Lake Toya, the Shiribeshi and Daisetsuzan National Parks, and the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Shikoku
Shikoku is the third largest island in Japan and is located in the southwestern region of the country. It is home to over 4 million people and is the smallest of the four main islands. Shikoku is known for its stunning natural scenery and its many historical sites, such as the Iya Valley, the Kotohira-gu Shrine, and the Takamatsu Castle Ruins.
Kyushu
Kyushu is the fourth largest island in Japan and is located in the southwestern region of the country. It is home to over 13 million people and is the most populous of the four main islands. Kyushu is known for its stunning natural scenery, hot springs, and its many historical sites, such as the Aso-Kujyu National Park, the Kumamoto Castle, and the Nagasaki Peace Park.