Japan Country Guide: Regions, Travel Tips, Costs and Useful Information
Japan is an island country with four main islands — Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu — together with thousands of smaller islands. More than 400 of those islands are inhabited. The country stretches from the snowy landscapes of northern Hokkaido to the subtropical islands of Okinawa, giving travellers an enormous variety of scenery, climates, cultures and experiences to discover.
For visitors, Japan is relatively straightforward to explore thanks to its extensive railway, bus and domestic transport networks. However, the country is geographically diverse, so travelling between regions can involve significant differences in weather, landscapes, accommodation and local attractions. Understanding the main regions before planning an itinerary can help you decide where to spend your time.
Regions of Japan
Chubu
Chubu occupies central Honshu and extends from the Sea of Japan coast to the Pacific side of the country. The region contains several of the mountains that make up the Japan Alps and is home to Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain at 3,776 metres.
Chubu Highlights
Mount Fuji: Japan's most famous mountain can be climbed during the main summer climbing season.
Jigokudani Monkey Park: A well-known destination where visitors can see Japanese macaques around natural hot springs.
Shirakawa-go: An historic mountain village recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kanazawa: A city in Ishikawa Prefecture known for its well-preserved historic character and connections with the Edo period.
Chubu includes Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama, Yamanashi, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Aichi and Gifu prefectures. Nagoya, the capital of Aichi, is one of Japan's major cities, while the region is also important for manufacturing, particularly the automobile industry.
The region experiences considerable climatic variation. Northern areas and higher elevations can receive heavy winter snowfall, making parts of Niigata and Nagano popular for winter sports. Pacific-facing areas, including Nagoya, generally experience milder winters.
Chugoku
Chugoku forms the western part of Honshu. The Chugoku Mountains cross the region from east to west, separating the Sea of Japan side from the Seto Inland Sea coast.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Atomic Bomb Dome: Important sites commemorating the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.
Itsukushima Shrine: Famous for its large red torii gate associated with the sea.
Tottori Sand Dunes: A distinctive landscape where visitors can explore the extensive dunes and take part in activities such as camel riding and paragliding.
Okunoshima: Often called Rabbit Island because of its large population of wild rabbits.
The region consists of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori and Yamaguchi prefectures. Hiroshima is its largest city. Chugoku is also associated with traditional crafts, including pottery and lacquerware, as well as developing renewable-energy industries.
Weather varies across the region. Tottori and Shimane can experience substantial rain and snow from late autumn into early spring, while areas facing the Seto Inland Sea generally have many comparatively sunny days.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost main island and is particularly well known for its wide-open landscapes, agriculture, seafood, winter conditions and outdoor activities. Sapporo is the regional capital and one of Japan's largest cities.
Sapporo Snow Festival: A major winter event featuring large snow and ice sculptures.
Niseko: An internationally recognised ski destination known for its powder snow.
Hakodate: A historic port city with a distinctive position in southern Hokkaido.
Shiretoko National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage location at the northeastern end of the island.
Hokkaido is a major agricultural and dairy-producing area and is also important for fishing. Its central areas are mountainous, while coastal plains surround much of the island.
The island has a cooler climate than much of the rest of Japan. Summers can be warm but are generally less humid, while winters are cold and can bring particularly heavy snowfall to western areas. The region's landscapes have also appeared in Japanese popular culture, including the television drama Kitanokuni kara.
Kansai
Kansai lies in western Honshu and contains some of Japan's best-known historic cities and cultural attractions. The region includes Hyogo, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Osaka, Shiga and Wakayama prefectures.
Todaiji Temple: The Nara temple is famous for its enormous seated Buddha statue.
Kiyomizu Temple: One of Kyoto's best-known temples and a major destination for visitors.
Himeji Castle: A remarkably preserved Japanese castle and one of the country's most recognisable historic structures.
Mount Koya: A Buddhist religious centre where visitors can experience temple accommodation.
Kansai extends from the Sea of Japan in the north towards the Pacific Ocean in the south. Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, is located in Shiga Prefecture, while Osaka is the region's largest city.
Northern coastal areas can receive heavy snow during winter. Areas around the Seto Inland Sea generally have a milder climate, while the mountainous Kii Peninsula receives considerably more rainfall.
Kanto
Kanto occupies eastern Honshu and contains Tokyo, Japan's capital. It is the country's most heavily urbanised and densely populated region and is also the centre of much of Japan's government and corporate activity.
The region consists of Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi and Tokyo. Agriculture remains important outside the most heavily urbanised parts, while Tokyo and Kanagawa are dominated by service-sector industries.
Shibuya: One of Tokyo's best-known districts, particularly associated with its youthful atmosphere and busy streets.
Nikko: A destination combining historic attractions with mountains and natural scenery.
Hakone: A popular hot-spring destination with opportunities for views towards Mount Fuji.
Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea: Major theme-park destinations within the wider Tokyo area.
Kanto covers a large plain surrounding Tokyo Bay and extends towards mountainous areas to the north and west. Summers are typically hot and humid and include a rainy season, while winters on the Kanto Plain are often relatively sunny, although mountain areas can receive snow.
Kyushu
Kyushu is the southernmost of Japan's four main islands and combines volcanic landscapes, hot springs, historic cities and subtropical areas. Major destinations include Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima and Saga.
Yakushima: A remote island known for ancient cedar forests and dramatic natural scenery.
Beppu: A famous hot-spring destination with numerous distinctive thermal attractions.
Nagasaki: A historic port city with an international character and important historical sites.
Fukuoka: Kyushu's largest city and a major destination for food, entertainment and urban sightseeing.
Kyushu is bordered by the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean and contains extensive volcanic terrain. Northern areas generally have cooler winters than the south, while southern Kyushu has a warmer, subtropical climate and substantial rainfall.
Okinawa
Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture and consists of numerous islands extending southwards from Kyushu towards Taiwan. The main island group is accompanied by the Miyako and Yaeyama Islands.
Yaeyama Islands: Popular for snorkelling, diving and tropical scenery.
Naha: Okinawa's capital and a centre for shopping, nightlife and local culture.
Shuri Castle: A major symbol of Okinawa's history and the former Ryukyu Kingdom.
Maehama Beach: A long sandy beach on Miyakojima.
Okinawa's islands are generally warmer than the rest of Japan and have a subtropical climate. The rainy season normally occurs around May and June, while typhoons can affect the islands during the summer and early autumn.
Shikoku
Shikoku is the smallest and least populated of Japan's four main islands. It contains four prefectures — Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi — and is surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea and Pacific Ocean.
Dogo Onsen: One of Japan's best-known traditional hot-spring destinations.
88 Temple Pilgrimage: A historic pilgrimage route covering temples throughout Shikoku.
Aoshima: An island particularly associated with its large population of cats.
Iya Valley: A mountainous destination known for remote scenery, vine bridges, hot springs and rivers.
Three major bridge routes connect Shikoku with Honshu. Matsuyama is the island's largest city. Shikoku has a warm, temperate climate, although the southern side of its central mountain range receives some of Japan's highest rainfall.
Tohoku
Tohoku occupies the northern part of Honshu and is characterised by mountains, agricultural areas, traditional festivals and substantial seasonal variation. The region includes Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures.
Zao Onsen: A mountain destination combining skiing, hot springs and winter scenery.
Nebuta Matsuri: A famous Aomori festival featuring large illuminated floats, dancers and drummers.
Sendai: Tohoku's largest city and a useful base for exploring destinations including Matsushima Bay and Yamadera Temple.
Akita: Known for the Kanto Matsuri lantern festival held in August.
Mountain ranges run through Tohoku from north to south, with population centres concentrated in the lower areas between them. Agriculture, particularly rice and fruit production, remains important alongside forestry and other industries.
Western Tohoku can experience heavy winter snow, especially in mountainous areas, while the eastern side generally has cooler summers and drier winters.
Useful Travel Apps for Japan
A selection of smartphone applications can make travelling around Japan easier, particularly when dealing with public transport, navigation, translation, restaurants and communication. Useful options listed in the original guide include Imiwa, Google Translate, Google Maps, NAVITIME for Japan Travel, Hopper, GuruNavi, Travel Japan Wi-Fi, JapanTaxi, NHK World TV, Yurekuru Call, MAPS.ME, Rail Map and Sushi Dictionary.
Translation applications can help with written signs, menus and conversations, while mapping and railway applications are particularly useful when planning journeys through large cities or unfamiliar parts of the country. Offline map applications can also be useful when travelling without a constant mobile connection.
Japanese Customs and Everyday Etiquette
Bowing
Bowing is a common form of greeting and acknowledgement in Japan. Physical greetings such as handshakes are less common in many everyday situations, although business settings can follow different conventions.
Shoes
Shoes are normally removed before entering Japanese homes and in various traditional environments, including some temples, shrines and accommodation. Where slippers are supplied, remember that ordinary slippers should not normally be worn onto tatami.
Tipping
Tipping is not a standard part of everyday service culture in Japan. Leaving money behind can sometimes result in staff believing that you have accidentally forgotten it.
Mobile Phones
Speaking loudly on a mobile phone in public places, particularly on trains, is generally discouraged. Keeping conversations quiet helps avoid disturbing other passengers.
Eating and Drinking
Slurping noodles is not necessarily considered impolite in Japan and can be a normal part of eating certain dishes. Eating while walking, however, may be frowned upon in some situations and locations.
Bathing and Onsen Etiquette
When visiting a public bath or hot spring, wash yourself before entering the communal bath so that the bathing water remains clean. Soap and shampoo should be used outside the bath rather than in the communal tub. Public bathing facilities are often separated by sex and commonly require guests to bathe without clothing, although individual establishments can have their own rules.
Dietary Requirements
Visitors with dietary restrictions should explain their requirements clearly and, where possible, tell restaurants or accommodation providers in advance. Vegetarian and vegan diets may require particular care because fish-based ingredients can appear in broths and other dishes even when meat itself is absent.
Awareness of halal requirements is increasing, although travellers may still need to check ingredients carefully. Ingredients such as mirin can present difficulties for people following strict dietary rules.
Food Allergies
Japan has mandatory labelling requirements covering major allergens including egg, milk, wheat, peanuts, buckwheat, shrimp and crab, with additional foods subject to recommended labelling. Travellers with serious allergies should still communicate directly with restaurant staff and check ingredients rather than relying solely on assumptions about a dish.
Tattoos in Japan
Tattoos have a complicated history in Japan and have traditionally been associated in some contexts with criminal organisations. Although tattoos are legal, some establishments continue to restrict access for tattooed customers.
This is particularly relevant when visiting onsen, public baths and some gyms. Rules vary considerably between establishments, so travellers with tattoos should check the policy before arriving. Some facilities specifically welcome tattooed visitors, while others may permit tattoos if they are covered.
Transport Costs in Japan
Shinkansen
Bullet-train fares depend on the route, service, seat type and travel conditions. The original guide gives approximately ¥14,000 as an example for a standard one-way Tokyo-to-Osaka Nozomi journey, while premium Green Car seating costs more. Advance booking, rail passes and promotional fares can sometimes reduce the overall cost of travel.
Local and Express Trains
Slower rail services can be considerably cheaper than the Shinkansen, although travelling between Tokyo and Osaka by ordinary services takes substantially longer. Limited-express services sit between local trains and the Shinkansen in terms of speed and price.
Taxis
Taxi fares vary according to location and current local pricing. Tokyo taxi journeys also have a late-night surcharge, so travellers using taxis during overnight hours should expect higher fares.
Buses
Many Tokyo buses operate using a flat adult fare, although prices and payment arrangements can vary between services and locations. Check the fare information for the particular route you intend to use.
Food Costs in Japan
Japan offers a wide range of food prices, from inexpensive convenience-store meals and casual restaurants through to high-end dining. The original guide gives approximately ¥800 to ¥1,200 as an example for an authentic meal at an ordinary Tokyo restaurant, while luxury dining can cost tens of thousands of yen per person.
Prices can also vary according to location. Smaller cities and less tourist-oriented areas may offer more affordable meals, while restaurants in prestigious districts and high-end establishments can be substantially more expensive.
Accommodation in Japan
Ryokan
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Prices range widely depending on location, facilities, meals and level of luxury, with the original guide giving a broad range from around ¥7,000 per person to ¥70,000 or more for luxury accommodation.
Minshuku
Minshuku are generally family-run Japanese-style guesthouses and can provide a more informal accommodation experience. The original guide places typical prices at around ¥4,000 to ¥9,000 per person.
Business Hotels
Business hotels provide straightforward rooms aimed at practical, relatively inexpensive stays. The guide gives approximately ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 per night for a single room as an example range.
Capsule Hotels
Capsule hotels provide compact individual sleeping spaces alongside shared facilities. They can be an economical option for short stays, with the source giving approximately ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per night.
Private Lodgings
Private accommodation can provide another alternative to conventional hotels, although Japanese regulations governing private lodging have changed over time. Travellers should use properly registered accommodation and check the current rules when booking.
Internet Cafes and Manga Kissa
Some internet cafes and manga cafes provide reclining chairs or private booths that can be used for several hours or overnight packages. The original guide gives approximately ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 for packages lasting between seven and twelve hours.
Love Hotels
Love hotels provide private rooms designed primarily for couples and may offer short-stay as well as overnight pricing. Costs vary considerably according to the establishment, location and length of stay.
Useful Japanese Accommodation Vocabulary
A few Japanese terms can be particularly useful when booking or checking into accommodation. 1泊 (ippaku) means a one-night stay, while 和室 (washitsu) refers to a Japanese-style room and 洋室 (youshitsu) to a Western-style room.
朝食 refers to breakfast, 夕食 to dinner, バイキング to a buffet-style meal, 和食 to Japanese-style food and 洋食 to Western-style food.
営業中 indicates that a business is open, while 準備中 indicates that it is preparing to open. 禁煙 means non-smoking, and 露天風呂付客室 refers to a room equipped with a private open-air bath.
Gifts and Souvenirs from Japan
Japan offers souvenirs at almost every price point, from inexpensive snacks and stationery to traditional crafts and higher-value goods. Small gifts can include cosmetics, sweets, green tea, capsule-toy items, keychains, lucky charms, socks, incense and origami.
With a budget of around ¥1,000 to ¥2,500, options can include traditional toys, daruma dolls, furoshiki cloths, hair accessories, sake, decorative food models, chopsticks, fans and tenugui towels.
For approximately ¥2,500 to ¥5,000, visitors can look towards Japanese dolls and ceramics. At higher prices, possible purchases include knives, pearls, rice cookers and specialist Japanese fashion.
The best souvenir ultimately depends on who it is for and how much space you have in your luggage. Smaller traditional goods, snacks and everyday Japanese products can make practical gifts, while crafts and specialist items provide more substantial reminders of a trip.
Planning a Trip Around Japan
Japan's regional diversity means that there is no single itinerary that suits every traveller. Tokyo and the wider Kanto region provide a highly urban experience, while Kansai offers historic cities and cultural attractions. Hokkaido and Tohoku provide different northern landscapes and winter experiences, while Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa offer their own combinations of mountains, islands, hot springs, beaches and regional food.
Before travelling, consider the season, the distances between destinations, transport costs, accommodation requirements and any dietary or accessibility needs. A little preparation can make it much easier to move between Japan's major cities while still leaving time to explore the distinctive character of the individual regions.
